We Might be Orcs

So, I'm writing another game, a more traditional fantasy RPG, which I am tentatively calling Sagamaker. I'm happy to say that it's going pretty well so far. There's still a lot of work to do and some kinks that need to be ironed out, but I'm positive about how its developing. I did get an idea for one aspect of the game when posting on the RPGnet forums today. I wrote:
--------
I like how Tolkien writes in one of his letters:

Yes, I think the orcs as real a creation as anything in 'realistic' fiction: your vigorous words well describe the tribe; only in real life they are on both sides, of course [....]In real (exterior) life men are on both sides: which means a motley alliance of orcs, beasts, demons, plain naturally honest men, and angels.

Makes me think that maybe orcs could actually just be an elf word for enemy, and that there is no race of orcs. All the orcs are actually just a different societies or cultures of elves and men and dwarves that happen to be hostile to the dominant society or culture. Of course, for a "true" elf most humans and dwarves are almost orcs anyway, and no "true" elf would go against the traditions of "true" elfdom, so calling those other elves "elves" doesn't make sense. After a few generations, it wouldn't be surprising for these so-called orcs to have a reputation for being ugly and evil and having vile customs. And I kind of like the idea that half-orcs and half-elves are the same thing. They're just raised differently and have different concepts of what is good and beautiful and useful.

Hmm, maybe I will use this idea and have orc mean enemy or foreigner or barbarian in "true" elf. Something like that anyway.

-------
So, that was my little idea. Part of me thinks it could work, but another part feels that it would be better suited as an idea for a fantasy novel or short story rather than game. What do you think?

I've been Building, Talking, Playing and so should you

I am pleased to announce that the Houseless Hills has released Building, Playing - A Beginner's Guide to Bleake Rebellion

Building, Talking, Playing is a stripped down version of Bleake Rebellion, a game about rebels fighting the corrupt authorities that rule their city. What makes both games stand out is the method that players use to resolve challenges and the focus on the characters inner feelings and motivations. Players vote for a particular outcome by placing coloured beads into a bag. The player who is facing the challenge draws some of those beads and reads what he has drawn as the result of his challenge. This allows for the players to influence how the game progresses while still keeping a degree of randomness and unpredictability that many players enjoy. 

Instead of asking "How do you do that?" Building, Talking, Playing asks "Why do you do that?". It rewards you for making choices that match your character's personality and leaves how you achieve your goals as a narrative choice. By playing your character true their personality, by allowing their inner motives to direct the choices they make, you are giving greater freedom in how you both draw and read the outcomes for the challenges you face.
Building, Talking, Playing is designed for short games. Most games will only last three to six sessions and the odds are against you. It is likely that at least some, and maybe even all, of the players will lose their characters. The good news is that, you always get to choose how and when this happens. You can die a hero, be driven to grief and despair, flee in shame, turn traitor, leave to be with your beloved, and much more. The choice is yours.

This new release has been made to let readers try out a simpler version of the game for free. The PDF is 53 pages long (4.39 mb) and contains all the basic rules you need to play Bleake Rebellion. There is interior black and white artwork evocative of the setting and ready made characters so you can begin playing as soon as you are ready.

This release is made for three to six players. It is GM lite and, as I have said before, it is easier and simpler than the original game. Gaming Tales - A Night on the Game had this to say about Bleake Rebellion. Both it and Building, Talking, Playing are suited to short games, are story focused, and place your character's inner feelings and motivations at the heart of game.

You can get a free copy of Building, Talking, Playing at Lulu, or you can get a free copy or pay-what-you-want at RPGNow. 

Bleake Rebellion is better!

Since Bleake Rebellion's release a few weeks ago, it has received lots of positive responses and some constructive criticism. I am happy to say that an improved version is now available. Problems with the layout have been fixed, more artwork has been added, and some very minor changes have been made to the text (mostly to fix typos and to accommodate the new layout). 

Get it here! 

If you are happy with the old version and you don't want the new one, that's fine. The rules have not changed and you will still be playing the same game whichever one you use.

For those of you not familiar with Bleake Rebellion, you can read about it by below:

Bleake Rebellion is a captivating fantasy roleplaying game where you create a band of rebels seeking to overthrow the corrupt authorities that rule their beloved city. With its unique system for resolving challenges and building stories, Bleake Rebellion is the must have game for anyone who wants a fair, even-handed and emotionally fulfilling roleplaying experience. This book contains essential rules to get you started on your first story, advanced rules for when you have become an expert and a guide to life in the rebels' city. For 3 to 6 players aged 16 or older.

Bleake Rebellion is a low to medium crunch narrative game. When a player's rebel tries to overcome an obstacle, the other players vote on whether they think that rebels success or failure is good for the story. To make their vote a player adds coloured beads to a bag and then the player who is roleplaying the rebel facing the challenge blindly draws some beads. The combination of beads he draws determines what happens next. It could be success or failure, and it could lead to a positive or negative outcome.

Set in a pseudo-historical 18th century European city where some of the people are turned into magic wielding miscreations by an eldritch pollution called the miasma, the faithful can bring about miracles, and places of intense suffering become cursed, Bleake Rebellion explores the darkness within the hearts of rebels as they try to overthrown the tyrannical regime that rules their city.

No of Players: 3 to 6
Time to Play: 3 to 6 sessions
Genre: Low Fantasy

In addition to the improved layout, I have chosen to extend the 30% discount for the printed book to the end of this year. The original plan was to keep the discount until the new layout was ready, but with Christmas just around the corner, it feels right to keep it going a bit longer.

Finally, if you have purchased a copy of Bleake Rebellion and want the updated version, send an e-mail to thehouselesshills[at]gmail.com and I will make sure you get a free PDF copy of the new version. Just remember to include a copy of the receipt/order form as proof of purchase. 

Kind Regards,

M. J. Graham

P.S. I would like to thank the following people for their help in improving Bleake Rebellion:

Adam Maturin
Nimby Dagda from Damwain Games
Richard Lacey ("oreso") from Pompey Crew
Mick Red and Declan ("decfeeney") from the UK Roleplayers forum.

[Bleake Rebellion] Film Suggestions

I've been quite busy these last few weeks with Bleake Rebellion's new layout so I haven't really been able to update this blog. I've found some time now and I though I could use it to suggest some films that might inspire your Bleake Rebellion sessions. Some of these films are quite harrowing to watch and may not be suitable for all readers of this blog.

Oranges and Sunshine

The Last King of Scotland

12 Years a Slave

The Killing Fields

What are some films you would suggest to inspire other Bleake Rebellion players?

Improvements are on the way!

Thanks to some astute and constructive criticism, I am pleased to say that I am revising the layout and making other improvements to Bleake Rebellion. Anyone who has purchased or who purchases a copy of the current PDF will be able to get free copy of the revised PDF version if they send an email to thehouselesshills@gmail.com.

I am also offering a 30% discount on the book while these improvements are being made! This discount will remain in place until the revised version is complete.

Here We Go!

I'm stoked that I have finally finished Bleake Rebellion, a game about rebels fighting the corrupt authorities that rule their beloved city. It's been a long journey and its taken me to places I never thought I would be going to. I hope that gamers will enjoy the first expedition into the Houseless Hills.

I'm also stoked to announce that I am currently working on two other games and have several others in reserve. One of the games I am working on now is what I am calling a love letter to Dungeons & Dragons and it will use the Open Game License, the other is a non-violent science fantasy* game where you roleplay immortals in a magitek world. As I write more on this games I will update this blog.


*Is that the right name for science fiction which is more fantasy than science?