REVIEW — Basic Roleplaying (BRP)

Basic Roleplaying (BRP) is a universal game engine that serves as the foundation for a variety of tabletop roleplaying games. Originally created by Chaosium, it is a rules system that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing players to delve into various genres and settings.

Some of the RPG games based upon the BRP system:

  1. Call of Cthulhu: Created by Chaosium, Call of Cthulhu is a horror roleplaying game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. It focuses on investigation, mystery, and the horrors of cosmic entities. The BRP system serves as the foundation for the game’s mechanics, emphasizing sanity, skill-based challenges, and character progression.
  2. RuneQuest: Also developed by Chaosium, RuneQuest is a fantasy roleplaying game set in the mythic world of Glorantha. It explores a wide range of cultures, magic, and epic quests. The BRP system provides the mechanics for character creation, combat, and skill resolution in this high-fantasy setting.
  3. Stormbringer/Elric!: Based on Michael Moorcock’s Elric of Melniboné novels, Stormbringer (and later Elric!) is a sword and sorcery roleplaying game. It focuses on the adventures of the brooding anti-hero Elric and his struggle against the forces of chaos. The BRP system is used to facilitate gameplay in this dark and dangerous world.
  4. Mythras: Previously known as “RuneQuest 6,” Mythras is a standalone roleplaying game that evolved from the BRP system. It offers a comprehensive and customizable set of rules for various genres and settings. Mythras provides detailed mechanics for combat, skills, magic, and character development, making it suitable for a wide range of campaigns.

One of the strengths of the Basic Roleplaying system is its simplicity. The rules are designed to be intuitive and easy to grasp, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced players. Character creation is straightforward, with players allocating points to various attributes and skills to define their character’s abilities.

The mechanics of BRP are based on percentile dice rolls. When attempting an action, players roll percentile dice and try to roll under their skill or attribute score to succeed. This simple resolution system keeps gameplay flowing smoothly and encourages players to focus on storytelling and problem-solving rather than complex rules.

The flexibility of BRP allows it to accommodate a wide range of genres and settings. Whether you want to play a gritty investigation game in the 1920s, a high-fantasy epic, or a science fiction adventure, the BRP system can adapt to suit your needs. This versatility is enhanced by the availability of numerous supplements and adaptations that provide additional rules, settings, and guidance for different genres.

Additionally, the BRP system emphasizes realism and immersive gameplay. It includes rules for detailed combat, skill-based interactions, and handling various challenges. This focus on realism can add depth and tension to gameplay, but it may also require more bookkeeping and attention to detail compared to more streamlined game systems.

One potential drawback of the BRP system is that it may require some additional work from the Game Master (GM) to fully customize and adapt it to their preferred setting. While the core rules provide a solid foundation, GMs may need to create or modify rules and content to match their specific genre or campaign. This can be seen as both a strength, allowing for creative customization, and a potential challenge for those looking for a more plug-and-play experience.

Basic Roleplaying is a flexible and accessible system that provides a solid foundation for tabletop roleplaying games. Its simplicity, realism, and adaptability make it a great choice for players and GMs who value creativity, storytelling, and a wide range of genres. With the availability of various supplements and adaptations, the BRP system offers a wealth of options for those looking to explore different settings and play styles.

To get the most recent version of Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine:

For a free version of the BRP SRD click here:

BRP-SRD-1.0.2Download

Or go to Chaosium’s website for the latest version:

Download the SRD

REVIEW: KOOKS 2d10 RPG Playtest

I recently ‘updated’ my home rules KOOKS system by changing the d20 system to a 2d10 system; along with other small changes. Tonight we did a one shot where the players were given very powerful 5th level Characters with very high level armor. They were to fight against a lot of lower level NPCs and a few higher level NPCs, but none that could be considered equals or superior.

The game was a route. The two high level Player Characters just waded through the masses of low level opposition and demolished them.

Why?

Because the 2d10 system creates a Bell Curve. It is very unlikely that anyone will roll a very high roll or a very low roll within their range of possibilities. With PCs that each had Defense Modifiers of 18+ it was just about impossible for a lower level NPC to hit them.

The first time I experimented with this idea was in a wargame I made called ‘C’est la Guerre‘ where instead of using a 1d6 I used 2d6 creating a bell curve of options. Two infantry units blasting away at each other with musketry were very unlikely to do anything more than cause low level incremental damage. Throw in some artillery and that damage gets higher but not overwhelming. It is at that point that you send in your cavalry to charge or some fresh infantry to do a bayonet attack. That was the only way of breaking those stubborn infantry units.

The two dice versus one changed the dynamic of the game tonight. The two powerful PCs dominated a group of 8 lower level guards and a higher level captain. Then when they confronted three enemies who were close to parity, but not equal, they had a bit of a fight on their hands. But again it was very difficult even for the bosses to hit the two PCs.

If I had wanted to create a real challenge, then I would have needed to add something much more powerful to the mix. Perhaps a ‘boss’ possessed by a high level demonic force? Or perhaps a magic user with access to very high level spells? Or an NPC with a very high level protector?

Something to think about.

An Interesting Take on Star Trek or other Sci-Fi RPG?

This is a game I have been looking at for quite some time, but my gaming group never seems to have time or interest in playing:

Where No Man Has Gone Before 2.0

http://trek.abillionmonkeys.com/

Here is a setting that is more or less rules agnostic. It is produced in 3 blog posts. Has some interesting ideas:

https://ruleslightrpgs.com/2022/06/mini-setting-the-pan-sentient-confederation-part-1/

https://ruleslightrpgs.com/2022/06/mini-setting-the-pan-sentient-confederation-part-2/

https://ruleslightrpgs.com/2022/07/mini-setting-the-pan-sentient-confederation-part-3/

I have been thinking of combining this setting with some lite rule system, perhaps ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before 2.0’, but I would need to know there are some players looking to use it.

