A thread to discuss the setting, rules, and games set therein.

In reply to Cripple X (msg #1):

Good day all. After arising from a good night's rest, I've pretty much decided I'll be running the game.

Isolation of the characters' home base is central to the story. My original suggestion, nomads living on a desert island is just one possibility. Other possibilities that caught my fancy include:

* A tribe living in an isolated canyon in the Badlands
* An Arctic tribe living on a chain of volcanic islands
* A small Maztlani (or Shenese or Skadian) outpost, thoroughly ignored, and almost totally forgotten by whichever authority sent them.

I would love to hear further suggestions by interested parties.

For me the badlands/canyon or island setting seems to be perhaps the most ripe for versatility.

I'm with Skycast. I vastly prefer options one or two over option three. Two seems slightly more appealing than one, but either would make me equally happy.

Excellent.  I think the setting will be on our desert island and PCs seasoned hunters. To get an idea of the type of terrain it'll be, Google Isla Tiburon, or if you have Google Earth or can visit Panoramio, look for it there.

Your characters are members of a small band of nine people living in the central valley of the island. I want you to come up with some family connections. Is the leader a wizened old shaman or a legendary hunter, etc.?
At this point, personalities and personal histories are enough. Stats will come later.

Sounds good. Go ahead and create the game and link us. That way we can do discussion within the game itself.

Is the game playable if you don't have the book?

I've always like the idea of the stationary game, DS9 or B5 instead of Star Trek, Bonanza, etc.  One town/place where stuff happens.

Well its up to the GM of course, but I'd say completely playable. It adds a few new edges, has a Hellfrost like Magic System and Herbalism system, and there's a few optional rules tweaks, and of course you'd miss out on some background info, but if you wanted to play I'd make sure you knew everything you needed. ;)

Generally speaking, yes. In this particular case definitely. :)

It begins.
 link to another game

Lately, I've been reading material about the Pochteca, the Aztec Empires traveling salesmen who acted as spies in foreign lands. This, of course, immediately led me to do a quick brainstorm about a secret society for use in Totems. Let me know what you think.

Agents of M.A.Z.T.L.A.N.

The Awikyano are the Maztlani Empire’s connection with the outside world. These long-distance merchants keep the nobility supplied with luxuries and increase the Empire’s prestige and culture throughout the Untamed Lands.
There is a subset that does more directly for the State, however: the tlatlatiliawikyano or “secret travellers”.

Their mission is twofold:
1. Collect intelligence on groups or individuals that are a threat to the Sovereignty of the state, discover and build networks among potential allies of the Empire, and use the information obtained in preparation for military conquest and expansion.
2. Get rich in the process.

They operate out of the Vanilla Guildhouses in the Capital and in Eltaca.

PCs have the Merchant Edge. The cannot take the Nobility Edge, as nobles would never stoop to common trade. They can be Rich or Filthy Rich, but the social norms of the Empire being what they are, they are not allowed to openly display their wealth, at least not within the Empire itself.

They are dedicated to Yakatekutli, Lord of the Vanguard, god of Commerce, Secrets, and Good Lies. He is an Avatar of Tlokke Nawal, the Creator, Lord of the Near and Nigh.

There are three classes of specialized roles within the secret society, named after flying creatures sacred to their god:
koxolitli - pheasants; these men are specialized in combat.
teixkuapapalotl - A Jade-Green Moth, similar to the Luna Moth; stealth and deception are their weapons
kuapixtototl - Vermillion Flycatcher- These are Blood Sages

That's pretty darn awesome right there.

Is the above game still going? I just got the books and the setting is pretty cool but very involved.

The game and setting does look cool.

Anyone thinking about starting a game? I really dig this one, but like Most Savage worlds games they seem to start so rarely.