Bay 12 Games Forum

'Ode to thee o' Mystic one whom beareth magicks beyond mortal repute. Thou hast truly transcended the bonds of thine pitiful body through ensorcelled spells and powers unknown, or thou simply wouldst not find thyself in this stagnant domain.' Indeed as your gaze is led astray across this land, it is found wanting. The lands, featureless and haphazardly carven without care bear little resemblance to the reality you once called home, they are barren, devoid of any form of life. No more than stone and silt across an untamed sea. And even yet, that very sea is just as purposeless, without motion, without swells, without beasts of yore. Through your hands it is like naught but empty weight and wet. But you have not come to this dead land without purpose, through an imperceptible veil you have arrived with one goal in mind. . .

It is there, where the sea ebbs and transfigures itself into stardust, there in the center of this world. Behind an ever-twisting coat of nebulic dust it warps your vision, bends all your will upon it. There, between eight diamond pillars of ancient stone it sits, a massive slate bearing utterances that no magicks can decipher. It is said the Creator of Creators once sat in that very place, amidst this quiet, sullen reality. Could all that you know have begun here? In this place? You are uncertain, but what is clear, The Cosmic Throne allures and pulls the greatest mystics of many ages to its clarion call, where only one may be seated. Indeed, this land bears the scars of many past conflicts, you see it when you look for it. . .

Will you be the next body eroded to dust amid these impossibly ancient shores? Or will you take your rightful seat upon The Cosmic Throne?

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Hello! Unraveller here, this is the first game I'll be running on this awesome forum I've come to love. Hopefully, it won't be the last! But we'll see about that won't we? Anywho! The Cosmic Throne is a game inspired by countless other forum games I've seen over the years, it's by no means especially unique, but I thought I'd start with something simple and not mechanically overbearing first.

Boiled down to its most basic parts, The Cosmic Throne is a game highlighting the conflict of powerful magic users in their final battle to claim the seat they believe will lead them to ascendancy, to create the next world. Actions in this game are entirely freeform, though they must fall into a few basic rules for some level of structure/balance. The ultimate goal of course is to beat the rest of the players to death or submission and take your seat. All actions made by each player will be tested by rolling a ten-sided dice with relevant modifiers based on a number of contextual circumstances. One or lower resulting in utter failure (potentially even backfire) and ten or more resulting in the most powerful effects possible, and complete manifestation of your will.

- Movement, Location, and Actions -
Though locations of each Mystic will be recorded carefully upon the map of the world as it shifts and changes, your character does not necessarily know the precise location of another without scrying magics. Within a reasonable distance however, one mage may detect the general mystical power emanating from another, though this is by no means perfect, one may obscure themselves with shadows and so on. A large part of your goal is to locate others and defeat them, or mould the land to your advantage, or even hide away creating a vast army of iron golems. With that said, please do attempt to not metagame to hone in exactly on a character's location when it would be otherwise bafflingly unreasonable. Though this game is very asymmetric in nature, I'd like to keep a good level of !!FUN!! balanced with the competitive aspect.

Relevant to the above is movement, unless one has the reasonable ability to do so, crossing the world instantly in a single post is generally disallowed. Unless perhaps the character spends their turn casting some for of teleportation spell. Otherwise, movement is a free action within certain parameters based on context. Maybe a character's main aspect is wind, and they find levitating a simple matter where an earth mage may find themselves more grounded. Ultimately be believable, even if you are immensely powerful mages.

In efforts to make turns flow somewhat easily on my end (especially because I post on mobile) Mages are limited to one spell action per turn. This could range from dredging a mountain out the sea or casting a lightning bolt from your fingertips and anything in between.  Some spells may even require multiple turns to complete based on their power and scope. Whereas physical actions tend to vary a bit more. The most basic of things such as movement or speaking are of course free, something like swinging a blade however you might only be able to do coupled with a small spell of limited scope, such as cracking the earth beneath someone, or enchanting your sword with flame. Ultimately I'd like to keep the options of the players very free form in nature, and rely heavily on dice to dictate outcomes wherever possible. However, I will step in if things require more specific mediation.

Below is the form in which you'll submit and create a character!


I don't have an exact number of players that I desire to get in on the fun, but I'll definitely be happy to accept a good bunch of 'em. I'm still considering whether or not to accept players after the game has begun. That is. . . If this rather tired concept of a game can generate any interest. Haha. As a warning from here on, I'll repeat that this is my first hosted game, so I'm a bit nervous and it'll definitely be rough around the edges, but I hope you'll go easy on me, and we can have a good bit of fun!

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Overview and Rules
These Rules( including the point system ) were originally developed by the esteemed Vox Nihili at the SomethingAwful forums, and were changed throughout the incarnations.

