I basically agree with this. My paperwork tolerance is pretty high when I feel like I’m getting something out of it, but there also comes a point where I’d rather just do something simple and abstract that produces roughly the same end result.
I don’t remember the OA tables, but I was a bit disappointed in the Vagaries tables because random events happen even when you’re not recruiting, on campaign, or in battle.
Charles DM:
“Also, IMO, a good set of Judge’s tables can overcome some of the cross-referencing mentioned above. (Preferably part of a Judge’s Screen, perhaps with Thrice-Hidden Secrets of ACKS included, nudge, nudge …)”
There are generic screens available that can be filled with printed-out pages (I know there’s one for Savage Worlds). So all Autarch would really need to do make a 6-page pdf (3 for the players’ side, three for the Judge’s side).
“The integrated economics and how - it - just - works. But how do you sell “Economics!” as sexy when it comes to the game? I really have no idea. You either like that kind of thing, or you have no problem with infinite Cantrips (Just kidding! Sort of…).”
The economics system was a real draw-card for me, but then I actually am an economist, so I’m not really typical.
Yeah, I use one of those myself. I actually prefer game-specific cardstock screens from an aesthetic point-of-view, but in terms of practicality, these customizable screens are great.
They’re especially helpful for small publishers that may not have the wherewithal to do a full production of a screen, but could manage to publish a 6-page (or even a 3-page) pdf.
I’m waiting for the Auran Empire book so I can have an all-ACKS-covers timeline screen on the backside.
Player’s Companion (beginning) → ACKS (conquering) → D@W (early domain) → Auran Empire (late domain).
Buy a colour laser printer → Google Michael C. Hayes → Profit?
Dude. Duuuuuuuude.
(EDIT: Overly vague. Just thought that was an awesome idea.)
Dude?
I claimed I bought the colour laser printer for productive purposes, but who am I kidding? It was originally for printing out colour images of monsters for RPG sessions.
I created a screen, too. I love having so many tables in one place so I don’t have to go looking them up over and over again.
I’m not the only economist! Huzzah!
I never realized we had so many actual economists in the community! That’s very cool, albeit intimidating.
I’m finishing up a double-major in creative writing and statistics this year, and then onward to a PHD in Stats eventually.
ACKS: The High IQ OSR game.
I was thinking ACKS: Economist-Tested, Statistician-Approved.
With branding like this, it’s no wonder we’re outselling D&D 5E 6 to 1*!
*According to a survey conduct among members of my weekly gaming group.
Well, that certainly begs the question: what am I doing here?
Wow…I have a new reason to want a chance to actually run or play ACKS…my IQ might rise!
People used to laugh at my undeveloped campaign world. I was ashamed to reveal my lack of economic coherency and demographics. Then I sent in the mail for Alex Macris’ Adventurer Conqueror King System. It made me such a complete specimen of a Judge that guys and gals can’t help but notice my perfectly trimmed hex maps and fully developed custom classes.
Mail for your own copy of the Adventurer Conqueror King System, and take you and your players from zeros to heroes!