Hi All I just found out about this game via my local gaming store (I am in Australia) I really like the look of the book and it does seem very engaging, however there is no "Monster / Paranormal Threat" section that talks about what the supernatural threats actually are and give stats for them. I realize there is a kickstarter as well going so how does this fit together what book does my local gaming store have? Its mainly character generation and background setting?
What is the actual threats in the game? what are the creatures that haunt this setting? Which book are they in? Do I get a PDF with the monsters so I can actually run the game if I kickstart it?
I am seriously considering backing the kickstarter very shortly but wanted to find out what the background and system to the "bad things" are?
Thanks all,
Abhoth
Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
The book you found is called "Book 1 - Universe". It is the first book of the series and it contains an in-depth description of the three kingdoms, the people, their way of life and culture, etc. in addition to the rules (character creation, resolution, sanity). Book 1 is also meant to be read by the players : it is mostly written in the form of letters, rumors and accounts... so you won't find stats or scenarios in the book. However, the different narratives in each section are filled with hooks you can use to create your own adventures.
The main threat in the Esteren universe are called "feondas". They are supernatural beings lurking in the dark (and there's a short section about them in Book 1). They come in different shapes but they're often pictured as creatures made out of dirt, branches or bark. Not much is known about their origin as the secrets of the game will be revealed in Book 3 (not yet released in France).
There is a Book 2 (not yet released in English) containing a few scenarios, stats for wild animals and also a few examples of "feondas". However, GMs are encouraged to describe feondas as horrifying and deadly creatures that are very hard to defeat... so stats don't always matter (it changes from one GM to another, really).
The other threat is the human threat: corruption, greed and deceit are alive and well in many parts of the wintry, bleak peninsula.
Shadows of Esteren is a low-fantasy (magic exists but its presence is very subtle) game where the horrific atmosphere is predominant (it is often described as Call of Cthulhu with a medieval twist). The characters are not built around classes (unlike D&D, Pathfinder...) and the players are encouraged to play simple folks uncovering dreadful secrets or facing terrible dangers.
It is a beautiful game, well-written, the rules are mostly simple, the character creation process is clever. The online community is always here to help (there is a very useful GM-Only section on this message board). However, if you or your players are not into low-fantasy or horror... well, you'll still love the book and its fantastic illustrations.
Hope this helped.
The main threat in the Esteren universe are called "feondas". They are supernatural beings lurking in the dark (and there's a short section about them in Book 1). They come in different shapes but they're often pictured as creatures made out of dirt, branches or bark. Not much is known about their origin as the secrets of the game will be revealed in Book 3 (not yet released in France).
There is a Book 2 (not yet released in English) containing a few scenarios, stats for wild animals and also a few examples of "feondas". However, GMs are encouraged to describe feondas as horrifying and deadly creatures that are very hard to defeat... so stats don't always matter (it changes from one GM to another, really).
The other threat is the human threat: corruption, greed and deceit are alive and well in many parts of the wintry, bleak peninsula.
Shadows of Esteren is a low-fantasy (magic exists but its presence is very subtle) game where the horrific atmosphere is predominant (it is often described as Call of Cthulhu with a medieval twist). The characters are not built around classes (unlike D&D, Pathfinder...) and the players are encouraged to play simple folks uncovering dreadful secrets or facing terrible dangers.
It is a beautiful game, well-written, the rules are mostly simple, the character creation process is clever. The online community is always here to help (there is a very useful GM-Only section on this message board). However, if you or your players are not into low-fantasy or horror... well, you'll still love the book and its fantastic illustrations.
Hope this helped.
"Ne t'en inquiète pas, jeune savant, il est parfois préférable que certaines énigmes demeurent..."
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Very good exposition there, Glass! I am glad to see that the community is always eager to provide information and perspective about the game.
I will simply add two things to your already very comprehensive and concise presentation: Book 2 is precisely part of the current Kickstarter's products, so if you are interested in getting one, I'd say you won't find a better opportunity to do so, Abhoth.
If you want to have a better idea of what Book 1 (and the Esteren books in general) look like, a link has been provided in the Kickstarter main page with excerpts from Book 1 in PDF format. Here is the link in question.
Don't hesitate to check out the details of the Kickstarter, but also what has already been posted on this forum, for more information. And don't hesitate to take part in the activities of the community or simply ask any questions that may come to your mind!
I will simply add two things to your already very comprehensive and concise presentation: Book 2 is precisely part of the current Kickstarter's products, so if you are interested in getting one, I'd say you won't find a better opportunity to do so, Abhoth.
If you want to have a better idea of what Book 1 (and the Esteren books in general) look like, a link has been provided in the Kickstarter main page with excerpts from Book 1 in PDF format. Here is the link in question.
Don't hesitate to check out the details of the Kickstarter, but also what has already been posted on this forum, for more information. And don't hesitate to take part in the activities of the community or simply ask any questions that may come to your mind!
