Dias Ex Machina Games

Although the drive to convince readers Amethyst is not derived from Shadowrun continues, a new accusation has arisen, comparing it to Steampunk, specifically, Arcanum.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcanum:_Of_Steamworks_and_Magick_Obscura

I find this odd. It's interesting and humorous. Steampunk deals with a limited technology, reaching the pinnacle of, believe it or not, Steam Power. Amethyst deals with a division of the two realms, with technology far surpassing the point reached by our modern age. Arcanum permits the mix of the two worlds. There is a strange effect that claims as technology spreads, magic decreases. Amethyst is the opposite, with technology fighting against its survival.

The introduction shows off a CGI where biplanes piloted by orcs attack a zeppelin, which is, of course, kind of cool, but would never be seen in Amethyst. In the end, both setting deal with the disruption of magic and technology but follow through that premise to different results. Amethyst is set on the real world and Arcanum is not. Arcanum allows a greater mix of the two where Amethyst presents technology as the current loser in these conflicts. In Arcanum, the fictional magical world recently developed technology and that is pushing magic from the world (a subtext Tolkien subtly also mentioned in LOTR), where Amethyst presents a technological world that is struck down and then invaded by a magical one.

I had not heard of Arcanum until last week. I find the premise interesting, but still quite a bit different. I honestly think we have more in common with it than Shadowrun so I am willing to offer that tip of the hat. If people enjoyed that game, I think they may like this one. Its different enough I think to still stand on its own as being original.

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“I despise stallions. I ride them as I ride an ugly noble women--smiles for appearances and politics only. Stallions. All personality with no depth. They prance like ponies and trot with arrogance. I always say, respect your mules most of all. A stallion may lead with the king and gather the eyes, but a mule will follow behind…and carry your kingdom.”
Tsarevick Kazaan
Amethyst D20

http://www.diasexmachina.com

Again...

It's not like shadowrun at all.


Ange, big, big, big shadowrun fan and gamemaster since 1992...

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Have you ever seen a non naked guy ?

Those were precisely the replies that popped up when I talked about Amethyst on the NWN City of Arabel forums.

http://coa.ender.com/viewtopic.php?t=78194

First, comparing it to Shadowrun.

Second, to Arcanum.

It does make me wonder if any of the respondents even read the information presented on Amethyst.

...and again on Shadowrun of you read the post. I admit sounding a bit like a broken record as Shadowrun is brought up in every breath and I expunge mine trying to convince otherwise. I am willing to concede the similarities with Arcanum but with Shadowrun I always get bent out of shape. It's shocking how so many are willing to attach labels.

And, Vlad, I know those were the replies cause I found your post. How did I, you ask? Ohhh...I have my ways. And thanks for the support to. Now get back there and defend the honor.

Honestly, it was the second time Arcanum was brought up.

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=223944

Thanks to Cergorach for jumping in to defend the game.

There is quite a bit of knee-jerk reactionary comment in regard to the game, like that negative review that was temporarily posted on RPGNow.

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“I despise stallions. I ride them as I ride an ugly noble women--smiles for appearances and politics only. Stallions. All personality with no depth. They prance like ponies and trot with arrogance. I always say, respect your mules most of all. A stallion may lead with the king and gather the eyes, but a mule will follow behind…and carry your kingdom.”
Tsarevick Kazaan
Amethyst D20

http://www.diasexmachina.com

I will, as soon as they get the forums back up.