As a few people know, I have decided to take it upon myself to start writing Arcanium Society Scenarios in a fragmented ongoing campaign where every session is a new scenario and characters can drop in an out at anytime they want, but the characters will continue to improve.

So here's the deal for those who don't know already. I will be running this "campaign" in the D20 Modern system (similar to DnD 3.5) using character sheets I will update and keep electronically.

Here is a list, in order, of things you'll need to know to get started.

The Basics
First things first, the most important thing about your character is detail, it'll make your character generation so much easier. Remember, we're going for roleplay rather than power gamer, so if you have every detail of your character worked out, it'll make for more interesting games.

There is only one compulsory thing you will need to do yourself at this point, and that's some dice rolling! What you'll need is 4D6, roll them 6 times (subtracting the lowest dice each roll) and apply them to the usual 6 stats: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. I will allow you to reroll any stats you believe to be too bad, as long as it doesn't get stupid.

Then you have two choices... send me your character background (20 questions will do, so I can refer to that if you'd like) or, if you have the rules, let me know what you've chosen for your character and I'll put it to computer (we'll be starting at level 3 FYI).

Starting Class Notes
For those Unfamiliar with D20 Modern, there are six basic classes which are as follows (Followed in brackets by "unique" occupations that may be held by each class for Arcanium Society so as to help you pick):

Strong Hero
Fast Hero
Tough Hero
Smart Hero (Aspiring Mage, Elemental Psionics)
Dedicated Hero
Charismatic Hero

Now, obviously, these are trained to one specific stat each, and all have a talent tree away from feats to help them specialise. Obviously these take advantage mostly from the stat they originate from.

However, some characters from the Arcanium Society are not from modern day and these characters have the option of allowing me to tailor make a DnD class for them to fit D20 Modern (though it'll mostly be untouched as only the class skills need modifying). These can be taken instead, however, this shows the character's grip on the old ways and will not adapt to modern life as well as other characters. They will gain a -4 penalty to the following skills (same as being unproficient in a weapon you're using) and be unable to multi-class into modern classes/advanced classes:

Computer use, Craft (Electronic), Craft (Mechanical), Drive, Knowledge (Technology), Perform (Keyboards), Pilot.

Non-modern day characters can, however, take feats that deal with modern technology as it shows their focus on doing well on that particular area.

Advanced Classes
Some may know these as "Prestige Classes". Modern characters can take advanced classes from the D20 Modern book and non-modern characters may take prestige classes from any book agreed upon by myself. The following advanced classes may also be taken by modern day characters:

Occultist (Requires Decipher Script 6 ranks, Knowledge - Arcane Lore 6 ranks, Research 6 ranks, and the feats: Educated and Studious)
Mage (Requires Craft - Chemical 6 ranks, Decipher Script 6 ranks, Knowledge - Arcane Lore 6 ranks, Research 6 ranks)
Acolyte (Requires Base Attack Bonus of +2, Knowledge - Theology and Philosophy 6 ranks, Listen 6 ranks, Sense Motive 6 ranks, Allegiance to positive or negative energy which can be decided nearer the time and a holy symbol)
Techno Mage (Requires Computer Use 6 ranks, Craft - Electronics 6 ranks, Knowledge - Arcane Lore 6 ranks, Repair 6 ranks)

You may have noticed that modern characters need to take mages and acolytes (clerics) as advanced classes but non-modern characters don't. This is due to the fact that, back in days of old, book on magic and magic in itself was common knowledge but, to the unsuspecting majority of the planet, was some how lost along the way and books became less and less ready in a modern society, hence the difference. Modern characters make up for this, however, for their boost in feats and talents (and proficiency with modern technology too, naturally!).

Supernatural Abilities
Some members of the Society, noteably members such as Damien Bennet have a natural gift that allow abilities such as Telekenesis, Pyrokenesis etc. My original plan was to introduce a Sorcerer class to modern times, however, this would become widespread knowledge in the world of today. Instead you can claim your character has a natural ability which will be added to your notes. To show your character's progression in their ability, you can select feats from the following tree:

Wild Talent (Level 0)
|-> Realised Talent (Level 1)
|-> Controlled Talent (Level 2)
|-> Trained Talent (Level 3)
|-> Harnessed Talent (Level 4)

The Wild Talent feat (and all feats that follow it) must belong to a category, this may be from the following list (but not necessarily limited to): Pyrokinesesis, Telekenesis, Cryokenesis, Hydrokenesis, Aerokenesis and Geokenesis. Each level will allow you access to more powerful abilities, but these abilities must be discussed with me in advance.

Please note, however, since 90% of the Arcanium Society have supernatural abilities, this doesn't purely represent that they have this ability, merely that they've learnt to control it somewhat better, for example, a Pyrokinetic without Wild Talent can still use his flames to light an area up and improve visibility, but is unable to direct it as an attack as this requires time and training.

Most supernatural abilities don't require verbals either unless stated elsewhere.

Equipment and Loose Ends
With equipment, just let me know what your character carries and I will add the items where possible. I will let you see your sheet before I finalise it completely in anycase. I can't be arsed to buy stuff in game, you're all good roleplayers, you know what you're doing.

In the case of wealth and action points, I will minus (or add in rare cases) anything I feel is suited with your character. I assume your characters didn't just start life at level 3, so you'd have had to use your guile somewhere!

