[Churchofgaming] New Campaign Synopsis

[Michael Cole]

This is the synopsis of a campaign that, pending sufficient interest, I will 
try to run on Sundays fortnightly at the Church in Grey Street, starting in 
three weeks.  It will run under GURPS rules.  If you are interested, please 
let me know, as well as telling me which character archetype you would be 
interested in - I need to block them out.

The Long Road Home - China c150 AD
The campaign will be set in China at around 150 AD, and will follow the 
efforts of a Korean delegation (the PCs) in their adventures in a large, 
wide and foreign land.  Characters will be set on 200pts starting value, in 
a low to normal mana world, with realistic, low cinematic violence.  It will 
take the form of a "Western Trail Movie"-type adventure, being episodic with 
an overriding plot.  There are plenty of examples of the style, such as 
Monkey (although much lower magic) through to Rawhide.

Background
Note that historical and geographical reality will only be adhered to when 
it doesn't affect the storyline.  I reserve the right to change things to 
make a better story.

The campaign starts in 142AD, with Emperor Shun of Han on the throne.   The 
largest part of Korea, Goyuryeo, is still under Chinese rule, having been 
conquered by the Han dynasty in 108AD.  The remainder of Korea is divided 
into three separate kingdoms, of Baekje, Silia and Kaya.

Recently, the father-in-law of the Emperor, and Grand Marshal, Liang Shang, 
died, and his posts were given to his son, Liang Ji.  Liang Ji has started 
to aggressively grab power, and the Three Kingdoms are now under constant 
attack.

The PCs form a diplomatic mission from the Three Kingdoms, sent to meet the 
Emperor, to try to resolve this situation as best they can.

House Rules
There are quite a few house rules that will be in use - I will detail them 
in the first session.  Most relate to combat changes, and a few changes to 
available advantages, disadvantages and skills.

Character Archetypes
Due to the structure of the opening, several types of characters are 
required, with certain restrictions.  They are listed here.

Military Contingent
2 to 4 players are required to take the roles of the escorting soldiers. 
All soldiers will require certain minimums (ST and HT of 12, various 
required skills (Hiking or riding, leadership, strategy or tactics, and an 
appropriate professional skill).  The roles are: -

Commanding Officer (1 of - Mandatory)

Must be Korean, Military Rank of 4, and have Two Handed Sword at 16.  Will 
also be required to take a warhorse as an ally - I can provide the rules for 
this.  Effectively, the guy in charge of the mission.

Sergeants (1 to 3 of, at least 1, preferably 2 to be filled by players)

Must be Korean, Military Rank of 2, and have a primary weapon (generally one 
of Two Handed Sword, Two-Handed Flail, Spear, Glaive or Long Bow) at 16. 
Will also be required to take an ally group of 5 soldiers - these will be 
considered to have the same stats as their sergeant but all at 2 levels 
lower.

Diplomatic Contingent
1 to 3 players can take the roles of the Korean diplomats.  Diplomats may be 
mages, priests or simple diplomats, and should have appropriate status and 
skills.  They can also have ally groups of servants or palanquin bearers, 
but no armed soldiers.  I need at least one for this role.

Other Members
Some various other suggestions: -

Unarmed Martial Artist - such a character would need to be a servant of one 
of the diplomats, either a PC or NPC version.  Would need appropriate low 
status and duties.

Guides - Could be merchants or other, and could be Chinese with an 
appropriate unusual background.  Should not have any major combat skills.

Weirdness - Some possibilities are a visiting Roman (yes, rumours were that 
the Romans did visit the Chinese), Indians, Mongolians or Southern Chinese 
(considered Primitive Barbarians at this time).  Social status will be 
negative, and they may be difficult to play.

If you could let me know if you would be interested and in what role you 
would be interested, it would be appreciated.  Brief synopsises of 
characters, particularly if unusual, would also be good, but keep in mind 
the adventure synopsis.




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Regards,

Michael Cole