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Iron Crown Enterprises => ICE News and Discussion => Topic started by: NicholasHMCaldwell on September 28, 2012, 07:39:51 AM

Title: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: NicholasHMCaldwell on September 28, 2012, 07:39:51 AM
It is time to announce The Public Playtest for the new unified Rolemaster. Hurrah!

Reclaiming The Iron Crown

There are (at least) two ways of rebuilding a game system and its fan base. There is the steady reconstruction that gradually builds up from a small core and step-by-step brings a game back to life and success. And for many reasons, that’s the route we have been and are taking with HARP Fantasy and HARP SF, and it is already showing signs of working.

And then there’s another bolder methodology that can and perhaps must be employed when more strenuous measures are called for, such as when a version split like that existing between RM2/Classic and RMSS/FRP needs to be healed. We  - that’s GCP, Aurigas and our partners – have discussed and deliberated and done the hard sums.

The Rolemaster Public Playtest files will NOT be appearing on the OneBookShelf network.

The Rolemaster Public Playtest files WILL be published for you to playtest FOR FREE on the ICE website (www.ironcrown.com)

How To Play Your Part

1. Go to the forums on the ICE website – http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php
2. Are you already a member of the ICE forums? If your answer is Yes, then go to Step 4. If your answer is No, then go to Step 3.
3. Register on the ICE forums as a new member
4. As a registered forum member, you will be able to see the Playtest Forums
5. Go to the various Playtesting Agreement and Playtest File threads, read and agree to the terms, then download the Public Playtest files

If you are a GM, tell your players that they need to get their own copies of the Playtest Files. If you are a player, tell your fellow players and your GM that they need to get their own Playtest File copies. No sharing, please. Just Steps 1 to 5 and its FREE to playtest.

Now come the fun parts. Read the Playtest files and try the new rules. Build characters and fight duels of steel and sorcery. Run the new rules in sandbox scenarios. Convert your existing game to the new Rolemaster and roll those open-ended dice.

Then post your thoughts, your comments, your opinions on what works and what does not, your solutions to any problems, and your playtest reports on the Playtest Forum.

Playtesters who make contributions will find their names in the Playtester credits in the final products.

And After The Public Playtest?

We take the final versions, edit, polish and make them beautiful, and then we release them for sale on the OneBookShelf network as pdfs and print-on-demand, and through mainstream distribution.

For those of you who wish to start saving your gaming dollars, the pdf price of the books will range from 15 USD for the smaller books (probably Arms Law, Character Law, and Treasure Law) to 20 USD for the larger books (certainly Spell Law and Creature Law). The print-on-demand price will be the pdf price plus the manufacturing cost, which varies according to format. The mainstream distribution cost depends on printing partners, on deals with printers, final page counts, and the final format that is chosen for distribution.

New Rolemaster Will Be In Colour and in Black & White

Yes, you read that correctly. The five core rulebooks will be in colour. Colour interiors throughout.

We know that the Shadow World Player Guide was an eye-opener to many fans as to what is possible for GCP/ICE products. Now it is the turn of the new Rolemaster to reach for the crown.

And for those whose budgets are more constrained, there will be black&white versions, so everyone is catered for.

So Now What?
 
The next scheduled Director’s Briefing will be in November but why are you still reading this? Steps 1 to 5 and Start Playtesting Now.

Best wishes,
Nicholas

Director, Guild Companion Publications Ltd
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: markc on September 28, 2012, 09:29:58 AM
So Now What?
 Time to clear the tears of joy from my eyes and start reading.
MDC
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Zut on September 28, 2012, 09:46:20 AM
Wow!!! Nice offer!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Zhaleskra on September 28, 2012, 11:02:04 AM
I sent the link to this topic to an RM fan friend of mine.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: GrumpyOldFart on September 28, 2012, 12:03:23 PM
I've sent the link to a few people as well, not all of whom are my players.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Storycrafter on September 28, 2012, 01:24:27 PM
Two questions, if I may:

