All right. I'm returning to gaming after some big transitions and other commitments dried up, and I'm considering running a game again. To combat the issues of attrition disrupting the player group that I've encountered in the past, I'm going to aim for a very small cadre of players that are hopefully dedicated to making a solid game. Of course, right now we're in the midst of the holiday season, so I won't be starting until that's over and done with. I did, however, want to check in now for interest in my two main concepts

1) Exalted - This would (likely) be a third edition game using the additions (and subtractions) they made to the setting. It took me a while, but I have really come to appreciate the way that Creation was refocused, and while I might make my own tweaks as well, I generally prefer the tone this gives the game over that of second edition. While not a master of third edition (and I realize that even it has its flaws), I'm familiar enough with the system to feel that I can run the game well in it. I am open to the idea of using a different system for the setting, though it's not necessarily my first choice.

2) KSBD - This has quickly become one of my favorite ongoing fantasy webcomics. Its setting touches on many of the things that made me fall in love with Exalted, but is so diverse and yet cohesive in presentation that it just captures my heart. I think a really satisfying game could be run of it with the new(ish) Godbound game, which has the benefit of being freely available to anyone who might be interested. We'd depart slightly from the canon of the comic. Players would acquire the godly powers of their words through the chance acquisition of a true key of creation. Something strange has happened in Throne, and naturally, the powers that be will be very interested in seeing these mighty relics returned to their rightful keepers (or deposited into other, shadowy hands).

Anyway, I want to know what people think of both options. Exalted has always had sizable and devoted following here on rpol, but I've had bad experiences with that community here in the past, which honestly makes me somewhat reluctant to run that again. I'm not sure if KSBD has the following necessary to make a game of the setting, though, and the perennial softspot in my heart of Exalted means it is definitely an option.

I don't just want people poking their head in to say, "I'm interested." Bring some substantial ideas to the table about what sorts of settings and plots you'd like to pursue in either game or some wisdom about making either work here on rpol. I don't just need a body count.

I was introduced to KSBD via the Exalted forums. I love the idea. Unfortunately the only Godbound book I have is the free version from DriveThruRPG. Are you proposing the players be the demiurge of their world or another world? Will that world be one of the open ones and thus know about Throne or sealed like Allison's Earth? I personally like the idea of demiurge of sealed gates popping up. ^_^

I have playing Exalted since 1e and I am actually impressed with the changes they made to the canon 3e setting as compared to the 2e one.
This message was last edited by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 16:04, Wed 21 Dec 2016.

In reply to wyrmpuff (msg # 2):

The idea would for players to potentially come from any or all walks of life. Characters from sealed or undiscovered worlds might acquire their key in much the same way as Allison before it drags them to Throne. Others might come from an open world (or even be residents of Throne proper). Something has happened to deliver true keys into the hands (or in this case; heads) of seemingly random individuals. Now they have the power to challenge the status quo, to battle the tyranny of the seven or become tyrants in their own rights. Of course, there are great powers ready and eager to rip those fragments of the divine right out of your skulls . . .

In reply to Norwood (msg # 3):

Will the players be limited to humans or can they play "aliens."

EDIT: Also, does Allison exist in this continuity?
This message was last edited by the user at 09:23, Wed 21 Dec 2016.

Players could be humans, demons, angels, servant races, or any creature from the myriad realms. One of godbound's big advantages is flexibility in character creation. Most games can't handle a setting where the seven overlord (good example of possible player characters) are as varied as they are. I mean, among them are a Dragon, a titanic humanoid, a mass of living worms, and stranger things besides. Godbound doesn't care, though.

Also, this would be a version of reality without Allison. In some ways, it would be akin to the players replacing her (in a loose way).
This message was last edited by the user at 10:38, Wed 21 Dec 2016.

Fantastic. I am interested whichever game you eventually run. I now have a reason to read my Godbound book. ~_^

I've been following KSBDs for a long time and love it!!  I also know Godbound decently well.  Sounds like the best possible GB game :-D

Hi again, Norwood. I don't know KSBD, but I do like playing in your stuff, and I am interested in Godbound!  So, yeah... let me know :D

I'd very much like to try Exalted 3, to put in a word the other way...

I am reading KSBD now XD; hehe. This does look exciting :D
This message was last edited by a moderator, as it was against the forum rules, at 05:24, Thu 22 Dec 2016.

I knew that I had a reason for copy and pasting all of the lore readings that came with the pages of KSBD into a document. Maybe now I'll have a reason to read all of them.

So, hit me like a Mendicant knight who just had their noodle bowl knocked from their hands with information on this game.

(Now let's see what crazy ideas I can get from this massive document of psuedo-religious insanity!)
This message was last edited by the user at 03:44, Sat 24 Dec 2016.

This sounds amazing.
I'd be in for either option.

Exalted 3e did a fantastic job regarding the background and the feel and consistency of the setting.
I would love an empire-building game about the consequences of power, where the choices of the protagonists have grand repercussions on the story.

What turns me away from Exalted 3e is the combat mechanics and sheer number of charms (most of which just increase the amount of successes) is overwhelming, I'm not too keen in adopting the rules.

KSBD's setting if fascinating, but a lot of its charm comes from the visuals; trying to convey the same sensation of alien weirdness in the written form without making it boring would be a super interesting challenge.
What system would we use?
I have been enjoying a lot using Numenera / Cypher System, it is decently simple and flexible, doesn't get too much in the way.

In reply to xarvh (msg # 13):

It's true that Exalted mechanics are pretty granular, but the combat charms do a lot more than just add successes. Still, the system's high level of mechanical knowledge necessary is one of the things that turns me off (at least over the medium of play by post.

Those are valid points about the KSBD setting that would be difficult to capture here, but, fortunately, given that the source material is a web-comic, everyone would have ample material for reference readily available.

As to the system, I would likely use Godbound, as mentioned in the opening post. It's ready made for the sort of stories and powers that a game about demiurges in a vast and varied multiverse would entail.

In reply to Norwood (msg # 14):

The discussion about 3e charms would be long and tedious, but I largely agree with you.
Exalted 3e with a different system would be fantastic.

Never tried Godbound, would be happy to.

Also, I haven't used rpol for years, still messing around with notifications, so I might be late to answer.