[Q&A] Nicholas West (Tyrant’s Conquest)

[7:33 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Hey guys, my name is Nick with tyrants conquest. We built tyrants conquest to be a very intuitive customizable game, Where you could build any character you wish. We made several mechanics like channeling (which as far as I know is unique) as well as incorporated old mechanics in unique ways( such as simultaneous rounds and mana based casting)

[7:35 PM] Adavan Skyeson: One of the coolest parts of our system is the ability to make any type of character you wish such as a mage with animal companion. The way that works is our classes (and system as a whole) are divided into tiers, which allows much more organic characters and very flexible power levels for games

[7:35 PM] Adavan Skyeson: (Done) (edited)

[7:35 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Thanks, @Adavan Skyeson! The floor is open to questions!

[7:35 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What can you tell us about the setting?

[7:36 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It actually doesn’t have a setting. When our website is live we will have a background story which will incorporate the backers on our kickstarters story. However our system isn’t tied to a world.

[7:37 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Gotcha.

[7:37 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Do you have a character sheet we can see?

[7:37 PM] Shadow Bob: Given the level of customisation you are suggesting – how quick/long is character creation?

@Dan the GMshoeDo you have a character sheet we can see?[7:38 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Not a very good one. We are still getting the last of our formatting done. I can show you our basic character sheet with a pregen on it but it won’t be pretty.

[7:38 PM] Dan the GMshoe: That’s okay. It’s just for system discussion.

@Shadow BobGiven the level of customisation you are suggesting – how quick/long is character creation?[7:38 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I can create a tier 1 character in about 30 minutes. Most people take about an hour.

[7:39 PM] Shadow Bob: And how many tiers are there?

[7:39 PM] Adavan Skyeson: However one downside of our system is character creation at high levels can be very difficult unless you have a clear image of what you would like (harder than making a lvl 20 in dnd)

[7:40 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Their are 6 tiers of classes (0-5) and 5 tiers of the magics

[7:40 PM] Shadow Bob: 6 tiers of class but 5 of magic? That seems like an interesting design choice?

[7:41 PM] Shadow Bob: Are they linked or separate?

@Shadow Bob6 tiers of class but 5 of magic? That seems like an interesting design choice?[7:41 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Tier 0 of classes is how to not be a peasant essentially and allows a bit of flexibility for the dm. It means you can play a dcc style game or start at level one dnd

[7:41 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Linked mostly the rough power level is the same.

[7:42 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What elements make up a character?

@Dan the GMshoeWhat elements make up a character?[7:42 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I’m not entirely certain what you mean?

[7:42 PM] Shadow Bob: What are your main stats?

[7:43 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Attributes, skills, etc.?

[7:43 PM] Dan the GMshoe: (One of the reason it helps to see a character sheet. )

[7:43 PM] rway218: How is character growth achieved? By points, extra dice…

@Shadow BobWhat are your main stats?[7:43 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Oh that would be strength dexterity constitution willpower perception charisma and intelligence

@Dan the GMshoeAttributes, skills, etc.?[7:44 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Oh so you have attributes talents skills and a handful of non attribute bonuses (such as damage reduction evasion and to hit)

@rway218How is character growth achieved? By points, extra dice…[7:45 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Almost every class has 10 levels every level you will gain something including some amount of hip/skills normally a bonus to mana/evasion or to hit and a class feature or talent

[7:46 PM] Pfrote: How does the system manage noncombat options?

[7:46 PM] Shadow Bob: So with 80 something classes, is there any mixing and matching or is that the variety?

@PfroteHow does the system manage noncombat options?[7:47 PM] Adavan Skyeson: We have critical and exploding dove out of combat with a large range of magic and talents that exclusively deal with out of combat. Also their are some classes that are charisma based

@Shadow BobSo with 80 something classes, is there any mixing and matching or is that the variety?[7:48 PM] Adavan Skyeson: You don’t really have a choice but to mix and match. For example a straight fighter. You would pick a tier 0 warrior tier 1 soldier tier 2 veteran tier 3 two weapon specialist tier 4 two weapon master

[7:48 PM] Shadow Bob: So the options are different at different tiers?

