GM Tip: Use Google Earth

More game mastering tips!

Today's tip is to use Google Earth. When role-playing it can be incredibly useful to have real-world maps and Google Earth supplies those easily. Watch the video to learn how I've used it and how you can, too.

Tabletop: Star Wars X-Wing Game

Not an RPG, but looks like a cool game. Plus the video is entertaining and fun.

Anyway, Star Wars is a bit of an obsession for me.

Game Geeks Reviews Savage Worlds: Fantasy and Horror Companions

Just checking out Savage Worlds books, so I thought I'd share this video.

The Lost Valley, Session 2 - Savage Worlds RPG

My friends and I gathered for another session of the Lost Valley campaign using the Savage Worlds RPG rules.

All of the original cast returned plus we had two new additions:

Daneth Orichar - The Prince of Atlantis (Played by Andy) Based on the Mage Archetype

Andy's own description:

Appearance: Tall, slim, and with a proud bearing. He wears a speedo made of scales for modesty but prefers to be otherwise unclothed.

Background: I was born rightful heir to the greatest civilization the world has ever known: Atlantis. I was given everything I wanted as I as I grew, made to believe that I was the most important person in the kingdom, perhaps the whole world. Everything I wanted was granted to me, and I became arrogant and stubborn.

But Atlantis was recently destroyed and I only narrowly escaped. I knew that many of my people had colonized in the Lost Valley, but the leader of the colony is a usurper and must face judgement. I came here to claim my own, but quickly realized it would take time and unfortunately allies.

Personality: He expects everything to be done for him and given to him. It is obvious that he is nobility and everyone should respect that fact, regardless of race. He may fight when pressed, but he would prefer to allow those of lower bearing to take care of things like that. Unless the foe is truly magnificent, in which case he would be first into the fray.

Notes: I made two of my spells specifically linked to my heritage: the Royal Scales and the Mark of Royalty. I was thinking they are a kind of proof that I am from the line of heirs as only they are given magical training or something like that.

All I carry are a trident and a conch shell that hangs on a golden chain around my neck (which I use to unleash my burst spell).

Ty-Rus Jurm - Loyal Atlantean Soldier (Played by Greg) Based on the Fighter, Great Weapon Archetype

Ty-Rus is older, but still a powerful warrior. He lived in the colony in the Lost Valley happily until a rumor surfaced that the heir of the throne had arrived. He heard that the prince escaped from the city, so he went searching for him. Now, he has found his lord and is committed to putting him on the throne.

He wields a giant trident made from coral and carries a short sword made from a shell.

The Adventure

The two Atlanteans stumbled into our heroes' camp and cause quite a stir. I quickly set the stage. Then, I had everyone draw an Interlude card. (This is becoming a favorite device of mine.)

After some great stories, I had two T-Rexs attack the camp. (I know not very inventive, but I still don't know the system very well. I wanted to get combat done before we get into awesome drama and I drop the ball.)

Mr. Donnelly nearly dropped the huge bull with one incredible shot from his Spencer, but fell just shy of the damage needed.

What followed was about two and a half hours of our heroes missing the beasts over and over again. Mr. Donnelly was severely wounded, in fact he was very close to death.

Finally, Daneth felled the female dinosaur with a spell. Then, Ayla finished off the bull with her spear.

When combat ended, Dr. Douglas tended to Mr. Donnelly. Following a couple rolls that aced multiple times, Mr. Donnelly was miraculously healed.

Daneth revealed he knows the way out of the valley, but will only share it if our heroes help him reclaim his throne first. After a bit of an argument, they agreed to help.

I had everyone draw Interlude cards and we had another story time.

Daneth told the story of his greatest love. Once while swimming he beheld a creature of unmatched beauty. He tried to capture it. He swam after for days. When he caught it, he realized that it was a mirror fish and that he had been seeing himself all along.

Impressions

I'm enjoying the Savage Worlds system more and more. Drawing cards for initiative is quite good and lends excitement to the game.

I'm looking forward to more adventures!

