Suggestions in helping me start my (Castles &) Crusade

[Jacopo Mott]

Hi all-

I made the leap (in my mind at least) on working to get my group out of the funk we find ourselves in 4E and taking the dive into running my first campaign. I have always been interested in C&C and it has appealed to me for a variety of reasons.

Anyway, before I lay down some cash to get started, I wanted to get some opinions on products I should get or might need. Here is kind of what I am thinking, I would love to get some feedback.

Core:

Players Handbook

Monsters & Treasure

Castle Keeper's Screens

Character Sheets

Campaign Setting:

After Winter's Dark

Codex of Erde - any value in getting this? I see them for very cheap right now in various locations.

Modules:

Thinking of starting with the Blacktooth Ridge series as they seem SO well reviewed and offer lots of interesting starting points. But I am open to suggestions.

Assault on Black Tooth Ridge

Return to Black Tooth Ridge

Back to Black Tooth Ridge

Slag Heap

Not sure how all of those fit together, but if someone wants to offer a running order, I would certainly take suggestions.

If there is another module series that lends itself to first time CK's or players, I would like to hear suggestions.

I also wanted to ask opinions of these products from the stand point of useful references:

Yggsburgh trips a big "gotta have it cause it is so kewl" button for me. Seems like it would be just a flat out great reference for other cities or to pull NPC's or templates of NPC's from. Thoughts?

Class Options and Skills - get this now to start with the new campaign or dip my fit in before tinkering.

Other suggestions? I see there is a fold out map of Aihrde available too.

Thanks for taking a newbie under your wing and suggesting some starting points.

-Jacopo

[MithrilKnight]

I can't offer much specific advice because I just "made the leap" to C&C myself. But take a look at the Troll Lord 12 days of Christmas sales deals (Day No. 8 if I'm remembering correctly.) Good way to get everything your gaming group would need in terms of PHBs and an M&T and CK screen. (And there's nice deals on modules and other stuff, too.)
http://www.trolllord.com/12days_of_xmas.html

I've picked up a good chunk of the C&C modules and I'm excited to run them. But I'm most excited about C&C because I can easily convert all the stuff I bought for the Scarred Lands setting. The thought of taking the plot hooks and turning them into full fledge adventures in 3.5e or 4e feeling flat -- too much work.

[Omote]

Welcome JM.

The core stuff you mentioned above is, well core. With the exception of the character sheets, and perhaps the CK Screen, you don't need much else to get into the game. Though, the CK Screen is very cool and comes with a short adventure module.

The Aihrde (Erde) stuff is a good world to base your adventures in for sure. And the module series you mention is based in this world anyway. As for the Codex of Erde, there is a great amount of information in that book, but it is for 3E, and some critical thinking will need to be put into it to line it up with the informatiomn presented in the Airhde Folio. Personally, I'd just hit up the Aihrde Folio, but if you want even more specific world info, the Codex is the place to be.

Yggsburgh is great, especially if you like a more traditional take on your fantasy RPGing. Of course Yggsburgh was written by the Master himself, and is quite simply, masterful. Can't comment on Class Options & Skills from Yggs, because they are not my cup of tea.

Welcome to the forums, and more importantly, welcome to the Crusade.

-O
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Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

[Jacopo Mott]

Thanks for the reply. And especially the link for Troll Lord's Twelve Days of Christmas Sale. I had to read carefully to see that the Trolls sales is slightly different then the RPGnow sale I was looking at.

It looks like I can get a lot of the material in print at a good deal through the Trolls sight and pick up some small stragglers from RPGnow.

Thanks for the welcome Omote. How different in flavor is the Aihrde world from where Yggsburgh? Is it radically different? (And no, I am not asking where to place Yggsburgh in Aihrde).

Looking forward to the new year, a bunch of new rpg products, and some good times with my group.

-Jacopo

[gideon_thorne]

Jacopo Mott wrote:
Thanks for the welcome Omote. How different in flavor is the Aihrde world from where Yggsburgh? Is it radically different? (And no, I am not asking where to place Yggsburgh in Aihrde).

Yes. I'd say so. Yggsburgh is very early renaissance, while Aihrde is more Germanic, Norse, post Ragnark flavor.
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"We'll go out through the kitchen!" Tanis Half-Elven

Peter Bradley

[Treebore]

Check out the links that still work at
www.cncplayer.net

I would just check out the various house rules to help you figure out what you would like your C&C to be.

