Metal Magic and Lore

A forum for discussing RPG systems, supplements, and settings.
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Ancalagon
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Post March 12th, 2019, 1:16 am

Myself, Captain Blood, and SleepingKnight had the opportunity to play this game with one of the co-authors while at Gary Con XI. The session was my 2nd favorite of the convention behind Necron 99's excellent Solomon Kane adventure.

Metal Magic and Lore (MML), produced by 5th Epoch Publishing http://www.5thepochpublishing.com/metal-magic-and-lore/, aims for a more realistic, lower fantasy approach to gaming for approximating effects of combat, injury, and consequences of actions than the more well known and industry standard games such as D&D, PF, and assorted simulacra. I played a gladiator and was able to play with the rules for armor, combat, encumbrance, initiative and movement. While the approach required a little more time for results determination, I do not think it excessive nor an impediment to play. Magic exists in the game but it is much less "Pow! Bang! Zowee!" compared to settings like like Forgotten Realms where every street corner has some sort of wizard or other type of speller present. I was particularly interested in the Symbolism variety of magic that Captain Blood's character utilized.

MML is a skills based system that uses a percentile system, with modifiers as mandated by circumstances, for resolution. A standard set of polyhedral dice is used for play.

The GM stated that MML is a great system for use with a setting such as Westeros seen in the Game of Thrones series on HBO and (incomplete) novel series by GRRM wherein magic exists but when it occurs it is a special moment. The HârnWorld setting, IMO, is also appropriate for use with MML. For more about HârnWorld go here: http://pipes-pints-and-polyhedrons.com/ ... p?f=7&t=13 This system could also be used in an historically Earth-based style of campaign. I intend to pick up the MML and do some reading. 8-)
“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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Necron 99
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Post March 12th, 2019, 10:25 pm

After hearing twice now about MM&L, I'll definitely look to get into a game at our next con and give it a shot.

Cover art seems spot on for what's been described:

MML-Rulebook-cover.jpg
MML-Journeyman.jpg
MML_GMTravel_Front.jpg
“He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.” - Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien

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sbaldrick
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Post March 13th, 2019, 1:41 pm

I supported the failed Kickstarter. It looks pretty crunchy. I am fine playing crunchy but running, I do better with rules light systems like Savage Worlds and Castles and Crusades. I start to get anxiety during game prep.

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Ancalagon
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Post March 13th, 2019, 11:04 pm

Had I known about the KS it's very likely I would've backed it, too.

MML is definitely crunchier than C&C and Savage Worlds but once you grok the system it flows well and makes combat very dangerous... as it should be. :wink: :D
“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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Ancalagon
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Post March 22nd, 2019, 1:12 pm

Since departing the con I've communicated with the MML co-author and GM, Vito, for the GCXI events. He said he had a great time, all of his events filled up, and looks to return next year. If everything works out for attending GCXII then I'll be looking to participate in another MML session. I found the game play to be a cool change of pace from the usual AD&D and C&C that my home group plays. :kool:
“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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Necron 99
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Post March 22nd, 2019, 3:32 pm

Ancalagon wrote: March 22nd, 2019, 1:12 pm Since departing the con I've communicated with the MML co-author and GM, Vito, for the GCXI events. He said he had a great time, all of his events filled up, and looks to return next year. If everything works out for attending GCXII then I'll be looking to participate in another MML session. I found the game play to be a cool change of pace from the usual AD&D and C&C that my home group plays. :kool:
Awesome, glad to hear there will be a return. I look forward to giving it a try, along with planning for demo play of Ragnarok.
“He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.” - Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien

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Ancalagon
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Post January 20th, 2020, 6:40 pm

Necron 99 wrote: March 22nd, 2019, 3:32 pm
Ancalagon wrote: March 22nd, 2019, 1:12 pm Since departing the con I've communicated with the MML co-author and GM, Vito, for the GCXI events. He said he had a great time, all of his events filled up, and looks to return next year. If everything works out for attending GCXII then I'll be looking to participate in another MML session. I found the game play to be a cool change of pace from the usual AD&D and C&C that my home group plays. :kool:
Awesome, glad to hear there will be a return. I look forward to giving it a try, along with planning for demo play of Ragnarok.
I communicated with Vito a few days ago and, unfortunately, he will not be at GCXII. Hopefully we'll be able to meet at another convention for some MML gaming goodness....
“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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Ancalagon
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Post December 10th, 2020, 12:50 pm

Now that covid vaccines are drawing near, I hope that the the regular conventions will get up and running again so I can get into some MML action when its available. Here is Vito discussing the MML product line:

“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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sbaldrick
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Post December 11th, 2020, 11:45 am

I was a backer of the Kickstarter that never got funded. However, I just ordered the player's handbook for $20.00 on eBay so I will check it out.

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Ancalagon
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Post December 11th, 2020, 1:40 pm

Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the game after you've given the book a review.
“Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.” - Carl Sagan

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