REVIEW: The Black Hack 2e

The Black Hack 2e

I have had a copy of The Black Hack bouncing around my hard drive for a long time, but I never got the chance to play it before. I have played hacks of The Black Hack, but never the beast itself!

Now I am happy to say that has been remedied. My Tuesday night ‘lite games’ group has been playing The Black Hack and it is great, particularly on Foundry. At first I didn’t even bother reading the rules since Foundry sort of does all that stuff for you, but I finally broke down and dived in. Here is my review!

The Black Hack 2e is a ttrpg designed to be rules-light and easy to learn. It is an updated version of the original Black Hack game which includes a number of new features and improvements.

One of the most notable aspects of the Black Hack 2e is its simplicity. The game uses a very streamlined set of rules, which allows players to focus on storytelling and roleplaying rather than getting bogged down in complex mechanics. This makes it an ideal game for beginners, or for groups who are looking for a more casual, laid-back experience.

Despite its simplicity, the Black Hack 2e still manages to offer a lot of flexibility and customization options. The game uses the same 6 Attributes that we are used to, and offers 4 different character classes, as well as a wide variety of monsters. This allows for a lot of creativity and variety in gameplay, even within the context of the relatively simple ruleset.

Another strength of the Black Hack 2e is how easy it is to pick up and play, with a minimal amount of setup or preparation required. I would think that this makes it an ideal choice for impromptu gaming sessions, or for groups who don’t have a lot of time to devote to gaming.

Overall, the Black Hack 2e is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a simple, flexible, and accessible tabletop RPG. That’s my .02.

T.W.O. RPG is Finished!

T.W.O. RPG with the completion of the SPELLS & MAGIC ITEMS supplements is now done. The goal was to create a non-OGL set of light rules compatible with 3.5 stuff.

It is published under the most open Creative Commons license, so feel free to use it as you see fit. Comments and suggestions are of course welcome!

T.W.O. RPG

5 Top Alternatives to D&D According to ChatGPT

  1. Pathfinder: Pathfinder is a tabletop RPG that is similar to Dungeons & Dragons in terms of gameplay, but has its own unique ruleset and lore. It is known for its complex character creation system and depth of gameplay options.
  2. Shadowrun: Shadowrun is a tabletop RPG that blends elements of cyberpunk and fantasy genres. Players take on the roles of shadowrunners, freelance operatives who take on jobs in a dystopian future world filled with magic, technology, and intrigue.
  3. Call of Cthulhu: Call of Cthulhu is a horror-themed tabletop RPG based on the works of author H.P. Lovecraft. Players take on the roles of investigators who must confront eldritch horrors and supernatural mysteries in a dark and foreboding world.
  4. Blades in the Dark: Blades in the Dark is a tabletop RPG that puts players in the roles of members of a criminal gang operating in a haunted, industrial city. It is known for its innovative mechanics for resolving heists and other criminal activities.
  5. Starfinder: Starfinder is a tabletop RPG that takes place in a science fiction universe filled with aliens, spaceships, and high-tech gadgets. It is based on the ruleset of Pathfinder, but has been adapted for a spacefaring setting with its own unique lore and gameplay elements.

GAMES THAT ARE POSSIBLY IN VIOLATION OF DTRPG EXCLUSIVITY CLAUSE ARE BEING REMOVED FROM THIRD PARTY WEBSITES

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING ALL GAMES FROM THIRD PARTY WEBSITES THAT MIGHT BE IN VIOLATION OF THE EXCLUSIVITY TERMS AS DEMANDED BY DTRPG.

AFTER 21 JULY 2023 I WILL BE RESTORING MY GAMES. UNTIL THEN MY GAMES CAN BE FOUND HERE ON MY WEBSITE:

https://www.bozbat.com/

​THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

The Hobo Way

This set of rules started about the middle of 2022. An odd idea that formed into a completed project. I am rather proud of it. It combines some of my best ideas combined with a growing ability to format the book and come up with appealing art work.

The Hobo Way

One problem I had was that I made a number of different covers for The Hobo Way, but I could not decide which one I liked more.

COVER 1
COVER 2

Which do you like more?

Small Survivors – 2nd Edit

What would you do if you suddenly became 2 cm tall?

In an alternate universe there is a galaxy very similar to our galaxy. In that galaxy there is a star very similar to our Sun. Circling that star is a planet very similar to our Earth. On that planet there are oceans, land masses, plants and animals very similar to what we find on Earth. Among those animals there is a very smart species of hominids very similar to humans.

And those hominids that are so very similar to us are governed in a very similar way.

Only on the other planet, unlike our Earth, the governments are mostly controlled by evil men and women who commit unspeakable crimes against the population of the planet. Yet the people of that planet are lazy, apathetic, and complacent. They are too obsessed with sports, entertainment, and consumerism to pay any attention to what the evil leaders of the planet are doing.

Of course this could never happen here on Earth.

On this similar planet in an alternate universe, the evil leaders hired mad scientists to create a deadly pandemic. Their goal was to kill the majority of the population of the planet so that the abundant resources would be entirely available to the elites and their loyal servants.

This is a game where a tiny percentage of the population in an alternate universe survived a sinister conspiracy aimed at killing 99% of the people living on the planet.

Your Character will be one of the Survivors who was not killed by the conspirators, and now must find a way to live in a harsh environment and then seek revenge against the leaders who betrayed you!

Small Survivors – 2nd Edit