[Play-test] Gramarye: An Eragon-inspired TTRPG [In-Development]
Playtest Game, Homebrew Game | Campaign
About the adventure
For Fans of Christopher Paolini's fantasy epic The Inheritance Cycle! An in-development game I've been concocting for almost a year, ready to begin play-testing a few aspects! The in-world mechanics of The Inheritance Cycle don't mesh well with existing systems: 5eSRD, d6, Call of Cthulu, etc. Due to the open-ended nature of the spell-casting, the fluidity of the Ancient Language, the bonded nature of Dragons and Riders as two parts of a single playable unit... I had to get creative. Using a primarily d20-based system, Gramarye has completely revamped character-creation mechanics, including a multiplier-style bonus built from your character's Lineage and Heritage (race and background in 5e terms) that influences all abilities, hit points, and spellcasting modalities. A more fluid version of skill-checks and extremely open-ended action-economy (player action, game master reaction, rinse-repeat, a la Monster of the Week) round out the Gramarye system for a refreshingly new TTRPG experience! As this game is based entirely on and in the world of Eragon, I am looking for fans who are familiar with the source material. You don't need to be fluent in the ancient language, but you should be aware of the existing, canon-relevant mechanics (skolir/o, we're looking at you!) Additionally, familiarity with the various Lineages (races) and political structures of the canon will be helpful. Playable Lineages include: - Human - Dragon - Elf - Dwarf - Werecat - Urgal - Greyling All strata of the canon societal structures are playable as Heritages (backgrounds), from Commoners up through Nobility and Royalty. Various forms of Fighter, Diplomat, Rider, and other Spellcaster archetypes exist as Roles (classes) in the current play-test material. All sessions will be Free, as this is play-testing only! Sessions may be infrequent, but you'll have the option to leave me your contact info (Discord, Start Playing dm's, email, etc) for future play-testing opportunities as the game continues through the developmental phases. Additionally, if you so choose, you'll have the opportunity to be listed as a play-tester in the official release (when - not if - I get to that stage). As a final bonus, you'll have access to early ordering when - not if - the project goes to Kickstarter or other funding/publishing platforms! If you've ever wished you could play out your OC's adventures in Alagaesia, now is the time! Join me for the starting steps of an epic journey!
Game style
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
Still 3 open seats!
Additional details
How to prepare
You will need a Discord account to access the shared server. You should have at least a microphone for voice-calling, but video would be preferred in-case I need to screen share a section of the play-test materials. You do not need to read the provided materials ahead of time, but I welcome the feedback if you do! All pertinent information for the play-test will be covered in the session. You should have a notebook or some scrap paper for taking notes on the system and mechanics during the session; I may also ask you to take pictures or scan your notes (on a voluntary basis) so I can see more of the player-end thought process.
What I provide
Initially, no map software or character sheet managers will be required. Gramarye as a game lends itself well to open-ended role-playing over combat or puzzle mechanics. It will also reward creative thinking for problem solving, diplomacy, and of course the magic system. You should expect to utilize canon vocabulary from the ancient language to create your spells, or at least be able to specify the mechanic you want your spell to accomplish. There won't be a "spellbook", per se, like you might be used to from 5e or Pathfinder. Your own ingenuity and creativity will fuel the world! I will be using ambient music, but the initial sessions will function more as a discussion and workshop, where I walk you through the new mechanics and receive your feedback. Once through Character Creation, the sessions will function more as random-encounters and one-shots, where I provide you with scenarios to solve in-character, and we work through how it plays out. As described above, your participation in this play-test is greatly appreciated, and I will be glad to reciprocate down the line with mentions in the final published materials and early access to ordering the final product! If you're ready to live out your own Eragon storyline, come with me to Gramarye!
Gameplay details
As this is a play-testing game, I am not anticipating a high number of content or trigger warnings in the early stages. This may change as the play-testing continues deeper into the narrative phases of the system and storyline. That said, I will still utilize Lines and Veils, which will be maintained for all players in a shared Google Doc and will be reviewed regularly for updates. Each session will include at least one break, and each session will conclude with a Stars & Wishes / Debriefing discussion. Finally, I will use Google Forms after each session where players can submit anonymous feedback on the play-test material and gameplay.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Lines and Veils
• Open Door
• Stars and Wishes
How will character creation work
Character Creation is the first mechanic and process I want to play-test, so everything will be handled in-session! Simply have a loose idea of the character you want to play, and we'll build it and test it out! I will provide all play-test materials through this game's Discord server; you will not need to do any pre-emptive prep, but if you wanted to review things early or between sessions, you are more than welcome!
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Low
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Intermediate
Platforms used
• Discord
Free
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Monthly / Saturday - 3:00 PM UTC
1.5-2.5 Hour Duration
7 / 8 Seats Filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Intermediate
Age: All Ages