[1:02 PM]SimonW: i’m Simon W, the designer of BoL
[1:02 PM]vincentbasset: Hello everyone. I’m Vincent Basset, from France, and I run a (very) small RPG publising house, éditions Ludospherik.
[1:03 PM]SimonW: done
[1:04 PM]vincentbasset: In 2018, We published a French Translation of “Barbarians of Lemuria” (aka BoL), a sword-and-sorcery game written by Simon Washbourne
[1:04 PM]vincentbasset: Then we decided to publish supplements for the game, in French (3 books now).
[1:04 PM]vincentbasset: Done (I think)
[1:05 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Thanks, gents! The floor is open to questions!
[1:05 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Can you give us an overview of the game’s setting?
[1:05 PM]vincentbasset: I let Simon answer that onoe
[1:08 PM]SimonW: It’s a future Earth, after mankind has fallen to barbarism. The land is full of untamed jungles, lost ruins, and strange creatures – many similar to dinosaurs, but also some highly unusual races.
[1:08 PM]SimonW: Most unusual of which are the headless Kalukan
[1:08 PM]SimonW: done
[1:09 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Do you describe what caused mankind’s fall?
[1:11 PM]SimonW: Yes. Although Lemuria (and its fall) are well described,, the book doesn’t go to an immense level of detail… it’s design is more to enable GMs to put their own slant on it, using the details in the book as a base
[1:11 PM]SimonW: done
[1:12 PM]First Age: I gather there is to be a new edition? The art and layout I have seen so far looks fantastic! Will there be other changes to the new edition? Mechanical rule changes or additions to the setting?
[1:12 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What (if anything) is left of civilization and its technology?
[1:13 PM]vincentbasset: Yes, we are working on a new edition, with the layout and artwork of the French version. And with the translation of the French adventure books, too.
[1:14 PM]vincentbasset: The idea is not to have big changes on the game rules, but it will have small additions.
[1:15 PM]SimonW: Its so far into the future that technology is all but lost. Certain characters, called Alchemists can replicate some of the “science” of the ancients and there are rules for crafting devices and machines
[1:15 PM]SimonW: done
[1:15 PM]vincentbasset: The supplements are adding to the setting, though. For example, the first book, called Lemurian Chronicles, offers 5 aventures ready to play, but is also describing the Khanat, a Northen region of the continent that was not described in the rulebook
[1:16 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Does magic exist, and if so, how common is it and how powerful can it get?
[1:17 PM]First Age: When is the new edition estimated to be ready?
[1:18 PM]vincentbasset: Tricky question First Age
[1:19 PM]vincentbasset: We are currently working on it, but mainly working on the printing/distribution solution.
[1:19 PM]vincentbasset: It’s long to find the better way to lunch this new edition, but I’d say that we hope to be able to release it by the end of the year.
[1:20 PM]vincentbasset: *launch
[1:20 PM]vincentbasset: (and maybe sooner…)
[1:20 PM]First Age: I look forward to fine dining for next Christmas!
[1:21 PM]vincentbasset:
[1:21 PM]SimonW: The Sorcerer-Kings (kind of a reptilian race) ruled the world for centuries whilst mankind was clawing up from barbarism. They had magic, which certain sorcerers can learn and use. The rules are fairly freeform but with clear guidance and examples. Magicians can carry out menial magic (cantrips) easily but to do great magic requires the caster to find rare ingredients, obtain lost scrolls and carry out the ritual at the right alignment of the stars. Magicians are usually unpleasant and usually NPCs.
[1:21 PM]SimonW: done
[1:22 PM]First Age: Is there any fan support you would find helpful during this year, as the new edition is in production?
[1:22 PM]First Age: (other than running the game at conventions!)
[1:24 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Are the PCs all human?
