smootrk said:
Popular concensus will usually locate both the highest population of support (larger fanbase/player base/etc) and most likely, the most competent rule-set (as non-competent rule-sets will not gain/keep popular support over time).
Okay, as far as the size of the fanbase, it goes something like this
WotC/D&D
Exalted/White Wolf
Everyone else
D&D is the
lingua franca of the gaming world. The gamer that plays/has played other games but never played D&D is rare. I'm not the biggest D&D/d20 fan myself, though its been awhile and I'm starting to get the itch. And I'm looking to put together a new group. So I'll play in some D&D games and find good gamers to play the stuff I really want to play. But if you're asking if any other games have something like ENWorld then no, they don't. Most of them have small but loyal and dedicated online communities that do put out some material. But going away from D&D will probably mean you get to teach the new rules. The odds are simply against another gamer happening to know the same non D&D game as you. With the possible exception of White Wolf stuff.
I have been a relatively dedicated fanboy until now, not branching out from the d20 environs, mostly because I never saw any reason to learn multiple rule sets. I still don't want to play in several rule-sets, but this latest maneuver by WotC has prompted me to explore a bit.
Just so you know, most games are not as complex as D&D. They don't require as much to master, nor do they require all the players to go out and buy a book. Some of them are, I would certainly say Exalted is just as complex if not moreso, just in different ways.
I'm not sure what you mean by competent ruleset either. Do you mean consistent and logical? Tactical? Rule for every situation? I understand that you've not had much experience with other rulesets, but I'm not sure what you're after.
One thing you'll find is that D&D is rare in that it still uses classes. The majority of games tend more toward picking your skills and abilities, which has its upsides and downsides. It gives you more flexibility, but doesn't protect you from yourself. A well built Exalted character - who are reborn demigods from a lost age - can defeat armies singlehandedly or found a religion based on themselves. A poorly built one can be killed by a mortal bandit.
So I guess I could give you some details on a couple of the games I really like. Maybe that would help.
As mentioned, Exalted is a game where the PCs are reincarnated demigods, who have been trapped for millenia. Most of the world thinks they are demons, undead armies prepare to invade from the underworld, and the Realm that rules all Creation is at the brink of civil war. There is no metaplot here. The assumption is that only YOUR characters can save or destroy Creation.
The rules are rather complicated. Each character has a collection of magical abilities called Charms. They're sort of halfway between a spell and a feat. They can allow the Exalt to do miraculous things, like walk on walls, open any lock with a touch, or block any blow. Even if its a mountain being thrown at you. Note: this is a setting where someone might throw a mountain at you. On top of that there's Virtues and Willpower that measure personality, and a set of Mass and Social combat. And finally there's Stunts - if you do a better job describing your actions, you get a bonus to hit!
Buffy has just ended their license, but is still widely available. This is probably my favorite system. Even if you didn't like the show, its a solid modern system. The dice resolution is simple with only one die instead of a pool, while still allowing for success levels. The magic system is great as well, allowing the players to use pre-made spells or create their own. The best part is the Drama Points. They're like Action Points, but tend to be much more useful. They can be used to get +10 on an attack (on a d10 system!), introduce plot twists, or even come back from the dead. You get them for heroics, good roleplaying, or making funny jokes.
If you don't care for the show or don't particularly want to do a high school game, get Angel and the Magic Box supplement for Buffy. Most bang for your buck

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