Make a D&D Gelatinous Cube - The DM's Craft Video

I've never really role-played with figures. But, after watching this video, I want to!

Some really great tips and tricks for your Dungeons and Dragons or Pathfinder games.

Investments System for FASA Star Trek Role-Playing Game

Ok, this is rough.

I've been trying to design an economic system for FASA's Star Trek for about 30 years. Nothing really works well.

Feel free to use or add this as you see fit. Oh, you'll need to add to it, because it's nowhere near finished.

Investments

If a character receives credits they can purchase property and businesses. Investments can be made to improve the annual profit.

Land/Properties

Half of the planet Taylor’s World – 1,500,000
                Annual Profit: 200,000

1,000 acres on Kramar – 80,000
                Annual Profit: 10,000

12,000 acres on Rigel IV – 200,000
                Annual Profit: 50,000

1,000,000 acres on Arbazan – 2,000,000
                Annual Profit: 300,000

50 acres on Earth – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 100,000

Space station in orbit around the planet Drayma – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 150,000

Small office building on Earth – 5,000,000
                Annual Profit: 250,000

Medium size office building on Earth – 10,000,000
                Annual Profit: 1,500,000

Large office building on Earth – 15,000,000
                Annual Profit: 4,000,000

Small house on Earth – 100,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 50,000

Medium size house on Earth – 500,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 100,000

Large house on Earth – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit (if rented out): 200,000

Small office building on Xelatia – 100,000
                Annual Profit: 25,000

Medium size office building on New Paris – 1,000,000
                Annual Profit: 200,000

Large office building on Yaraka – 5,000,000
                Annual Profit: 1,000,000

Businesses

Bar on Starbase 54 – 50,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 100,000
11-30 – 70,000
31-50 – 50,000
51-80 – 25,000
81-100 – Loss: 10,000

Restaurant on Earth – 150,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 300,000
11-30 – 225,000
31-50 – 150,000
51-80 – 75,000
81-100 – Loss: 50,000

Bar on Celes – 25,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 50,000
11-30 – 40,000
31-50 – 25,000
51-80 – 10,000
81-100 – Loss: 5,000

Software Company (offices on Argolis and Earth) – 400,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 800,000
11-30 – 600,000
31-50 – 400,000
51-80 – 100,000
81-100 – Loss: 80,000

Textile Company (factory on Taibor) – 100,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 200,000
11-30 – 150,000
31-50 – 100,000
51-80 – 50,000
81-100 – Loss: 40,000

Gold Mine on Mazar – 2,000,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 4,000,000
11-30 – 3,000,000
31-50 – 2,000,000
51-80 – 1,000,000
81-100 – Loss: 800,000

Computer Component Company (office on Betazed) – 50,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 100,000
11-30 – 70,000
31-50 – 50,000
51-80 – 25,000
81-100 – Loss: 30,000

Advertising Company (office on Dakala) – 150,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 300,000
11-30 – 225,000
31-50 – 150,000
51-80 – 75,000
81-100 – Loss: 50,000

Freightliner Company (offices on Mars, Andoria and Vulcan) – 1,000,000
Annual Profit:
1-10 – 2,000,000
11-30 – 150,000
31-50 – 1,000,000
51-80 – 250,000
81-100 – Loss: 150,000

12 Star Systems for a Jedi Campaign

Jedi Campaign

It has been a dream of mine for years. Ever since I bought the Star Wars role-playing game put out by West Ends Games, I have wanted to do this.

So at last, I'm GMing a massive Jedi campaign.

Creative Challenges

Balancing eight players is never easy. Plus creating engaging worlds and plots that do not cross the main Star Wars, but only use it as a backdrop, is ever harder.

I created 12 systems for my players to explore. (Of course, the systems play a part in the characters' backgrounds.)


The Systems of Grand Moff Havacal Varro

Kesheedaal System – Six planets, four habitable. System under Moff Braganti Xim

Kesheedaal I – Lifeless rock

Kesheedaal II – A barren world, with the ruins of several huge ancient cities. Archaeologists regularly studied the ruins in years past, but since the coming of the Empire no teams have recently investigated them. Now, the ruins are haunts of castoffs and looters. Pop. ???

