What is the right game for me?
- Thread starter Retreater
- Start date
A
amerigoV
Guest
Another vote for Savage Worlds. Some of your reasons for looking I shared until I stumbled upon it.
I think the one criterial you will always have to deal with is battlemat. I remember fondly not have one during most of my 1e days (teenager). I am not sure I could get by without one now - loss of imagination with old age I guess.
Someone mentioned Cortex - its my impression they have not worked up a good magic system for fantasy yet. I saw a draft about 6 months ago <shudder>. But it has been 6 months, so maybe it is viable now.
I think the one criterial you will always have to deal with is battlemat. I remember fondly not have one during most of my 1e days (teenager). I am not sure I could get by without one now - loss of imagination with old age I guess.
Someone mentioned Cortex - its my impression they have not worked up a good magic system for fantasy yet. I saw a draft about 6 months ago <shudder>. But it has been 6 months, so maybe it is viable now.
JRRNeiklot
First Post
I'll 2nd WFRP 2e, and pimp Dragonage again, lol.
G
Guest 85555
Guest
I agree with those who suggested Savage Worlds. For rules light/tight, I think it would be a good fit. But the problem is, it is generic and would therefore require a little more prep, which you say you don't want to do.
I honestly think you may have to compromise on some of your points. I honestly can't think of a system that meets all those criteria. However, I am sure I am forgetting some systems.
If you are willing to compromise on THAC0, I would recommend playing 2nd edition, since it seems to meet a lot of your other needs. Plus it has a ton of setting material. I think Dragonlance or Grey Hawk would suit your style.
For good standar fantasy, you could check out the Rune Quest books (in terms of setting). HARN is also a a great source for setting material with standard fantasy.
Have you tried playing 3E with just the core books? It really is the splat books that brings in some of the weird stuff, and you aren't meant to allow all of the splat material into the game (you really need to consider the needs of the setting when allowing prestige classes, feats, and items from those books). I did this a while back, and the campaign felt more like traditional fantasy.
Also, if you want something in the style of Lord of the Rings, why not play Lord of the Rings. The ICE MERP game is a little rules heavy if I remember, however I believe they also released a toned down, basic edition at some point, and you may be able to find it somewhere on the net (If anyone can shed light on this that would be helpful as I am trying to track down the book myself---think it was released as a boxed set originally).
I honestly think you may have to compromise on some of your points. I honestly can't think of a system that meets all those criteria. However, I am sure I am forgetting some systems.
If you are willing to compromise on THAC0, I would recommend playing 2nd edition, since it seems to meet a lot of your other needs. Plus it has a ton of setting material. I think Dragonlance or Grey Hawk would suit your style.
For good standar fantasy, you could check out the Rune Quest books (in terms of setting). HARN is also a a great source for setting material with standard fantasy.
Have you tried playing 3E with just the core books? It really is the splat books that brings in some of the weird stuff, and you aren't meant to allow all of the splat material into the game (you really need to consider the needs of the setting when allowing prestige classes, feats, and items from those books). I did this a while back, and the campaign felt more like traditional fantasy.
Also, if you want something in the style of Lord of the Rings, why not play Lord of the Rings. The ICE MERP game is a little rules heavy if I remember, however I believe they also released a toned down, basic edition at some point, and you may be able to find it somewhere on the net (If anyone can shed light on this that would be helpful as I am trying to track down the book myself---think it was released as a boxed set originally).
coyote6
Adventurer
With SW, you could buy the $10 book, download one of their free adventures & sample characters, and give it a spin. (Heck, I think they even have a free test drive rules download, so you could possibly skip the book, too.)
Then, if you like it, there are available options for settings, adventures, and such, if you don't want to build your own. Triple Ace Games has the Hellfrost setting, along with several adventures for it -- it's more money invested, but it's a specific setting & specific adventures, so that's less prep.
Then, if you like it, there are available options for settings, adventures, and such, if you don't want to build your own. Triple Ace Games has the Hellfrost setting, along with several adventures for it -- it's more money invested, but it's a specific setting & specific adventures, so that's less prep.
Thondor
I run Compose Dream Games RPG Marketplace
You might want to take a look at Microlite20. Its basically a much simpler version of 3e with some changes. PC's are a lot tougher at 1st level (add physical(con) score to hp). There are way fewer spells and characters don't have to memorize them.
At the least it fits your rules light and tougher initial PCs criteria. Plus its free and pretty compatible with 3e/2e/1e stuff.
At the least it fits your rules light and tougher initial PCs criteria. Plus its free and pretty compatible with 3e/2e/1e stuff.
Raven Crowking
First Post
I'd just run 1E/2E and tweak the rules a bit for attack and AC. Start AC at 10 and uses the normal "bonus" as a positive (Chain would be at 15). Dex bonus only on light (non-metal) armor. For base attacks, start at +4, adjust for strength and follow the THAC0 progression (fighters +1 every level, priest-types 2 every 3, rogues 1 every 2 levels, etc.) Add Consitution to max base HP die and go from there.