[1:24 PM]vincentbasset: Well, that’s very kind of you. I’d say helping us communicate on the game. We don’t really have an international communication network. Bol has a great fan base, though
[1:25 PM]SimonW: There are no dwarves or elves. Most are human, but there are a few other races (the aforementioned Kalukan and Blue Giants) that the GM may allow
[1:26 PM]SimonW: The cover of one of the French books gives you a good idea of the Kalukan
[1:26 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Wow. Those a creepy.
[1:27 PM]SimonW: They aren’t your typical fantasy race
[1:27 PM]SimonW: done
@SimonWThe cover of one of the French books gives you a good idea of the Kalukan[1:27 PM]First Age: I have this one in English?
[1:27 PM]Dan the GMshoe: That really is great artwork, too.
[1:28 PM]vincentbasset: One precision : all the artwork (cover and interior) is from Emmanuel Roudier, a very talented artist (who is also, the author of the prehistorical game – translated in English – Würm.
[1:29 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Ah, yes. I’m familiar with that one.
[1:29 PM]First Age: For those that might wish, will there be an opportunity to write for the game in the future?
[1:29 PM]vincentbasset: @ First Age : yes, this first adventure book is already translated in English, available for now on Drivethru. But it’ll become printed (not in POD) with the rest of the bookline.1
[1:30 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What is the adventure about?
@First AgeFor those that might wish, will there be an opportunity to write for the game in the future?[1:31 PM]vincentbasset: Who knows… Not in the beginning, though, as we have a lot of content (3 books ; the fourth is on its tracks)
@vincentbassetWho knows… Not in the beginning, though, as we have a lot of content (3 books ; the fourth is on its tracks)[1:31 PM]First Age: We’ll just have to play it then… (and write our own stuff).
@Dan the GMshoeWhat is the adventure about?[1:32 PM]vincentbasset: Lemurian Chronicles contains 5 adventures, but one offers to play pregenerated characters… the guys on the cover
[1:32 PM]First Age: Is there any plan to develop an SRD for BoL, or is that more related to the Everywhen development?
@vincentbassetLemurian Chronicles contains 5 adventures, but one offers to play pregenerated characters… the guys on the cover [1:33 PM]Dan the GMshoe: I’ll have to keep an eye out for that!
[1:34 PM]vincentbasset: An SRD, I don’t know, but Simon has already permit a lot of people using the BoL system for different settings and adaptations, and why not keeping it that way?
[1:35 PM]vincentbasset: So we’ll have to discuss that point, Simon
[1:35 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How large is the game’s bestiary, and how likely is the average person to have seen something supernatural?
[1:36 PM]vincentbasset: I let Simon answer, but one precision :
[1:38 PM]vincentbasset: the core rulebook is an all-in : you have all the rules, a bestiary, an overview of the Lemuria, and 5 adventures (plus a lot of adventure seeds, rules for ship-to-ship battles, etc.)
[1:38 PM]vincentbasset: In one book, you have everything you need to play1
[1:39 PM]SimonW: There’s 46 creatures in the bestiary, with rules for designing your own. There are also the “Bloodless” (undead) and Demons – with rules for creating your own.
[1:41 PM]First Age: Will there be a high definition map of the Lemurian and new lands? I’m thinking about large scale printing for gaming table backdrop?
@Dan the GMshoeHow large is the game’s bestiary, and how likely is the average person to have seen something supernatural?[1:41 PM]SimonW: Don’t know really. It’s up to the GM, I guess. Most ordinary people will have heard of “monsters” in the jungle, mountains, hills etc. but probably won’t have seen them. They aren’t adventurers after all.(edited)
[1:42 PM]Dan the GMshoe: About what percentage of the creatures in the bestiary are dinosuars of some description?
@First AgeWill there be a high definition map of the Lemurian and new lands? I’m thinking about large scale printing for gaming table backdrop?[1:42 PM]vincentbasset: I take note ! Seems possible, yes
[1:43 PM]First Age: Will the adventures be made available digitally and prepared for VTTs? My preference is Foundry, but Roll20 and others..?
