Tribe 8
- Thread starter Orias
- Start date
Catulle
Hero
To give the quick run-down:-
1) Frankly amazing. Tastes may differ, but I was hooked from day one with the background, society and concepts espoused in the game world. It's a whole new kind of post-apocalyptic!
2) It's about to go into a second edition, and there's already some OGL stuff in the Player's Guide that does most of the d20 conversion that you'd need (if that loats your boat).
If you were to concentrate on first edition, with the intention of playing through all the gameworld changes (or just with Vimary, the core setting, there are a few really key books);
Tribe 8 rulebook (well...)
Vimary - lays out the Vimary/Nation setting in more detail than the main book can and positively dripping with plot hooks.
Horrors of the Z'bri - exactly what you might expect; more info on the setting's main antagonists and their territories.
Children of Lilith - the first 'episode' of the first major story arc, and often cited as the best; some beautiful moments that put the players' characters in the midst of some rather important developments...
Adrift on the River of Dream - a guide to the spirit world and dream magic that lies at the game's mystical heart.
The Tribe 8 Player's Guide - a 'nuts and bolts' approach to the game that a lot of people have found easier to get into than the other books' narrative style.
Hope that helps, you can find most of the game line reviewed on rpg.net, or elsewhere online (realms.org for one) if you want a little more information.
Personally speaking, I wouldn't convert as you outline (laziness, mainly, and the fact that if/when I wanted to play D&D, I'd play D&D). But I can see it working quite well, in fact, based both on my experiences playing and the Z'bri backstory. It may need to be a closed sphere, though, to account for that aspect of the b/g (though reopening the fold would be a momentous campaign event when it did happen). Hmmm...
Regards,
Barry
1) Frankly amazing. Tastes may differ, but I was hooked from day one with the background, society and concepts espoused in the game world. It's a whole new kind of post-apocalyptic!
2) It's about to go into a second edition, and there's already some OGL stuff in the Player's Guide that does most of the d20 conversion that you'd need (if that loats your boat).
If you were to concentrate on first edition, with the intention of playing through all the gameworld changes (or just with Vimary, the core setting, there are a few really key books);
Tribe 8 rulebook (well...)
Vimary - lays out the Vimary/Nation setting in more detail than the main book can and positively dripping with plot hooks.
Horrors of the Z'bri - exactly what you might expect; more info on the setting's main antagonists and their territories.
Children of Lilith - the first 'episode' of the first major story arc, and often cited as the best; some beautiful moments that put the players' characters in the midst of some rather important developments...
Adrift on the River of Dream - a guide to the spirit world and dream magic that lies at the game's mystical heart.
The Tribe 8 Player's Guide - a 'nuts and bolts' approach to the game that a lot of people have found easier to get into than the other books' narrative style.
Hope that helps, you can find most of the game line reviewed on rpg.net, or elsewhere online (realms.org for one) if you want a little more information.
Personally speaking, I wouldn't convert as you outline (laziness, mainly, and the fact that if/when I wanted to play D&D, I'd play D&D). But I can see it working quite well, in fact, based both on my experiences playing and the Z'bri backstory. It may need to be a closed sphere, though, to account for that aspect of the b/g (though reopening the fold would be a momentous campaign event when it did happen). Hmmm...
Regards,
Barry
Anubis the Doomseer
First Post
Orias said:
Hi there. I'm the current pseudo-developer of Tribe 8 (takes off Anubis mask - it's Tiama'at from RPG.net).
Is it a good game: well, I think you know what I'm going to say here so let's move along.
What books do I need to play it:
Right now (1st edition) you only "need" the core rulebook, but most people also add the Players Handbook and the Vaimry sourcebook (setting guide). Tribe 8's books are handled in three ways: A Storybook (adventure containing metaplot material), Word Books (non-metaplot setting and splatbooks), and Book of Legends (non-metaplot adventures).
Coming this winter all you will need is Tribe 8 Second Edition and the Silhouette CORE rules. The d20 conversion has already been done for you.
Converting to d20: Already done in the Player's Handbook. The new CORE rulebook is also d20 compatible, as is the Second Edition rulebook.
When is second edition going to be out: Late november, but likely late December (same time as the player's handbook last year).
Any other questions?
Anubis the Doomseer
First Post
Orias said:
As of right now the second edition will be 'it' for the game line. The book will contain all the character creation rules for all types of characters (human at least, although Z'bri and Fatimas/Spirits are easy enough to convert), an overview of the setting and the whole metaplot laid out for DMs to see. After that future books will be entirely based on fan response/sales. They would likely be dual-use books: a new Outlands book that doubles as a generic post-apocalyptic wilderness survival guide, a spirit or monster book with dual-stats (SilCORE and d20 OGL), etc.
The best part about previous books is that because of the heavy narrative content they are all 80-100% compatible with the new edition, simply because they lacked really hard and fast "crunch" mechanics. The second edition is 'set' in the third arc of the metaplot, but will have supporting information for setting the game back in the original Vimary, pre-metaplot setting.
(personally, one of the books I would be interested in doing would be a book helping you set games in the World Before just as it ended or in the distant future of the Tribe 8 setting but that's just me thinking out loud)
Hmmm, so to get the plot, should I get the 1st & 2nd main books, or should I just wait for the 2nd ed?
Should I go for any of the packages of books listed on the Dream Pod 9 webpage?
I'm kind of iffy on buying this product, because although it seems really cool, & definetely want to get more into the story line, I think I'd have a hard time getting enough people around here to play it. I have two or three friends who are all about this sort of stuff, & then I know lots of people who are down for playing D&D, but either in a more "high magic" sort of sense, or else in a sort of wacky, sometimes (unfortunately) near power-gaming sense.
Should I go for any of the packages of books listed on the Dream Pod 9 webpage?
I'm kind of iffy on buying this product, because although it seems really cool, & definetely want to get more into the story line, I think I'd have a hard time getting enough people around here to play it. I have two or three friends who are all about this sort of stuff, & then I know lots of people who are down for playing D&D, but either in a more "high magic" sort of sense, or else in a sort of wacky, sometimes (unfortunately) near power-gaming sense.
Last edited:
Anubis the Doomseer
First Post
Originally posted by Orias
Hmmm, so to get the plot, should I get the 1st & 2nd main books, or should I just wait for the 2nd ed?
I'd say 2nd ed. It has the whole story, from beginning to finish (all 5 arcs, covering about 35-50 years). I'm also making myself available to answer any further questions about the minor bits of the metaplot after that.
Should I go for any of the packages of books listed on the Dream Pod 9 webpage?
I'd go with buying the story books, especially Children of Lilith, Trial by Fire and Broken Pact (they are my personal favourites). They are good stories and solid campaigns. These three also cover a period of about half/three-quarters of a year each, meaning you have about 2.5 years of game time worth of campaigning right there.
I'm kind of iffy on buying this product, because although it seems really cool, & definetely want to get more into the story line, I think I'd have a hard time getting enough people around here to play it.
That is a common complaint. I think it is like a lot of other well-done but obscure settings (d20 or other) - to an outsider it seems too closed, too complicated. That's why when I wrote my part of the player's handbook I did my best to explain the setting, and I'm doing it again (on a larger scale) in the new edition. IME, the biggest turn off of the game (outside those who refuse to look at unfamiliar systems) was the narrative approach to exploring the game world. "Bad fanfic" I've heard it called and often times it was. I prefer a more Forgotten Realms CS sort of presentation, but throwing in some narration to get the context for the drier objective information.
I have two or three friends who are all about this sort of stuff, & then I know lots of people who are down for playing D&D, but either in a more "high magic" sort of sense, or else in a sort of wacky, sometimes (unfortunately) near power-gaming sense.
Well you can do both in Tribe 8 (it is, afterall, a setting). The basic premise of Tribe 8 is pretty 'low but common magic", just about everyone has some ability to use magic but the effects are pretty low end and are limited in practical (i.e. combat) utility. But, even using the Silhouette system instead of d20, you can get your characters pretty powerful, easily satisfying the power gamer in us all.
If you are interested in learning the SilCORE version let me know, I can hook you and your group up with the writer in charge of playtesters. He can give you a playtesting kit. You'd still need a copy of Silhouette CORE rules to play however.
Hmmm, so to get the plot, should I get the 1st & 2nd main books, or should I just wait for the 2nd ed?
I'd say 2nd ed. It has the whole story, from beginning to finish (all 5 arcs, covering about 35-50 years). I'm also making myself available to answer any further questions about the minor bits of the metaplot after that.
Should I go for any of the packages of books listed on the Dream Pod 9 webpage?
I'd go with buying the story books, especially Children of Lilith, Trial by Fire and Broken Pact (they are my personal favourites). They are good stories and solid campaigns. These three also cover a period of about half/three-quarters of a year each, meaning you have about 2.5 years of game time worth of campaigning right there.
I'm kind of iffy on buying this product, because although it seems really cool, & definetely want to get more into the story line, I think I'd have a hard time getting enough people around here to play it.
That is a common complaint. I think it is like a lot of other well-done but obscure settings (d20 or other) - to an outsider it seems too closed, too complicated. That's why when I wrote my part of the player's handbook I did my best to explain the setting, and I'm doing it again (on a larger scale) in the new edition. IME, the biggest turn off of the game (outside those who refuse to look at unfamiliar systems) was the narrative approach to exploring the game world. "Bad fanfic" I've heard it called and often times it was. I prefer a more Forgotten Realms CS sort of presentation, but throwing in some narration to get the context for the drier objective information.
I have two or three friends who are all about this sort of stuff, & then I know lots of people who are down for playing D&D, but either in a more "high magic" sort of sense, or else in a sort of wacky, sometimes (unfortunately) near power-gaming sense.
Well you can do both in Tribe 8 (it is, afterall, a setting). The basic premise of Tribe 8 is pretty 'low but common magic", just about everyone has some ability to use magic but the effects are pretty low end and are limited in practical (i.e. combat) utility. But, even using the Silhouette system instead of d20, you can get your characters pretty powerful, easily satisfying the power gamer in us all.
If you are interested in learning the SilCORE version let me know, I can hook you and your group up with the writer in charge of playtesters. He can give you a playtesting kit. You'd still need a copy of Silhouette CORE rules to play however.
You've definetely sold me on Tribe 8, unfortunately it seems kind of hard to find outside of the website, so I suppose I will have to petition my FLGS to order in some copies of the material.
I'd love to maybe get into playtesting another system. I would one day myself like to design my own system (I have been working at it for a couple years, & I keep shifting in how I want to do it), so I tend to play & buy tons of different games, even ones I don't intend to play just to get the idea of different mechanics & how things work, & what could make different mechanics better.
How would I get a copy of the SilCORE rules? Are the rules in the Tribe 8 Setting SilCORE, or should I pick up another book?
I'd love to maybe get into playtesting another system. I would one day myself like to design my own system (I have been working at it for a couple years, & I keep shifting in how I want to do it), so I tend to play & buy tons of different games, even ones I don't intend to play just to get the idea of different mechanics & how things work, & what could make different mechanics better.
How would I get a copy of the SilCORE rules? Are the rules in the Tribe 8 Setting SilCORE, or should I pick up another book?
Anubis the Doomseer
First Post
Originally posted by Orias
You've definetely sold me on Tribe 8, unfortunately it seems kind of hard to find outside of the website, so I suppose I will have to petition my FLGS to order in some copies of the material.
Please do - it makes Marc-Alex (the senior developer) very happy. I think there is a pdf "please get Dream Pod 9 products in your store" petition thingie on the website. If that fails the boys in Montreal (where Tribe 8 is set, 'Vimary' being the post-apocalyptic 'Ville-Marie' (colonial name for Montreal)) will be more than happy to take web orders.
