tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post2829635539142069280..comments2024-03-28T08:50:57.015+01:00Comments on Beyond Fomalhaut: [NEWS] HELVÉCZIA: Picaresque Fantasy RPG (NOW AVAILABLE!)Melanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-71776710443311184172021-07-23T15:57:55.948+02:002021-07-23T15:57:55.948+02:00Awesome! I'll definitely use this in my game. ...Awesome! I'll definitely use this in my game. And thanks for the laugh, that description kills! Sacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11382707484272049988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-53665621237944906122021-07-23T08:17:58.954+02:002021-07-23T08:17:58.954+02:00The Portuguese have made their debut in our ongoin...The Portuguese have made their debut in our ongoing Catalonia campaign (among other inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula). Since this material is not yet published, let alone translated, here is a quick translation of the material in question:<br /><br />Portuguese: The brave Portuguese are known for a love of the sea. Their adventurous forebearers made the first great discoveries leading to colonisation, and it is no accident that they are counted among the greatest seamen to this very day - although evil tongues often wag, claiming that the wish to travel only drives them because Portugal is the most boring land in the world.<br />* They receive +2 on every check related to ropes.<br />* They receive the Sailing skill for free at the start of the game.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the only Portuguese character died very quickly at the hands of devil spirits, so the road to greater glories has not yet been trod.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-15245790694669639622021-07-23T06:09:07.837+02:002021-07-23T06:09:07.837+02:00They should get rid of all the pink background, it...They should get rid of all the pink background, it will be their demise, I tell you. Sacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11382707484272049988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-89659030367875087402021-07-23T06:06:02.956+02:002021-07-23T06:06:02.956+02:00We need this. I personally want to have a Portugue...We need this. I personally want to have a Portuguese option to the game. I want to die horribly by the hands of Krampus as one. Sacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11382707484272049988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-77185306519850769352021-07-21T18:56:24.455+02:002021-07-21T18:56:24.455+02:00Flood of terrible supplements.Flood of terrible supplements.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-81557361576562540002021-07-21T14:36:32.403+02:002021-07-21T14:36:32.403+02:00What's happening with Mörk Borg?What's happening with Mörk Borg?Voljahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08826776454392269862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-1389231331231725102021-07-20T17:45:39.403+02:002021-07-20T17:45:39.403+02:00Got it -- thanks!Got it -- thanks!Viktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04867648528753994863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-5382219277481108872021-07-19T23:34:31.045+02:002021-07-19T23:34:31.045+02:00This will probably happen gradually. I would first...This will probably happen gradually. I would first like people to familiarise themselves with the game, and play some. And for a while, I might want to vet anything commercial. It would be nice to have good materials for the game, and it should not be too hard to get the hang of it, but I am looking at what's happening with Mörk Borg, and that's something I would prefer to avoid.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-54142883402273438792021-07-19T19:11:34.885+02:002021-07-19T19:11:34.885+02:00I'm curious -- do you have a plan or recommend...I'm curious -- do you have a plan or recommendations for publication of third-party adventures written specially for Helvéczia?Viktorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04867648528753994863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-24932117522422136182021-07-14T10:02:57.683+02:002021-07-14T10:02:57.683+02:00Jon -- Glad you are liking the box! The main items...Jon -- Glad you are liking the box! The main items I did not list in the recommended reading represent a genre that might be called "historical curiosities and antiquities". These are books focusing on minor weird history, usually meant more for entertainment than serious research, and most popular in the 19th and early 20th century. (Although they were written by knowledgeable people.)<br /><br />They would feature all kinds of strange historical knick-knacks from mercenaries' magical beliefs (some of which have made their way into the game), to stories of how a city had put a pig on trial, how a certain mountain spring was known to be used by eagles for rejuvenation, or historical methods of cryptography. This is an area where my sources could not be reasonably expected to be available in English, while I do not know of the worthwhile English books in the same area.