@Shadow BobSo with 80 something classes, is there any mixing and matching or is that the variety?[7:48 PM] Adavan Skyeson: And that’s a simple fighter theirs nothing stopping you from taking a charisma class a trapper a mage or anything else really

[7:48 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What is the task resolution mechanic?

@Shadow BobSo the options are different at different tiers?[7:49 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Kind of. Once you hit level ten in a tier you cant continue. And they do specialize the higher up you go. (edited)

@Dan the GMshoeWhat is the task resolution mechanic?[7:50 PM] Adavan Skyeson: For all rolls it is: roll a d100 add all applicable numbers and compare it to the tn if you went over you succeed. This works for skills and combat. The only exception is Damage

[7:51 PM] Shadow Bob: So is the TN in combat a static value on enemies or opposed by a roll?

@Shadow BobSo is the TN in combat a static value on enemies or opposed by a roll?[7:52 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It’s a static value against their evasion. You can use talents or specific action to make it an active roll but that’s a little later

[7:52 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Using tn really allows our simultaneous rounds shine

[7:53 PM] Shadow Bob: So how do the simultaneous rounds work?

[7:53 PM] Pfrote: If evasion is used as the hit mechanic, what value does heavy armor provide? Damage reduction?

@Shadow BobSo how do the simultaneous rounds work?[7:54 PM] Adavan Skyeson: In combat is the primary time it is used. Essentially all actions are considered simultaneous and after declaring the actions the gm will tell people the tn to hit.

@PfroteIf evasion is used as the hit mechanic, what value does heavy armor provide? Damage reduction?[7:55 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Yes

[7:55 PM] Shadow Bob: So is position important in combat? Would you recommend map or theatre of the mind?

@Shadow BobSo is position important in combat? Would you recommend map or theatre of the mind?[7:56 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Position can be important as team work is vital. Every class archetype plays very differently with different strengths and weaknesses. We tried very hard to make sure that their were no dump stats

@Shadow BobSo is position important in combat? Would you recommend map or theatre of the mind?[7:57 PM] Adavan Skyeson: We haven’t found in playtesting that it’s made a huge difference between using minis or theater of the mind

[7:58 PM] Shadow Bob: Can you explain how position effects your play?

[7:58 PM] Dan the GMshoe: How is damage determined in combat? (e.g., is it random? Fixed?)

@Shadow BobCan you explain how position effects your play?[8:00 PM] Adavan Skyeson: So mages and channelers have a lot of control spells forcing you to love or preventing movement where positions and terrain can change everything. Teamwork is probably more important than pure positioning however

[8:00 PM] Pfrote: Is magic casting an instantaneous act or a time spending act?

@Dan the GMshoeHow is damage determined in combat? (e.g., is it random? Fixed?)[8:01 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It depends on the weapon we have a very robust weapon creation. Weapons deal 1 or 2 d10 damage plus modifiers

@PfroteIs magic casting an instantaneous act or a time spending act?[8:01 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It takes time. Mages can normally cast something for 1-2 ap while channelers have to gather the energy then cast

[8:02 PM] Shadow Bob: So what’s your action system?

@Shadow BobSo what’s your action system?[8:03 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Thank you so much. You get ap pending on your xp (mostly tier based) you start with 3 and can end with 10 at the fight god level.

@Shadow BobSo what’s your action system?[8:03 PM] Adavan Skyeson: This allows summons to not break action economy and gives us a pretty good ability to expand that. It’s part of the reason the core book includes 31 creatures and an entire chapte on how to make your own

[8:05 PM] Squatch: Did you guys create your own creatures or just used ones from existing mythologies?

[8:05 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Does degree of success matter in task resolution?