[1:43 PM]First Age: (Assets, maps, tokens, journal entries etc)
@First AgeWill the adventures be made available digitally and prepared for VTTs? My preference is Foundry, but Roll20 and others..?[1:44 PM]vincentbasset: Yes, We’re thinking of it, too.
@Dan the GMshoeAbout what percentage of the creatures in the bestiary are dinosuars of some description?[1:44 PM]SimonW: Maybe about 30%
[1:45 PM]SimonW: Or 40% (edited)
[1:45 PM]First Age: (I feel like I am asking a lot of technical questions, I am actually just excited to get my hands on the new edition and play!)1
[1:45 PM]vincentbasset: We’re here to answer all questions, as much as we can!
[1:47 PM]vincentbasset: Lemurian Chronicles is already available on Fantasy Grounds. And the BoL system is available on Foundry… but in French
[1:47 PM]Dan the GMshoe: You mentioned ruins earlier. Are they the ruins of contemporary civilization, or are the they ruins of civilizations that rose and fell since that time?
[1:48 PM]Manu Roudier: Hi everyone ! Juste droping by to say hello
[1:48 PM]vincentbasset: Here is the illlustrator !
@Dan the GMshoeYou mentioned ruins earlier. Are they the ruins of contemporary civilization, or are the they ruins of civilizations that rose and fell since that time?[1:48 PM]SimonW: Ruins of many ages in the past. All described succinctly within the core rulebook. Just enough detail to work with but not too much to stifle the GM
[1:48 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Ah! Glad you could join us, @Manu Roudier! I’ve been admiring your work!1
@vincentbassetLemurian Chronicles is already available on Fantasy Grounds. And the BoL system is available on Foundry… but in French[1:49 PM]First Age: I’m literally just looking at the Foundry page for it now. I’d love to see an English translation. I’m prepared to do the work to put the assets in to Foundry, but a good looking base system would be great.
[1:49 PM]vincentbasset: It’s definetly in our plans !
[1:50 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What is the highest level of civilization that currently exists in the setting?
[1:51 PM]Manu Roudier: (Thanks Dan ! I just love working of Barbarians of Lemuria – for though it’s supposed to be in a far distant future, much of the outdoors really looks like primal prehistoric wilderness !)
@Dan the GMshoeWhat is the highest level of civilization that currently exists in the setting?[1:53 PM]SimonW: Its a stone-age-ancient-dark-ages going into early medieval civilization (depending on where you are from). There are sky-boats though (created by a famous alchemist)
[1:53 PM]vincentbasset: ON our website : https://www.ludospherik-editions.com/barbarians-of-lemuria/#bol if you click on the cover of the books, you’ll have an overview of the first pages. If you want to have an idea of the look.Ludospherik EditionsJamesBarbarians of Lemuria – Ludospherik EditionsLIBÉREZ LE BARBARE QUI SOMMEILLE EN VOUS ! Arpentez les jungles de Qush infestées de prédateurs, écumez les mers en compagnie des féroces pirates de l’île du Crâne, perdez-vous dans les souks d’Halakh la cité des assassins, explorez les tombeaux des antiques Rois-Sorciers… En Lémurie, il y a toujours un trésor à piller, une princesse […]
[1:54 PM]vincentbasset: (interior artwork is all black & white. An artistic choice, because of the Sword & Sorcery theme)
@SimonWIts a stone-age-ancient-dark-ages going into early medieval civilization (depending on where you are from). There are sky-boats though (created by a famous alchemist)[1:56 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Sky-boats, you say? What are they like?
[1:56 PM]vincentbasset: And there is an English page, where you could subscribe to a newsletter dedicated to this new English edition, if you want to stay informed about the release of the book.(edited)
[1:59 PM]SimonW: Kinda like “liftwood” in Space 1889; except these use lighter-than-air metal in their hulls. They’re screw-powered. They’re pretty small at the moment (about the length of a large rowing boat), but who knows what new designes will come (maybe in a future adventure?)