<br /><br />One English book I decided to drop from the list was Richard Head's <b>The English Rogue</b>, a 1665 picaresque novel. It is authentic, true to the genre, but rightfully forgotten - the protagonist is a complete dick, and the writing is really uneven.<br /><br />Likewise, the German <b>Rinaldo Rinaldini</b>, one of the defining robber stories by Christian Vulpius (who was related to Goethe!), is omitted in novel format, since the original version is sort of dull for modern readers. It is present in the form of the excellent TV series (itself a forgotten obscurity, unfortunately).<br /><br />I also decided to omit Defoe's <b>Moll Flanders</b>, which is much better, technically a picaresque, but perhaps not as adventurous as the game would demand.<br /><br />More recently, I have discovered Théophile Gautier's <b>Captain Fracasse</b>; this fits the game quite well, but I discovered it too late to include it.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-17924743776860074452021-07-11T07:22:43.723+02:002021-07-11T07:22:43.723+02:00Gabor,
The box set is terrific. In preparing fo...Gabor, <br /><br />The box set is terrific. In preparing for a campaign, I’ve been reading your recommendations, with Mór Jókai being a real discovery. Told by the Death’s Head is amazing. Are there any other inspirations that didn’t make your list, especially ones that will be off-the-beaten path for Anglophone gamers? <br /><br />Jonmumbrumberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04503085391947891867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-57985124921087348782021-06-30T22:53:28.105+02:002021-06-30T22:53:28.105+02:00The PDF version will be released with the customar...The PDF version will be released with the customary delay, in late Septermber or early October. For now, I would rather let people absorb the print edition and preserve the novelty. A few extras like character sheets, a virtual card deck, and similar play aids will be uploaded relatively soon.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-63238876454596296982021-06-30T22:51:05.741+02:002021-06-30T22:51:05.741+02:00Ooops, I forgot to answer this one. It theoretical...Ooops, I forgot to answer this one. It theoretically makes sense to overbid every card, if your character has the money. However, money is typically fairly tight in the game; living expenses and basic equipment are usually not a problem for a bunch of adventurers, but having a purse full of gold is not guaranteed. If one of my PCs has more than ten Thalers, I tend to feel rich! That amount is about sufficient to buy off a full hand.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-65885080465696043412021-06-30T21:22:24.140+02:002021-06-30T21:22:24.140+02:00Any news on the pdf release?Any news on the pdf release?Kozoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03641324845202856383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-81851789593888764422021-06-25T21:48:22.707+02:002021-06-25T21:48:22.707+02:00It being an adventuring week vs an adventuring day...It being an adventuring week vs an adventuring day makes a lot of sense. It's a beautifully designed game, and seeing how Xyntillan is hands down the best adventure I've ever read/run I'm itching to get this to the table! <br /><br />One last question about the Devil's Bible though, what does it entail then when the devil "takes" a card. It seems you only suffer if you break 21, so wouldn't it be a good move to just ubderbid for every card? Or do you see who's closer to 21 after the Devil takes theirs and if he's closer you still owe your soul/favor?<br /><br />Triceranukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11256553395516063470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-41741314745723140682021-06-25T12:27:29.046+02:002021-06-25T12:27:29.046+02:00Concerning the Devil's Bible, sins committed d...Concerning the Devil's Bible, sins committed <i>during the adventure</i> (but not outside it) can be wagered instead of gold Thalers. The sin, of course, stays in place: it is the Devil's trick to entice man to damnation even if he is "let off easily"!<br /><br />When the cards are counted after the adventure, all of them must be accounted and paid for, and afterwards, they are returned to the deck to tempt scoundrels another day!<br /><br />Hope that answers it.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-4488130077223073552021-06-25T12:24:35.351+02:002021-06-25T12:24:35.351+02:00A 4th level cleric could learn every spell availab...A 4th level cleric could learn every spell <i>available at that specific church</i> under a single night, but would have to look for others at different locations. This can require some travel, especially since local priests are rarely happy about a guest overstaying their welcome. There are further limitations discussed in the book - jealous priests and abbots guarding "their" spells, corruption, enmity, or spells which may only available on special conditions (like access to a particularly holy chapel or a forgotten relic).