(HackMaster) The Hacklopedia of Beasts - the most awesome monster manual ever

[Aus_Snow]

Hm. Very nice.

So... what's the game like? Is it obviously derived from / inspred by any other RPGs out there? What are the key differences between HM and HM Basic? Also, are they interchangeable, like say, wrt the HoB?

 

[theemrys]

Hm. Very nice.

So... what's the game like? Is it obviously derived from / inspred by any other RPGs out there? What are the key differences between HM and HM Basic? Also, are they interchangeable, like say, wrt the HoB?

Well, there's the "original HackMaster" which was technically called HM 4e... but HackMaster basic is the "new game" that's been launched. Advanced HackMaster is forthcoming and will expand upon HackMaster Basic.

I'm loving the game myself. I feel it really captures the feel of "old school gaming" (my 1e and 2e experiences) but with more of a modern rule system.

Combat is done with opposed rolls... There is a nice blend of spell points and memorizing (you can still memorize a few spells and they cost less spell points to cost). With spellpoints you can also augment spells when casting to boost power or duration, etc which makes playing mages more intersting. It pushes a roll 3d6 for stats and keep them in order, but blends that with a build point system to allow some flexibility. One of my favourite aspects is that "dump stats" are gone... Every stat has a use to every class... Int affects your to hit, Str your damage in melee, Wis your initiative... etc.

You start with more hp than 1e/2e but damage can be much more as well. Damage dice penetrate (explode in some games). This means that even as you advance, suddenly kobolds can remain credible threats...


The biggest thing for me is that it's a game where you really do start off "average" or slightly above and earn your way up the chain. It's a lot of fun if that's your style. Personally I love it and can't wait to see more.

Back to the original thread, I've been devouring the PDF version of the Hacklopedia and can't wait for the print copy!

 

[theemrys]

Hm. Very nice.

So... what's the game like? Is it obviously derived from / inspred by any other RPGs out there? What are the key differences between HM and HM Basic? Also, are they interchangeable, like say, wrt the HoB?

Oh, and HMB can use the Hackopedia fine. There's a few extra things in it (like fatigue) which HMB doesn't cover... (and Advanced will) but you can use it just fine the way it is.

Advanced is planned to be HMB with more added on...

 

[Holy Bovine]

I'm pretty wary of Hackmaster after the first Hacklopedia of Beasts was released as 9 separate volumes priced at $20 each. I've sold off most of my Hackmaster 1E stuff (save the GMG) but appreciate that they may have produced a worthy product at last with the new HoB. Time will tell.

 

[Treebore]

Hm. Very nice.

So... what's the game like? Is it obviously derived from / inspred by any other RPGs out there? What are the key differences between HM and HM Basic? Also, are they interchangeable, like say, wrt the HoB?

You will definitely see elements that remind you of other RPG's, but nothing that is hole sale the same as other RPG's. It uses opposed D20 rolls for combat and saves, the skill system is percentile based, and there are lots of fiddly bits to add to combats. Perhaps the biggest difference, which people will either love or hate, is healing is not easy. Even with a cleric or two it will take a very beat up party DAYS to recover. Only 2 to 3 days if your lucky. Without a cleric it can take months.

They addressed the god like spellcaster issues by seriously curtailing how many spells they can cast by a creative cost/benefit spell point system, which also allows you to alter the base line spells by spending more Spell points. So for those who hate the classic D&D magic fire and forget system, you may LOVE this system.

Hackmaster Advanced is not out yet, but yes, it will be very compatible.

One thing I like is that even thought there are a LOT of fiddly bit rules I can ignore them and run it very basic, which is hat I did, and still found the game to be enjoyable.

Another thing people may love or hate is that races make a big difference, Skills/classes are bought with Build Points, and you can get more BP's (in Basic) by sticking to your straight 3d6 attribute rolls, plus there are other options, and I am sure more will be in Advanced.

So Hackmaster (the new one) is well worth checking out, but as always it will depend on the individual as to how well it is liked.

 

[griffonwing]

The first Hackmaster (4e) was a spoof of D&D 2.0. The only way Kenzerco could do it was as a parody. IThe HoB had 8 volumes because there were so many parody beasts (Dire Aardvaark?).


However, the new HM (Basic and Full) is a completely serious game. It hearkens back to old-school gaming. Low magic, realistic world economy.

It even uses the game world of Tellene (Kingdoms of Kalamar), so you don't have to go out and purchase new setting books. I happened to have purchased the KoK setting books a few years ago, mainly because I saw the Atlas and fell in love with it.

 

[Galadrin]

I'm a toothless hobo and even I bought the Hacklopedia. When I strike it rich again, I'll be running Advanced HackMaster from Frandor's Keep to Castle Zagyg.

 

[Treebore]

I'm pretty wary of Hackmaster after the first Hacklopedia of Beasts was released as 9 separate volumes priced at $20 each. I've sold off most of my Hackmaster 1E stuff (save the GMG) but appreciate that they may have produced a worthy product at last with the new HoB. Time will tell.

Yeah, at $60 per I know they aren't going to do 9 volumes, but I already know there is going to be more than one considering what is NOT in this monster book.

 

[griffonwing]

Yeah, at $60 per I know they aren't going to do 9 volumes, but I already know there is going to be more than one considering what is NOT in this monster book.

The monster book is not complete yet. There are some that they are still working on.

As far as dragons, I cannot recall whether they will be in there. There are drakes and other similar, but dragons might have their own book.

 

[Falstaff]

The monster book is not complete yet. There are some that they are still working on.

As far as dragons, I cannot recall whether they will be in there. There are drakes and other similar, but dragons might have their own book.

I can't wait to read the Dragon entries for the new HM game. Last night my player's PCs battled four goblins (there are five PCs) and they were nearly defeated. I can't wait to see just how deadly and dangerous the Dragons will be. Finally a game were Dragons will get their just deserts!