Yeah, C&C has "rules", but they are a base line from which you alter to fit your tastes as precisely as you wish. The best way to get an idea to just how versatile the SIEGE is take the time to read through others house rules. The variety of rules will not only show you how stable the SIEGE is even when modified, but will help you get your creativity going.

My house rules are posted in the "On line" forums, first post in my Tuesday game thread.

My rules may read like I have adapted 3E feats to my game, but I really haven't. Its a disguised way I used to clue my 3E players into how much the SIEGE system allows their PC's to try to do.

As for getting started, the PH, M&T, and Assault on Blacktooth Ridge with the freebie downloads on the TLG site will get you off to a strong start.
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Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

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[Buttmonkey]

I'd skip the character sheets, personally. I've never found a character sheet that I really liked. It's easier (and cheaper!) to just get out a sheet of notebook paper and start writing.

I disagree with Omote somewhat about the Codex of Erde. Yes, it is/was a 3E product, but it is almost all campaign world fluff with very little 3E crunch. That doesn't mean it's superior to the After Winter's Dark Folio (which I don't have), but don't be scared of the Codex because it was a 3E product.

[Tadhg]

Jacopo Mott wrote:
Hi all-

Modules:

Thinking of starting with the Blacktooth Ridge series as they seem SO well reviewed and offer lots of interesting starting points. But I am open to suggestions.

Assault on Black Tooth Ridge

Return to Black Tooth Ridge

Back to Black Tooth Ridge

Slag Heap

Not sure how all of those fit together, but if someone wants to offer a running order, I would certainly take suggestions.

If there is another module series that lends itself to first time CK's or players, I would like to hear suggestions.

Howdy and welcome.

You might want to download the free C&C module The Rising Knight.

The "A" series . . follows a PC level pattern. A1 = levels 1 to 2, A2 = levels 2-4 and so on.

The Rising Knight is a good starting module, IMO. I ran it and then Assault and it worked great.

Enjoy!

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[Omote]

Jacopo Mott wrote:
How different in flavor is the Aihrde world from where Yggsburgh? Is it radically different? (And no, I am not asking where to place Yggsburgh in Aihrde).

Yeah, ultimately Aihrde is different in tone, but as CK you can alter that how you need. As Gideon has said, the Germanic feel to the game is supposed to be strong and is what play off of most with this setting to make it memorable. Post Ragnarok... I like that. It's a good tag line to sell the setting. Very nice. *golf clap*

-O
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> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

[Jacopo Mott]

Thanks for all the useful information!

The Xmas sales is getting better and better for new players entering the system for the first time, it will be a big boon for me getting my group to join in.

Treebore - thanks for the cncplayer website. There was so much info from the various websites that was useful. A ton of great house rules stuff, players classes, races, and more. That was a fantastic help, I really appreciate it. It is clear that the SIEGE system is the bare bones of the game and that you are encouraged to add/change/delete rules or ideas as you and your players see fit.

Plus there were more than enough Character Sheet downloads to go around.

I picked up the Codex of Erde as it was so cheap with much of the D20 product stuff going away. So even if it is fluff material it will add some flavor to player travel around Airhde.

And thanks for tone distinction between Airhde and Yggsburgh.

I did download the Rising Knight as a precursor to the A series modules and it seems a good starting point and I like the module overall. It seems a bit heavy on monsters in some encounters and I worry that it might overwhelm the PC's, but I suppose there is a learning curve to be had in all things.

I noticed mention of Banished and Blight (A6) on the website, it may even be on the Anvil. But I only saw passing mention of The Shattered Horn (A5). Is it available or is it coming soon? Does anyone have some information on that one?

Thanks again for all the help.

-Jacopo

[Jacopo Mott]

Thanks for all the useful information!

The Xmas sale is getting better and better for new players, it will be a big boon for me getting my group to join in.

Treebore - thanks for the cncplayer website. There was so much info from the various websites that was useful. A ton of great house rules stuff, players classes, races, and more. That was a fantastic help, I really appreciate it. It is clear that the SIEGE system is the bare bones of the game and that you are encouraged to add/change/delete rules or ideas as you and your players see fit.

Plus there were more than enough Character Sheet downloads to go around.

I picked up the Codex of Erde as it was so cheap with much of the D20 product stuff going away. So even if it is just fluff material it will add some flavor to player travel around Airhde.

And thanks for tone distinction between Airhde and Yggsburgh.

I did download the Rising Knight as a precursor to the A series modules and it seems a good starting point and I like the module overall. It seems a bit heavy on monsters in some encounters and I worry that it might overwhelm the PC's, but I suppose there is a learning curve to be had in all things.

