Devoted husband, Grandfather of thirteen, Artist, Cartographer, and keen Games Master. As a RPG Convention List Compiler he attends many RPG conventions per year across the U.K. His work as an Entertainment Venue Manager means he gets to meet the equally famous and obscure of Britain’s popular culture. Darran has a small mischievous streak [that is a mile deep!] and often boarders on pure schadenfreude. With a penchant for drawing weapons he is certainly not a man to cross.
Friday, 14 May 2010
Continuum 2010 Freeform & LARP Games
More details are available in the Freeform section of the Continuum Website
The games are provisionally scheduled to run in the following slots*
Friday Night - Veteran's Day. [Aging Superheroes reunite]
Saturday Day - Fall of the House of Malan. [Gloranthan clan politics and war!]
Saturday Night - Kingsport. [Call of Cthulhu horror]
Sunday Morning - Last Voyage of the Santa Anna. [Victorian intrigue and mystery]
Sunday Day - You Can't Take the Sky From Me. [Firefly/Serenity action and adventure]
*Game slots may be altered.
The Last Voyage of the Santa Anna
GM: Graham Robinson
No. of Players: 16
Requirements: None
Teaser:
"In 1883, the steamship Santa Anna left Liverpool, bound for New York. Many legends have grown up around her final voyage. It seems unlikely that her true fate will ever be known, not least due to the wild stories of intrigue and the supernatural told by some of the survivors..."
- Lost Ships of the North Atlantic
"Santa Anna" is a rules-lite freeform, which requires no special knowledge or experience. All players are, of course, very welcome.
The game emphasises scheming, sneaking, deal-making, trading, romance, and socialising, with an element of the supernatural. I should warn you that there is a risk that everyone will die, though some survivors is more likely.
So, welcome aboard, and discover what happened during the fateful final hours of the "Santa Anna".
Veteran's Day
GM: Martin Jones, Mike Snowden
No. of Players: 20
Requirements: None
Teaser: by Clare Gardner/Mike Grace/Alex Helm/Martin Jones/Adrian Smith/Mike Snowden
25 years ago was the age of Superheroes, who saved the Earth from the Alien threat. Today we celebrate the end of the war, and honour their sacrifice, with the last remaining veterans.
You are at the reception to present medals to the last remaining veterans.
Scores may be settled and secrets revealed.
Written at the 2009 "Peaky" weekend, and subsequently expanded.
For more information visit http://freeforms.sabreit.co.uk/veteransday
Fall of the House of Malan
GM: Jeff Richard
No. of Players: TBC
Requirements: None
Teaser:
Set in Greg Stafford's world of Glorantha the Fall of the House of Malan is a story of clan politics, bloodshed, war, greed and faith.
The Orlanthi are a proud and strong folk, hot headed and always seeking to prove their worth to their god Orlanth. Join the barbarian clans of these fearsome heroes. This is the story of the Tribe of Malan, of its trial and tribulations. Walk with the storm gods, make war with your clan enemies and rejoice at the feasts with your ancestors.
This game will suit all kinds of freeformers, appealing to those who love to boast, covort and conspire.
The game is aimed at all levels of player and a deep knowledge is not required to enjoy in the fun.
For more information on Glorantha and the Orlanthi can be found at
www.Glorantha.com
Kingsport: Terror in Store
GM: Chris Killey
No. of Players: 18 Players
Requirements: None
Teaser:
A Lovecraftian horror freeform to be performed Saturday evening at Continuum 2010.
“In the morning mist comes up from the sea by cliffs beyond Kingsport. White and feathery it comes from the deep to its brothers the clouds, full of dreams…” – H.P. Lovecraft
All players are strongly encouraged to prepare appropriate costumes, further guidance will be provided once players have been allocated their character.
As this game is one of mystery, suspense and gut wrenching terror, no further information will be supplied prior to game other than individual character packs and rules guidance. Details on how to sign up for this game will follow soon! Chris may need support from GM’s to help run his game, if you are interested then contact Simon Bray via the Contacts section.
You Can't Take the Sky from Me...
GM: Simon Bray & Darran Sims
No. of Players: 25 Players
Requirements: None
Teaser:
"By order of the Union of Allied Planets Eavesdown Docks is under full Landlock, no ships may enter or leave the area for the next twenty four hours. Persephone port authorities will be searching all ships; a known fugitive is believed to be hiding somewhere within the vicinity.
The Alliance requests that all citizens carry on their persons their ident cards. If you see anyone acting suspiciously then report it immediately to the nearest command post..."
Things are heating up down by the Docks, and it’s not just the 'Good Dogs' that are sizzling over the grill. There is civil unrest; the filthy underbelly of the city has rolled itself over for all to view and the Alliance are not happy. Tongs and Triads roam the streets, muscling in on the companies of 'legitimate businessmen', smugglers, whores and Browncoats keep rearing their ugly heads. The local garrison is spread thin, especially since the fire bombing of the Glorious Ole Opera and adjoining buildings. To make matters worse, Governor Macon has chosen this time of discord to further the objectives of his Electoral campaign and seeks to meet and greet the fair folks of the Docks. You can be assured that his rivals will be doing likewise. Combine that with the discord amongst the Companions Guild and Miss Dahlia and you have a whole heap of trouble.
Data: "You Can't Take the Sky from me..." is a freeform role-playing game for 25 players, set in the wonderful setting of Joss Whedon's Firefly/Serenity 'verse. There is no need to be a Browncoat or Firefly afficianado, however I do want players willing to throw themselves into their characters and chew scenery, new players are welcome, so long as they understand this expectation.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Continuum 2010 Freeform Games
More details are available in the Freeform section of the Continuum Website
Fall of the House of Malan
GM: Jeff Richard
No. of Players: TBC
Requirements: None
Teaser:
Set in Greg Stafford's world of Glorantha the Fall of the House of Malan is a story of clan politics, bloodshed, war, greed and faith.
The Orlanthi are a proud and strong folk, hot headed and always seeking to prove their worth to their god Orlanth. Join the barbarian clans of these fearsome heroes. This is the story of the Tribe of Malan, of its trial and tribulations. Walk with the storm gods, make war with your clan enemies and rejoice at the feasts with your ancestors.
This game will suit all kinds of freeformers, appealing to those who love to boast, covort and conspire.
The game is aimed at all levels of player and a deep knowledge is not required to enjoy in the fun.
For more information on Glorantha and the Orlanthi can be found at
www.Glorantha.com
Kingsport: Terror in Store
GM: Chris Killey
No. of Players: 18 Players
Requirements: None
Teaser:
A Lovecraftian horror freeform to be performed Saturday evening at Continuum 2010.
“In the morning mist comes up from the sea by cliffs beyond Kingsport. White and feathery it comes from the deep to its brothers the clouds, full of dreams…” – H.P. Lovecraft
All players are strongly encouraged to prepare appropriate costumes, further guidance will be provided once players have been allocated their character.
As this game is one of mystery, suspense and gut wrenching terror, no further information will be supplied prior to game other than individual character packs and rules guidance. Details on how to sign up for this game will follow soon! Chris may need support from GM’s to help run his game, if you are interested then contact Simon Bray via the Contacts section.
You Can't Take the Sky from Me...
GM: Simon Bray & Darran Sims
No. of Players: 25 Players
Requirements: None
Teaser:
"By order of the Union of Allied Planets Eavesdown Docks is under full Landlock, no ships may enter or leave the area for the next twenty four hours. Persephone port authorities will be searching all ships; a known fugitive is believed to be hiding somewhere within the vicinity.
The Alliance requests that all citizens carry on their persons their ident cards. If you see anyone acting suspiciously then report it immediately to the nearest command post..."
Things are heating up down by the Docks, and it’s not just the 'Good Dogs' that are sizzling over the grill. There is civil unrest; the filthy underbelly of the city has rolled itself over for all to view and the Alliance are not happy. Tongs and Triads roam the streets, muscling in on the companies of 'legitimate businessmen', smugglers, whores and Browncoats keep rearing their ugly heads. The local garrison is spread thin, especially since the fire bombing of the Glorious Ole Opera and adjoining buildings. To make matters worse, Governor Macon has chosen this time of discord to further the objectives of his Electoral campaign and seeks to meet and greet the fair folks of the Docks. You can be assured that his rivals will be doing likewise. Combine that with the discord amongst the Companions Guild and Miss Dahlia and you have a whole heap of trouble.
Data: "You Can't Take the Sky from me..." is a freeform role-playing game for 25 players, set in the wonderful setting of Joss Whedon's Firefly/Serenity 'verse. There is no need to be a Browncoat or Firefly afficianado, however I do want players willing to throw themselves into their characters and chew scenery, new players are welcome, so long as they understand this expectation.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Freeform Serenity: Showboat
My good friend Simon has written another Serenity freegame for 32 players that we will run at Tentacles Omega convention that takes place in a castle above the Rhine Valley in Germany this weekend.
I have assisted with the writing, along with Colin, as well as producing of some of the props and items for the game.
Trouble is Simon has just out-classed us all with those masks below that he has made today!
Here is the blurb for the game:
Serenity/Firefly: Showboat!
by Simon Bray, Darran Sims and Colin Driver
"Out in the black it's not all broken down boats, Reavers and space dust, hell that's only half of any story. Not all the high and mighty Core dwellers stay at home you know, some come out here into the Rim, looking for adventure and beauty away from the sterility that the Alliance has to offer. All aboard their fine showboats and cruise ships they ride out in the lap of luxury. They bring with them shiny purses full of credits, cases full of fancy medicines and a might of other secrets to. Of course such a pretty little box of goodies comes with a lock or two, all as you need is the right key," said the Captain. He grinned at the beautiful courtesan at his side who returned his smile with a petulant sneer.
"I would expect no less from you, this is my business, not yours," she gracefully snarled as she stormed from the room.
"Then again some boxes are just pure trouble when they are opened, just look at that one of Pandora's. I would say that a ship full of tourists, parliamentary lobbyists, alliance guards and such forth, looks like a mighty box of trouble," said the older man from the doorway clutching his chest; the Doctor stood looking worried as usual at his side.
The Captain just smiled his boyish grin, "You know how much I was hoping you would say that old friend?"
"Are we there yet? I thought you said you could get me there on time," said the passenger from the top of the gantry. "I have very important business, and must not be late. Also I want to discuss a refund, this ship is infested if you ask me."
"Cleanest ship in the Verse!" snapped the Captain defensively "Tell him Doc!"
"We're just *cough!* about to dock *cough!* sir," choked the pilot.
All aboard the luxury cruise ship "Venturer", where the rich, famous and fortunate live like kings in the height of luxury. On this very ship the Alliance is conducting a passionate debate to decide the future of the Verse. But riches and politics attract less wholesome folks like flies around honey.
Play a space rogue, courtesan, politician, special agent or valiant captain in this game of daring exploits, devious politics and deadly secrets. This is a game of good role-playing; newcomers are always welcome but only if they are coming to chew scenery and make this game go with a bang. Costuming a necessity and turning up on the day even more so
Reaver Masks by Simon Bray
Hopefully it will not give too much plot away by showing these!