Editing SGA 2003 Archive (section)

=Riddle of Steel=
; Game System
: [http://www.theriddleofsteel.net/ The Riddle of Steel]
; Pitch
: 
; Game Master
: Alan Barclay
; Players
: Clinton Nixon, Kevin Schulz
; Characters 
: 2
; Date
: January 20, 2003
; Technical Notes
: 
; Recaps
: '''Alan:''' We buckled some swashes I think. I can't remember the last time a combat system gave me visions of fast clashing action and a racing pulse - when I was the GM! I don't want to give away details of the plot - because I'd like to run it again for people on this list - so please forgive a the lack of detailed narrative. I'll try to capture a few instances though.  I can see where the game would give the impression that swashbuckler won't work - the combat system, by itself is sudden and bloody. But if you haven't role-played the Spiritual Attributes, you haven't seen the heart of the game.

:SA's are emotional drives defined by the player. When he role-plays action in line with an SA, he can earn a point for it. When a task, like fighting, involves one or more SA, they contribute bonus dice to the task. SAs are also be spent to improve the character's abilities.

:Earlier on, pursuing SAs created some amusing events. For example, Fergus (motivated by memories of his own unrequited love) was engaged in trying to play Cyrano for the dour and depressed young noble from the north - who wanted to woo a lady destined to be the death of many men. At the same time, Roland was trailing kidnappers, taking names, and all out of bubblegum.

:The bonus dice make all the difference in combat. In the final battle to save a noble from kidnapping, Roland (Clinton) and Fergus (Kevin) were getting 3-8 extra dice from things like "Destiny to defend a kingdom", "Drive to serve my lord", etc. Meanwhile the kidnappers had no active SAs in the situation and got pasted. Even my fancy French duelist, who was set up with SAs that activate competing with another gentleman was defeated - all because the two PCs were commoners! And the combat system allowed an interesting end to his battle - Roland took a chance on downing him with a punch, instead of killing him with a weapon, and boxed his larynx. So Antoine, gasping on his knees, surrendered.

:Writing the adventure was a lot of fun and I'm pleased how well it turned out. I'd be happy to run it again for other players.
; Player Thoughts
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; Additional GM Thoughts
: