Anyone Play any Macross RPG's

[Grayson72]

I'm talking about the pen and paper kind like the old Palladium RPG's.

[Zetaplus]

Well, as the Macross Mekton topic shows, I've got pretty much everything ready (from VF-1s to all the various enemy mecha as well as Zentran/Meltran rules), I just need to find my books again so I can start a game. I'm going to try WebRPG.

[Grayson72]

I'm in!

[Penguin]

I created a complete Macross RPG for Dream Pod 9's Silhouette RPG system... at least as complete as it can be when I'm always tweaking things, adding new stuff, and so on. Now that the new Silhouette Core rules are out, I'm in the middle of a fairly significant overhaul. I'm currently running through a campaign with some friends, circa 2045 on a colony planet of my own devising. It's been lots of fun since I've started them out in a UN Marine squadron with VA-3Ms. They love the firepower, but man can they whine when their Air Force buddies fly rings around them in VF-5000s during war games. One of these days I'm going to get around to putting up all these resources on my little website...

Zetaplus, obviously you're experienced with the Mekton Zeta system. Do you find that the mechanics are fast and easy to get into? I looked into it when designing my own RPG, but ultimately opted for Silhouette 'cause I'd already used it for my ALIENS RPG and had found it really fast to play and simple to get people into. Plus, it's always nice to support the home team now and again (Dream Pod 9 is Canadian like me, although they're east coast and I'm in the west).

[Grayson72]

grrr I never get to play RPG's, especially any Macross ones

[Zetaplus]

Yeah, I'd say they're pretty fast and easy to get into.

Of course, there's also Mekton Zeta: The Movie, which has optional rules for condensing things to make it even easier.

[Penguin]

Hmmm... Mekton Zeta... nah. I've already put too much work into the Silhouette stuff. Redoing all the mecha stats in another game system would not be a lot of fun (as I'm sure you can relate to).

That being said, if you do decide to go WebRPG, let me know!

[mbs357]

This topic confuses me...

Are we talking about a video game RPG or text RPG?

o_O

[Penguin]

We're talkin' about dice-rollin', paper-shufflin', pencil-pushin', gather-'round-the-table-and-pass-the-pizza, hail-Dungeons-and-Dragons-as-the-great-grandfather-to-us-all, old-school role-playing games.

[Grayson72]

We're talkin' about dice-rollin', paper-shufflin', pencil-pushin', gather-'round-the-table-and-pass-the-pizza, hail-Dungeons-and-Dragons-as-the-great-grandfather-to-us-all, old-school role-playing games.

Ah a kindred spirit

Didn't you ever play D&D mbs357?

That was true pencil and paper gamin' good times...good times

Actually I played Rolemaster based on Tolkiens world more than anything else.

[Grayson72]

I created a complete Macross RPG for Dream Pod 9's Silhouette RPG system... at least as complete as it can be when I'm always tweaking things, adding new stuff, and so on. Now that the new Silhouette Core rules are out, I'm in the middle of a fairly significant overhaul. I'm currently running through a campaign with some friends, circa 2045 on a colony planet of my own devising. It's been lots of fun since I've started them out in a UN Marine squadron with VA-3Ms. They love the firepower, but man can they whine when their Air Force buddies fly rings around them in VF-5000s during war games. One of these days I'm going to get around to putting up all these resources on my little website...

Zetaplus, obviously you're experienced with the Mekton Zeta system. Do you find that the mechanics are fast and easy to get into? I looked into it when designing my own RPG, but ultimately opted for Silhouette 'cause I'd already used it for my ALIENS RPG and had found it really fast to play and simple to get people into. Plus, it's always nice to support the home team now and again (Dream Pod 9 is Canadian like me, although they're east coast and I'm in the west).

I don't suppose you live near the Sacramento area

[Penguin]

Check the last line in that post you quoted... I'm one time zone east and waaay north of Sacremento.

[Posse Comitatus]

So is this a home-brew, standard rules from a system, or a hybrid? I am interested, but am not familiar with the system. Where would I get the source books I would need to get up to date? Also, you mentioned a website. Do you mind providing the link so I could check it out?

I pretty big on RPGs, though most of my experience has been with fantasy genre stuff such as AD&D and hackmaster. It would be a switch for me to play a future setting, but I would be game.

[Impreszive]

How do you play RPGs?

[Grayson72]

So is this a home-brew, standard rules from a system, or a hybrid? I am interested, but am not familiar with the system. Where would I get the source books I would need to get up to date? Also, you mentioned a website. Do you mind providing the link so I could check it out?

I pretty big on RPGs, though most of my experience has been with fantasy genre stuff such as AD&D and hackmaster. It would be a switch for me to play a future setting, but I would be game.

I didn't see where anyone was actually extending invitations to play.

[Penguin]

Well Posse, if you're addressing me, the Silhouette Core Rules I'm using are available from Dream Pod 9. This is the rules system DP9 uses for all of its products (Heavy Gear, Jovian Chronicles, Gear Kreig, etc.), and the one I used for my Macross game. As for my Macross game resources, I've never put them up on my website yet. I've been concentrating more on playing with them than displaying them. If enough people were interested, I'd probably put them up. The site is here at my RPG Asylum. All you can find there so far are my Silhouette rules for ALIENS.

As for the Mekton Zeta rules Zetaplus uses, they are a product of R. Talsorian Games. I don't know whether he has a website for his Macross resources yet.

[Noyhauser]

^^^ WICKED SYSTEM

I've been buying stuff from Dp9 since like 1995. Actually, Dp9's universes, Jovian and HG along with macross are my favorite Scifi worlds. You could say that I'm a super geek there.

Sillouette is a ridiculously well designed system that should have far more exposure than its getting. ITs far more intelligent than D-20, and is simple at the same time.

Edited April 15, 2004 by Noyhauser

[Posse Comitatus]

So is this a home-brew, standard rules from a system, or a hybrid?  I am interested, but am not familiar with the system.  Where would I get the source books I would need to get up to date?  Also, you mentioned a website.  Do you mind providing the link so I could check it out?

I pretty big on RPGs, though most of my experience has been with fantasy genre stuff such as AD&D and hackmaster. It would be a switch for me to play a future setting, but I would be game.

I didn't see where anyone was actually extending invitations to play.

Bah! Do not bother me with the facts!

I figured with the talk of the webrpg stuff, plus this being a macross internet site, I thought there might be a possiblity of a game being put together. If there wasn't a possibility before, is anyone interested in actually trying to form a group? I am always interested in learning new systems, and as noted before I would be interested in trying this one out.

BTW, thanks for the links, I'll check them out.!

Edited April 15, 2004 by Posse Comitatus

[Penguin]

^^^ WICKED SYSTEM

I've been buying stuff from Dp9 since like 1995. Actually, Dp9's universes, Jovian and HG along with macross are my favorite Scifi worlds. You could say that I'm a super geek there.

Sillouette is a ridiculously well designed system that should have far more exposure than its getting. ITs far more intelligent than D-20, and is simple at the same time.

I couldn't agree more. Silhouette is my top choice for sci-fi gaming. I've done stuff for Aliens, Star Wars, Gundam, and Macross using its system and it always adapts great. 'Course, it doesn't hurt that the DP9 gang are obviously anime fans (Heavy Gear = Votoms, Jovian Chronicles = Gundam, more or less).

I have to admit to a weakness for the D20 system when it comes to D&D. I've been playing D&D for 20 years, and it wouldn't feel the same without all them dice. I can't stand the D20 Star Wars game. I much preferred the West End Games version.

[Zetaplus]

Gah!

Where the hell were all you people the last time I made a post askin' for players?

Okay, okay, okay....anyone who wants in, PM me. I'll have to go scrounge for my MZ books, but....

[Macrossmerrell]

I still enjoy playing Macross (err Robotech) Palladium style. I even wrote a full 20 some odd page and still growing Macross II coversion book for the Rifts Universe. Was schweet.

Every now and then the wife and I bust out the RPG books and play. I waiting for my daughter to get old enough so she can play too!

Merrell

[Grayson72]

I still enjoy playing Macross (err Robotech) Palladium style. I even wrote a full 20 some odd page and still growing Macross II coversion book for the Rifts Universe. Was schweet.

Every now and then the wife and I bust out the RPG books and play. I waiting for my daughter to get old enough so she can play too!

Merrell

Your wife plays Robotech RPG with you... that's so unfair . She's a keeper.

Two in an RPG though, not loads of fun eh?

[Macrossmerrell]

Yeah, not as much fun with 2 people, but its all good. I generally play an NPC or two and she generally plays two characters (she is really good at coming up with personalities for them).

We don't play often, but I love writing the games up. I designed a bunch of sheets that give basic stats with additional modifiers for all NPC mecha including VFs, enemies, and every Rifts mecha up till I quit buying the books.

Make for smooth, easy RPGing.

Merrell

[Grayson72]

Ah each person plays multiple chars, never thought of that.

[Posse Comitatus]

Speaking of West End games, has anyone here played Paranoia? That's is a truly fun and incredibly silly system.

I like D20 for its simplicity. There aren't a lot of complicated exceptions to every situation. However, there are unrealisitic things about it because of the simplicity. For example, when one character is chasing another, its perfectly possible for one character to catch another simply because people take turns running, rather than running at the same time.

As for multiple characters per person, its cool if you don't have the players, but I have always liked it if you can get a one to one ratio. Having multiple characters per person tends to lend itself to party unity quite a bit, and some of the most interesting parts of role-playing are when the characters disagree about something.

