Half-Dozen Heroes: Caladon Falls

This is just a go at showing off some character creation options for the Caladon Falls setting for Savage Suzerain. This is NOT official Savage Mojo material, and is just me acting in my capacity as a blogger and not in any capacity with SM. I hope to continue the Half-Dozen Heroes series, within Savage Suzerain and without, visiting other Savage Worlds settings, and even venturing outside of them.

These are not necessarily meant to be super optimized builds...just examples of the characters you can make. Everything used on these characters was drawn from Savage Worlds Deluxe, Savage Suzerain and Caladon Falls. I will provide overviews, but not full mechanics, because you're just going to have to buy the books for those.

Angelus
Heroic (3 advances)

Agility d6
Smarts d8
Spirit d8
Strength d6
Vigor d8

Charisma: -2
Pace: 6
Parry: 5
Toughness: 8/7(2)(1)
Pulse: 25

Hindrances
Evil Spirit (Major)
Pacifist (Minor)
Quirk (Never looks people in the eyes, speaks in the past tense) (Minor)

Edges
Bearer of Ill Omen
Cool As Ice
Elan
Feel My Pain
Indomitable
Information Sponge
Iron Inside
New Power (Armor)
New Power (Divination)
Sighted

Skills
Climb d6
Fighting d6
Investigation d8
Notice d6
Ritual d10
Stealth d6
Streetwise d8
Survival d6
Swim d6

Powers
Armor
Boost/Lower Trait
The Sight

Telesma
Forced Manifestation
Spirit Interaction
Weapon of Spirit

Gear: Hardened Leather Armor (+2/+1), short sword (Str+d6)

Notes: I was one of the IndieGoGo backers for Caladon Falls, and I forgot to provide information for my "character" listing on the inside front cover...so someone listed a character named after my son, who stalks the streets of Vendol (known for its mausoleums), who speaks to the dead...and sometimes makes them speak back.

He not only uses Divination to accomplish this, but also gets an assist from his Telesma. Angelus just refuses to ever give up, showing inner reserves that push him well beyond his abilities at times. His connection to the spirit world causes him to make seemingly bizarre leaps of logic that generally prove to be correct. His dealings with spirits also cause him to only resort to violence as his last resort, and gives him an unsettling demeanor in which he refuses to look people in the eyes and often speaks of them in the past tense.

Thaered Braik
Novice

Agility d6
Smarts d6
Spirit d6
Strength d8
Vigor d8

Charisma: 0
Pace: 6
Parry: 6
Toughness: 6
Pulse: 10

Hindrances
Dragon Kin Recessive (minor)
Overconfident (major)
Poverty (minor)

Edges
Dragon Kin
  Chameleon Skin

Skills
Climbing d4
Fighting d8
Intimidation d8
Survival d6
Taunt d6
Tracking d6

Gear: Long Sword (str+d8)

Notes: Thaered is a Dragon Kin warrior with vestigial wings who has more guts than brains at times, feeling as though his dragon-based heritage makes him tough enough to handle most any situation.

Declan Ferrath
Seasoned (3 Advances)

Agility d8
Smarts d8
Spirit d6
Strength d6
Vigor d6

Charisma: 0
Pace: 6
Parry: 4
Toughness: 6
Pulse: 15

Hindrances
Cautious
Standing Orders (Spy)
Wanted (Major) (various treasonous activities)

Edges
Acrobat
Alertness
Connections
Extraction
House Spy
Nobody

Skills
Fighting d4
Investigation d6
Lockpicking d6
Notice d8
Persuasion d6
Stealth d8
Streetwise d6

Telesma
Protective

Gear: Dagger (Str+d4)

Notes: Declan Ferrath is one of those guys that just blends into the crowd, working as an aide in House Killian. However, he is actually a spy for House Vesper and has been directly responsible for a growing number of setbacks...which would put his life in grave danger if they were ever discovered. Savage Worlds doesn't have a "Secret" Hindrance, or I would have used that in place of Wanted, but I wanted to keep everything as "official" as I could.

