RuneQuest 6 is an amazing RPG that is as intimidating as it is awesome. I gave up on it.
Then came RuneQuest Essentials, a "Pay What You Want", stripped down but still complete at 200 or so pages.
So yes, you can check out the new RuneQuest for free. I advise that you do so, as it is the granddaddy of d100 based RPGs and the price is right at free ;)
From the blurb:
This special, 'Pay What You Want' version of RuneQuest 6th Edition is designed to introduce players and Games Masters to the essentials of the game. In this book you will find the core of the RuneQuest engine, in a stripped-down format, but still complete enough to create characters and begin adventuring with one of roleplaying’s most enduring and respected systems.
The intention is that this book will give you a taste of the mechanics and encourage you to move onto the full edition of the rules. The full rulebook contains much, much more: more game options, more magic, more monsters more cults.
But for now let RuneQuest Essentials be your gateway to fantastic adventures with heroes and magic!
Other than Call of Cthulhu 7th edition 'Lite' and OpenQuest, RuneQuest 6 is the easiest d100 system to learn. It's well written and well edited. RuneQuest 3 (which I do like) is an irrational cluster-fuck in comparison.
ReplyDeleteThis is the version I'd recommend to anyone wanting to get the full-blown RuneQuest experience. The other two (CoC7e and OpenQuest) are both nice, but neither is really 'RuneQuest' material, as you pretty much need some fiddly bits in combat and religion or you're not really playing RuneQuest.
I'd say that Magic World (aka Elric!) is easier to learn than RQ6. But I wouldn't argue with anyone who put forward the idea that RQ6 is the pinnacle of the evolution of the slightly more crunchy (hit locations, detailed combat, involved character creation, etc.) lines of descent of the d100 family,
ReplyDelete"...you pretty much need some fiddly bits in combat and religion or you're not really playing RuneQuest." I'd agree with you there, though if you are pressed for brain-power (i.e., if you are me) a Major Wound table can emulate the lost-limbs of RQ of old without needing hit locations. On religion, though, doesn't the Cult system of OQ do a good job of emulating RQ1-2?
"I'd say that Magic World (aka Elric!) is easier to learn than RQ6."
DeleteMagic World, yes. Elric! not so much, Stormbringer 5e even less so. Now I know that these games are basically the same, mechanically, but Elric! has much more setting information and to plough through, and Stormbringer is basically Elric! with less organizational sense. Magic World, however, is both briefer and better organized than either. In fact, if I didn't prefer the awesome magic and inegalitarian bloodbath that is Stormbringer 1e I'd probably say Magic World is my favorite thing published by Chaosium.
"I'd agree with you there, though if you are pressed for brain-power (i.e., if you are me) a Major Wound table can emulate the lost-limbs of RQ of old without needing hit locations. On religion, though, doesn't the Cult system of OQ do a good job of emulating RQ1-2?"
The Major Wound table just screams Stormbringer! to me. The somewhat more tactical nature of RuneQuest with hit locations is part of the uniquely 'Perrin' pieces I associate with the game.
The OpenQuest Cults are pretty similar to RQ 1st & 2nd edition; those games are both a lot less fiddly than the Avalon Hill RuneQuest.
Speaking of Free RPG Day, did anyone grab the Godsfall offering? I'm really curious about the game. Tenk, Did you back that Kickstarter?
ReplyDeleteDid not back it- Not sure i was even aware of it.
Delete