Remember that "Non System Specific System" or as I prefer to call it "The Stat Block Fluffer and Obscurer" is back in Lich Dungeon Level II
It's easy to convert from one OSR game to another. Hell, there is little conversion needed at all.
Here's an example of the definitions of the stats used with the "Non System Specific System" or whatever it is called now:
And this is better than the usual OSR stat block because...
Welcome to "needless conversion for every encounter". Sigh.
Ah well, at least the stat block issue is out of the way. I mean, it's a hell of an issue for me, but at least I can put it to the side for now.
Time to read this sucker...
Poor Frank, gets no love from the Tenkar. Stat blocks are a tough issue. I initially thought just putting down "generic" stat blocks would be easy for DMs to convert to their favourite system, but I am glad we were able to get permission to use Adventure Dark and Deep as the system block for our initial product.
ReplyDeleteI should mention, that at OSRCon, Frank revealed that they are going to release OGL versions of their works. Maybe with some prodding, they will work on making stat blocks compatible with S&W or the like?
If I recall correctly from last year, these obscure stats are from Clark "Mr Necromancer", as he doesn't trust the powers that be to non come down on the OSR at some point.
DeleteI just think it's fucking stupid. You are aiming at the OSR base of players, present it to them in a manner they can use with minimal fuss.
Well, Frank has been burned in the past. He wrote an adventure for the Fantasy Master series, and got to witness firsthand how TSR put GDW to task for releasing Dangerous Journeys. That might influence Frank and crew and their decisions.
DeleteI just give hit points, because who wants to roll those before every encounter? Anything else I figure the GM is going to have a monster book or other rulebook handy, or just know what a xorn does.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I hate to have to haul monster books around. In 1e AD&D, for example, you would have to haul the MM, the MM2, the FF, and possible OA and DDG for all your monster statblocks if you used this method. To my mind, an adventure should include the information needed to run a creature, including a short statblock.
DeleteGoblin: Init –1; Atk bite –1 melee (1d3) or as weapon –1 melee; AC 10 + armor; HD 1d6–1; MV 20’; Act 1d20; SP infravision 60’; SV Fort –2 , Ref +1, Will –2; AL L.
That works for me, but I wouldn't want the statblock to be much longer. 3e and 4e statblocks are ridiculous, IMHO. Why isn't the above statblock something more like this, if they want to use that format?
Spiders, Very Large (6): Def 2 (10%), Health 1d4+4 (x5), 33; MV 6, climb 9, web 18; Init +1 (5%), Mild poison (+5/25% to save, 1d6 damage on fail).
My opinion? Because the current method eats up more space.
DeleteEach stat block is used at least twice - once in the encounter, once in the recap in the end.
Spiders, Very Large (6): Defence/AC 8(descending) or 12(ascending).
DeleteI think that the Power % are from d100 games, so only the +1 matters which means, they'll get +1 to hit and damage, or something. :p
All the more reason to get the Adventures Dark and Deep Bestiary this fall, ravencrowking. All the monsters in one book. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to PoD it, hopefully this year, to see what you've made (what are you calling bullywugs). :)
DeleteWugbullys?
DeleteI don't see myself ever playing something like this. I really wish they would reverse course and write for a clone like LL.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, I had a great time with Barrowmaze, using the DCC ruleset today. Once more, thanks for producing such a great product!
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