+- The Comeback Inn (https://blackmoor.mystara.us/forums)
+-- Forum: The Garnet Room - Blackmoor General Forum (https://blackmoor.mystara.us/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=34)
+--- Forum: Blackmoor Rules Discussion (https://blackmoor.mystara.us/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=26)
+--- Thread: Ruleset of Choice? (/showthread.php?tid=80)
- bobjester - 02-05-2010
AKsuel Wrote:B/X for sure, but an OD&D or even S&W would be good too.
There are familial ties with some systems more than others, IMO that the actual rules used only have to be similar to the actual module/adventure. I could run Oe, Holmes, B/X, BECMI, several, if not all Clones & AD&D (1st or 2nd) mods with any of the above rules with little or no converting or game breaking differences.
- Dave L - 03-24-2010
Well, I'm BECMI myself, but given the 3.5e releases, including the MMRPG passworded material just released, would you say I should bite the bullet and look at 3.5e? Or is it fairly easy to use the resources with any rule set?
If 3.5e is the way to go, which books (pdf's) should I get? I see two volumes of the player's handbook listed - is that right, or is the second a revision? And if it's so complicated that the player needs TWO handbooks, do I want to bother?
What other books do I need to get a handle on all this stuff about prestige classes etc? I'm not planning on running a campaign with it, but I wouldn't mind participating if the opportunity arose, so I'd need to know how the mechanics worked.
- Rafael - 03-24-2010
Basically, d20 is cool because it avoids the Thac0 stuff, and because there are so many modifications out there that you can really build ANYTHING on its base.
- I personally like Fantasycraft, which is a d20 derivate, and with more experienced groups, I try the Thieves World d20 ruleset, which IMO was the peak of what came out under 3e rules.
- Rafael - 03-24-2010
Dave, you might want to start with this one here:
http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Dungeo ... =8-2-fkmr0
It's basically the "definite" version 3.5 rules.
Apart from that, it depends mostly on the style of your campaign, I'd say.
For my own, "Heroes of Horror" and "Player's Handbook II" proved to be useful, but then again, I am not really a Wizbro-D&D guy.
For me, what most impacted my own campaigns was the very early TLG releases, Green Ronin's stuff, and Paizo's Dragon Compendium.
- Havard - 03-24-2010
I like the ascending AC / d20+ mechanic, but after playing 3E for a decade, I have found I like BECMI better.
If you go for 3.5, the book Rafe recommended has alot, but to be honest you dont really need anything other than the Player's Handbook.
Havard
- Dave L - 03-24-2010
Thanks guys - some food for thought there.
Looking at the info on the 3.5e pdf's it seems as if they are proper pdf's, not scans, which means they will be readable!
I might get them just for the novelty value! :wink:
Plus, a few months ago I was able to invest in a netbook pc for work. It is portable enough to carry in a backpack, and I have all my pdf's on it - the perfect reference library, and a backup in case my home PC dies.
It allows me to read stuff at lunchtime (and surf the web) without having to carry massive books around.
I'll put these on my wishlist, I have decided. 8)
Thanks.
- Dave L - 03-25-2010
Hmm, it seems as if the 3.5e and 4e pdf's aren't sold anymore - all I can see available for purchase is the books. I'm sure I saw them at RPGnow a few months ago. *shrugs*
Would the Pathfinder system be a decent replacement - the core book is only $9.99 for a pdf!
- Havard - 03-25-2010
Dave L Wrote:Hmm, it seems as if the 3.5e and 4e pdf's aren't sold anymore - all I can see available for purchase is the books. I'm sure I saw them at RPGnow a few months ago. *shrugs*
Would the Pathfinder system be a decent replacement - the core book is only $9.99 for a pdf!
Hmm...that is right. WotC pdfs are no longer sold legally anywhere on the web! The only announcement I can find about this is from april last year saying that this is when the sales ended, but I thought that was just the OOP stuff. I guess not.
Pathfinder ought to be a good alternative. Many people consider it an improved version of 3.5, though it is more or less compatible with the other 3E stuff.
Havard
- aldarron - 03-26-2010
Dave L Wrote:Well, I'm BECMI myself, but given the 3.5e releases, including the MMRPG passworded material just released, would you say I should bite the bullet and look at 3.5e? Or is it fairly easy to use the resources with any rule set?
Dave, if you are happy with BECMI, I see no reason why you need to switch just to use the setting material. Sure there are lots of monsters, characters, magic items etc. that are set up for 3.5 but so what? Just convert what you need to use and ignore the rest. Stats are just stats. Its your game after all.
- RobJN - 03-26-2010
BECMI, since it's what I know best, or convert it over to Alternity if I'm feeling ambitious....