1) What is the expected length of the playtest?  6 months?  12 months?   I don't need a definitive date, just a rough order of magnitude guess would be fine, thanks.
2) What about conventions?  I regularly GM at a con held in the springtime up near me.  I'd need to start preparing now if I were to try to run a scenario and attempt to gather feedback.  How can I have random players participate in the beta if forum membership is one of the requirements? 
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: markc on September 28, 2012, 03:47:19 PM
Two questions, if I may:

1) What is the expected length of the playtest?  6 months?  12 months?   I don't need a definitive date, just a rough order of magnitude guess would be fine, thanks.
2) What about conventions?  I regularly GM at a con held in the springtime up near me.  I'd need to start preparing now if I were to try to run a scenario and attempt to gather feedback.  How can I have random players participate in the beta if forum membership is one of the requirements?


 I PMed the guy in charge and he should have some answers for you A.S.A.P.
MDC
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: danbuter on September 28, 2012, 05:36:42 PM
Where is the playtest forum? I'm looking everywhere and can't find it. Maybe link it in your announcement?
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: craggles on September 28, 2012, 05:46:25 PM
It's in the Root Forum and is 2nd in the Group list between Official ICE News and ICE Systems. http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?action=forum (http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?action=forum).

Spell Law (http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?board=177.0) and Character Law (http://www.ironcrown.com/ICEforums/index.php?board=176.0) have their own separate sub-groups.

Have fun! :)
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: danbuter on September 28, 2012, 05:50:21 PM
Not for me. There's News & Announcements, then "Celebrating 30 Years of RM" with 4 topics about some submission contests you were running.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Marc R on September 28, 2012, 06:04:23 PM
Does this help? (Click to make it bigger)
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: danbuter on September 28, 2012, 06:17:04 PM
Yes! I didn't read the white on blue lettering, as I find it hard to see. I just thought those sections were "standard" sections. Thanks!
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: craggles on September 28, 2012, 08:13:17 PM
Is there any way to have the Playtests at the top of the Forums before ahead of the Official ICE News?

A few of my friends have not seen it easily when trying to get access.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: jdale on September 28, 2012, 08:50:14 PM
I've put lots of picky criticism in the playtest board already (and more on the way), but I do want to say -- I think this is looking great. Lots of things that were needlessly complicated have been streamlined, but without giving up the essentials. Well done.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Thom @ ICE on September 28, 2012, 09:58:17 PM
Is there any way to have the Playtests at the top of the Forums before ahead of the Official ICE News?

A few of my friends have not seen it easily when trying to get access.


Done - Forums now lead with the playtesting section.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: craggles on September 29, 2012, 06:00:38 AM
Excellent - Thanks Thom. :)

Dare I ask for another amendment...

Maybe call it NEW Rolemaster BETA Playtesting ?
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Thom @ ICE on September 29, 2012, 06:29:41 AM
Done - but my formatting options are limited, and the result is not as nice as your layout work....  ;D
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: craggles on September 29, 2012, 06:55:00 AM
Excellent - that's a little more obvious and descriptive. :)
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: GrumpyOldFart on September 29, 2012, 08:10:02 AM
While I sympathize with those having to deal with it all, the sheer volume of response is heartening.

Cry Havoc and let slip the piranha of playtesting.  ;)
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: NicholasHMCaldwell on September 29, 2012, 06:16:41 PM
Two questions, if I may:

1) What is the expected length of the playtest?  6 months?  12 months?   I don't need a definitive date, just a rough order of magnitude guess would be fine, thanks.

We hope 3 months! But who can tell? Anyhow there will be Creature Law and Treasure Law still to come.

Quote
2) What about conventions?  I regularly GM at a con held in the springtime up near me.  I'd need to start preparing now if I were to try to run a scenario and attempt to gather feedback.  How can I have random players participate in the beta if forum membership is one of the requirements?

Dispensations will be given but you should let us know in advance as ICE wants to support fans who run our games at conventions.

