Adamant Entertainment is planning on releasing our own d20 OGL "house system" in 2008 -- The Odyssey System, which will debut in a stand-alone version of our pulp line: Thrilling Tales, 2nd Edition..
Basically, I really like the steps taken by Saga Edition, but in my opinion, it doesn't go far enough. So I'm coming up with an even faster, stripped-down hot-rod. d20-based rules with fast creation and faster play in mind.
In this thread, I'm asking you guys what you'd like to see. What things, as a GM or as a Player, are things that you think need stripping down?
So far, the ideas we're already working with:
As I said, this system will first be used in a stand-alone 2nd Edition THRILLING TALES rulebook, and from there, possibly in a licensed RPG (the license will be announced soon). Close enough to the core of d20 that it should be easily adaptable for those playing other games, but cool and fast enough that they'll be tempted to just switch!
...and yes, it will be released as a free SRD as well.
So, that's a start. Let's hear what you'd like to see.
Basically, I really like the steps taken by Saga Edition, but in my opinion, it doesn't go far enough. So I'm coming up with an even faster, stripped-down hot-rod. d20-based rules with fast creation and faster play in mind.
In this thread, I'm asking you guys what you'd like to see. What things, as a GM or as a Player, are things that you think need stripping down?
So far, the ideas we're already working with:
- No Character Classes: Everybody is a single "class" -- Occupations give you your basic skill packages, and all of the old class abilities are found in Talent Trees which allow players to mix-and-match to their heart's content. (For example, in THRILLING TALES, there will be a "Mad Scientist" talent tree, and a "Man of Mystery" talent tree, etc. and players can pick and choose as they wish, to customize their characters)
- No class-based Saving Throws: All saves are simple characteristic checks, plus half the character level. (Reflex = Dex, Willpower = Wisdom, etc.)
- No Hit Points: Damage handled through a combination of M&M-style "Toughness" save (CON check), with results playing out on a SWSE-style condition chart.
- Perception as an Ability Score: Replacing skills like Spot and Listen -- instead of a skill, something that everyone has.
- Stripped-down skill list, plus Training: Similar to SWSE -- no skill points. Everyone has a default in all skills, but "trained skills" (from Occupation or Talents) give you a bonus (based on character level).
- SC2.0-style NPC creation -- as per our FOE FACTORY release.
As I said, this system will first be used in a stand-alone 2nd Edition THRILLING TALES rulebook, and from there, possibly in a licensed RPG (the license will be announced soon). Close enough to the core of d20 that it should be easily adaptable for those playing other games, but cool and fast enough that they'll be tempted to just switch!
...and yes, it will be released as a free SRD as well.
So, that's a start. Let's hear what you'd like to see.
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