Mike844

Systems can be interesting, but I'll wager an interesting setting will sell more books.

Unfortunately, most of my BRP combat experience over the past couple of decades has been CoC - where the simplicity and unbroken flow was more important.

"...then I give 'em both barrels!"

"It keeps coming"

"Eep"

I had hoped Fantasy combat could be as rewarding played as simple, but unfortunately maybe not. I hate to include too many optional rules, since simplicity is the selling point on the system for me. For a Fantasy game, however, it might be necessary.

No, Seneschal is right. Most of you came across as BRP Fanboys to me. The system is not flawless - no system is flawless. I was just hoping for some encouraging advise. Oh, and I'm technically not a newbie... played the original RQ & Elfquest, been playing CoC for over 20 years, and I was on the playtest for BRP for a couple months (with a different ID).

My question may seem like D&D players criticizing BRP - which, for some of them, it is - but it's a legitimate concern. If BRP wants a bigger piece of the pie, these are the sort of things we should be prepared for.

Well, if you and your players would prefer a "sliding" percentage to hit vs. a passive defense, here's a house rule I've used before - most recently for WFRP. I used it to experiment with the idea that the players could make most of the rolls in the game, freeing me to concentrate on story and narrative.

That is an interesting idea, Amra! The more I think about it, the more I like it actually. At the least, maybe use it for grunts to speed things up. Very nice!

More specific example:

attack the troll - roll under 70% sword skill

never mind the troll I'll attack the pixie - roll under 70% sword skill

how about this human? - roll under 70% sword skill

from their perspective, it isn't as rewarding as "overcoming an opponents defenses". They roll same old same old, and hope the NPC fails his roll - subtle distinction, but I can see their point.

Don't get me wrong, combat is not a huge part in my game. Last game, though, the game was going quite well (I don't mind saying), people were very "in the atmosphere", it did come time for a combat - and when one person finally attacked that zombie in the graveyard they actually blurted out "that's it"?

Maybe a few tiny, reasonably-skilled and intelligent kobolds* (all at -20% to be hit...

Huh... that might be something. Giving some monsters/NPCs built in attack modifiers. Do you do that regularly?

Even skilled VS unskilled. The variety is coming in on the GM side, not the players side. From their perspective, it's always the same.

Hmmm... require defense roll (if any) be rolled before, and degree of success modifies attack roll maybe? Ah, even that isn't quite right. Most of them (us) were raised on AC... I think it's programming, although I can see their point.

Anyway, you can either reinstitute those modifiers (I believe they are an optional rule) or add some houserule of your own - but I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Easy for you to say - we're shopping around for a new system.

Apparently the % skill roll to hit targets doesn't impress my players. They say it's no harder to hit a large slow target than a small fast target. Not enough variety in "target numbers" I guess - fine for skills, maybe a tad more repetitive during combat.

Fixes? Thoughts?

Anyone else come in here expecting "Spoon!"?

It isn't about mechanics. It's about setting and atmosphere. Mechanics or creature stats are a dime a dozen. This is - IMHO - well written.

In fact, you've inspired me to work on a D6 Horror game of my own and I don't mind saying I think it's going quite well. Thank you, Seneschal.

Just finished gleaning through.

The name I absolutely love. Absolutely. Love. The first page narrative sets a fantastic atmosphere. The write ups for each of the creatures (or people) is also very well done! My only criticism would be the (necessary?) re-naming of certain creatures, or use of overly scientific names. The actual writing itself, though, really gives the feel of the old classics.

As a collection of creatures stats - assuming it was done - I would probably pick it up. I would definitely pick it up if it had some snazzy artwork that set the tone as accurately as your writing did (lots of black and white drawings, with dark shadows).

Overall, something to be proud of!

The name alone intrigues me, but damned if I can find the thing?!?! Help?!!

EDIT: Bit of a whirl to find that!

http://basicroleplaying.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=138

As a practicing Heathen (Asatruar), this sounds amazing! Looking very forward to seeing it!

Happy Yule (from someone that just returned to the forums)!