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Old 09-04-2018, 03:42 AM   #1
The Colonel
 
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Default Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

So ... has anyone actually created a fRPG with a lifepath generation system? The nearest I have encountered so far is Harnmaster, which settles for a very detailed background, including generating how well you get on with the head of the extended family.

Lifepath seems to be a Sci-fi system so far ... but I'm a long way from having read every RPG out there...
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Old 09-04-2018, 06:12 AM   #2
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

Does Nobilis count as fantasy? How about Fate -- in particular, the old Dresden Files RPG is keen on defining aspects in terms of backstory events. Ars Magica also had a "significant milestones in the character's history" system during character generation, as I recall.

Burning Wheel is supposed to have a lifepath system, but I've never read or played it.

In the obscure category, I remember there was a fantasy hack for the Traveller rules, but that's literally all I know about that one.
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:16 AM   #3
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

I think I've got about 90% of a system worked out:


Roll 1d10.


1-9: you are a peasant farmer. You may legally forbidden from leaving the land you work, you may be an outright slave, or you may rent the land you work, leaving little money left over. You have several obligations to the local noble.
10: work in progress.
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:39 AM   #4
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

The appendices to RuneQuest II contained a system for taking your character from their original rolls social class/cultural background to what they were after a few years experience. That was sort of a lifepath system.
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Old 09-04-2018, 08:48 AM   #5
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by whswhs View Post
The appendices to RuneQuest II contained a system for taking your character from their original rolls social class/cultural background to what they were after a few years experience. That was sort of a lifepath system.
Was that the Avalon Hill RuneQuest? I can never figure the editions...
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Old 09-04-2018, 10:05 AM   #6
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

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Was that the Avalon Hill RuneQuest? I can never figure the editions...
Definitely not. It was the Chaosium RuneQuest, reissued a couple of years ago as the Classic Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Runequest-Cla.../dp/1568820844 . I bought a copy; I still consider RQII one of the high points in the history of RPGs.
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Old 09-04-2018, 10:49 AM   #7
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

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... I still consider RQII one of the high points in the history of RPGs.
Ditto. Twas a great setting (well resourced) as well as a good rule set. Praise be to Orlanth!
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Old 09-04-2018, 11:19 AM   #8
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Colonel View Post
So ... has anyone actually created a fRPG with a lifepath generation system? The nearest I have encountered so far is Harnmaster, which settles for a very detailed background, including generating how well you get on with the head of the extended family.

Lifepath seems to be a Sci-fi system so far ... but I'm a long way from having read every RPG out there...
If you squint real hard, Warhammer Fantasy RP (editions 1 and 2) has a career system that allows you to build a character. It's only approximately a lifepath system if you go for a character with a couple careers, though.

... not really a lifepath system, but I do love it.
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Old 09-04-2018, 11:26 AM   #9
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

It sounds like Burning Wheel has a pretty extensive life path system, though I haven't played it.
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Old 09-04-2018, 11:27 AM   #10
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Default Re: Lifepaths in Faaantasy!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by ericthered View Post
I think I've got about 90% of a system worked out:


Roll 1d10.


1-9: you are a peasant farmer. You may legally forbidden from leaving the land you work, you may be an outright slave, or you may rent the land you work, leaving little money left over. You have several obligations to the local noble.
10: work in progress.
Yet another reason why I say "realism" has little if any place in FRPGs. (I mean, aside from the fact that they take place in worlds where someone with the correct training can twiddle their fingers and mutter something, and the room down the hall will suddenly erupt into flame...)
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