Finishing The Odyssey

Home sick today, folks.  This could put a damper on the game we're making for an independent project, so I will leave most of it in your capable hands.  I hope to have an "Alpha" copy of the game ready by Thursday. That way I can give each of you the cards you will need to design and you will have all of winter break to work on them.  This does count as an independent project, so expect to put in about two hours.

For Monday 12/16, you are to work in partners or groups of three to come up with elements from Homer's epic that could translate into a game.  The categories are:

• ENCOUNTERS that challenged Odysseus (or another hero like Telemachus, I suppose)
• HEROIC FEATS showing how the hero reacted, or personal characteristics that helped him succeed
• FORTUNES means both "good luck" and "treasure." This could be blessings or objects given to Odysseus, as well as allies who helped him. In game terms, Feats are one-time use cards, while Fortunes stick around and give you benefits.

Brainstorm ideas of things from the plot, setting, or characters that would make good cards.  Try to think of at least three things that fit in each category.  Some of you are bound to have the same ideas, so if you think of more than three that's great.

THAT'S YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR MONDAY!  I also have a file available in the English 9 Common folder you can use to study literary terms, characters, and contextual vocabulary for the test.

Wanna know more about the game?

The game will be played KIND OF like Yahtzee, but instead of having a score card you will draw an Encounter. It will have what you need to roll listed, along with a description of the event from the story.  Feats and Treasures help you roll more dice or modify them to beat the Encounter.  Remember those LEGO pieces?  Players will have Crew to help buy rerolls like the LEGO pieces did.  The difference is, once your crew is dead, you have to start over from the beginning if you fail an Encounter

Sample Encounter:

8 points: "Scylla Attacks!" Roll six dice. If you have no weapons and get a run of three (eg. 2,3,4) on your first roll, you remember not to take up arms and PASS the encounter. If not, you need a run of six (1,2,3,4,5,6).  For every die that you're missing, discard one Fortune as Scylla eats them.

Sample Heroic Feat:

Unwavering Courage: Reroll exactly three dice.

Sample Fortune:

Olive Limb Spike: Weapon. Add one die that may not be rerolled. Discard to PASS any encounter with a Cyclopes.