|
Post by slimyscaly on Aug 12, 2011 20:46:11 GMT -9
Hey guys, I was just wondering if you can help me figure out how to make an RPG with simple, easy to follow rules, so people can just create a character, learn the rules fairly quickly, and get in the game. I've tried some methods, but I'm not sure about them. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by okumarts on Aug 12, 2011 20:58:47 GMT -9
|
|
|
Post by gilius on Aug 13, 2011 2:35:18 GMT -9
|
|
|
Post by paladin on Aug 13, 2011 4:31:20 GMT -9
Hi slimyscaly, I am glad, that you have also a non-method-acting-voice ;D ... . The game systems Okum and Gilius are posting, are excellent examples of the most rudimentary systems possible without falling apart into nothingness. You cannot get any simpler than this, or you would get another game type. But if you want to design your OWN system, it's getting even harder, if this system should be simple. It's often more easy to get lost in sprawling rule chaos than to find the key to an expressive and also simple core system, which could be expanded or is scaleable. I have written some principles in this thread (last entry): cardboard-warriors.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=offtopic&action=display&thread=3101If you really want to design your own Rules Light RPG, then, I am afraid, you have to study game design a bit. There are numerous sources on the net. I recommend Kirk's handbook I posted a link to in the mentioned thread. I also recommend Ian Schreiber's general introduction into game design (from a boardgame and computer game standpoint) in his "Game Design Concepts"-blog: gamedesignconcepts.wordpress.com/2009/03/31/what-is-game-design-concepts/This "introduction" is long and thorough, but clearly written for beginners in mind. The last summer course of Schreiber is for advanced students of the most important "game balancing" issue. You will learn some important math and spreadsheet tricks.
|
|
|
Post by dcbradshaw on Aug 13, 2011 9:36:06 GMT -9
Check out Risus--rules light, expandable, uses only d6s, there's basically nothing to learn in order to play. Also, it's free.
|
|
|
Post by slimyscaly on Aug 13, 2011 14:25:56 GMT -9
Thank yooo! They seem very useful! I'll show you some of my 2.5d paper miniatures sometime!
|
|
|
Post by squirmydad on Aug 13, 2011 14:29:39 GMT -9
Ganesha Games, Song of Gold and Darkness
Has all the rules you need to "roll" play, the rest is all imagination.
The game is great because it can be taught to new players in 15 minutes, is quick, and has plenty of monster options for any figure ranges. JIM
|
|
|
Post by okumarts on Aug 13, 2011 14:41:27 GMT -9
JIM!!!!!!!!! Sorry to hijack the thread, but... JIM!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by glennwilliams on Aug 14, 2011 20:52:22 GMT -9
JIM!!!!!!!!! Sorry to hijack the thread, but... JIM!!!!!!!!! Indeed. A bottle of your best bubbly, Mr. Publican.
|
|
|
Post by hackbarth on Aug 15, 2011 12:08:22 GMT -9
I prefer RPGs that only use D6. Mini-Six and GURPS Ultra Lite are two good systems that you can learn in 5 minutes, create the characters and get on with the playing. www.antipaladingames.com/minisix.htmle23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=SJG37-0032Both are (very) simplified versions of their parents, OpenD6 and GURPS. P.S. JIM! We where beginning to feel saudade of you. (there's no translation for saudade, google it!)
|
|
|
Post by docryder on Aug 23, 2011 7:39:55 GMT -9
Other simple games I have encountered are TWERPS, which is sadly not out as a PDF, but can be purchased for only USD 3 or 4 from GameScience www.gamestation.net/Search_2?search=twerps. Uses a d10, has one stat, and is written somewhat tongue in cheek, so it's a fun read. There's also Old School Hack www.oldschoolhack.net/, which uses d12s(!) for resolution. I haven't played this one, but it reads interesting.
|
|
|
Post by cowboyleland on Aug 23, 2011 19:11:15 GMT -9
Don't think anyone has mentioned Savage Worlds. $10 rulebook, lots of support and more flavour than crunch.
|
|
|
Post by Mike H "Chugosh" on Aug 28, 2011 16:23:25 GMT -9
Don't think anyone has mentioned Savage Worlds. $10 rulebook, lots of support and more flavour than crunch. They also have a "Test Drive" version of the rules at the PEGinc.com website under the downloads button. There are very few of the ten dollar books left in circulation, though it is still available on the downlaod pdf sites, I think. I think I would actually betray my Savage Fan loyalty and throw my vote for one of the many free OGL20 products out there. Rolling up characters is faster in the first place, and then just one die for most of you actions saves headache. Go Gary go!
|
|
|
Post by Craig Cartmell on Oct 3, 2011 9:03:06 GMT -9
|
|
|
Post by okumarts on Oct 3, 2011 12:09:12 GMT -9
Those one page RPGs are awesome. Thanks for pointing those out.
|
|
|
Post by sammo on Oct 4, 2011 22:27:11 GMT -9
I've had good luck with the Barbarians of Lemuria system from Beyond Belief games ( HERE). Simple 2d6 mechanic and a profession system that takes the place of individual skills. It's specific enough to be playable and vague enough to really let you go with the flow. The only thing I have heard complaints about is the magic system, which is very free-form, it takes some getting used to if you prefer a game with an expansive list of spells. For my money it's the best rules light system you can get your hands on. The downside is the fact that you can't really get an idea of what it's like without paying the $7.50.
|
|
|
Post by gilius on Oct 5, 2011 2:20:55 GMT -9
I've had good luck with the Barbarians of Lemuria system from Beyond Belief games ( HERE). ... For my money it's the best rules light system you can get your hands on. The downside is the fact that you can't really get an idea of what it's like without paying the $7.50. I agree and I think it's worth the cost but if you want you can check out the initial version (not the Legendary edition) at the 1,000 monkeys, 1,000 typewriters site: www.1km1kt.net/rpg/barbarians-of-lemuria
|
|