<br /><br />Students would spend some days memorising their spells and acquiring/preparing components. However, they could use any spell included in their books.<br /><br />In general practice, resources in Helvéczia - this includes Hit Points as well - are more weekly than daily. The pace of adventuring is slower, and resource conservation plays a large part. Most Students, for example, tend to fight with pistols and swords, and only occasionally resort to spells.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-34788767623922951852021-06-25T00:09:43.913+02:002021-06-25T00:09:43.913+02:00Thank you! That is incredibly helpful. Let me know...Thank you! That is incredibly helpful. Let me know if I have this right:<br /><br />A 4th cleric praying at a large enough church could learn their full complement of spells in a single night, while a student would have to take a few days studying to fill all their slots,a day for two 2nd level and an additional day for their 1st level spells? (I'm assuming unspent slots stay learned until cast)<br /><br />My only other question is about the Devil's Bible. I understand paying with gold but I'm unclear about paying in sin? Do you remove the sin you committed and raise your virtue, or are you just paying a virtue cost?<br />Additionally when the devil "keeps" a card does that mean a character must buy a new deck of cards if they want a full set?<br /><br />Thanks again for the answers, trying to process all this information before getting a proper group of scoundrels together.Triceranukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11256553395516063470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-90612496125079956612021-06-24T23:58:48.546+02:002021-06-24T23:58:48.546+02:00They can be spells the Student may learn later (th...They can be spells the Student may learn later (third level is not too hard to achieve, while finding spellbooks out in the wild is a gamble). They can also be memorised as <i>bonus spells</i> by high-Intelligence Students. Bonus spells have no level limitation (although they have others as described in the book), so a 2nd level Student with an Intelligence of 15 could have one bonus spell memorised from the first level, and one from the second level; the rare Student with a 18 Intelligence could even have a third-level one.Melanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07165894144553629675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-74616028662266036492021-06-24T18:15:31.294+02:002021-06-24T18:15:31.294+02:00I just received my box set a couple days ago and i...I just received my box set a couple days ago and it is absolutely stunning!<br /><br />Though I do find myself confused about spell craft. Students are listed in having an additional 1d3+2 levels of spells in their spellbook. Are they capable of casting these higher level spells at first level or are they merely there to give Students something to work towards?Triceranukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11256553395516063470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-325593648975533492021-06-22T16:34:57.496+02:002021-06-22T16:34:57.496+02:00I don't know if it is true or a legend, but as...I don't know if it is true or a legend, but as I remember William Tell imagery was used because of anti-Habsburg sentiments.<br />I think germans also have cards very similar to this, and most likely these exist in whole central Europe in similar format.<br /><br />I think you will like Helvéczia :)Galuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05516935969472344306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-26977147228424186192021-06-11T06:07:42.807+02:002021-06-11T06:07:42.807+02:00Congrats on the release!
Purchased, and can't ...Congrats on the release!<br />Purchased, and can't wait to get my hands on my copy down here in the deep antipodes.Treganterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10799998950921977445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-78237070826889104562021-06-10T23:15:18.473+02:002021-06-10T23:15:18.473+02:00I've asked the same question and got a reply h...I've asked the same question and got a reply here:<br /><br />http://beyondfomalhaut.blogspot.com/2021/04/news-helveczia-announcement-and-preview.html?showComment=1620416509067#c6457373585816291331Jiří "Markus" Petrůhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17888038430387964093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-11111831923018603692021-06-10T22:56:52.141+02:002021-06-10T22:56:52.141+02:00Finally!
Would it need a lot of work to run Castle...Finally!<br />Would it need a lot of work to run Castle Xyntillan by Helvéczia rules?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17525685275851762068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6188119851730922397.post-70581502177777696922021-06-10T16:23:21.980+02:002021-06-10T16:23:21.980+02:00Thanks! I'll look into that as well.Thanks! I'll look into that as well. Sacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11382707484272049988noreply@blogger.com