An idea for a 'Basic DnD'

[Klaus]

Here's an idea for a new product aimed at increasing the 'casual gamer' numbers. It is based on a slightly different OGL game being put together by a brazilian magazine.

Classes: Warrior, Spellcaster and Expert from Unearthed Arcana
Levels: 1st-5th
Races: Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling
Attacks of Opportunity: Take the Call of Cthulhu route ('if you're being threatened by a foe, you can't take this action')
Monsters: Staple monsters with CRs 1/4 to CR 8 (yes, top party level is only 5)
Spells: Take 'em from all lists, combine them into a single list and par down to around 15 spells of each level (90 spells, counting level 0)

Ship it with counters or minis and dungeon tiles (like the excellent ones Ed Bourelle puts out).

Just random thoughts. Opinions?

 

[Crothian]

sounds like a good basic to start with, but along with simplifying the rules it needs to really explain what role playing is and how to do it.

 

[Tumbler]

It wouldn't be that hard to replicate the original dnd with fighters, wizards, clerics, rogues, then halflings (rogues), elves (fighter/wizards), dwarves (fighters), and gnomes (illusionists) all written up as classes. All fighters could have the same feats without choice if you don't want to include feats. Lock in skill point progression and skills chosen for each class too, just like with old fashioned thieves.

What you would really want is to remove lots of special combat actions and situations, I like the idea that you can't perform some actions if threatened.

Include lots of sample characters that players can use or DM's can use as NPC's.

I don't like the idea of limiting levels to 5. I played a lot of DnD as a kid and enjoyed being able to get to high levels.

I'm assuming that this is marketed toward younger players, as opposed to those who want a simpler game. I think adults who want a simpler game should be able to strip out some of the complications pretty easily.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Have you picked up the D&D Basic Game? It does most of that very similarly ...