Earl Alden Mayhew
Veteran

Agility d6
Smarts d12
Spirit d8
Strength d4
Vigor d4

Charisma: +6
Pace: 6
Parry: 2
Toughness: 4
Pulse: 20

Hindrances
Anemic
Gone Soft (minor)
Small

Edges
Charismatic
Command
House Gift (Vesper - Magpie Mind)
Noble
  Improved: Earl
Pure Strain Human
Strong Willed
Tactician

Intimidation d6
Investigation d6
Knowledge
  Battle d10
Notice d4
Persuasion d6
Streetwise d4
Taunt d8

Telesma
Allure
Psychically Aggressive

Notes: This one was fun. An Earl of House Vesper who is an unfettered genius and a brilliant tactician, but utterly and completely vulnerable in the physical game. His Persuasion is only d6, but has a whopping +7 Charisma due to the influence of his Telesma and his noble lineage.

Darius Langsten
Heroic (2 advances)

Agility d6
Smarts d6
Spirit d10
Strength d8
Vigor d8

Charisma: +1
Pace: 6
Parry: 6
Toughness: 10(3)
Pulse: 25

Hindrances
Fanatic
Heroic
Optimistic (minor)

Edges
Brawny
Charismatic
Crusader
Double Defense
  Improved
Empowered
Hard to Kill
New Power
Rapid Recharge
Sweep

Skill
Faith d12
Fighting d8
Healing d4
Notice d6
Persuasion d10
Riding d6

Powers
Healing
Light
Smite

Telesma
Weapon of Destiny
Weapon of Power
Protective

Gear: Plate Armor

Notes: Darius is a Crusader in the Swords of Trinity whose faith leaves him optimistic...to the point of annoyance at times. Darius no longer carries a sword since his Telesma activated and began speaking to him, as he now summons his sword from out of nowhere and empowers it with energy from the Telesma to do whatever he needs it to.

Gorin
Demigod (2 advances)

Agility d10
Smarts d6
Spirit d6
Strength d10
Vigor d10

Charisma: 0
Pace: 6
Parry: 8
Toughness: 8
Pulse: 35

Hindrances
All Thumbs
Homesick (major)
Rebellious Telesma (minor)

Edges
Fearsome Presence
First Strike
Flight of the Ascendant
Frenzy
Fury (Mastery)
  Claws
  Regenerate
  Transformation
Killer Instinct
Professional
Quick
Quick Assessment
Thick Headed
Trait Perfection (Fighting)

Skills
Boating d4
Climbing d6
Fighting d12+1
Gambling d4
Intimidation d8
Notice d6
Stealth d6
Survival d6
Swimming d6
Tracking d6

Telesma
Protective
Psychically Aggressive
Telesma Radio
Unbounded Adjustment
Vigorous Spirit

Notes: Gorin hasn't seen it all, but he's seen a LOT. He left Relic a long time ago, and has faced off with some of the worst creatures and villains across the multiverse...and all he really wants is to go home. His Telesma tries to push him forward, to do the will of the Gods, but Gorin is growing angrier at it all the time. Gorin has become an impressive fighting machine, who can rattle his opponents into submission before he shreds them with his claws.

Anyway, a half-dozen heroes for Caladon Falls. Is the series worth continuing? Is there anything I should do differently? Do you have any special requests? Any feedback is appreciated.

The Honorable Mentions

After compiling Tommy's Top Six, I did have a few other books that I felt needed special mention, so I'm going to do that here.

In alphabetical order:

Agents of Oblivion by Reality Blurs: This horror-espionage mash-up gives you the tools to run almost anything from James Bond to the X-Files to Men in Black. You can even amp it up further, making the PCs mutant super agents. It even meshes easily with Realms of Cthulhu for as much, or as little, crossover as you like.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: Timing. If I had reviewed this in a separate year than Realms of Cthulhu, this would almost certainly have made it into the Top Six, but I have a "one book per publisher" limit that I impose on the Top Six, and at the end of the day, I feel Realms just brings more to the table.

Caladon Falls by Savage Mojo: Caladon Falls is a fantasy setting/campaign for Suzerain, taking a grittier and more warlike approach than you typically see from fantasy games. In fact, it is largely Band of Brothers meets Lord of the Rings, and it's a very impressive campaign that takes full advantage of the Savage Worlds strengths, namely the ease in PCs commanding NPCs and the Mass Combat rules.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: Timing. Fact is, I had to choose between this and Savage Suzerain and as great as THIS book is, THAT book lays all the framework for the awesome twist on Savage Worlds that is Suzerain.

