[HoE] Re: Something About a Sword (SPOILERS)

[John Goff <johngoff@erols.com>]

hoe-owner@gamerz.net wrote:
Guy wrote:

> When I read that book I felt the overwhelming compulsion to tear it in half and
> make a donation to my waste basket.  I really don't get the entire situation
> concerning the Templar.  It sounds somewhat possible for him to set up shop in
> a near by neighborhood for a short period of time (maybe two to three months)
> but nothing like the adventure dictates.

Here's how I'd recommend handling the two problems cited:

S
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The 'holy ground' in the adventure really has fairly limited affect. Simply removing it has
no impact on the course of play. It's a singular occurence and shouldn't impact in anyway
your own storyline idea. If you've got a cool plot centering around the effect of a true
Blessed in HOE, run with it!

The Templar's 'home base' can be depicted as somewhat less defined with a little effort. I
agree, I always pictured them as roving 'do-gooders' (when the mood hits them, anyway
<g>)--much like most Law Dogs. However, a situation may arise where a Templar or Law Dog
does settle into an area, particularly a fairly broadly-defined one where there's a
continuing fight to be fought (cf. Cole Ballard or the Highway Patrol). I'd just make it the
exception rather than the rule.

When we played it in my group recently, we also struck the automatic Legend Chip rewards at
the end (particularly for finding the sword itself--that can completely short-circuit the
final battle, IMO) and treated it like a regular fearmonger. Even if we had used the bounty
as written, I think I'd have limited the chips to single use--no chance of recycling into
the pot.

As to the voiced concerns about SAAS (and John H. can correct me if I'm wrong since he's got
a firmer line on things): SAAS was on the production boards as PEG was going through a
rather turbulent period. Editing the HOE line changed hands twice during that period, from
Shane to Charles Ryan and finally to John Hopler (although, actually I'm not sure if John
was in the position prior to the adventure going to pub or if there was a limbo period in
line editors). Additionally, the adventure was written by an ensemble of three experienced
authors instead of a single writer--as you've probably noted from the cover. What the upshot
was, IMO, a variety of visions for the line all appeared in the same product instead of over
a period of time.

Since that time, John Hopler has taken a firm grasp on the reigns of the HOE line, and I,
for one, really like what I've seen since that time. I think HOE is going to take a darker
and grittier apocalyptic feel as it develops under his oversight. However, I'm sure the
occasional joke or even sight gag is still going to show up; after all, without humor to
counterpoint it, horror tends to get a little 'heavy'--particularly in a setting like HOE.

Just my thoughts,

John Goff