What Game Rules should be my alternate for WotC products?

[smootrk]

So, given the news about my favorite 2 periodicals, and the overall frustration with WotC otherwise (or actually Hasbro to be more specific, as the WotC folks are quite passionate for the game), what game rules make the best alternative to D&D? I like a good fan-base, and thoroughly thought out rules. It need not be perfect, but ought to work well.

So, any suggestions for an alternate rules system as I contemplate a WotC personal boycott?

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

So, given the news about my favorite 2 periodicals, and the overall frustration with WotC otherwise (or actually Hasbro to be more specific, as the WotC folks are quite passionate for the game), what game rules make the best alternative to D&D? I like a good fan-base, and thoroughly thought out rules. It need not be perfect, but ought to work well.

So, any suggestions for an alternate rules system as I contemplate a WotC personal boycott?

Hmm.

If you like old-school:
Castles & Crusades

If you're more new school:
True20

Other possibilities:
Savage Worlds
Lejendary Adventure (small fan-base, though)

 

[Cevalic]

I recommend GURPS for pretty much anything other than Fantasy. But if fantasy is what you are aiming for Id use Hackmaster. I know a lot of people dont like some of the system, but its easy to take out things like honor and flaws if it doesnt suit you. It's not for everyone, but I really enjoy it.

 

[yipwyg42]

Savage Worlds
D6
castles and crusades

I also suggest heading on over to Rpg.net and ask the people there for alternatives to D&D, within a few hours you will get a ton of suggestions.

 

[SavageRobby]

I'm a big Savage Worlds fan myself. Switched over a few years ago from 3E, and haven't looked back. Its a good combination of elegant mechanics, complete yet simple rules (include the best mechanics for fatigue and combat tricks I've read yet), ability to handle multiple genres, and ease of GMing.

Come to think of it, it is easily the easiest game I've ever GMed, with the possible exception of Over the Edge.

 

[jgbrowning]

So, any suggestions for an alternate rules system as I contemplate a WotC personal boycott?

d20? You already know it, there's tons of support and you'll find it is almost exactly like the material produced by WotC.


joe b.

 

[Darrell]

d20? You already know it, there's tons of support and you'll find it is almost exactly like the material produced by WotC.


joe b.

Y'know, I would love to see somebody do a single-volume hardcover 'generic d20 Fantasy' book (similar to the old D&D Rules Cyclopedia) with stripped-down basic rules for players and DMs (jettisoning the miniatures-dependency rules), a short-form "Monster Manual" chapter, and a bare-bones setting.

Regards,
Darrell

 

[smootrk]

d20? You already know it, there's tons of support and you'll find it is almost exactly like the material produced by WotC.
joe b.

One problem with general D20 stuff, is that ultimately it lends support to WotC/Hasbro. I want my dollar to go elsewhere... and I think that I am due for change of pace in general.

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

If you're just boycotting Wizards, you may as well just buy some of the wealth of d20 products out there. You can even use your existing PHB - Wizards isn't getting subscription fees off it .

For 'generic' d20 material, or stuff compatible with D&D, I reccomend, off the top of my head:

Green Ronin*
The Game Mechanics
RPG Objects
Devil's Workshop*
Goodman Games
Privateer Press
Malhavoc Press

Mongoose Publishing* will cheese you off to no end if typos get on your nerves, but their actual OGL games are excellent. Conan the RPG is very fun.

Finally, Paizo* is still putting out d20-compatible material, now able to draw on the much greater wealth of 3rd party stuff instead of being restricted to Wizards material.

* Companies marked with a * are ones I do or have worked with. Just so you know where I'm totally biased and self-interested.


If you're looking to explore a new system:

RuneQuest (the version I reccomend is also a Mongoose product, and it also has typos, but it's very fun)
Exalted (White Wolf's uber-high-fantasy campaign setting; less angst, more parrying thrown mountains)
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (a grittier fantasy RPG set in Games Workshop's wonderfully flavorful world)
HERO System (HERO Games' spectacular point-based system, great for the detail-oriented player)
Mutants & Masterminds (Green Ronin's supers offering, a sort of rules-lighter HERO)

 

[Thirsty]

I've started playing HARP (From Iron Crown) and after a wee bit of adjustment (2 second combat rounds take some getting used to) am really enjoying it.

Cheers
Chris