What alternate non- D&D, D20 Game do you recommend?

[Waylander the Slayer]

Hi all,

My current group, as is the norm in the summer, is unable to get together on a regular basis ( we play once a month or so when everyone is there), as such i am planning to run an alternate game when we are all unable to get together. What non D&D games (you can even try to convince me of running an alternate D&D campaign) do you recommend (preferably easy to play and DM since i want to spend the majority of my planning time on my current campaign). Thank you in advance.

 

[Voadam]

Arcana Unearthed.

Fantasy with different classes, more flexible magic, only a few different rules (sliding tumble targets, hide and move silently collapsed into a sneak skill).

Everquest RPG

High fantasy hack and slash oriented very similar to D&D, but different initiative/iterative BAB system, classes go to 30, familiar but different races(dwarves are size small but get +4 strength), classes, and a point based magic system that is very different lists for every casting class (enchanter vs necromancer for example).

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

I know how that goes with some groups! Seems a very good idea with the alternate game - keep the ones who turn up occupied and all.

If you want really simple 'pick up and play' stuff that is non D20 then I'd go for:

Paranoia - incredibly silly and straightforward. I love having my clones killed by a paranoid computer.

Feng Shui - Hong Kong/Action movie style game. Really easy to pick up and play. Nice simple rules.

IMO, both of these are easy to write short 'non-thinky' episodes for. They're also easy to play that way.

If it was one or the other I'd go for Feng-Shui - just rip off your favorite action films and run them. Minimal effort!

As it is, might be worth considering running a disposable DnD game? You all know the rules, which is a good start! - Could go for a fun themed game instead - perhaps an evil campaign?

 

[Psion]

Really depends on your tastes. Whatever the case, I usually look for a change of pace.

In my case, the summers used to be "Traveller time", in which we switched to MegaTraveller and a lot of space exploring, mercenary, space opera, and space horror fun.

 

[3catcircus]

Hmm - it all depends on what you want - fantasy? Sci-fi? Gritty? High-fantasy?

Here are some ideas:

Harn - the 3rd edition rules are even free to download. Gritty, low-magic fantasy setting - *feels* like the middle ages.

I'll second the recommendation of Paranoia! Fast, quick-n-dirty rules, lots of fun.

How about Star Frontiers? Very simple rules - and I think you can download them off the internet, as well.

Superheroes more your style, see if you can get a copy of TSRs Marvel Superheroes (the 1st edition Basic/Advanced sets) - either from ebay or pdf.

Feng Shui is good for a cinematic game - very John Wu-ish at times, but easy to learn.

Want a really interesting multi-genre system? Give TORG a try - I think you can still order from a limited stock directly from West End Games.

 

[Shallown]

I like 7th sea. Despite the fact it is failing right now as you can see in other threads.

The system is simple fun and it is easy to plan one night adventures that are fun and not a lot of work. The campaign world is an interesting take on the world with its psuedo-european societies and such. Made it easier for me to envision and remember.

All you would need , I think is the 7th sea players and GM book. Nothing else is needed for the occasional game. Sort of like sticking with just core rules in D&D. A lot can be had from the basics.

Later

 

[Wombat]

You want easy to learn, easy to explain, and a lot of fun? Over The Edge by Atlas. It's grrrrrreat!

 

[Crothian]

Slaine: Cletic flavored fantasy d20. NEw spell system, new races, new classes, all designed to perfectly fit the setting. Excellently done.

 

[Waylander the Slayer]

Can you guys tell me more about Paranoia and Traveller? It sounds fun and interesting. As far as Genre, i am trying to expand my horizons a bit from the standard medival fantasy and do not want anything too complex. What does everyone think of Spycraft? D20 modern?

 

[Legion]

Kobolds Ate My Baby!

Funny game and it reduces some people to tears. You can learn the rules and have a character in 15 minutes. It's easy.

For something a little more serious, or longer, why not try running one shots instead of changing games at all. Just create a scenario, have pregen PCs and give them to whoever shows up if not everyone is there. That can be a fun alternate.