Basic D&D rides again!

[mmadsen]

However, what do you hope is in the set? How do you hope it simplifies the rules?

First and foremost, I hope it remains fully compatible with the "advanced" rules. They can easily simplify the game by reducing the number of options: four classes (cleric, fighter, rogue, wizard); four races (dwarf, elf, halfling, human); just the most common spells from the first three levels; just the most common monsters (goblins, skeletons, zombies), etc.

Then they can further simplify the game by providing many, many sample characters -- including villains and their henchmen -- and multiple short sample adventures.

 

[kenjib]

I've often thought about writing up a lite version of the full rules to be an intro set. The srd is very nice, but it is huge and unwieldy. My thoughts were:

I like your ideas but I would leave the cleric in. I would also leave alignment in, but just have one axis: good, neutral, evil.

 

[johnsemlak]

Perhaps it should be called D&D Lite to distinguish it from Basic D&D.

The thing is, Basic D&D started as an into into a more complex game system, but then evolved into a game in its own right, complete with it's own supplements, setting, adventures, etc. However, I'm sure WotC do not plan for the new Basic D&D set to do the same.

 

[KB9JMQ]

Aleena !!!

I agree This made my day BTW. Is that sad ?

 

[diaglo]

Darn You Bargle.

 

[Voadam]

And the sorcerer knows them all.


Again, it's not D&D without it in the rules (just make it seem very optional).
I've more than thought about it but I don't think anyone would buy it from me. It would have to be a print product. My goal would be the whole kit and kaboodle in 64-96 pages. Perhaps printed in 6x9 (Bad Axe) size, lightly illustrated.

For the sorcerer they know 5 first and 5 second level spells, and 3 ninth, at 20th level. I'd want them to never know more than half the spells for a level so there can be variety, so at least 10 first and seconds and at least 6 or 8 of every other level. Probably 1/3 known to choice spells would be better without pushing the page count too high so maybe 15 firsts.

If I recall correctly Basic had less than 10 spells per spell level. Of course, basic only went to third level on the charts.

I was thinking under a hundred pages as well for a target length.

I think you are right that it would not be D&D flavor without clerics and some form of alignment, but they are not necessary for fantasy RPGing and would avoid the whole issue of gods or religion in the game world. Rogues would not be technically necessary either, but I think the tomb raider model of hero is fun enough to include.

I specifically chose sorcerer instead of wizard because preparing spells is more complicated than the sorcerer's slot and known spells system and has the unnecessary spell book issues tacked onto it.

 

[Hecateus]

any mention of Bargle the Wizard being in there? Cookies to those who remember!

 

[Gundark]

Well I really love 3/3.5 D&D so there wouldn't be much sense to go back to basic D&D.....unless they resurrected the Msytara setting. Mystara is a great setting and my 3 D&D campaign was set there. Then I would be inclined to get BD&D. Ahhhhhh memories.................

 

[Hecateus]

Darn You Bargle.

I miss him..and kept missing him too! Darn dice!

 

[mmadsen]

First and foremost, I hope it remains fully compatible with the "advanced" rules.

If I may build on my earlier post...

I think the new Basic D&D should be called Basic D&D, but it should be D&D Lite (as johnsemlak called it). When Basic D&D "evolved into a game in its own right," it splintered the rule base and the fan base for no good reason. If the new Basic D&D can remain 100% compatible with "Advanced" D&D, then we can even have Basic D&D adventure modules, etc., that work fine with the "Advanced" D&D rules but only use a subset of the classes, spells, etc.

Then they can further simplify the game by providing many, many sample characters -- including villains and their henchmen -- and multiple short sample adventures.

To expand on that, I'd like to see, say, multiple iconic fighters statted out for first through fifth level: one knight, one archer, one pikeman, one axe-wielding dwarf, etc. Those iconic "templates" (not in the current rules sense) would spell things out as clearly and concretely as old-school classes -- a 5th-level Knight would have his skills and feats fully delineated.