The Arena Master

   The Arena Master runs the tournament. His or Her duties are extensive. They include, but are not limited to, the following: Maintaining and updating these rules, recruitment, running the battles and writing commentary, and settling all disputes that may arise in a just and timely manner. It is essential that the Arena Master remain fair and unbiased. I, Unraveller, shall humbly serve in as the Arena Master for this tournament, and pray that I didn't miss some post that banned these kind of games.

Joining as a Gladiator

   Before the start of a tournament the Arena Master will decide on the tournament format, including whether or not a gladiator's skills and equipment will be known to all or kept secret. The first is called a Open Tournament and the latter is called a Blind tournament. The tournament format will also dictate the number of gladiators who may join, or at least a series of upper limits. For example, in a single elimination tournament typical sizes are 16, 32, 64, etc. In order to join, all you must do is announce your intention to join in this thread, along with your Gladiator's name and race. If its an open tournament, you will need to post your skills and equipment purchases in the thread before the start of the first match, while in a blind tournament you must send them directly to the Arena Master.

   In the event that too many Gladiators wish to spill their blood, the Arena Master may, at his or her discretion: extend the joining period, deny entry outright to the extra combatants, or call for a battle royal to decide who gets the final spot in the tournament. It's first come first serve*, so sign up as early as possible.

*In future tournaments, gladiators who fought in the preceding tournament will have the right-of-way, and a non-random seeding system may be implemented.

About the Tournament

   The subsequent post will lay out the details of the current tournament, including whether or not it will be an open or blind tournament, what system it will follow(Single-Elimination, Round Robin, etc.), whether or not its a team game, etc. If there is something that is not clear, please ask.

The Arena

   The fighting will take place in a variety of different stages as seen below. The two contestants will agree on a stage to be selected. If they cannot come to a mutual agreement one will be randomly selected.



The Version

   The newest version of DF will be used assuming combat and other relevant game mechanics weren't broken. The same version will be used throughout the tournament. The version being used for the current tournament will be listed in the Tournament overview in the next post.

The Races

   The most important decision you'll have to make before the start of the tournament is what race your gladiator will be. Which race you chose will determine what equipment you can use, how much damage you can inflict, grant you special abilities, or even extra limbs.

   Your race will also determine how many points you get to spend on equipment and skills before each round.  This is mainly for balance reasons, but also to represent smaller creatures cleverness.

   The most important distinction between the races, besides the points they receive, is their size. Size effects the amount of damage they will inflict*, and their ability to knock their opponent over. Gladiators that have been knocked over have a nasty tendency to get pulverized(unless they are wearing some nice armor), and is thus a position you'll wish to avoid. Thus, the ability to dodge out of the way is often a crucial skill for smaller players to have. For this reason, races classified as "tiny" get a 10% reduction in the price of dodging skills while races classified as "huge" must pay 20% more.

*smaller creatures can generally match their larger counterparts in slashing and stabbing attacks, but bigger opponents are much better at bashing and punching

   Some of the more fanciful races have different or extra appendages compared to your average humanoid. This may allow them to wield extra weaponry or armor, but it also may mean they can't use certain items. These differences are listed under the special abilities category.

Races may also have special abilities. For instance, many of the animal-like races can bite in unarmed combat.


Points

   Points are the life blood any worthy gladiator. The way you spend them will determine your success in the ring.

   As stated in the previous section, the amount of points you get to spend before the tournament depends on your gladiator's race. If you manage to win a match, you will earn the same amount of points to spend on the next round. You do not have to spend any points to heal yourself.
   
You may spend points on Equipment and Skills, which are summarized below.

Any points left unspent at the end of a round are doubled, for example. Wundle the Crundle has 34 points remaining from the first round. If he reaches the second he would have 68 points in addition to the points he gains from being a Crundle.
   
Skills

   Your gladiator can purchase skills before the start of each round. Skills can be upgraded as many  as 14 times, the first level being Novice and the last being Grand Master.

   The first level of each skill is assigned a base price, and the price of each subsequent level is equal to the base price of the skill multiplied by the level of the skill you are purchasing. For example, if your gladiator was a Level 2("Adequate") fighter and wished to purchase the 4th level, it would cost 3 * 3 + 3 * 4 f=  9 points. 3 is the base cost and does not change, multiplied by the levels to be purchased. Note that the cost is cumulative: you must buy all the preceding levels!

   What each skill does is fairly self explanatory. Please go to the Dwarf Fortress wiki or ask on the forums if you are unfamiliar with any particular skill.


Equipment

   As you've probably surmised, your gladiator will be able to purchase an assortment of equipment, made out of various materials, to wield  in the arena. Equipment can be divided up into two categories: Weapons and Armor.

Note that you cannot make weapons, shields or bucklers, out of leather.

You may sell back equipment before each round for half its original value. You may NOT sell skills back.

   A longsword has a base price of 24; if its made of of steel, which has a "cost multiplier" of 4, the total value will be 96 points.

