Hyperborea — Thoughts?

[deganawida]

Has anyone played Hyperborea 3rd edition? If so, what’s it like?

I like early 80s fantasy, which was actually more science fantasy than Tolkienian fantasy. Thundarr, for example, was seminal for me.

Hyperborea seems to be similar to those things that led to me getting into this hobby, but it’s not as easy to find information on it as other games, hence my question .

Thanks!

 

[jdrakeh]

It takes all the best parts of AD&D 1e and marries them to a very specific setting (the titular Hyperborea, which is absolutely more Lankhmar than Tolkien, with a heavy helping of Lovecraft and Thundarr). I've never met any other version of AD&D (official or clone) that gets me excited about actually playing it like Hyperborea does. I've owned every edition of Hyperborea and it just keeps getting better.

 

[Retreater]

Well, there's THAC0. And lots of very specific classes (like every multiclass configuration has its own bespoke class). It has definite sci-fi elements like laser guns that I just don't like in my fantasy.
It also uses real-world ethnicities inspired by 1930s pulp writers in a way that you wouldn't expect in this century.
The art is wildly uneven. Some of the illustrations are fantastic while others look like they were done by middle schoolers.
I've played a one shot at a convention. It didn't seem to bring anything different than 1e AD&D in style or rules.
All that said, I do own the latest edition, in the signed leatherette editions. I'd say it's worth picking up if you don't own 1e AD&D and don't want to seek out used or POD copies.

 

[darjr]

I need to look more into this.

 

[Jahydin]

Out of the dozens and dozens of OSR games I own, it's certainly one of my favorites.

Strong AD&D core, lots of fun additions, cool art, and one of the most robust GM books out there.

Here's a great video that goes over it:

 

[Distracted DM]

Does it use ascending or descending AC? How close to adnd is it? Saves, stats, etc? Different classes I'd hope? How compatible is it with other OSR stuff?

 

[Jahydin]

Does it use ascending or descending AC?

Descending.

How close to adnd is it? Saves, stats, etc?

"Close" in that it has that AD&D feel of extra crunch, such as specific tables for each stat, more powerful PCs compared to B/X, and target audience is adults.

Lots of small tweaks to Saving Throws, Class Abilities, and game rules throughout though.

Different classes I'd hope?

Same 4 core classes, but 22 sub-classes!!!

How compatible is it with other OSR stuff?

Very compatible.

 

[Mannahnin]

And lots of very specific classes (like every multiclass configuration has its own bespoke class).

I really respect this as a way to fix 1E multiclassing. It's almost certainly the best possible solution but it takes a lot of work, and Talanian just went ahead and did it.

 

[Retreater]

I really respect this as a way to fix 1E multiclassing. It's almost certainly the best possible solution but it takes a lot of work, and Talanian just went ahead and did it.

I can understand that. But from my perspective, it gets tricky to distinguish between ranger, archer, and huntsman (just making up names here, but that's basically what we have). Explaining to a player the difference between cleric, priest, and holy man is just a tad too noodly for what I want in an OSR experience.

 

[Mannahnin]

I can understand that. But from my perspective, it gets tricky to distinguish between ranger, archer, and huntsman (just making up names here, but that's basically what we have). Explaining to a player the difference between cleric, priest, and holy man is just a tad too noodly for what I want in an OSR experience.

I get that, but I also don't think doing so is necessary. All the sub-classes can just be for folks who want to dig into those. If a player is just starting out they should be fine playing one of the primary classes.

Though I do think the Subclass Overview pages do a decent job of differentiating the archetypes. Huntman vs. Ranger is one of the closest; the two both operate in wilderness, but one is more about hunting and fighting beasts, and the other more about opposing supernatural threats.