(no subject)
Jun. 22nd, 2004 08:18 pmI still want to run a tabletop RPG this fall, and I can't decide quite what to run. Here's my main options:
Mutants and Masterminds: The d20-but-not-d20-but-better-than-d20 superhero game.
Pros: I have all of the non-adventure material that's been released for it (well, other than Nocturnals, which just came out), it's d20-based and thus easy to teach (a number of my possible players have only played d20/D&D in the past), and everybody can understand superheroes.
Cons: While everyone knows superheroes, not everyone's into playing them. Have to find the right balance between 4-color, over-the-top play and a grim-and-gritty noir feel. Also, have to either make own setting or tweak the existing one (Freedom City) to fit the heroes in.
Exalted: White Wolf's anime-inspired mythic high-fantasy game.
Pros: Characters are competent and powerful from the get-go; lots of setting material available; wonderful narrative opportunities while still offering combat for the hack-n-slashers.
Cons: Don't own any of the books at present, although I might be able to borrow some. Slight learning curve for people new to Storyteller. Some people burnt out on fantasy roleplay.
D&D Forgotten Realms: Classic D&D in the world of Toril, home of Drizzt and Elminster
Pros: I have most of the setting material already. Big world offers lots of options for the campaign. D&D, which all my players already know.
Cons: Would likely have to pick up D&D3.5 books; some people feel the Realms are overdone; some people burnt out on fantasy.
D20 Rokugan/Legend of the Five Rings: Samurai and shugenja, oni and bloodspeakers. Fun for the whole family!
Pros: Have most of the setting materials save the 2 or 3 most recent books. Writers of books readily available if I have questions. Again, d20 (although I'm contemplating changing the damage rules for a more lethal game), so easy to teach.
Cons: Not everyone's into Asian fantasy. Revised damage system could cause more problems than it solves.
So...
[Poll #311882]
Mutants and Masterminds: The d20-but-not-d20-but-better-than-d20 superhero game.
Pros: I have all of the non-adventure material that's been released for it (well, other than Nocturnals, which just came out), it's d20-based and thus easy to teach (a number of my possible players have only played d20/D&D in the past), and everybody can understand superheroes.
Cons: While everyone knows superheroes, not everyone's into playing them. Have to find the right balance between 4-color, over-the-top play and a grim-and-gritty noir feel. Also, have to either make own setting or tweak the existing one (Freedom City) to fit the heroes in.
Exalted: White Wolf's anime-inspired mythic high-fantasy game.
Pros: Characters are competent and powerful from the get-go; lots of setting material available; wonderful narrative opportunities while still offering combat for the hack-n-slashers.
Cons: Don't own any of the books at present, although I might be able to borrow some. Slight learning curve for people new to Storyteller. Some people burnt out on fantasy roleplay.
D&D Forgotten Realms: Classic D&D in the world of Toril, home of Drizzt and Elminster
Pros: I have most of the setting material already. Big world offers lots of options for the campaign. D&D, which all my players already know.
Cons: Would likely have to pick up D&D3.5 books; some people feel the Realms are overdone; some people burnt out on fantasy.
D20 Rokugan/Legend of the Five Rings: Samurai and shugenja, oni and bloodspeakers. Fun for the whole family!
Pros: Have most of the setting materials save the 2 or 3 most recent books. Writers of books readily available if I have questions. Again, d20 (although I'm contemplating changing the damage rules for a more lethal game), so easy to teach.
Cons: Not everyone's into Asian fantasy. Revised damage system could cause more problems than it solves.
So...
[Poll #311882]
no subject
on 2004-06-23 01:51 am (UTC)