Houses of the Blooded
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Houses of the Blooded is a roleplaying game designed by John Wick scheduled for release in March 2008[1] at the earliest. Its author has described it[2]as the "anti-Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game," emphasising elements of the fantasy genre that D&D overlooks. Taking a more swords and sorcery approach (rather than "generic fantasy"), the game focuses on romance, intrigue, courtly dangers, and domain management.
[edit] Overview
Players tell the story of the tragic and doomed race of Shanri called the ven. (Both Shanri and the ven previously appeared in Wick's game Enemy Gods.) The ven appear much like humans, but are stronger, faster, and more beautiful. The ven are also emotional powerhouses, emphasising all emotions with capital letters (Love, Hate, Fear, etc.).
The ven were created by a mysterious race they call "the sorcerer-kings." The ven speak of this race with absolute fear, terrified their masters may return one day to enslave them once again.
Ven culture is a complicated system of extremes. "Love" and "Revenge" are the same word in the ven language, both different sides of "obsession." The law is a labyrinth of exceptions, allowing the ven to all but ignore their own laws except when it suits them to obey.
Rather than playing the D&D cliché of ageless nomadic orphans wandering the countryside looking to sell their swords to the highest bidder, players in Houses of the Blooded take the roles of nobles responsible for great domains. As they struggle to maintain their own standing, they must solve the troubles that arise in their lands while plotting to expand their own lands. The game system also takes a long-term view, allowing for the passage of time, giving players the opportunity to watch generations pass as characters are born, grow old, and fade away.
[edit] Game System
Wick credits the game system to two chief inspirations: Octane by Jared Sorensen and the FATE System by Evil Hat Productions. Houses of the Blooded uses "aspects," a key element to the FATE System. Also, the use of "wagers"--a mechanic allowing players to take control of the game and the world of Shanri--are inspired by the mechanics of Octane.
Players roll against a standard target number of 10 with six-sided dice. Players have the option to discard excessive dice as "wagers." If the roll is successful, the player can modify his own success with wagers. Each wager allows the player to add an additional effect to the result, playing like a kind of theater improvisation game.