Hellfrost by Triple Ace Games: One of the coolest (no pun intended) fantasy settings that I was very much "late to the party" for, Hellfrost is a dark fantasy setting for Savage Worlds in a world that is freezing quickly. With some great setting rules and a gorgeous bestiary, Hellfrost won me over nearly as soon as I sprang for my copies.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: Notice that I said "Hellfrost", which isn't a single book, but three books: The Hellfrost Player's Guide, The Hellfrost Gazetteer and the Hellfrost Bestiary. Honestly, I came very close to nominating both the Player's Guide (because the bulk of the setting is right there) and the Bestiary (because I love monster books, and this is a very well done monster book), but I ultimately split the difference and went with the Top Six that you saw on January 1st.

Horror Show by Bedrock Games: Bedrock Games impressed me with Terror Network and Crime Network, their anti-terrorism and mafia RPGs, neither being subject matter I'm particularly enthusiastic about. In 2011 they took their skill based system and applied it to cinematic horror, in a combination that probably shouldn't have worked as well as it did. In fact, Horror Show wound up being a very pleasant surprise for me, a well-researched horror RPG with a tested system and a lot of love behind it.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: The biggest reason is that it is essentially a horror toolkit, and there are horror toolkits out there. It came THISCLOSE to making the Top Six, but I ultimately decided that Ghostories had the more unique hook that would sway someone into trying it even if they already had a go-to horror game, whereas Horror Show seems less likely to sway someone who is already pleased with their horror options.

Part-Time Gods by Third Eye Games: The third corebook by Third Eye Games covers all new territory for the small, but impressive, company: Playing Gods. Sure, this isn't unheard of in RPGs, at all. Where this one is unique from those is that the Gods are still bound to their mortal lives, and have to strike a balance between being Gods and being humans. Utilizing a simplified version of the Dynamic Gaming System to bring the over the top powers of the Gods to life, Part-Time Gods is a worthy addition to the Apocalypse Prevention Inc. and Wu Xing line-ups.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: Part-Time Gods was a HUGE success on Kickstarter, which led to a few top tier donors making it into the back of the book as characters. The "vanity buy-ins" just kind of annoy me. I'd prefer the page count being used for things I'll actually use...but I did only pay cover for the book, while they shelled out more. The other thing was that, for maybe the first time, I read an RPG that has multiple PC "factions" (Theologies in this game) and not one of them really GRABBED me. I can usually find a clan, tribe, group, whatever that "speaks" to me, but not this time. Kinda left me feeling like the White Wolf-esque clan approach worked against the game instead of for it this time.

Smallville High School Yearbook by Margaret Weis Productions: A fantastic resource for not only refocusing your Smallville games for a high school setting, but a great snapshot of "TV American High School". In fact, if you have the extra money and are running any kind of game set in modern American high school and need a refresher on things, I'd recommend picking it up.

WHY IT DIDN'T MAKE THE TOP SIX: In this case, I think the focus was specialized enough that if it were a complete game (like Tough Justice), I would have given it a nod. I couldn't quite do that given that it's a very specific (though well written) sourcebook for another game. Fantastic book, limited in scope, but incredibly useful for that scope.

Weekend News Update

Caladon Falls Still Needs Your Help

Time is drawing near on the Caladon Falls fundraiser, and Savage Mojo still needs your help. A great campaign with a nice twist on standard fantasy that, I think, appeals to the Savage Worlds fans who also like stuff like Warhammer and Dragon Age.


The RPG Blog Alliance


I'm not usually a "joiner", but here I am, a member of the RPG Blog Alliance. After just a couple of days, we are already more than 100 blogs strong, and in addition to hosting a combined RSS Feed, the RPG Blog Alliance has their own centralized set of message boards.

I Have Seen Savage Worlds Deluxe And It Is GOOD.


As part of my work as a freelancer, on such projects as *redacted*  and *redacted*  (both coming soon), I have been allowed a prerelease look at Savage Worlds Deluxe. Honestly, from everything I had heard, I was incredibly skeptical about the need for Savage Worlds Deluxe, but those thoughts disappeared pretty quickly digging into the book. The return of *redacted*  was surprising, but not unexpected, and very welcome. The section on *redacted*  is really great, providing more *redacted*  for players and GMs. As good as it is, the new *redacted* don't quite work for me as well as the old ones do, and I was kinda surprised at the complete removal of *redacted*. It's some really good stuff that will hopefully take Savage Worlds to that next level.


