New Equipment

[Solomoriah]

So we were talking about expanded equipment lists. I mentioned it wouldn't be smart to copy from netbooks. Two sources do present themselves, though:

1. The SRD. If there are equipment lists in there (seems I remember there are), we can copy from them pretty freely. Steer clear of items that would be out-of-place pre UA.

2. Project 74. I created an equipment list for that game, which I stripped down quite a bit for BFRPG. Items from there could be brought into a BFRPG supplement without trouble, since I own the rights.

http://tower.newcenturycomputers.net/project74.html

[swirler]

For anyone who may not have it
Hypertext SRD Equipment & Special Materials

[Solomoriah]

Oh, by the way... I abhor "masterwork" rules. Don't want anyone wasting time on that nonsense.

One of the key elements of old-school games is avoiding the need to codify everything. "Masterwork" items are a codification of the obvious concept that you get what you pay for.

[SmootRK]

Yes, no Master-Work rules. We discussed that some time ago, and I agree.

Also, When I mentioned NetBooks, I certainly did not mean for wholesale copying. Exact coverage of such material is copyright infringement. I meant to utilize that kind of material as inspirational reference material, getting ideas, and comparison.

That said, I don't believe that lists of mundane tools or materials can really be copyrighted. Could anyone hold a copyright on the contents of a list consisting of 'buckets, lanterns, shovels, livestock, kayaks, carts and such' ?? Descriptive explanation portions, perhaps... but not the list contents themselves (albeit, steps need to be taken to reorganize, re-categorize, re-evaluate (weights, costs, etc), and even re-name when possible.
An entry called "Book, Generic, Illustrated" could be called "Tome, Large" with descriptive text later that details Illustrations would double most going rates (at least).

You get what I mean. Of course, any completely original creation by an author (such as a special tool developed for his Tinker Gnome race of his campaign that opens soda-bottles) are off limits... and probably don't belong in a Equipment Supplement.

[SmootRK]

Since Solo has a good list started (from his Project 74), I propose we start with that and then move to add relevant material to it (perhaps re-categorizing when necessary).

Here are a few lists that I have located on the web to reference for ideas:
http://kimberlychapman.com/rpg/equipment.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/by ... reateq.htm
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/by ... ipment.htm

[Solomoriah]

Given the shortness of the Core Rules equipment list, I'd recommend merging any equipment from BFRPG not found in the Project 74 list; a complete equipment list is probably best. Rather than an "add-on." Likewise, the descriptive text from the Core Rules should be merged with any descriptive text we write for the supplement.

[SmootRK]

Given the shortness of the Core Rules equipment list, I'd recommend merging any equipment from BFRPG not found in the Project 74 list; a complete equipment list is probably best. Rather than an "add-on." Likewise, the descriptive text from the Core Rules should be merged with any descriptive text we write for the supplement.

Good idea... this is one area/supplement that having a truly complete listing would be ideal.

[Joe the Rat]

Bringing over from the other discussion, I wanted to show everyone what Smoot and I have been working on:

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5w3R_ ... y=CLfb-NkK

I've been drawing in material from a variety of sources, and trying to mesh with existing material (Using BFRP and Project 74 lists as the core). This thing is getting a bit hefty, so I wanted to get some feedback on where it's going. Two areas of concern are Content and Voice. Is this the right direction for material? Are the additions simple enough, or am I unduly complicating things? If there's something missing, I'd like to get it in. If there's something too detailed, I'd like to get it out. Cost and Weight on a lot of items may need adjusting.

A concept I tossed in here is Quality - Paying extra for a fancier whatever. It has no bearing outside of roleplaying (Quality weapons are more distinctive, with design, inlaid jewels, etc.), or if an item is suitable for enchantment. I also put in a brief note on alternate settings, and how that might affect the lists (As little as possible!)

On Voice: Right now most of this is written as simple presentation. Should this have more flavor? And introduction to each segment, perhaps?

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

-Joe

[SmootRK]

Looking really good. I would suggest that some grouping of similar or related items be done so that no one table spans multiple columns or pages.... means more tables, but an easier read/reference.

[Nekron99]

This is just what I needed, I will look it over tonight with my crew and see what damage we can do with it.
My kids are driving me crazy playing every other night, they are on a much faster learning curve, as far as role-playing goes, compared to me and my brothers way back in the 80's.
And to say "It has no bearing outside of roleplaying (Quality weapons are more distinctive, with design, inlaid jewels, etc.)" just won't fly in my house. It took a bit to get the started (my wife playing actually moved them from hack and slash to some of them getting to be pretty good characters).