Finally, alot of Urban Arcana is compatible with Arcanium Society, so you can use any of it's feats and/or occupations for this campaign. Any other Source from Urban Arcana that you'd like to use for the campaign needs to be run by myself first, but in all likeliness will be permitted too.

Update: I've updated my rules for Psionics (Now labelled "Supernatural Abilities") and I've mulled over using Occupations and Feats from Urban Arcana. You can find the rules for Urban Arcana here:

http://www.d20resources.com/arcana.d20.srd/

Update again, I've decided I'm moving the Arcanium Society system over to Basic Roleplaying. There are a few reasons for this decision:

• More flexibility
• Simpler system that makes more sense
• No class restrictions
• Skills go up as you use them, no need to wait for level ups to use skills that your character would be better at or gain immediatly
• More roleplay oriented
  

After a few play throughs with "playtesters" as such (Sam Winston, Troy Healy, Max Bracey, Greg Jones and Max's friend Quanon whose name I'm not sure I've spelt correctly) I realised some characters were either useless or over powered, and unfortunately, as Sam pointed out, that's rubbish for a system like Arcanium Society where Fantasy and Modern mix. Fortunatly, Basic Roleplaying is generic and gives interchangable rules for a variety of time periods, which is perfect in my opinion.

For characters that haven't already been made, this is perfect for a fresh start. For those already made, it shouldn't be too difficult as everything is put down as a skill (including weapons, magic, psychic abilities etc.) and runs off 8 characteristics ranging between 3 and 18: Strength, Consitution, Dexterity, Intellect (all of which are straight coversions from DnD for this), Power (represents will power and soul, good for mages and psionics and I'll be transferring Wisdom to this), Appearance (affects Charisma skill, so will be based on that state from DnD) and two new ones: Education (self explanitry) and Size (factors in weight and height, affects grapples and how easy it is to get into small spaces as well as other things).

I'm hoping doing this will create a more fun and more rounded experience with more focus on roleplaying. I've played this system lots of times (it was a massive part of Call of Cthulu and Stormbringer) and it works amazingly well. I will be running a game, hopefully, soon using this system. I'll convert any already made characters before then.

So how did this go Darren??

Oh I've switched the system, and we just finished our first major Story Arc yesterday. Even as the GM, the suspense and action is so damn cinematic it's unreal, it's turning into when Heroes meets Supernatural, every game's a rollercoaster, especially with Max and myself working together to divise new and cunning ways to turn each story around and make it seem like something different (even against each other).

I'm thoroughly looking forward to the new Story Arc, I have lots of ideas!

Speaking as someone who was able to be included in the game i concur, the flow and edginess of the game is just right. Although i would be more ruthless and hurt the players more (that is because i am mean).

I really enjoyed myself and found there was the right mix of action, investigation and suspense. All capped with an epic Max moment that saved the day ... of course

Even though i had to be at work early and we had been playing all day i would have happily done another sessions ... especially since the ending was left on such a cliff hanger.

Way to go Darren!

Q.

Anyone up for anything this coming weekend? I am available saturday or bank holiday monday. We can always do it round my place if you want ... i am quite happy to play host so long as you dont mind sitting in the living room and only a small table

Would be great to continue with the plot and i am going through withdrawal symptoms so need a fix

Cheers,

Q.

Sorry to say it Q, but I don't think it's likely. I know Max is up north for a wedding, Disco and I are doing the pirate event, I think that Darren is busy too...
But I'll be happy to get Malcolm back kicking arse, so hopefully it won't be too long.

T

I'm busy Saturday but I am defo about Monday if we can get enough people in I'll run the next chapter.

I would be up for Monday but dont have contact details for anyone else. I guess everyone is busy ... and now i have no more supernatural to watch whatever will i do?! lol

I spent all weekend laying in bed watching supernatural seasons 3 & 4.

Maybe it is time to start downloading the Wire.

Q.

Ah, But Q, I love you, thats all that matters

Anyway, i suggest we arrange more, the storyline has me biting for it to continue and its going fantastically.

Originally, modern table top was something which bored me but i adore it now.

Im looking forward to the next!

Max.

Ditto

Greg are you around on Monday? Princess will probably still be up in scotland but if you are available, along with darren and myself we need only one more. How about James? I would ask him but i dont have a contact number for him.

Hey Qanan,

This coming monday? I will have to check my work rota, which I wont know until thursday unfortunately, the chances are though that I might not be available as it is a school holiday and therefore a busy time for gw.
Watch this space as I t would be an honour to meet you again.

Greg

Damn those school kids! Oh well guess i may as well work bank holiday weekend. Let me know what happens Greg, would be great to smash the enemy in a low profile way of course

Q.

Could do the 6th June if everyone wants? If we can't do monday then that's the next best date for me.

I wont be around from 6th - 15th of June as i will be away in the US of A. Maybe a evening sometime?

Yeah an evening would work out nicely, Wednesdays work out best for me for evenings, though I can work Fridays at a push usually. If not we might need to have a break until the 21st June >.<

Fridays would be ideal as i dont have to work the next day but i can do weds also ... only problem is that i work in central London and usually finish at 19:00 ... by the time i make it round to your neck of the woods it would probably be around about 20:30. I have no problems playing late into the night ... early into the morning ... but not sure if everyone else would be.

Well how about this - we play Friday nights if we can't make the saturday/bank holiday (if there is one)?