[2:00 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What powers the screws?
[2:01 PM]vincentbasset: Who knows… It could be the subject of a whole adventure…
@Dan the GMshoeWhat powers the screws?[2:02 PM]SimonW: The crew
[2:03 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Ah, I see.
[2:03 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Do you have a character sheet that we can see?
[2:05 PM]Dan the GMshoe: This is some form of attribute + skill system, I believe?
[2:06 PM]vincentbasset: Yes, but with no skills. Each character has four careers which represent his background and knowledge
@vincentbassetClick to see attachment[2:06 PM]First Age: Lovely sheet. Is there a form fillable version? (I can use something to get neat sheets without this, but it would be easier).
[2:07 PM]vincentbasset: Basically, you add an attribute and a career to do a Task Roll
[2:08 PM]vincentbasset: 2d6 when you have to obtain 9+ to succeed
[2:09 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What are the minimum and maximum attribute scores for humans?
[2:09 PM]vincentbasset: At character creation, you have four points to allocate to attributes, to combat abilities, and in careers (max 4, min -1)
[2:11 PM]vincentbasset: Each career gives you an overall idea of your skills: for example, a sailor will be able to pilot a boat, to use rope, maybe to navigate with the stars, to fish, etc.
[2:12 PM]vincentbasset: If he doing relevant to one of his careers, he can add the rank in that career to his Task Roll.
[2:13 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Does the system include critical successes and failures?
[2:14 PM]vincentbasset: yes. double 6 is a critical success; double 1 a critical failure
[2:15 PM]vincentbasset: And your Hero has also 5 Hero points, which can be used to different things : add an element to a scene, avoid immediate death, or delivering a particularly powerful blow in combat.
[2:16 PM]vincentbasset: Characters are named Heroes for a good reason : there are above the average, experienced aventurers/warriors
[2:17 PM]vincentbasset: @ First Age : you can download for free the character sheet on Drivethru (on Ludospherik page)
[2:18 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How does combat work?
[2:20 PM]SimonW: The system is very popular and, as Vincent said earlier it has inspired others to design their own games using the system: Heroes of Hellas, Dicey Tales, Honor & Intrigue and Dogs of WAR are a few. Also, its been translated not only into FRench but also German, Portuguese and Catalan (!).
[2:20 PM]vincentbasset: agility + melee/ranged, you subtract the defence of the opponent : on a result of 9+, you hit.
[2:22 PM]vincentbasset: weapon are dealing 1d6 damage (for two-handed weapon you roll 2 dice and keep the best; for dagger you roll 2 dice and keep the worse) , you add your strengh
[2:23 PM]vincentbasset: an average Hero has 10 to 12 lifeblood (hit points)
[2:23 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How do careers affect combat?
[2:24 PM]vincentbasset: it’s mainly up to the players and GM
[2:24 PM]vincentbasset: you can let a Hero having a punctual bonus in combat with a career
[2:25 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What is a punctual bonus?
[2:25 PM]vincentbasset: for example, if you’re assassin, and you surprise your opponent, the GM may authorise you to add your assassin rank to damage
[2:26 PM]vincentbasset: a one time bonus
[2:26 PM]vincentbasset: not at all the combat round
[2:27 PM]vincentbasset: it’s great because it is really free, and players are using their imagination to describe their attack (and convince the GM to let them having their career rank as a bonus)
[2:28 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Ah, I see. Otherwise, it would seem that combat-oriented careers would be a bit of a waste.
[2:29 PM]vincentbasset: And it works for all situations : for example, a player who had the career beggar, asked to have his career rank as a bonus to resist a poison (“you see, I used to leave in the streets, I developed a strong resistance to everything”)(edited)
[2:31 PM]vincentbasset: Combat-oriented careers are also give you an idea of your skills : a soldier will know a lot of things on the military (of his city and others cities, too), will maybe know to ride, why not to tend a wound, etc.