@SquatchDid you guys create your own creatures or just used ones from existing mythologies?[8:06 PM] Adavan Skyeson: A bit of both. We made 7-9 of our own that are a mashup of existing things. However we also included the basics like horses, zombies, and fey. (edited)

@Dan the GMshoeDoes degree of success matter in task resolution?[8:06 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Yes you can crit in skills if you get 50 over the tn (though a talent called savant lowers that threshold to 35 in that specific skill)

[8:07 PM] Dan the GMshoe: (My brain read that as “zombie horses”.)2

@Dan the GMshoe(My brain read that as “zombie horses”.)[8:07 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I’ll add commas lol1

[8:08 PM] Shadow Bob: So what are the standard AP costs for things if you have 3-10 a round?

[8:08 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What effects do criticals have in combat?

@Shadow BobSo what are the standard AP costs for things if you have 3-10 a round?[8:09 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Rounds are 5 seconds. Standard ap really changes pending on the action. running takes 3 ap. Attacks take 1 ap but require attacks available. Spells are hugely variable.

[8:10 PM] Shadow Bob: Do you have a walk?

@Dan the GMshoeWhat effects do criticals have in combat?[8:10 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Simply multiple damage for every 50 over the tn increase the multiplier by 1 (so tn 100, a total of 150 would multiply damage by 2, 200 would multiply by 3 etc)1

@Shadow BobDo you have a walk?[8:10 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Yes that’s 1 ap and a jog that’s 2 ap

[8:12 PM] Shadow Bob: If it’s all simultaneous action, does everyone do the same APs at the same time?

@Shadow BobIf it’s all simultaneous action, does everyone do the same APs at the same time?[8:13 PM] Adavan Skyeson: No often two peoples turns will be completely different. In the case of a conflict the person with the higher initiative from the start of combat will go first.

[8:14 PM] Shadow Bob: And initiative is based on your core stats not actions?

@Shadow BobAnd initiative is based on your core stats not actions?[8:15 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It’s based off weapon speed dexterity and a d10 (if you get 10 higher than they do you get a free round

[8:16 PM] Squatch: Are d10s all that’s used?

[8:16 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Can you say a bit about magic? How many varieties are there, for example?

@SquatchAre d10s all that’s used?[8:17 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Technically percentile and d10(s) but yes

@Dan the GMshoeCan you say a bit about magic? How many varieties are there, for example?[8:20 PM] Adavan Skyeson: So we have 12 schools of magic and 3 channeling The schools of magic are keyworded so a sheild of fire will be fire battle which means either fire or battle schools can take it Their is 6 elements (air earth fire water light and void) and 6 non elemental (rune battle illusion necromancy conjuration and evocation) You can take multiple schools at a time.

@Dan the GMshoeCan you say a bit about magic? How many varieties are there, for example?[8:22 PM] Adavan Skyeson: The 3 paths of channeling are nature divine and essence. They channel their belief in either nature god or themselves to make things happen. Nature channelers are excellent survivalist getting food/ shelter animal companions and a lot of nasty vine traps. Divine are excellent aoe buffers/debuffers though they can smite and heal Essence are solely self oriented however they can increase their speed number of ap attack power etc

[8:23 PM] Shadow Bob: Is there anywhere to watch an example of play?

[8:23 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Are the 12 schools and the 3 channeling methods separate? Or do magicians choose one method of channeling and one school?

@Shadow BobIs there anywhere to watch an example of play?[8:24 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Next Tuesday we will have that available. We will be posting it on our YouTube and sending an update through Kickstarter/Facebook1

[8:24 PM] Dan the GMshoe: (brb)

@Dan the GMshoeAre the 12 schools and the 3 channeling methods separate? Or do magicians choose one method of channeling and one school?[8:24 PM] Adavan Skyeson: They are completely separate. We eventually removed the rule but originally you had to pick one of the paths or magic you couldn’t be multiple.

[8:25 PM] Shadow Bob: So is there an advantage to focussing on a narrower selection?

@Shadow BobSo is there an advantage to focussing on a narrower selection?[8:26 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I mean the inherent advantage of specializing with the weaknesses that come with it. On the one hand you’ll be the best at whatever youve focused on. However you won’t have external abilities if you need them. You aren’t penalized for multiclassing.

