So recently, I came into possession of couple of sets of D&D basic rules in pretty good condition. One is the 1981 box set which still had the original dice and crayon (!), the other a more recent revision in a red box. I looked over the rules, feeling a bit nostalgic and thought about running a game. Of course, everyone and their brother has done Basic D&D, so how would one make it new?
What if that was all there was?
The campaign setting would go something like this: Once upon a time, a young and inexperienced wizard was granted for a few moments nigh unlimited godlike power to recreate the world. Feeling the world was too complicated, he imagined it to be simpler than it actually was, based on things he had seen personally.
He knew no one of higher than 3rd level, though he'd heard of people attaining 6th level. He knew of a few monsters, thought dragons were more hype than danger and had extremely narrow views of other races. The end result is that the world is exactly like it is in D&D basic. Also, it has been that way for around two hundred years by the beginning of the game, meaning that people know how the world works.
Mages never get past third level, never have more than four spells and end up second class citizens. Theives rarely are able to do much thievery, but are still feared since no one else knows how to do any. Elves turn evil tyrants, having almost no drawbacks compared to the other possibilities, while dwarves become neutral third parties. Halflings become wandering monster hunters due to their proficency with ranged weapons and really good saving throws. Clerics worship one of three gods: The God of Law (who is benevolent and gives healing), the God of Neutrality (who wants everything even and therefore heals the sick) and the God of Chaos (who is upset with the natural order, so heals people in order to spite it.)
No one can wield more than one weapon at a time. Swords become a real threat, even to the highest level characters (the third level ones). Anyone passing third level becomes obsessed with staying at home, only being seen when they afflict or assist a wandering adventurer.
If I actually do this, it'll probably be just a weekend diversion of a game, but it could be fun. For now, it's a lovely bit of distraction.
Peace.
Tags: Dungeons Dragon Nostalgia D&d Basic Old
When I start looking at a RPG, there are a few things I want to know. They are benchmarks to see if the game is going to be realistic enough to be enjoyable. This isn't to say that any of these are absolute dealbreakers, but the more of these they pass, the better I feel.
Can you kill someone with one shot of a knife?
This is my first big test of a combat system. In most RPG's, knives or daggers are weapons of last resort. In real life, a pocket knife being drawn makes a fight go from simple brawl to life or death situation.
Are there rules of dual-weild weapons?
I'm a big fan of John Woo movies. I also took a martial arts class where in three weeks or so, I could weild twin batons. Duel weilding weapons should be harder than normal combat, but it shouldn't be so huge that a reasonably trained fighter doesn't get some benefit from it.
Is there any skill I have that a starting character couldn't?
I'm 36 and by most RPG's, I should have some experience on a new character. That said, I've not been in intensive weapons training since I was twelve or gone to a wizards college. If a starting character can't cook, dance, drive (or ride), fight, have a hobby skill or two and not have to handycap their specialty, then I have to ask why.
Is there any physical action I can take that a character couldn't?
The whole point of a tabletop RPG is to simulate real life in a systematic way (well that and to get loot so as to purchase ale and woo wenches). If you can point to something you can do in real life and not in a game, then the designer messed up a little. Alas, all my wit seems to have left me and I can't provide a good example of this one.
Hope you're having a lovely Teusday. Peace.
Tags: RPG Role Playing Games Tabletop Design
