Opinions on The Riddle of Steel RPG?

[Thorvald Kviksverd]

Sounds like it would be great for a Conan-esque campaign.

I'm off to check it out today; but, I must say, between the website and your responses, you've all but sold me.

Thanks

 

[Shadow of Bukrai]

Info on Riddle of Steel

What is Riddle of Steel:
http://www.theriddleofsteel.com/whatis/

The Riddle of Steel Forums:
http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=25

Reviews:
http://www.indie-rpgs.com/reviews/review.php?id=20_0_5_0
http://www.thegamekeep.com/riddle_of_steel.html
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_6355.html
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_6355.html
______________
::: ShaneNINE

 

[mmadsen]

Seriously though, try the combat sim and you will want the game.

That may be a slight overstatement...

 

[BrianL]

That may be a slight overstatement...

Yes and no.

If you're the kind of player who is really into fun combat systems, then you may well be convinced by playing the sim - tRoS combat is a lot of fun, really.

However, I agree with your rolly-eyes in some ways, because people really shouldn't get into the mindset that tRoS is all about the combat. Admittedly, the combat system is very detailed, and I'm quite sure came first, but then that's true of many fantasy RPG's out there (including a particular one who shall remain nameless, but it rhymes with Thuncheons and Flagons), and the rest of the system slots well into it.

What you end up with is a game that has a totally cool combat system, but is totally not about combat - in fact, sensible players will avoid it at all costs because it's fast and deadly and there's not much magical healing to be had. But the skill system is good, the magic system is interesting, and the Spiritual Appributes system is incredibly cool, promoting roleplaying among your most "die-hard rules lawyery-likes to rollplay instead of roleplay" players.

Seriously, try it out.

Finally, yes the combat sim will convince you because I wrote it and it's fantastic

Brian.

 

[Ace]

That may be a slight overstatement...

That is a slight overstatement. But Mea Culpa I love to write fluff and hype

I still think the combat system is the best part of the game though.

The spiritual artibutes are pretty cool but as to the rest of the game, well its solid but nothing special.

YMM (and will) V

 

[mmadsen]

That is a slight overstatement. But Mea Culpa I love to write fluff and hype

No prob, Ace. My comments were all in good-natured fun. I'll have to take a closer look at the combat simulator before I draw any real conclusions.

 

[mmadsen]

If you are used to D&D styled fights, The Riddle will surprise you. basically the first person to get a solid hit in wins

Does that make sense for two knights armored cap a pie?

Rather unique to this system are "Spiritaul attributes" which add directly to your die pool anytime they are in play.

For example You are in a street fight, you have a 12 in your combat pool (decent for a trained fighter) with your sword and shield

Another fight, this time for king and country, and you get to add your passion/king and country 3 to the pool and your skill is effectivley a 15.

This sounds very similar to Pendragon's passions. By the way, I highly recommend Pendragon, if only to loot material for your D&D game. Excellent, excellent product.

There are a couple of bizaare bits though--

First the magic ages you when it is cast. On average a spell will age you a month-- Very weak spells, well you might be able to manage a couple a day without trouble

I don't see what's so terribly strange about that. And to bring up Pendragon again, there magic puts you into a slumber -- sometimes a very, very long slumber.

 

[ForceUser]

Wow, this game sounds fantastic!

 

[sword-dancer]

Does that make sense for two knights armored cap a pie?
.

wearing full white harness and your enemy use a poleaxe, bec de coeur or bec de faucon, wanna take a bet what happens.
A good hit or three with this or halberd, luzerner axe and AFAIk you are dead meat.

Charles le bold was hacked to deat with an helmbarte, hit in the head/face and one higherr part of the leg.
He was identified on his ring on his finger.

 

[Ace]

Does that make sense for two knights armored cap a pie?

Yes. Heavy armor just makes it very hard to get a solid blow in.