[8:27 PM] Dan the GMshoe: (back)

[8:28 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What are the limitations on spellcasting? Spells per day? Magic points? Fatigue?

@Dan the GMshoeWhat are the limitations on spellcasting? Spells per day? Magic points? Fatigue?[8:29 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Mages have a much wider array of spells at their disposal however they only have a certain amount of mana a day. Channelers can go all day but tend to be a little more restricted in their abilities For example mages have 3 distinct way to heal but divine and essence have one specific way a piece

[8:30 PM] Squatch: When it comes to the customization is it a tree system such as you much have A before you can have B or just pick whatever off of a list?

@SquatchWhen it comes to the customization is it a tree system such as you much have A before you can have B or just pick whatever off of a list?[8:31 PM] Adavan Skyeson: At the highest tier you have requirements, you can’t be an archmage without learning x number of schools or mana. However at lower tiers it’s pretty free flowing

[8:33 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Can you give some examples of what magic can accomplish on the high end of the power scale?

@Dan the GMshoeCan you give some examples of what magic can accomplish on the high end of the power scale?[8:36 PM] Adavan Skyeson: So at tier 5 mage you have volcanic flow which deals 10 d100 damage per round and locks your feet with a tn 130 save every round the damage reduces 1d100 but the tn increases by 20. You also have the illusion spell that allows you to be a puppet master (illusion is easily the most evil school in our system) Nature Channeling can bind themselves to a tree granting them immortality. Accrue energy for 5 consecutive turns and use it all in the blink of an eye Divine channeling can speak with god and requests things.

[8:36 PM] Adavan Skyeson: At tier 5 assassins deal an insane amount of precision strike damage. And warriors are masters of physical combat

[8:37 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Oh command in our system actually grants free movement bonus to hit and or saves

[8:37 PM] Squatch: With numbers such as 10d100 what kind of range are we looking at for stats and such1

[8:39 PM] Adavan Skyeson: So at after rolling your stats will be between 20-40 however you can distribute 3 plus tens. It’s not terribly unreasonable to get over 100 in a stat. We suggest making sure that you stay balanced just because a lot of magic and channeling targets specific stats

[8:40 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Do the abilities of non-magicians keep up with the magicians?

[8:40 PM] Squatch: Can my high level kickboxer give a 10d100 boot to the head?

@Dan the GMshoeDo the abilities of non-magicians keep up with the magicians?[8:40 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Yes absolutely. Warriors can deal between 300-500 damage per attack and can easily hit 10 attacks a round Assassins can precision strike at x 40

@SquatchCan my high level kickboxer give a 10d100 boot to the head?[8:41 PM] Adavan Skyeson: No but he can have a free round and throw 10 d10 + damage modifier attacks and then do it again the next round. Not to mention all the nasty pinning grappling distracting stuff

[8:42 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What races are available to play?

[8:42 PM] Squatch: Awesome, too many games have casters be gods at high level while the martial classes are just meh

[8:42 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Winged elf Minotaur dwarf human and saurian

@SquatchAwesome, too many games have casters be gods at high level while the martial classes are just meh[8:43 PM] Adavan Skyeson: We actively avoided that arguably the assassin is the strongest in straight numbers but they have to get the perfect situation

[8:45 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Elves have wings?

[8:45 PM] Adavan Skyeson: At tier 5 we threw gave people the ability to make insane characters, we honestly don’t expect people to play there very long or often. But if you want to fight gods by god here’s how

@Dan the GMshoeElves have wings?[8:45 PM] Adavan Skyeson: In our system yes. They take fatigue if they fly too long but yes. Fatigue in our system is also how non lethal damage works so it is pretty nasty

[8:47 PM] Squatch: How is health done? Hit point system or something different?

@SquatchHow is health done? Hit point system or something different?[8:48 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Hit points. You gain some every level

[8:50 PM] Dan the GMshoe: I’m a big fan of dwarves. What are yours like?

[8:51 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Short 2

@Dan the GMshoeI’m a big fan of dwarves. What are yours like?[8:52 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Dwarves in our system are robust gaining a plus 30 tn to resist poison and disease as well as a constitution buff

[8:54 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Were you inspired at all by Rolemaster?

