The Shape Of Etheric Things To Come - The Black Orifice

Nigel's Blog » The Shape Of Etheric Things To Come

Back to Nigel's Blog Written on 08-Mar-2009 by Malladin_Nigel

Etherscope has always been Ben's and my baby. When we first created it we were very into our D20 and naturally designed the mechanics around that system, as it was the one we wanted to play with/contribute to. Since Gateway and Midgard however our interests have shifted back to creating our own systems. Unsurprisingly, we're returning to Etherscope to give it its own system that we feel fully captures its themes and feel. Our first couple of design discussions have already taken place and the basic structure of the mechanics is in place, in our heads if nowhere else yet :). That said, as usual Ben has crunched some enlightening probability sets to test our mechanics theories and instinctual setups, we're big user of tacit knowledge when it comes to design. The fact that we're already having 'vigourous discussions', or arguments as I like to call them over the system, is a good sign, These 'vigourous discussions' and thinking on the fly gave the original version of Etherscope its best features, passion is a major key to our game design philosophy and it's good to see it at this early stage with the new Etherscope system. Going forward we will be presenting our ideas and processes as they occur, through these blogs and the sites we frequent, to give people an insight into the new system and how games are designed, well by us at least :) We will be looking forward to feedback and discussion so check in from time to time and see what's going on. And D20 fans need not feel left out, we will still be putting out material as inspiration strikes, a new article is due to go up shortly as it happens! We hope people will enjoy our ramblings and the new system when it's done, in the mean time enjoy the ride!

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written on 19-Nov-2009
Alan says:
Hi there I'm a massive fan of eatherscope , it's a fantastic concept and I found myself imersed in the fantastic background , although I haven't run it for my players because of the horrible D20 system . I was talking to some fellow gamers at game 09 this year in Manchester and was told that there might be a conversion to savage worlds system on the way. I've started working on my own conversion but I have to ask you do you know of a conversion official or unofficial out there or on the way . I would be most greatfull for any info you may have I've been aplayer and gm for the last 20 years + I've played n run alsorts of different systems n games But I hate the D20 system ... Please help yours greatfully Alan
written on 06-Jan-2010
Tattered King says:
Savage Etherscope would be on my list of things to see. Would love to see this!
written on 09-Jan-2010
malladin_ben says:
At the time we were writing this we were thinking about a unique syste, for Etherscope. Unfortunately our enthusiasm died down for that idea - just too much like hard wor I think .

We have started work on a Savage Worlds version of Etherscope. Things are in the very early stages of development and we are in discussion with other parties about being able to bring such a product to print.

Cheerio,

Ben
written on 11-Jan-2010
tadk says:
Sounding really good to me
written on 11-Jan-2010
Charles says:
Why not jusk keep working with the OGL/D20 version of the game and expand apon what is allready out.

harles
written on 12-Jan-2010
tadk says:
I liked the look of the rough draft of the other system, I could have fun fighting with it for a while.
written on 14-Jan-2010
malladin_ben says:
Charles: we feel Etherscope has run it's natural course as a d20 product. A savage worlds product probably wouldn't add anything new to the setting, except probably a few bits on Haven, possily including a campaign of adventures around the War for Haven (which we'll probably release in some form for d20 anyway).

But many of our grand ideas for Etherscope we now realise were just us trying to fit as much as we could into one setting. I think Etherscope is better served by being trimmed down than expanded out at this stage.

A new ruleset helps bring new people on board - there's a number of people who just won't look at it because its d20 - it's a real shame, but if we can pick up a few of them by putting out a SW version then I think its worth doing.

Ben
written on 27-Jan-2010
William says:
Why is it whenever I buy an RPG for me there is talk of a new one?
I am not sure what to make of this idea of a new system. Because I myself have been one to skip things because its D20. But if anyone is actually genuinly interested in a game whats to stop them from converting it to a system they do like? I did that with Space 1889.
However I will still be following the progress of the new system.
I take it though that you are still intending to release D20 suppliments?

I recently got the Core Rulebook for Christmas, I have bought The Great Metropolis and the Lemurian Candidate and I am waiting for Mysteries of the Occult to ship from the states and can I say this is one of the best settings I have ever come across.

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