I'd love to maybe get into playtesting another system.
Anyone who gets the package is under a NDA, but - hmmm.... let me see.. this place doesn't do PMs or email from site. Just send me your info (name, number of players in your proposed group) to one of my accounts ( tiama_at@yahoo.com is best for DP9 stuff) and I'll see if Larry Sayers can hook you up.
How would I get a copy of the SilCORE rules? Are the rules in the Tribe 8 Setting SilCORE, or should I pick up another book?
SilCORE is sort of like D&D - you need the core book (only one, instead of the big 3 D&D books) called Silhouette CORE Rules (blue book, softbound, quite nice cover) and a setting book (which is what we're working on right now). SilCORE has all the main rules, and an OGL chapter for Silhouette to d20 conversions. The setting book will have the mechanics specific or in genre for Tribe 8. For example (rambling the list off the top of my head): mass combat (abstract, no minis), the magic system, detailed melee combat, setting specific perks/flaws and skill variations (no Zero-G Combat for example). The Tribe 8 book will then have the conversion notes for these mechanics in the back of the book.
If you (or anyone else) has questions about Tribe 8 don't be shy. I like talking about the setting.
- Ma'at
You've definetely sold me on Tribe 8, unfortunately it seems kind of hard to find outside of the website, so I suppose I will have to petition my FLGS to order in some copies of the material.
Please do - it makes Marc-Alex (the senior developer) very happy. I think there is a pdf "please get Dream Pod 9 products in your store" petition thingie on the website. If that fails the boys in Montreal (where Tribe 8 is set, 'Vimary' being the post-apocalyptic 'Ville-Marie' (colonial name for Montreal)) will be more than happy to take web orders.
I'd love to maybe get into playtesting another system.
Anyone who gets the package is under a NDA, but - hmmm.... let me see.. this place doesn't do PMs or email from site. Just send me your info (name, number of players in your proposed group) to one of my accounts ( tiama_at@yahoo.com is best for DP9 stuff) and I'll see if Larry Sayers can hook you up.
How would I get a copy of the SilCORE rules? Are the rules in the Tribe 8 Setting SilCORE, or should I pick up another book?
SilCORE is sort of like D&D - you need the core book (only one, instead of the big 3 D&D books) called Silhouette CORE Rules (blue book, softbound, quite nice cover) and a setting book (which is what we're working on right now). SilCORE has all the main rules, and an OGL chapter for Silhouette to d20 conversions. The setting book will have the mechanics specific or in genre for Tribe 8. For example (rambling the list off the top of my head): mass combat (abstract, no minis), the magic system, detailed melee combat, setting specific perks/flaws and skill variations (no Zero-G Combat for example). The Tribe 8 book will then have the conversion notes for these mechanics in the back of the book.
If you (or anyone else) has questions about Tribe 8 don't be shy. I like talking about the setting.
- Ma'at
Scion of Vyshaan
First Post
Slightly off topic
Any Tribe 8 players in Northern California? I've been trying to find people to play Tribe 8 for years, but since the d20 craze hit, nobody will. Maybe now with the conversion in the back of SilCORE.
By the way, I ran a complete campaign in a much more "traditional" fantasy setting (elves, spells, knights, etc) with the silhouette system, and almost everyone I played with still e-mails me (since I moved) asking where they can get the rules. The Silhouette system is one of the best resolution systems in gaming, and I highly recomend anyone who can pick it up.
Any Tribe 8 players in Northern California? I've been trying to find people to play Tribe 8 for years, but since the d20 craze hit, nobody will. Maybe now with the conversion in the back of SilCORE.
By the way, I ran a complete campaign in a much more "traditional" fantasy setting (elves, spells, knights, etc) with the silhouette system, and almost everyone I played with still e-mails me (since I moved) asking where they can get the rules. The Silhouette system is one of the best resolution systems in gaming, and I highly recomend anyone who can pick it up.
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