Brett's Blog Make it Simple Sep 15, 2009 | 12:55 am I was following a thread on another forum a few weeks ago (like I even remember what or where it was) about an easy to play fantasy RPG for kids (and it was discussed here too, but the two combined sparked the idea). It got me thinking. Iron Gauntlets was originally supposed to be a genreDiversion game, but new elements kept getting added to it, so the rules system changed and it became a lot more involved (2E will be even more involved). I'd like to revisit the idea of a fantasy genreDiversion game, but more for kids. So it would probably be closer to the Red Box D&D set. I actually have a lite version of the GD3E rules -- they were supposed to go into The genreDiversion 3E Manual, but I decided against it. it's basically a bare-bones version, ideal for what the GDi game are. The key would be to keep it short and sweet. Let's see... 1. Race - convert Iron Gauntlets races to GD3 format 2. Abilities - probably use the random ability gimmicks table to mix them up a bit as an option 3. Vocation - again, convert from Iron Gauntlets vocations 4. Pursuit - shorten the list for fantasy, similar to Iron Gauntlets; maybe an option just to use the vocation as a single pursuit with others as hobbies 5. Gimmicks - minimize the gimmicks 6. Mechanics - keep only the essentials along with optional miniatures rules 7. Use a meter to mimic levels; as the characters increase in level, they gain access to experience and specific exploits, and allow abilities to go up to 10 max; track kills and treasures to increase in level 8. Magic - same as GD3E 9. Bestiary with random tables 10. Random treasure tables 11. Tailor the setting for dungeons with advice What do you think? 9 Comments | Add Comment | Permanent Link | Return to Overview bustapc Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 1:30 am I think for teaching a game, having more random choices inherently makes things easier, so bring on the random tables! Part of the confusion for a lot of new players is trying to wade through the options and pick the one that's "just right" for the character they have in mind. I started roleplaying with Marvel Super Heroes (the basic yellow box edition). We just used the pregen's because they were quick, easy, and let us jump right into "Clobberin' time!" I played a few other games as a kid, then got away from RPG's for several years. When I finally started playing again, it was with D&D 3.0 and GURPS. If somebody hadn't walked me through my first couple of characters for both, I probably would've just said the heck with it. Brett Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 1:36 am I agree. That's why there are more random tables in GD3E. So yes, it would definitely need more random character, dungeon, and treasure generation. mtwofive Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 12:47 pm I'd like to see lots of stuff to find, fight and puzzle over... or tables to generate those things. I like the bonus/penalty dice from the basic rules in some of the gdi games. It's a quick and easy mechanic and very visual when using different colored dice. I'd like to be able to create a character, complete from stats to equipment, by picking options or simply rolling for them randomly. So if a new player wants a tough-guy fighter, they can pick a stat array that gives them a strong character, an occupation that gives them the skills they need to be a fighter, and a set of equipment that gives them what they need to fight -- without having to pour over lists of things and guess as to what they need. When a player gets more experience with the system, they can then pick and choose the skills/gimmicks/equipment they want. Too many simple games hand you a clever dice/card mechanic and leave actually figuring out what to do with it as 'an exercise for the reader.' The best games fire the imagination, inspire you to play, and give you the tools to actually do so. CrazyBlend Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 12:48 pm I love this idea, Brett. It's very difficult to find an RPG system that's simple enough for non-gamers to learn, but is also a "real" RPG... not trivial or childish. I suggest you also include an introductory adventure with pre-generated PCs. Brett Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 1:12 pm I've started a forum thread for development of the game: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1378 pspahn Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 3:07 pm I think this is a great idea. It sounds similar to what RPGPundit tried to do with FtA!, but GD3 is a much cleaner system. Do you plan to include a setting if not now, maybe some time down the road? Brett Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 3:18 pm I don't know about a setting. I'd like it to just do dungeon crawls to start. I actually have an unpublished setting that I could use, or there's Amherth, but I don't even want to think about it right now :) djlittle Commented: Sep 15, 2009 | 5:40 pm I believe in the KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid :lol: As far as settings go, you could use any pre-made settings already out, or just make your own. Timeshadows Commented: Sep 16, 2009 | 7:52 pm Yes! :D Add Comment