Best and worst RPG systems to be isekai’d to

[Ralif Redhammer]

I don't think I'd want to go anywhere I would be at serious risk of getting killed or having to kill anyone else. Heck, even in the superheroic D&D 5e, those might be hit points on paper, but I'm willing to bet even if you survive a dragon's breath weapon, that hurts a whole lot.

Also, being suddenly thrust into a world that you have zero connections in or actual knowledge of beyond what you know from the RPG books would be pretty difficult. Just look at how things went for John Carter when he first ended up on Barsoom. And he had superhuman strength!

If I had to pick one, I dunno, maybe Teenagers from Outer Space? It's not like "mysterious new kid in school" isn't already a trope.

 

[MoonSong]

Hmm.... What's the god's stance on homebrew, refluffing, and/or RAW vs. RAI? Basically, my question is this a rigidly by the book thing or is the god like a fairly reasonable GM. If it's rigid, what happens when rules ambiguities happen?

My first thought was that 4e D&D would be my pick for a good option. 3e and 4e are the only systems I really know well, and I definitely prefer 4e. I'm even making a character right now that is a wind Genasi, Desert Wind Monk with the Watershaper theme that starts the game with resistance to fire and cold, breathes underwater, has a swim speed, and can fly once per short rest. I'm also choosing Bardic Ritualist to also start the game with ritual access. A ton of fun to live out and huge potential to grow. A big downside for me would not refluffing my species to be a Cat furry that just has an elemental affinity for reasons (GM's are welcome to help me flesh out a campaign relevant reason for it). I'm a furry and living in a fantasy world were that is possible means I'd be unhappy as anything else. There wasn't really a good officially released furry option for 4e. Shifters and Hengeyokai were as close as it got, but they don't fit cleanly for me. Eh, even in a hard RAW I'd probably choose 4e anyway.

I don't know a lot of other game systems. I do have some Gurps and World of Darkness books, and a few other odds and ends, but don't know them well.

As for the bad option? Well I've never read it myself (and never will) but from just what I've heard about it from people making fun of it, it's F.A.T.A.L. That's a system you can die in character creation, and the assumed setting for the rules are pretty bleak. Maybe Warhammer 40k is worse, but I can't imagine by much.

I think PF has cat people. As for 4e itself, some half-elf bard variant with a good dilettante and swap for that spell that gives you flight at will. Or some kind of hybrid lazy lord.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I think reading Guardians of the Flame at an age where I was probably too young probably traumatized me to ever want to be Isekai’d in a D&D type setting!

I loved that series!

 

[Micah Sweet]

Star Trek but being a regular Federation citizen on Earth during the TNG era wouldn't be bad. A bit rocky during the Dominion War period, but otherwise pretty safe and cushy, and medical care is off the charts.

Yeah, late 24th century Trek would get my vote as well. I think I'd go with Star Trek Adventures for system.

 

[MGibster]

I know, for instance, I could have completely average base stats in HERO and spend most of those initial points on Damage Reduction and some kind of self-healing and be able to survive most of the harmful effects the world could throw at me.

If I suddenly end up in a GURPS setting, I'm probably going to be a 50 point character at best. I'm assuming I'm being converted to GURPS rules rather than being given a set of points to build myself as a GURPS character.

 

[MoonSong]

Some of y’all seem to be missing the point of why something like HERO, M&M or GURPS would be a good choice. Remember:

Those systems are not tied to any one setting, and their customizability is limited only by your system mastery and imagination.

I know, for instance, I could have completely average base stats in HERO and spend most of those initial points on Damage Reduction and some kind of self-healing and be able to survive most of the harmful effects the world could throw at me.

And if you’re being isekai’d into a world ACTUALLY run by the RPG system, I could expand my suite of attributes by Limiting my abilities and taking Disadvantages.

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RE taught me that being immortal just makes you a desirable test subject for anybody with enough power and not enough morality.

That and the guy with no mouth...

 

[jian]

If I suddenly end up in a GURPS setting, I'm probably going to be a 50 point character at best. I'm assuming I'm being converted to GURPS rules rather than being given a set of points to build myself as a GURPS character.

It depends on the setup but in most isekai settings the god gives you enough points to make a decent heroic adventurer.

 

[MoonSong]

It depends on the setup but in most isekai settings the god gives you enough points to make a decent heroic adventurer.

Thinking about it, would the premise exclude systems with mostly random character generation?

 

[jian]

Thinking about it, would the premise exclude systems with mostly random character generation?

I think you should be able to choose that if you like, but you are stuck with the results, so that might factor into your decision. Constitution 6 is no fun for anyone.

 

[roger semerad]

RE taught me that being immortal just makes you a desirable test subject for anybody with enough power and not enough morality.

That and the guy with no mouth...

That's a good point. Immortality is a good goal, but you'd need a certain level of power first to not be taken advantage of. I guess it also comes down to how indestructible you really are. Never aging? Really cool. Surviving and perpetually existing in a heat death of the universe scenario? Literally the worst thing I can think of.