Kesheedaal III – Government Seat, the surface is uninhabitable so the great cities are all underground in a massive cave system. Forests of light-giving trees grow in the cave system. Pop. 1 Billion

Kesheedaal IV – A dense jungle world with many strange plants and animals. Ten years ago Grand Moff Varro began (in earnest) reaping the bounty of this world. There several large mills, harvesting and processing camps. Most of the raw materials are ferried off world immediately. Pop. 1,000,000

Kesheedaal V – A glacier-covered world that provides fresh water for many worlds. Large bulk cruisers often are seen mining the thick ice. No permanent population.

Kesheedaal VI – Gas Giant – 46 moons - 16 are being mined


Roodra System – Seven planets, all habitable. The system is controlled by Glorm the Hutt.

Roodra I – A miner’s heaven, it is rich in several types of ore. Glorm runs a huge mining operation with slave labor and grows even fatter off the profits. No indigenous population. Pop. 100,000,000

Roodra II – Grave World, the entire surface is covered with the tombs and mausoleums of some ancient race’s nobles. Glorm’s agents and other fortune hunters plunder the graves for gems and artifacts. Pop. ???

Roodra III – A lush world populated by small, but strong, porcupine-like humanoids. Glorm has slavers active on the planet since the inhabitants make great miners. Slaver camps dot the surface to round up the stone-age beings. Pop. ???

Roodra IV – Glorm’s Seat of Power, highly urbanized, with casinos, racetracks, bars, and gladiatorial arenas being the main industries. Many come to partake in Glorm’s debauched hospitality. It is widely believed that Glorm has some deal with the Grand Moff. It is even rumored they have met on occasion. Pop. 3 Billion

Roodra V – A harsh world that has become the base of operations for several smuggling and pirate bands. Pop. ???

Roodra VI – Originally a farming world, but it languishes under the shadow of Glorm and the Empire now. Farmers must turn over their crops to Glorm and the Grand Moff. Very few are happy. Only one spaceport. Pop. 300,000,000

Roodra VII – Plague World, at one time was the seat of government but 40 years ago a plague stuck, visitors can now go to the surface with breath masks but the planet is a post-apocalyptic mess. People are sure Glorm exploits the situation, but nothing is well known. Pop. 500,000,000


Mandusdor System – Five planets, three habitable. System under Moff Linora Teeb

Mandusdor I – Government Seat, this is a small world where mineral resources are plentiful. Mining outposts and small villages dot the surface. Pop. 400,000,000

Mandusdor II – Dense, poisonous atmosphere - Lifeless

Mandusdor III – A highly urbanized and thriving trade world. Like Istanbul on a planetary scale. The Empire is here, but this planet is ruled by several large trade guilds. Pop. 12 Billion

Mandusdor IV – Gas Giant – 81 moons – 24 are being mined

Mandusdor V – An ice-covered, unpopulated world. The Grand Moff has yet to exploit this world.


Corgocant System – Four planets, 2 habitable. System under Moff Sephi Koda

Corgocant I – Lifeless fireball

Corgocant II – Government Seat, a highly urbanized monsoon-soaked world that has become a financial hub. A popular place for hiding assets and stockpiling cash, so many banks and corporations operate from here. Pop. 11 Billion

Corgocant III – A cool temperate world, rich in natural energy sources. It has seen a boom recently of factories moving in, mostly replusorlift parts and vehicle production plus lots of ore processing. Pop. 2 Billion

Asteroid Belt – Tens of thousands of claims being mined, big corps to single-craft prospectors.

Corgocant IV – Lifeless ice ball


Bothusbah System* – Five planets, all habitable. System under Moff Morastus Rin

Bothusbah I – Government Seat, a world rich in natural resources, much like Alaska. This is a recent colony, less than five years old. Pop. 25,000,000

Bothusbah II – This world is rich in mineral resources. It is now being mined heavily, though the colony is less than five years old. Pop. 32,000,000

Bothusbah III – A pleasant and hospitable world populated by a race of pre-space flight beings that are very bird-like. The Grand Moff has enslaved them and is now exporting them as labor. Pop. ???

