Scratching Fantasy Itch besides D&D

[Jhaelen]

Ars Magica, Earthdawn & Das Schwarze Auge. Between these three and D&D pretty much every 'Fantasy Itch' I might ever have is scratched

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

It’s time, once more, for me to pitch for my favourite system and the related game-world.

HârnMaster and HârnWorld.
I’ve been playing on Hârn for 15-20 years now and I’m still only scratching the surface. The rules (especially character generation) can be a bit tricky until you get used to them. Combat is lethal, no hit points, simply graphic injuries which reduce skill levels. Armour encumbers and protects, reducing skill level as well as reducing damage. The remainder of the skill system is very easy.

I've played HarnMaster first edition, and from what I remembered, character creation involved too many random dice rolls from which modern-day games fortunately moved away from. The whole impression of the system was rather clunky, with too many tables.

I have no idea what HarnMaster 2E is like.

 

[PapersAndPaychecks]

Runequest 2, BRP Call of Cthulhu (if that's fantasy--arguably it is), Rolemaster 2 or WHFRP 1 are my group's usual non-D&D games.

Dragon Warriors is also well worth a look.

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

I've played HarnMaster first edition, and from what I remembered, character creation involved too many random dice rolls from which modern-day games fortunately moved away from. The whole impression of the system was rather clunky, with too many tables.

I have no idea what HarnMaster 2E is like.

Jürgen

HârnMaster 2 is long out of print, current versions are HârnMaster 3 and HârnMaster Gold.
The former (HM3) is a streamlined version of HM1 two fewer character stats (12 instead of 14!) an optional point buy system and a simplified combat system.
The latter (HMG) is the preferred system of Hârn creator, the late N Robin Crossby. It is HM1 re-written (and IMO badly laid out). Mr Crossby liked random, this is obvious. However, it did not stop him from creating a complicated, systemless, game world which (again IMO) is his greatest legacy.
The randomness of character creation is a downside, but there are several decent character generating programmes available, many are free.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Damn it, I might even have to give HârnMaster a go too, one day, instead of just borrowing (ahem) stealing liberally from the excellent setting.

The other one I forgot to mention, that's been tempting at times, is Reign. I'm always hearing so many neat things about it, so yeah. Maybe one day.

And along those lines, there's always Pendragon, should I wish to return to that. Honestly though, I'd rather use the (of course) fantastic setting, the excellent books as source material, and a few features of the system ported to something else. This has worked already, so there's no reason for me not to do this.

 

[Jürgen Hubert]

Mr Crossby liked random, this is obvious. However, it did not stop him from creating a complicated, systemless, game world which (again IMO) is his greatest legacy.

Yeah, I know - and Harnworld is a great setting, perfect if you want to go for relatively low-key fantasy.

I'd probably use GURPS if I were to run it.

The other one I forgot to mention, that's been tempting at times, is Reign. I'm always hearing so many neat things about it, so yeah. Maybe one day.

That's another interesting one. I don't know how well it would work in practice, but it certainly was an interesting read - especially how it integrates rules for individuals with rules for the organizations (called "companies") they belong to.

The world is a bit eccentric, though - and it's missing a large-scale map that allows you to see how all the described countries connect with each other. But it's easy to use the system for your own worlds.

 

[Holy Bovine]

Warhammer Fantasy RP 1E would be my second choice after (4E) D&D (although I would play RC D&D, 3.5 D&D or 1E D&D in that order, before going to WFRP)

 

[Hunter In Darkness]

I always use 3.5 however Mutants and master minds or earthdawn would be my other options

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

Stormbringer (1st edition)
Lejendary Adventure

 

[Grazzt]

I was wondering when not playing a version of D&D (or for that matter any D20 based game), what systems do you prefer to scratch your fantasy itch.

Please explain why for your response. I'm trying to look into more potential fantasy rpg's that I might be interested in.

Thanks

Warhammer RPG (Black Industries version; for the grittiness)

Stormbringer (5th) or Elric (not the d20 train wreck version) - again, for the grittiness and in this case the Moorcock world/feel.