Materials

   Materials have gotten complicated in Dwarf Fortress of late. In terms of combat, though, materials have 3 primary properties: Weight, Edge, and Stopping Power. [I take no credit for this chart, its taken directly from the SA thread]


Weapons

   Weapons and Shields(including bucklers), are held in your gladiator's hands. Depending on the race, it may take one-hand or 2-hands to wield any particular object, or they may not be able to wield it at all. Please look at the Race table for a summary. Unless you are fighting unarmed, you should try to use all your hands in combat. Once again, if you have any questions about the abilities a weapon or piece of armor, please feel free to ask, but check the wiki first.

Bows come with 35 free arrows and Crossbows with 35 free bolts and are the same material as the ranged weapon.


Armour

   Generally, you can only wear one of any type of armour. Think in terms of body parts, and test your combination out in dwarf fortress to see if it works. If you (or I) notice a problem after the current round is underway, it can't be fixed until the current round is over. For example, you can't wear both leggings and greaves or low boots and high boots at the same time. There are two exceptions though: you may wear a leather cap under a helm, and you may wear a (non-leather) mail shirt under a breast plate. Gloves, Gauntlets and boots come in sets of two. Also note that shields take up a hand-slot, and aren't worn as such. Shields may also be used as weapons and are dependent on the Misc. object skill.


   
Rule Changes

From Bay12 1st edition
-Tiny gladiators discount on the dodge skill has been reduced from 20% to 10%
-Huge gladiators have been given a minor increase in points
-Whips and scourges have been given an increase in cost to better reflect their balance.
-Morning stars have been added as a weapon type
-The cost of silver has been marked up from a multiplier of 1.00 to 3.00

You may also wish to know that times between 12:00 P.M. to 5 P.M. EST are when I stream on twitch, it will be impossible for me to post during those times, thank you.

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   Hey there! Its me, your (hopefully) next arena master. The last time I believe this particular format has been used was way back in 2011, I could be wrong though. Anyway, I know what you're thinking, "You are just necroing things from the distant past!" Yeah well, there's a lot to be taken from the past, things to enjoy, things to learn -- Get over it. Some changes will likely be made to accommodate the newest version of Dwarf Fortress and I sure wouldn't mind your input! on the system. Here is a link to the last, to my knowledge, use of this tournament: http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=65911.0

I want to gauge interest in this sort of thing, because I am truly interested in it. Without further ado:

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Overview and Rules
These Rules( including the point system ) were originally developed by the esteemed Vox Nihili at the SomethingAwful forums, and were changed throughout the incarnations.

The Arena Master

   The Arena Master runs the tournament. His or Her duties are extensive. They include, but are not limited to, the following: Maintaining and updating these rules, recruitment, running the battles and writing commentary, and settling all disputes that may arise in a just and timely manner. It is essential that the Arena Master remain fair and unbiased. I, Unraveller, shall humbly serve in as the Arena Master for this tournament, and pray that I didn't miss some post that banned these kind of games.

Joining as a Gladiator

   Before the start of a tournament the Arena Master will decide on the tournament format, including whether or not a gladiator's skills and equipment will be known to all or kept secret. The first is called a Open Tournament and the latter is called a Blind tournament. The tournament format will also dictate the number of gladiators who may join, or at least a series of upper limits. For example, in a single elimination tournament typical sizes are 16, 32, 64, etc. In order to join, all you must do is announce your intention to join in this thread, along with your Gladiator's name and race. If its an open tournament, you will need to post your skills and equipment purchases in the thread before the start of the first match, while in a blind tournament you must send them directly to the Arena Master.

   In the event that too many Gladiators wish to spill their blood, the Arena Master may, at his or her discretion: extend the joining period, deny entry outright to the extra combatants, or call for a battle royal to decide who gets the final spot in the tournament. It's first come first serve*, so sign up as early as possible.

*In future tournaments, gladiators who fought in the preceding tournament will have the right-of-way, and a non-random seeding system may be implemented.

About the Tournament

   The subsequent post will lay out the details of the current tournament, including whether or not it will be an open or blind tournament, what system it will follow(Single-Elimination, Round Robin, etc.), whether or not its a team game, etc. If there is something that is not clear, please ask.

The Arena

   The fighting will take place in a variety of different stages as seen below. The two contestants will agree on a stage to be selected. If they cannot come to a mutual agreement one will be randomly selected.



The Version

   The newest version of DF will be used assuming combat and other relevant game mechanics weren't broken. The same version will be used throughout the tournament. The version being used for the current tournament will be listed in the Tournament overview in the next post.

The Races

   The most important decision you'll have to make before the start of the tournament is what race your gladiator will be. Which race you chose will determine what equipment you can use, how much damage you can inflict, grant you special abilities, or even extra limbs.