[Gideon Krieg]

There is an online resource for anyone looking to spice up their offline Macross/Robotech/Rifts campaigns. I created a website for the Macross universe. It can be adapted to any Palladium setting.

Just click on to;

http://www.geocities.com/gamedesigner80s/m...ssidestory.html

One question, does anybody know the status of RPGs at present. Are dice and paper RPGs dead or what? Finding people to Role play with around here in Colorado USA is a bitch. There are plenty of card type players, Magic the gathering and all, but I was looking for actual dice gamers for a new Macross campaign as most of my players will be dropping out of RPGing for an indefinite period of time. Anyone in the Brighton/Commerce City area, let me know if you would be interested in a Macross RPG offline. Thanks.

Edited May 8, 2004 by Gideon Krieg

[JELEINEN]

RPGs are alive and kicking. I take it you don't have any local hobby or comic shops nearby that carry games? You might want to try posting here: http://forum.rpg.net/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=21 . There are other game registry sites around, you might want to try searching for.

As for systems to use for Macross, I'd probably use BESM or D20 (using D20 Modern with Guardians of Order's D20 Mecha). I like the vehicle design rules in Silhouette a lot, but I can't stand dice pool systems. Mekton is pretty simple in terms of play, but construction is too dependant on points accounting.

I'd love to run a campaign on IRC or something, but my time constraints won't allow it right now. Just out of curiosity, I'd like to hear people's ideas for Macross based games. What era would you set it in? Who would be the enemy? Would the characters be pilots, or would you take a different route and make them soldiers, spies, or some other non-giant robot oriented role? What role would music play in your game?

[Jester]

As Gideon and JELEINEN right said there are a number of online Macross RPG sites.

Gideon's posted his which is a side-story, whereas my own site deals almost, (99%,) exclusively with canon material http://unsd.macrossrpg.com (my site is moving location to its own domain name soon though.)

As for online roleplay sites, there are two main ones.

Macross RPG Community

http://www.macrossrpg.com

Macross RPG Network

http://www.unspacy.com

Both RPG sites have their up and down sides. But the MRC is the bigger, better site, and has new units being created at the moment, whereas the MRN's Macross roleplaying Im told is on a downward slide. Best if you check out both sites and make your own mind up.

[Gideon Krieg]

UNSD is leaving the MRC? Whoa!

Is it going to still have the same stats or will they be different? Also, are you going to start up a play by post or just keep the database as an online resource?

[Grayson72]

Gah!

Where the hell were all you people the last time I made a post askin' for players?

Okay, okay, okay....anyone who wants in, PM me. I'll have to go scrounge for my MZ books, but....

What happened dude?

[Graham]

Back in the mid-80s' to early-90s', I used to love playing RPGs like Runequest, Traveller, Stormbringer and Call of Cthulu with friends. Never got into D&D tho, always thought the rules were too unrealistic. Anyway, my RPG days are long behind me. No time & interest anymore and I never could get into online games.

I've never played a Macross or Robotech RPG, but I can't quite get my head around how you can accurately simulate the feel of the fast-paced style of aerial & ground mecha combat found in Macross in a table-top 'talkie' RPG, or an online one for that matter.

I've owned the Paladium RT rules for years and while they are OK for a character based game, they seem extremely unsuitable (IMO) for mecha combat and they seem to have no or very few rules regarding mecha movement and different types or air combat manuevers.

Graham

[flippant_remark]

I used to play the Palladium RPG back the golden age of role-playing (late 80's).

It was great fun. During combat we used white board laid out on the ground for terrain with markers for the mechs.

One thing. The Game Master has to be the most Macross knowledgable person in the room. We once invited a friend of mine to play who was a first-class anime freak. He contradicted the GM at every turn and we hardly got anywhere!

[Roy Focker]

One thing. The Game Master has to be the most Macross knowledgable person in the room. We once invited a friend of mine to play who was a first-class anime freak. He contradicted the GM at every turn and we hardly got anywhere!

The character's of those type of players spontaneously combust with me.

[Penguin]

I've never played a Macross or Robotech RPG, but I can't quite get my head around how you can accurately simulate the feel of the fast-paced style of aerial & ground mecha combat found in Macross in a table-top 'talkie' RPG, or an online one for that matter.

I've owned the Paladium RT rules for years and while they are OK for a character based game, they seem extremely unsuitable (IMO) for mecha combat and they seem to have no or very few rules regarding mecha movement and different types or air combat manuevers.

When it comes to the fast-paced aerial combat you're referring to, I find that what you want is a fast, simple system without detailed rules for aerial manoeuvres. RPG systems that try to realisitically and accurately simulate real-world actions get so complex that the game slows to a crawl. There was once a combat system called "Phoenix Command" by Leading Edge Games. It modelled real-world combat as closely as possible, dealing with weapon accuracy over range, aim times, weapon penetration, ballistic and impact resistance of armour, etc., etc. A single weapon had about a half page of stats. I tried it once. Every shot my character made took about 5 minutes to resolve. A firefight that took about 10 minutes of game time took us 2 hours to complete. And at that we put "Phoenix Command" on the shelf, and never take it down except to marvel at its complexity.