Bothusbah IV – Subjected to a full-scale orbital bombardment five years ago. This once pleasant world ruled this system in peace for millennia; this is, until the Grand Moff wanted it for its resources. The home planet of Kalinor Rook. Pop. ???

Bothusbah V – A spectacular world of crystal forests. The Grand Moff is mining them. Mining camps now dot the surface. Pop. 14,000,000


Varvilbah System – Ten planets, six habitable. System under Moff Bronwyn Talus

Varvilbah I – Lifeless rock

Varvilbah II – Government Seat, a harsh world that is home to a large Imperial military complex. There are several large bases that many troops and ships operate out of. Pop. ???

Varvilbah III – A rich farming world. Pop. 4 Billion

Varvilbah IV – A planet covered in immense orchards of different kinds of fruit trees. Pop. 5 Billion

Varvilbah V – An extremely fertile farming world. Pop. 3 Billion

Varvilbah VI – A vibrant trading hub with many torn loyalties. Imagine Casablanca, 1941. Trading guilds, the Empire, neutral and even Rebel underground factions pull the population in different ways. The goods from the surrounding planets are shipped here and sold. Pop. 9 Billion

Varvilbah VII – Gas Giant – 74 moons – 51 are being mined

Varvilbah VIII – Gas Giant – 49 moons – 15 are being mined

Varvilbah IX – A huge world that produces a large abundance of natural textiles. Pop. 6 Billion

Varvilbah X – Lifeless block of ice


Tranticant System – Seven planets, three habitable. System under Moff Kraspen Rey

Tranticant I – Lifeless rock

Tranticant II – Tempest atmosphere - Lifeless

Tranticant III – Government Seat, an administration hub for the rule of the Grand Moff’s systems as well as the headquarters for several huge corporations. Pop. 12 Billion

Tranticant IV – An academic world which is home to many colleges and universities. Pop. 5 Billion

Tranticant V – Gas Giant – Tabana Gas Mining Station – “Yasinda” Pop. 247,000

Tranticant VI – An entertainment world of some renown. Concerts halls, casinos and restaurants dominate the industries. Pop. 7 Billion

Tranticant VII – Gas Giant – 78 moons – 34 being mined


Gamalore System* - Eleven planets, seven habitable. System under Moff Solari Danes

Gamalore I – Lifeless fireball

Gamalore II – Poisonous atmosphere - Lifeless

Gamalore III – A factory world known for artificial textiles. Pop. 2 Billion

Gamalore IV – Agricultural world. Pop. 3 Billion

Gamalore V – A water world with floating cities that reap the bounty of the ocean. Pop. 5 Billion

Gamalore VI – Large lifeless planetoid – No atmosphere

Gamalore VII – A park-like world considered sacred by many of the clans of Gamalore, but not by the Grand Moff. Rumors swirl, but no hard proof has emerged because visitation to the world is restricted. Pop. ???

Gamalore VIII – Government Seat. A member of the Republic for countless generations this world is ruled by warrior clans. Now, it is firmly under the control of the Grand Moff. Home planet of Syrrek "Lightbringer" Wol'Flohrn. Pop. 9 Billion

Gamalore IX – A thriving trade world. Think Amsterdam of centuries past. Large merchant fleets are based here and come and go with treasures from afar. Pop. 14 Billion

Gamalore X – A harsh world recently colonized. Some miners and ice farmers have moved in and others are homesteading. The Grand Moff is giving away land claims, or so it is rumored. Pop. 1,000,000

Gamalore XI – Gas Giant – 42 moons – 12 are being mined


Naustdra System – Six planets, two habitable. System under Moff Daemora Vassic

Naustdra I – Lifeless rock

Naustdra II – Lifeless rock

Naustdra III – Lifeless fireball

Naustdra IV – Huge factories cover the surface of this cloudy world. Industry ranges from Imperial blaster carbines to engine parts for bulk cruisers. Pop. 2 Billion