   Your race will also determine how many points you get to spend on equipment and skills before each round.  This is mainly for balance reasons, but also to represent smaller creatures cleverness.

   The most important distinction between the races, besides the points they receive, is their size. Size effects the amount of damage they will inflict*, and their ability to knock their opponent over. Gladiators that have been knocked over have a nasty tendency to get pulverized(unless they are wearing some nice armor), and is thus a position you'll wish to avoid. Thus, the ability to dodge out of the way is often a crucial skill for smaller players to have. For this reason, races classified as "tiny" get a 10% reduction in the price of dodging skills while races classified as "huge" must pay 20% more.

*smaller creatures can generally match their larger counterparts in slashing and stabbing attacks, but bigger opponents are much better at bashing and punching

   Some of the more fanciful races have different or extra appendages compared to your average humanoid. This may allow them to wield extra weaponry or armor, but it also may mean they can't use certain items. These differences are listed under the special abilities category.

Races may also have special abilities. For instance, many of the animal-like races can bite in unarmed combat.


Points

   Points are the life blood any worthy gladiator. The way you spend them will determine your success in the ring.

   As stated in the previous section, the amount of points you get to spend before the tournament depends on your gladiator's race. If you manage to win a match, you will earn the same amount of points to spend on the next round. You do not have to spend any points to heal yourself.
   
You may spend points on Equipment and Skills, which are summarized below.

Any points left unspent at the end of a round are doubled, for example. Wundle the Crundle has 34 points remaining from the first round. If he reaches the second he would have 68 points in addition to the points he gains from being a Crundle.
   
Skills

   Your gladiator can purchase skills before the start of each round. Skills can be upgraded as many  as 14 times, the first level being Novice and the last being Grand Master.

   The first level of each skill is assigned a base price, and the price of each subsequent level is equal to the base price of the skill multiplied by the level of the skill you are purchasing. For example, if your gladiator was a Level 2("Adequate") fighter and wished to purchase the 4th level, it would cost 3 * 3 + 3 * 4 f=  9 points. 3 is the base cost and does not change, multiplied by the levels to be purchased. Note that the cost is cumulative: you must buy all the preceding levels!

   What each skill does is fairly self explanatory. Please go to the Dwarf Fortress wiki or ask on the forums if you are unfamiliar with any particular skill.


Equipment

   As you've probably surmised, your gladiator will be able to purchase an assortment of equipment, made out of various materials, to wield  in the arena. Equipment can be divided up into two categories: Weapons and Armor.

Note that you cannot make weapons, shields or bucklers, out of leather.

You may sell back equipment before each round for half its original value. You may NOT sell skills back.

   A longsword has a base price of 24; if its made of of steel, which has a "cost multiplier" of 4, the total value will be 96 points.

Materials

   Materials have gotten complicated in Dwarf Fortress of late. In terms of combat, though, materials have 3 primary properties: Weight, Edge, and Stopping Power. [I take no credit for this chart, its taken directly from the SA thread]


Weapons

   Weapons and Shields(including bucklers), are held in your gladiator's hands. Depending on the race, it may take one-hand or 2-hands to wield any particular object, or they may not be able to wield it at all. Please look at the Race table for a summary. Unless you are fighting unarmed, you should try to use all your hands in combat. Once again, if you have any questions about the abilities a weapon or piece of armor, please feel free to ask, but check the wiki first.

Bows come with 35 free arrows and Crossbows with 35 free bolts and are the same material as the ranged weapon.


Armour

   Generally, you can only wear one of any type of armour. Think in terms of body parts, and test your combination out in dwarf fortress to see if it works. If you (or I) notice a problem after the current round is underway, it can't be fixed until the current round is over. For example, you can't wear both leggings and greaves or low boots and high boots at the same time. There are two exceptions though: you may wear a leather cap under a helm, and you may wear a (non-leather) mail shirt under a breast plate. Gloves, Gauntlets and boots come in sets of two. Also note that shields take up a hand-slot, and aren't worn as such. Shields may also be used as weapons and are dependent on the Misc. object skill.


Google Document
All the rules and spreadsheets are available as a Google document. Check it out here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmCZedymX32wdDBVX3hXMHUzamo5WkRfX2pDQjVQNWc&hl=en&authkey=CKC3xsAO If you find any errors please tell me.

Conclusion
   That *should* cover everything. A summary and overview are covered in the next post. In the future, there will be an additional History section where past tournaments will be recorded, and perhaps a gladiator history as well space permitting. What follows is a history of the rule changes. Right now, it only shows the modifications I made to the SA rules.
   
Rule Changes

From SA 3nd edition
-Removed Werewolf due to were-beasts being randomized in arena after every load
-Added Crundle, Plump Helmet Man, and Sasquatch races
-Added stage select
-Removed superficial attribute modifiers.
-Removed Slade as a material

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