Part-Time Gods Shatters Another Benchmark


Eloy Lasanta's Part-Time Gods kickstarter just keeps on going, breaking the $6,000 mark...astonishing. He's been releasing regular updates over on the Kickstarter page, including art previews.

Development Issues


The Sekrit Projekt I mentioned last week is probably NOT going to be showing up around October after all, especially if I plow ahead with pursuing a commercial license and Pinnacle does approve it. I have been tapping some of my contacts for advice and aid, and I'm ultimately thinking I may need to go back to the drawing board. However, I will get SOMETHING out the door in time for Halloween, regardless.

Postmortem Video Trailers


Ian Warner of Postmortem Studios sent me links to all of these the other day, and while I had seen the Tough Justice one, the rest were new to me...behold, the YouTube trailers for four of Postmortem's games!

Invaderz Pocket Edition

Tough Justice

Agents of SWING

Courtesans

I'm off this weekend, starting a new job on Tuesday...I plan on releasing reviews of Sword Noir, The Path of Kane and MACHO over the weekend, for your reading pleasure. Thanks!

Some End of the Week News

RPGNow Wants To Know About Your Character


I know, right? Well, RPGNow is holding a big honkin' contest with some great prizes for the person that not only impresses the judges, but the voting public. Click on through to check it out.

Pinnacle Gets Into The EBook Business


Pinnacle Entertainment, makers of Savage Worlds, recently announced that they are getting into the eBook business, with fiction lines based on their game worlds, such as 50 Fathoms and Deadlands. They followed that up by blocking my e-mails and phone calls so I couldn't bug them for work.

They were right to do so.

I'm excited about this...as you may recall, I purchased a Nook last year, and ePub is being supported by Pinnacle's new publishing efforts.

War of the Dead Chapter Three Goes On Sale 6/13/11


Daring Entertainment has made the release date official. I am particularly excited about this, because this is my first professional RPG gig (for those who missed the announcement, I was brought on as the editor) and I am gleefully enjoying the twists as turns as much as I know you will. Hurry up and take advantage of those pre-order deals, though...they are a freaking steal.

Next Week, Postmortem Studios Takes Over The Blog


Well, not exactly...but I have reviews lined up for four of Postmortem Studios' games: Chav the Knifing, Bloodsucker the Angst, Tough Justice and Agents of S.W.I.N.G...and I'm planning an e-mail interview with Postmortem Head Honcho James "Grim" Desborough. I'm hoping to have a couple of other reviews in place over the weekend.

Caladon Falls Fundraiser Is Still Going On


Caladon Falls, which I hope to be running online very soon, is getting closer to the end of its fundraiser period, and still has a deficit to make up. Really, if you like Savage Worlds and fantasy at all, I STRONGLY encourage you to chip in. It's not like you don't get anything for it, and it's a tremendous book.


The Part-Time Gods Kickstarter Just Keeps Going


Third Eye Games' Part-Time Gods Kickstarter started strong and just will not stop. Indeed, with 24 days left to go, they have raised more than twice their goal and rising.

Everything's Coming Up Aces


On a personal note, I just landed a new job that I start at the end of the month, and things are falling in place for my Hellrazer webcomic with the amazing Johnnie Johnson. We hope to be in full-swing with it by summer. One way or another, I will have something special lined up for Halloween this year for Savage Worlds fans...I am looking into a commercial release, but am skeptical about being able to meet Pinnacle's licensing requirements...either way, I'm prepping a Savage Worlds horror release that will be available by mid-October, one way or another.

Thanks for reading!
T.

Caladon Falls Kickstarter

Caladon Falls, which I just reviewed over here, is being brought to print via a Kickstarter-like fundraiser on IndieGoGo.

I *highly* enjoyed Caladon Falls (as I have all of the Suzerain products I've had the pleasure of reviewing thus far), and in addition to some nice new Edges and Hindrances, Caladon Falls provides a full plot point campaign that manages to feel like familiar fantasy while also distinguishing itself with a military twist that really takes advantage of the strengths of the Savage Worlds system?

For my part, I plan on at least chipping in $10 (Suzerain Adventure Deck? YES PLEASE)...more if I can do it (because, frankly, the Savage Mojo production values NEED to be seen in print, in my opinion).

So...check it out, support a great company's awesome gameline for (in my opinion) the best game system on the market today, and get stuff for it. Click that IndieGoGo link up top to learn more and kick in a donation.