Chaos & Catacombs

[threedeesix]

As there has been lots of talk about D&D style campaigns using the BRP rules of late I thought I would come forward with my project for Chaosium.

Back in November I submitted a proposal for a BRP supplement to be called Hack-n-Slash. This was to be a spoof/parody of classic RPG campaigns, specifically D&D. Well, after not hearing back for a few months, I pretty much gave up on the idea when six weeks ago I got the go ahead from Dustin.
The first thing I did was find out Hack-n-Slash has been used so I ran a bunch of “classic sounding” names by my group and settled on Chaos & Catacombs: Adventures in Hack-n-Slash.

The game is based heavily on some stuff I wrote to continue our old D&D campaign while playtesting BRP. And while firmly a parody, is also a cleverly disguised D&D style RPG with conversions of all the classic classes and monsters, while keeping the freedom of the BRP game system.

As of right now, I have finished the first draft of…

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Characters
Chapter 3: Skills
Chapter 4: Powers
Chapter 6: Combat
Chapter 11: Creatures (to be finished this weekend)

I have converted the alignment system over to the allegiance system, added a detailed miniatures combat system, a clerical spell system which is a variant of the magic system and conversions of “classic” spells like magic missile.

I have had loads of fun writing it, at times laughing so hard tears came to my eyes as I visualized what I had written.

I hope to be looking for playtesters soon.

What follows is a brief introduction to the game.

Rod

What is Chaos & Catacombs?
Remember the good old days of role playing? Remember when character background was the color of your character sheet and not a four page short story. Remember when there were no mamby-pamby point buy methods? Instead you rolled the dice and took what you got… then you wined about it until your GM let you roll again?

Well its 1982, it’s Friday night, and you’ve gathered with your friends in your parents basement after a long week of High School. Sure, you could be at a party with a beer in your hand and a girl on your lap, but this is so much better. Your about to kick open some doors and kill some unsuspecting monsters. In these younger days of role playing, what eight orcs are doing in a 10’x10’ room is less important than what their treasure rating is, and rescuing the beautiful princess isn’t something you do because its morally right, but because of the 1000 gold piece reward, plus the chance of a little hanky panky cant be ignored either.

So, rip open the Cheetos and pass out the Mountain Dew. It’s time to play some Chaos & Catacombs.

Note: The makers of Chaos & Catacombs do not condone the attending of parties, the drinking of alcohol or practice premarital sex.

[threedeesix]

Oh, and I know I wrote wined instead of whined, but thats how I would have written it in 1982. ;-)

[Trifletraxor]

Cool! I'll update the news section promptly!

SGL.

[badcat]

Too bad you choose to make it a parody. A serious game along those (simulate D&D with BRP) I would snap up multiple copies of. A parody? DOA.

[Shaira]

Sounds an absolute blast - congrats Rod! Are there gonna be tons of cartoon-like illos? I remember back in the Good Ole Days (tm) all the "funnies" from the DMG (well, I *was* twelve... being able to dress myself was a major achievement in those days... )... plus the "Troll Jokes" from Wyrms Footnotes... there's an ancient and honorable tradition to follow!

My big question of course is whether the tiny girl with the unfeasibly ample chainmail bikini will actually be able to continue wielding the six-foot greatsword day in day out with no signs of fatigue or - perish the thought! - muscle development? Inquiring minds with too much time on their hands want to know!

Plus, of course, are go going to include creature stats for that critical adventurer sidekick-cum-pet, the Lert?

Chalk me up for a copy.

Cheers!

Sarah

[PK Games]

Sounds fun. Sign me up when you need test players.

[nightlamp]

I'm interested. This sounds like a perfect vehicle for introducing my current Castles & Crusades group to the joys of BRP. "Hey guys, how about instead of C&C we play some C&C tonight?"

Originally Posted by badcat

Too bad you choose to make it a parody. A serious game along those (simulate D&D with BRP) I would snap up multiple copies of. A parody? DOA.

I think the humor/parody factor would depend more on the mindset of the individual group. Sort of like Hackmaster, another RPG that can be played "seriously" despite its parodic origins...

[CruelDespot]

Originally Posted by badcat

Too bad you choose to make it a parody. A serious game along those (simulate D&D with BRP) I would snap up multiple copies of. A parody? DOA.

Boo to your undermining, Badcat! Go, Threedeesix!

[threedeesix]

Originally Posted by nightlamp

I'm interested. This sounds like a perfect vehicle for introducing my current Castles & Crusades group to the joys of BRP. "Hey guys, how about instead of C&C we play some C&C tonight?"



I think the humor/parody factor would depend more on the mindset of the individual group. Sort of like Hackmaster, another RPG that can be played "seriously" despite its parodic origins...

When I run it I run it serious and did all through the playtest of BRP. The parody aspect is a good way to use all the good stuff without the joy of a lawsuit or being accused of ripping off D&D. Also, when reading a new rulebook I like to laugh, and hopefully I succeed at making a few others laugh as well.

But for the most part, there are NO silly spells, NO silly classes and NO silly monsters (except some had to get name changes to avoid copyright, enter the Peeping Sphere).

And I'm really proud of my optional chainmail bikini rule complete with Wardrobe Malfunction Table.

Rod

[Trifletraxor]

Originally Posted by threedeesix

And I'm really proud of my optional chainmail bikini rule complete with Wardrobe Malfunction Table.

Rod

Hehehehehehehe!!!!

SGL.