Naustdra V – Government Seat, a water world with underwater cities. Even the spaceports are underwater. Pop. 8 Billion

Naustdra VI – Lifeless ice ball – being mined by a droid station on the surface


Enustbah System – Seven planets, two habitable. System under Moff Asori Shan

Enustbah I – Lifeless fireball

Enustbah II – Lifeless rock

Enustbah III – A pleasant world, home to a fierce iron-age people that live in city states. Grand Moff Varro maintains a slave camp to export some of the hardy folk, but hasn't turned his full attention here – yet. Pop. ???

Enustbah IV – Poisonous atmosphere – Lifeless – Orbital Mining Station “Artora” is the Government Seat, droids mine Xylas and other crystals from the surface. Pop. 385,000

Asteroid Belt – Very little mining, a few hundred claims issues

Enustbah V – Volcanic maelstrom - Lifeless

Enustbah VI – This world is an ocean of grass. No indigenous population, but there is a large amount of animal life. Grand Moff Varro and some of his friends maintain huge hunting lodges on the surface. Pop. ???

Enustbah VII – Gas Giant – 87 moons – 14 are being mined


Besorine System – Six planets, five habitable. System under Moff Brutus Volsh

Besorine I – Recently opened colony. The Grand Moff is having the planet mined at a relentless pace. Pop. 25,000,000

Besorine II – A pleasant world with large cities plus a huge agricultural industry. Grand Moff Varro has been trying to reshape the world into a factory world. The result has created large slums of former farm workers. The home planet of Roman Startiller. Pop. 6 Billion

Besorine III – A world covered in the Toska bean plant. The cultivation the Toska plant has been practiced here for more than a thousand generations. It is said to be the home planet of the plant and that it produces only the best beans. The beans, after some simple processing, produce a dark liquid that is considered a delicacy. Many throughout the galaxy have acquired a taste for the drink called, Toskine. Large farms called, Houses, control much of the land though there are many small farms. The Grand Moff enjoys the lucrative trade the planet provides, but enjoys the rarest and choicest of the Toskine more or so it is said. Pop. 8 Billion.

Besorine IV – A Wild West trading hub for the Toska bean. Large consortiums control the Toska trade and farmers and shippers spend their new found wealth on ill-advised pursuits. Pop. 10 Billion

Besorine V – Government Seat, a service world that has exploded in development in the last decade. The main industries are legal services, research and education. It is the headquarters of several huge corporations and is quickly becoming an administrative center for the Grand Moff’s rule. Pop. 13 Billion

Besorine VI – Lifeless ice ball


Albrinloth System – Eight planets, six habitable. System under Grand Moff Havacal Varro

Albrinloth I – Lifeless fireball

Albrinloth II – A world of alchemists that produces a wide variety of spices. Pop. 4 Billion

Albrinloth III – Government Seat, an ancient world of huge cities and stunning old-world beauty. The Great Jedi Houses of Landstrider, Flametender, Skyblade, Riftrunner and Ringwielder spring from this world and were loyal to the royal family. Now, they are gone, murdered or chased away when the Grand Moff made his power move. The Royal Family of Aratan is gone as well. Most were butchered by the Grand Moff or more skillfully gotten rid of to clear the way for the Empire. Pop. 24 Billion

Albrinloth IV – A world of ancient universities and colleges. Pop. 10 Billion

Albrinloth V – A thriving trade world that is highly urbanized. Think Hong Kong on a planetary scale. Powerful guilds control the trade, but they answer to Grand Moff Varro. Pop. 42 Billion

Albrinloth VI – A large military industrial complex. Pop. 11 Billion

Albrinloth VII – Home to large hospitals and medical research faculties. Key medicines are produced here as well. Pop. 12 Billion

Albrinloth VIII – Lifeless ice ball


*These systems have only recently come under the rule of Grand Moff Havacal Varro.