[Runequest] Basic RolePlaying, The Chaosium System

[Lev Lafayette]

On Sat, 2008-07-26 at 13:32 -0700, Simon Phipp wrote:
> Peter Maranci:
>  
> > Dare I ask you to compare it to Mongoose RQ? Or would that be too
> > inflammatory? :D
> 
> To tell the truth, now that both BRP and RQ Deluxe are out then we can
> legitimately and fairly compare them, and also compare them with RQ3
> which was the next most complete version of BRP/RQ.
>  
> I haven;t read through BRP or RQ Deluxe in detail yet, so I can't
> really compare them. But I will at some point. I wouldn't mind seeing
> other people's opinions first, though.

I agree with Simon, I think it is appropriate especially given that the
whole kit are direct descendants from a certain game first published in
1978....

Each do have some things going for them.

I like RuneQuest3's attention to anthropology and the distinction
between 'Primitive', 'Nomad', 'Barbarian' and Civilised' cultures. I
really like the magic system of Spirit, Divine and even I don't mind
Sorcery that much.

I think MRQs strongest points are the combat system, the rune
acquisition system. Indeed, I've been running RQ3 with MRQ combat for a
couple of sessions now - albeit with BRPs "cancel next action for a
reaction" - and it works fine.

I like BRP for combining several somewhat compatible game systems into
one. I think it is a good multi-genre product and a cleaner system
overall than MRQ.

In all honesty there's not too much separating the whole lot. We're
talking about game systems that are all on the upper end of what
constitutes a good product. 

There's certainly all better than the latest offering from the market
leader.

HTH,



Lev