I noticed mention of Banished and Blight (A6) on the website, it may even be on the Anvil. But I only saw passing mention of The Shattered Horn (A5). Is it available or is it coming soon? Does anyone have some information on that one? I don't see it available for purchase or download.

Thanks again for all the help.

-Jacopo

[anglefish]

Except for the lack of one class's chart, I can't repeat about how helpful the screen is. With the game so simple, you'll have pretty much what you need to run the game (except for spells) from the screen alone.

[seskis281]

A5 is or should be going out this week or the next, I believe, from what Steve said.
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Ilshara: Lands of Exile:
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High Squire of the C&C Society
www.cncsociety.org

[cleaverthepit]

Get the free stuff first

LOL

Steve wopuld kill me for suggesting that LOL

anyway the Rising knight and CnC starter pack - or whatever it is. Thats a good leaping off point. if u like it or the style go for the A1 and assocaited adventures (on rognow), and PHB. (I think, though can't say for sure) all the monster info you'll need is in the mods.

If still liking it, get MT and screens (ambuiance info)

then airhde and a few more mods.

[Jacopo Mott]

seskis281 wrote:
A5 is or should be going out this week or the next, I believe, from what Steve said.

Yeah my holiday order is hung up on A5 right now so I hope it comes in soon. I have been checking the board for the official word that it has arrived, but I haven't caught anything yet.

-Jacopo

[Jacopo Mott]

Timing is everything!

My order arrived while I was posting my angst...TLG FTW!

Off to immerse myself for a few days and start planning my campaign!

Thanks for all the suggestions again.

-Jacopo

[Banesfinger]

Jacopo Mott wrote:
...working to get my group out of the funk we find ourselves in 4E and taking the dive into running my first campaign. I have always been interested in C&C and it has appealed to me for a variety of reasons.

Sorry to mooch off of Jacopo's post, but our group finds itself in the exact same situation.

We have a noob question as well:

I see the Player's handbook - 3rd printing is availible. However, I have read a few posts mentioning the 4th printing. Should I wait (when will it be released, what are the differences, etc)?

[serleran]

Errata additions and some changes, apparently, to the barbarian, monk, and illusionist classes. Not sure when it will be released. Oh, and some art changes.... notably the cover.
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[gideon_thorne]

Banesfinger wrote:
Sorry to mooch off of Jacopo's post, but our group finds itself in the exact same situation.

We have a noob question as well:

I see the Player's handbook - 3rd printing is availible. However, I have read a few posts mentioning the 4th printing. Should I wait (when will it be released, what are the differences, etc)?

The date of release hasn't been determined yet.

The differences have to do with errata clean up, a few fixes on a couple of classes, and some new art, layout and cover design.

You really won't be missing anything major if you pick up the 3rd printing.
_________________
"We'll go out through the kitchen!" Tanis Half-Elven

Peter Bradley

[Treebore]

Actually I believe there is a release date in the on line catalogue, which is May. Yep, just confirmed availability of the 4th printing is MAy. Of course with the Trolls it is best if we fans treat that as a rough estimate. For example they say May of 2009, we should estimate that to mean it will come out some time between May of 2009 to May of 2011.
Even though they have been better about this over the last 18 moths. They usually miss their release dates by only 4 months recently. With Crusader and modules they have only been off by a month or two. When they have been late. They have actually been on time.
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[Banesfinger]

Thanks for all the information! It is great.

While exploring the world of retro AD&D, one of my players downloaded OSRIC.

I know this is probably the wrong forum, but can you tell me what are the main differences between C&C and OSRIC? I know they both get back to the AD&D (1e) style, and that OSRIC trys to be more of a clone, but that is the limit of my knowledge.

[Omote]

Banesfinger wrote:
Thanks for all the information! It is great.

While exploring the world of retro AD&D, one of my players downloaded OSRIC.

I know this is probably the wrong forum, but can you tell me what are the main differences between C&C and OSRIC? I know they both get back to the AD&D (1e) style, and that OSRIC trys to be more of a clone, but that is the limit of my knowledge.

If you want to learn more about OSRIC, you should try the forums at www.dragonsfoot.org That should help.

-O
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> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

[Buttmonkey]

OSRIC is intended to be a 1E clone. C&C takes the feel of 1E, adds some modern mechanics (like ascending AC), and goes its own way (particularly with the SIEGE engine mechanics for resolving challenging tasks).