[2:33 PM]vincentbasset: it’s freeform and open to your imagination (but always at the GM discretion, of course)
[2:34 PM]Dan the GMshoe: (brb)
[2:43 PM]Dan the GMshoe: (Sorry, letting the dogs out.)
[2:43 PM]vincentbasset:
[2:44 PM]First Age: I have asked all my questions, and would like to thank you all for the opportunity.
[2:44 PM]vincentbasset: Thank you First Age !1
[2:45 PM]vincentbasset: it was nice to meet you!1
[2:45 PM]Dan the GMshoe: (back!)
[2:45 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Thanks for stopping by, @First Age! You’re always welcome here!
[2:46 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How competent would you say starting PCs are?
[2:46 PM]vincentbasset: difficult to say. Pretty much. Simon?
[2:47 PM]vincentbasset: they are above average-ordinary men and women
[2:47 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What do the stats look like for a large dinosaur, and does the system include a scaling mechanic?
[2:48 PM]vincentbasset: and capable of real exploits thanks to their Hero points
[2:48 PM]SimonW: Sorry I need to go
[2:49 PM]vincentbasset: Thank you Simon. They’ll have to do with my answers alone
[2:49 PM]Dan the GMshoe: No worries, @SimonW! Thanks so much for joining us!
[2:49 PM]vincentbasset: no scaling mechanic. THe bigger dinosaur could have 50 lifeblood
[2:50 PM]vincentbasset: and attacks inflicting d6 x 3
[2:50 PM]vincentbasset: so very dangerous, even for Heroes
[2:51 PM]Dan the GMshoe: nods
[2:51 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How does the magic system work?
[2:52 PM]vincentbasset: it’s a freeform system. No spell lists, only general indications. Magicians have power points to cast their spells, but, as Simon said, magic is dark and dangerous (Sowrd and Sorcery style), and corrupting
[2:53 PM]vincentbasset: it’s not D&D magic
[2:53 PM]Dan the GMshoe: How does the corruption aspect work?
[2:54 PM]vincentbasset: the more rank in magician career who have, the more flaws you have to take (I forgot : characters can also have boons and/or flaws, which basically give a bonus or a penalty die to certain actions)
[2:55 PM]vincentbasset: and it’s roleplaying-related, too. Sorcerers are dangerous individuals, feared and sometimes hunted.
[2:56 PM]vincentbasset: they are more the ennemies of the PCs than their allies, in a way (even if it is possible to play a magician);
[2:56 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Cool.
[2:57 PM]Dan the GMshoe: In the time remaining, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?
[2:57 PM]vincentbasset: Let me see…
[2:58 PM]vincentbasset: So, our intention is to release a new edition of BoL, the rulebook, along with our books (translated from French) to offer a whole bookline :
[2:59 PM]vincentbasset: two adventure books, with additions to background and 5 adventures ; and a whole campaign (called a Saga in BoL)
[3:00 PM]vincentbasset: So, players will have 15 adventures and a campaign.
[3:00 PM]vincentbasset: Enough materail to play for a long time! (we’ll not relase all the books at the same time, of course)
[3:01 PM]Dan the GMshoe: To what degree will your edition of BoL differ from the Legendary Edition?
[3:02 PM]vincentbasset: Our edition is based on the Mythic edition, which differ not that much from the Legendary (people knowing BoL from the legendary will not be lost), but still it is an updated and improved edition
[3:03 PM]vincentbasset: A best version, in my opinion, and more complete in term of bestiary, universe, and so on
[3:03 PM]Dan the GMshoe: I see. Very nice.
[3:03 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Thanks so much for joining us, @SimonW and @vincentbasset!
[3:03 PM]vincentbasset: Thank you very much for having us!
[3:04 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.
[3:04 PM]Dan the GMshoe: If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll get the log posted and link you!
[3:04 PM]vincentbasset: Sure ! thanks again
M