Making combat fun and exciting is where the "art" of being a Game Master comes into play. No game system can create that for you. In the system I use, a pilot makes two rolls: a roll for position against the target to determine the accuracy of the shot, and a roll to hit. An optional third roll may be used to try a special manoeuvre (dog-tail, flanking shot, etc.), but in game terms it's just a roll to get better shot accuracy. So, it could run like this:

GM: The bandit in the VF-5000 takes off at top speed.

Player: I want to take a shot at him before he gets away.

GM: Roll for position.

(rattle, rattle, clunk, clunk. Since the VF-5000 is faster than the player's VA-3, the opponent wins)

GM: Okay, he rolls higher. You have a -2 shot penalty.

Player: I want to get behind him for a rear shot.

GM: Okay. Roll again at -3.

(rattle, rattle, clunk, clunk... again. Player has higher skill than opponent, so he gets higher.)

GM: You beat him. Your accuracy is now +1. Take the shot.

(rattle, rattle, etc...)

Scintillating, yes? Well, maybe not. When we play, however, it's more like this:

GM: The bandit peels out, cutting in his afterburners to pull away from you. He pulls low to the deck, water cutting up from the surface as he screams over the waves.

Player: I push the throttle and dive at him to pick up some extra speed. "Kingfisher lead, this is two. Pursuing bandit on vector 212."

GM: Colonel Kane's voice squawks back over the squadron frequency, "Go get 'im HUD. Kingfisher three, give him some backup." You roll your VA-3 to intercept the bandit's vector and dive down. He's passing Mach 1 and is starting to pull away as you try to lock him up.

(rattle, rattle, clunk, clunk.)

GM: The bandit loses some energy pulling off the deck as he loops around, but the 5000's speed is still keeping him ahead of you. It looks like he's decided to engage. It's going to be a tricky shot. Everytime you start a lock, you only get tone for a couple of seconds before he slips away.

Player: I wanna nail this jerk. I try to slide in on his six.

GM: He's got the more manoeuvrable plane, but you've pulled off miracles before.

(rattle, rattle, clunk, clunk.)

GM: His plane's fast, but he ain't. You fake him into pulling close to your tail, then use your vector thrust to make a tight barrel roll, shed some speed, and he slides in front of you so sweet you wanna cry.

Player: "You're toast, dude." I go for target lock. I'll give him two AMM-1s, just to make sure.

(rattle, rattle, etc...)

When you've got players that love the genre as much as you, and if you've got the ability to keep the action going and tension tight, then creating that fast-paced atmosphere is easy. If you want hard, try doing something scary. It's really hard to get people freaked out with just your words and their imagination. I've only managed to do it twice, but it was a lot of fun for everyone.

As for Palladium... ick ... but that's just my opinion after a couple years of Rifts gaming.

(NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK SIGNAL FOR PALLADIUM FANS. I just don't like the system. If you enjoy it... power to you.)

[Skull Leader]

I've played numerous RPGs.. I did Mechwarrior for a while (in conjunction with Battletech for the mech combat), Robotech, Macross II, Rifts, some AD&D, some Shadowrun, and then I discovered the joy that was Cyberpunk by R. Talsorian games (like Shadowrun, but without the magic/fantasy elements)... God that game kicked so much ass... I misplaced my copy of the rulebook and now I'm sad... even after we were done RPing for the most part, I always loved just flipping through the rulebook and reading the stories... I'd give a lot to have that book again!

BESM is great for intra-personal RPGing.... but their rules for Mecha-Combat were in SERIOUS need of an overhaul last time I looked (which to be fair, was sometime shortly after the game first came out). I seem to recall trying to arrange it so a given character could have a valkyrie (or something as close as it would allow), it wound up being very weak and the character had little else of use at his disposal.

It seems that rules allowing for personal mecha take up several points, and giving it the ability to transform took considerably more... leaving little to assign to armor or weaponry... if I recall correctly.

The Palladium system is far from perfect, but it allows for a great deal more than BESM, AND combat is resolved fairly quickly (as RPGs go). A simple re-adjustment of the stats can make it far more accurate.

I was at macrossrpg.com or unspacy.com (can't remember which) for a brief while, but I grew tired of it because I primarily wanted to be involved in a SWI campaign and I wound up getting stuck with a post-M7 bomber squadron flying VAB-2 wraiths (I think that's what it was... based of the Zaubergaran I think) and most of the others I was involved with weren't very active.

Edited May 15, 2004 by Skull Leader