Allez, come on, allons-y, here we go, en avant, godspeed, hardi, let's do this!
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
The current Kickstarter is for Book 0, which does contain 3 official scenarios complete with statistics for the foes that players may encounter. Though there aren't many, those statistics are enough to give you an idea for the relative strengths and weaknesses that different types of enemies tend to have, so you can create your own based on that.
Creating human opponents is relatively simple, because you can just create a standard combatant as though it were a player character, giving it its initial attack and defense attributes, and then add any additional bonuses based on how much of a threat it needs to be.
If you're planning on being a Game Leader, you can ask for access to the Secrets forum, where we have a few threads discussing this exact thing.
There isn't as much set in stone regarding mechanical things like creature statistics as in some game systems like D&D, but after you get an idea of how "the numbers" relate to everything in the Esteren system, all it takes is a little imagination.
Creating human opponents is relatively simple, because you can just create a standard combatant as though it were a player character, giving it its initial attack and defense attributes, and then add any additional bonuses based on how much of a threat it needs to be.
If you're planning on being a Game Leader, you can ask for access to the Secrets forum, where we have a few threads discussing this exact thing.
There isn't as much set in stone regarding mechanical things like creature statistics as in some game systems like D&D, but after you get an idea of how "the numbers" relate to everything in the Esteren system, all it takes is a little imagination.
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SeigneurAo
- Messages : 417
- Inscription : 17 janv. 2011, 15:30
- Localisation : Lyon
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
I would like to add that the Secrets book is scheduled as book 4, whereas book 3 should now be dedicated to scenarios, namely the official campain, additional content such as new NPCs and so on.
It has taken precedence over the Secrets along the road.
Nelyhann will correct me if need be.
It has taken precedence over the Secrets along the road.
Nelyhann will correct me if need be.
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ObsidianCrane
- Messages : 21
- Inscription : 26 oct. 2012, 14:27
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
*Waves from the ever sunny Whitsunday Region*
Also we are within reach of the Book 2 PDF on the Kickstarter and that has a Bestiary section.
I very much recomend getting on the KS, the Book 0 module is a great module and there is a whole bunch of cool little extras available. Also the product delivery was good and timely even up here in NQ.
BTW which store was selling it here in Aus?
Also we are within reach of the Book 2 PDF on the Kickstarter and that has a Bestiary section.
I very much recomend getting on the KS, the Book 0 module is a great module and there is a whole bunch of cool little extras available. Also the product delivery was good and timely even up here in NQ.
BTW which store was selling it here in Aus?
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Hello all This is Abhoth (I lost access to my old email and the linked account so I had to make a new one with my new email which is also the email linked to my kickstarter account).
I have just got my kickstarter today and it looks fantastic however I did not see the email about access to the engine room can I still get access to that?
The gaming store that I got book 1 is called Games Capital in Canberra. Does anyone know if the book 2 PDF has gone out? And can I get access to the secrets forum as well?
I have just got my kickstarter today and it looks fantastic however I did not see the email about access to the engine room can I still get access to that?
The gaming store that I got book 1 is called Games Capital in Canberra. Does anyone know if the book 2 PDF has gone out? And can I get access to the secrets forum as well?
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Thank you very much! I hope you'll enjoy all these delicious goodies!Nyogtha a écrit :I have just got my kickstarter today and it looks fantastic
No Book 2 for now, but stay tuned!The gaming store that I got book 1 is called Games Capital in Canberra. Does anyone know if the book 2 PDF has gone out?
Sure. All the necessary information in that regard can be found here.And can I get access to the secrets forum as well?
Allez, come on, allons-y, here we go, en avant, godspeed, hardi, let's do this!
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Yesss so far the book(s) are awesome, I am reading them all now hope to run a game tomorrow night!
Cant wait for Book 2 Travels. Will the kickstarter be advertised on the forums or via email? I would love it if you could let us know via email alerts.
Cant wait for Book 2 Travels. Will the kickstarter be advertised on the forums or via email? I would love it if you could let us know via email alerts.
Re: Questions about the Game Setting and Monsters
Ha ha, that's the spirit! Make sure to tell us about how it went; it's always good to get feedback.Nyogtha a écrit :Yesss so far the book(s) are awesome, I am reading them all now hope to run a game tomorrow night!
For the time being, we are working our proverbial asses off finishing and preparing everything for Book 2. When the Kickstarter goes online, we will post an announcement of the forum, and will also send an e-mail to all the backers of the previous campaigns.Nyogtha a écrit :Cant wait for Book 2 Travels. Will the kickstarter be advertised on the forums or via email? I would love it if you could let us know via email alerts.
So yeah, it should be hard to miss!
Allez, come on, allons-y, here we go, en avant, godspeed, hardi, let's do this!