What is the best low-magic fantasy system?

[Argyle King]

I asked a similar question not long ago.

Low Fantasy - Best Systems?

First, to prevent starting from a miscommunication: what do I mean by "low fantasy"? The common literary definition does not quite fit what I want. I prefer something similar to the definitions found in GURPS Fantasy. Regarding "High Fantasy" "If fantasy occupies the middle ground between myth...

www.enworld.org

 

[Jd Smith1]

OK, I'm going to use Adventures in Middle Earth, with players restricted to the classes in AIME, so no spellcasters at all.

Perfect solution.

Thanks for all the input!

 

[EpicureanDM]

I know you called the problem solved, but I'll throw Iron Heroes into the ring. Do you remember the old 3e book, The Book of Nine Swords? Imagine that approach to martial classes with the magic stripped way back. Each class (with one exception) takes a particular martial archetype (archer, skirmisher, etc.) and turns it into a full D&D class full of unique class abilities. It might be what you need.

 

[Jd Smith1]

I know you called the problem solved, but I'll throw Iron Heroes into the ring. Do you remember the old 3e book, The Book of Nine Swords? Imagine that approach to martial classes with the magic stripped way back. Each class (with one exception) takes a particular martial archetype (archer, skirmisher, etc.) and turns it into a full D&D class full of unique class abilities. It might be what you need.

I quit after AD&D (1e to you) and didn't return until 5e. IH doesn't seem to be well-received in reviews. I think I'll stick with AIME.

 

[Guest 6801328]

I quit after AD&D (1e to you)

WTF....?

 

[Jd Smith1]

WTF....?

There are other RPGs, you know. I tried 5e starting in 2019. It's OK-ish.

 

[Bilharzia]

Mythras might work, the system as a whole works with low or no magic (the Mythic Britain campaign is an example of this, where most PCs won't have any magical ability).
Mythras Imperative is a condensed version of the system

Downloads

Imperative also now include "Folk Magic" which is the lowest powered of the 5 magic systems included in the core rules.

 

[HorusArisen]

Mythras might work, the system as a whole works with low or no magic (the Mythic Britain campaign is an example of this, where most PCs won't have any magical ability).
Mythras Imperative is a condensed version of the system

Downloads

Imperative also now include "Folk Magic" which is the lowest powered of the 5 magic systems included in the core rules.

Beat me to it [emoji23]

 

[The Hierophant]

Definitely not FATE.

Conventional fantasy with a much smaller emphasis on spellcasting and magic in general.

I'd also recommend Adventures in Middle Earth. It’s low magic 5e.

 

[pming]

Hiya!

Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play (1st edition).

^_^

Paul L. Ming