@Dan the GMshoeWere you inspired at all by Rolemaster?[8:56 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Role master was before my time however I heard so much of it that I feel like I had to be inspired by tha. However when I finally got my hands on rolemaster I was honestly disappointed I felt like the charts interrupted gameplay more than they helped it along. Our system isn’t similar to it other than a worldless system that uses d100 and skills

[8:58 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Fair enough. I was just wondering because roll-over d100 systems seem fairly rare.

@Dan the GMshoeFair enough. I was just wondering because roll-over d100 systems seem fairly rare.[9:00 PM] Adavan Skyeson: They are. We used it because it allows to expand and gives us plenty of room to customize. Especially with the way are classes are set up it isn’t really possibly to use a d20 systems. It also helped us a lot with our scifi rules that we are working on

[9:01 PM] Dan the GMshoe: What is your gaming history?

@Dan the GMshoeWhat is your gaming history?[9:02 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Dillettante lol

@Dan the GMshoeWhat is your gaming history?[9:04 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I started with dnd 2.0. Since then I’ve played 3.5 and 5 as well as path/ star finder. I’ve played dark heresy pretty heavily and played one shots of dozens of rpgs. I also wargame pretty often. Only thing I don’t do anymore is mtg that stuff is dangerous.

[9:06 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Would you say that the majority of games you’ve enjoyed have been class-based?

@Dan the GMshoeWould you say that the majority of games you’ve enjoyed have been class-based?[9:08 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Not really. Actually the only game I’m in currently (only war) is functionally classless. The games workshop rpgs I’ve played the most have been; here’s a class, now go spend xp however you want. However I really enjoyed dnd 2nd and 3.5 which is obviously a class system (edited)

[9:10 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Remind me of how many classes you have, again?

@Dan the GMshoeRemind me of how many classes you have, again?[9:10 PM] Adavan Skyeson: 81 spread across six tiers

[9:11 PM] Dan the GMshoe: That’s pretty impressive!

[9:12 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Do you have any personal favorites?

@Dan the GMshoeDo you have any personal favorites?[9:13 PM] Adavan Skyeson: I like the 3 commander classes because I like how our system makes command more useful than just a skill. But honestly I like the divine class because I like my characters having a near death experience and becoming religious(can’t tell you how many characters have had that treatment)

[9:15 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Is this the start of a game line, and if so, what’s next?

@Dan the GMshoeIs this the start of a game line, and if so, what’s next?[9:17 PM] Adavan Skyeson: It is. Our next two books are a tome of existence that will be 50% creatures and 50% templates to add to those monsters. And a secrets of the arcane to explain how to create magic items and how to get external powers (think warlocks dnd clerics and inventors) A little more distant down the pipeline is a modern book that uses the same base rules

[9:18 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Theirs also been some banter about a war and politics book so you can build baronies have advanced politics (beyond basic skills / talents you actually hVe full blown maneuvers and encounters based around charisma)1

[9:21 PM] Dan the GMshoe: In the time remaining, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?

[9:22 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Honestly I cant think of anything. I’m happy that we got to have this time and answer a ton of questions.

[9:23 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Fair enough!

[9:23 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Thanks very much for joining us, @Adavan Skyeson!

[9:23 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Thanks as well to those of you who showed up for this Q&A!

[9:23 PM] Adavan Skyeson: Thank you for having me. I’ll see you guys again

[9:24 PM] Dan the GMshoe: I hope you all have enjoyed your visit and will continue hanging out with us.

[9:24 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Usual reminder: If you’ve enjoyed this Q&A and would like to treat me to a coffee or two, you can do so at https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe. Anything’s appreciated! Ko-fiBuy Dan Davenport a Coffee. ko-fi.com/gmshoeBecome a supporter of Dan Davenport today! ❤️ Ko-fi lets you support the creators you love with no fees on donations.

[9:24 PM] Dan the GMshoe: Now, if you’ll give me a minute, I’ll get the log posted and link you!