Best wishes,
Nicholas
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: talsharien on October 01, 2012, 05:01:13 PM
Will Arms Law be part of the playtest too?
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: craggles on October 01, 2012, 05:41:53 PM
Yes :)

...I've just not finished formatting it yet. :(
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: talsharien on October 01, 2012, 05:46:54 PM
 :D
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: ubiquitousrat on October 05, 2012, 10:58:07 AM
Any idea on a release date for Arms Law? We are ready to PLAYtest... so just askin'...
 :)
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: DMatHeart on December 09, 2012, 09:43:28 AM
Rolemaster Lives!!
Just stumbled on your playtest and Im so happy I must pour out a ramble of reminicence.....

I Have been gaming in UK since late 70's (yes i'm old) and when I got my Rolemaster boxed set as a lad early 80's my creative mind went mental and my players loved the game too. The books deteriorated but are STILL used 30yrs later!, and the box has had patch upon patch of clear tape on it to keep it alive.

My mind swims with memories of the Nightblade fumbling so badly his own weapon drove into his heart, of a Sorceror Destroying all in his path in pursuit of power, of Dark hearted Clerics and the Black Channels section, of my Orc Ugrak rolling 100 on a background option for a giant eagle steed and crushing all before him, of the crit lists and players faces when you announce E crits delivered and recieved!, of the game that cured (yes cured!) my mate of his stammer, and of course the sheep printed on the static manouver chart in the pick lock section...why ill never know!

Oh trouble me not Christmas, santa, shopping or sleep. I have no time for you now!!  Someone has cast Lifegiving True on Rolemaster and I have files to download and read, mates to contact feverishly, characters to roll and a young lad to teach a new word to in our next mock swordfight..."Bladeturn!".

THANKYOU to all who keep this game alive.
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: markc on December 09, 2012, 11:52:12 AM
DMatHeart,
 Welcome to the ICE Forums and glad to hear you are so happy about the play test. ;D


 Get some fellow gamer's and try it out then dish out what you find. The developers need feedback and the more the better.


MDC
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Emaughan on December 09, 2012, 03:29:26 PM
Not sure if this has been answered in another thread, but will Treasure law be the source for additional classes of Alchemist?  I noted in the Spell Law beta that no list for Alchemist were included.  Will this simply be taken over by ritual magic?  Just curious.

Also, Creatures and Treasures was great because it gave monsters a far more "realistic" feel to them (as much as vampires and dragons could be realistic), than that brand X rpg. The thing that hurt the product the most in the eyes of some - didn't bother me much - was the perceived complexity of some of the data.  Streamlining some of the monster stats and/or making it easier to read would be a big plus.  Second weakness with all the CnTs was the art work.  Art can do a lot to help sell a book, especially a "monster manual".  Seeing the great cover art on the beta test books gives me hope.  Please up the art on CnT!
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: NicholasHMCaldwell on December 09, 2012, 03:40:04 PM
Not sure if this has been answered in another thread, but will Treasure law be the source for additional classes of Alchemist?  I noted in the Spell Law beta that no list for Alchemist were included.  Will this simply be taken over by ritual magic?  Just curious.

Alchemists spell lists will be in Treasure Law

Quote
Also, Creatures and Treasures was great because it gave monsters a far more "realistic" feel to them (as much as vampires and dragons could be realistic), than that brand X rpg. The thing that hurt the product the most in the eyes of some - didn't bother me much - was the perceived complexity of some of the data.  Streamlining some of the monster stats and/or making it easier to read would be a big plus.  Second weakness with all the CnTs was the art work.  Art can do a lot to help sell a book, especially a "monster manual".  Seeing the great cover art on the beta test books gives me hope.  Please up the art on CnT!

The cover art on the beta test books is only placeholder art - although the artist responsible for those placeholders has produced wholly new art for two of the RMU covers.

Best wishes,
Nicholas
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: Emaughan on December 10, 2012, 01:55:24 PM
Thank you for your reply sir, and thank you very much for your help in saving my favorite RPG!
Title: Re: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest
Post by: mfvdd on June 01, 2013, 02:42:19 PM
We have playtested the 3 core public BETAs,

We have ran into several anomalies (ex. Baby / Man / Giant - stat roll discussion ). I won't re-post because the topics have already been cover by other playtesters.

Essentially, our group will pick & choose which game mechanics works for our group.

We are waiting to see a finished product to buy.

Thanks for your time & effort.