Topic: Director's Briefing - the Rolemaster Playtest

[NicholasHMCaldwell]

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

[markc]

So Now What?
 Time to clear the tears of joy from my eyes and start reading.
MDC

[Zut]

Wow!!! Nice offer!!! 

[Zhaleskra]

I sent the link to this topic to an RM fan friend of mine.

[GrumpyOldFart]

I've sent the link to a few people as well, not all of whom are my players.

[Storycrafter]

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? 

[markc]

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

[danbuter]

Where is the playtest forum? I'm looking everywhere and can't find it. Maybe link it in your announcement?

[craggles]

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.

Spell Law and Character Law have their own separate sub-groups.

Have fun!

[danbuter]

Not for me. There's News & Announcements, then "Celebrating 30 Years of RM" with 4 topics about some submission contests you were running.

[Marc R]

Does this help? (Click to make it bigger)

[danbuter]

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!

[craggles]

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.

[jdale]

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.

[Thom @ ICE]

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.

[craggles]

Excellent - Thanks Thom.

Dare I ask for another amendment...

Maybe call it NEW Rolemaster BETA Playtesting ?

[Thom @ ICE]

Done - but my formatting options are limited, and the result is not as nice as your layout work.... 

[craggles]

Excellent - that's a little more obvious and descriptive.

[GrumpyOldFart]

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. 

[NicholasHMCaldwell]

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.

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