Tuesday, August 10, 2010

[High Valor and Mourngyre]

Mourngyre is a setting I've had for play for a great number of years, a few adventures here or there, and a longer campaign all written out, but with no play group entirely suitable. Part of it is that the setting is more modern than classical fantasy--it is set in a gothic fantasy/horror world. I've been thinking of it as an alternate setting for High Valor's "Feat" system, despite the fact I didn't really intend to name the system it just happened accidentally.

I've gathered a few trusted people together who know my aims, and I think could work out as suggesting directions for the game to go. I am trying not to walk onto the same stage as Ravenloft (since there is a nodding similarity thanks to Dracula, Frankenstein, and other similar literature.)

Instead I want to create a world that is dark, but not stark, one wrapped in shadows and fog, where even good intentions can turn foul, and trap someone into monstrous acts. (Like in some ways the original and actual Vlad Tepes.) Who is a hero to his nation--yet walked a very dark path to get there. (I don't want to step into the place where I'm condoning or condemning him. What he did was probably appropriate for his time, and his losses.) I do want to make sure that part of the stories Mourngyre explores is the path to hell being paved with good intentions.

Yet at the same time, I want to make heroism as something that can still fight back in the dark.

High Valor is still not in print. Thanks to the the fixes I need and the person needing to do them going of to Gen Con.

I'm working on a deal to get softcovers as well once I get the fixes and have them carried somewhere so gaming stores can get them.

Other than that, I'm still working on Tribes of Mother Night, and working on other things to get done. Just kind of writer's blocked at the moment. I think its the fact I've not got to game much lately. Unlike some my game writing is reduced when I'm not playing as much.