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exnoctemnacimur
2012-12-08, 03:16 AM
Hi guys, I'm new to roleplaying games (scratch that, I don't have any) but I play wargames - 40k, WFB and Warmachine/Hordes.

Since reading OOTS, I've wanted to start a tabletop RPG for a while and there are few guys I know who are interested in starting with me. I know of no-one who plays in my area.

I'm looking for a game set in a fantasy world, more specifically a medieval-like world. I don't care about the cost - if the game's good, I'll pay whatever. The rules don't have to be too simple either. A complexity of 40k would be nice, but it doesn't have to be anywhere near that complex! I'd also like to be able to play the game without miniatures but also have the option to do so.

At the moment, I've looked at Pathfinder and D&D. What other games should I look at?

Diskhotep
2012-12-08, 04:07 AM
Since you said you play Warmachine, have you considered the new Iron Kingdoms RPG that Privateer Press has put out? You should already be familiar with the setting, and the rules and mechanics are derived from the tabletop minis game so they should prove very simple for you and your fellow players. Plus you should already have some appropriate minis if you decide to use them.

NoldorForce
2012-12-08, 04:36 AM
Other than that (IK is good), you could try Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (kinda wacky in that it uses special dice, but I've heard very good things about it) or Legends of Anglerre for a FATE hack that will port to just about whatever setting you want it to.

Sir Swindle89
2012-12-08, 07:09 AM
legends of anglerre is terra-bad. You're better off taking the dresden files RPG or Kerboros Club and porting them to a medieval world, but you're new so thats our of the question. I also have a feeling FATE would be a little too meta for wargamers inspired to play RPG's by reading OOTS (no offenseit just has nothing in common with what you're familiar with)

Exalted is a lot of fun but the world is hard to classify not really medieval-like i suppose.

D&D 4th ed has a lot of wargame elements and is easy to learn (shell out for the character builder or what ever they are calling it now)

Otherwise go with Pathfinder (and only PF stuff to start out) pretty much everything you need is on their SRD (http://www.d20pfsrd.com)

Raum
2012-12-08, 10:55 AM
I'm looking for a game set in a fantasy world, more specifically a medieval-like world. I don't care about the cost - if the game's good, I'll pay whatever. The rules don't have to be too simple either. A complexity of 40k would be nice, but it doesn't have to be anywhere near that complex! I'd also like to be able to play the game without miniatures but also have the option to do so.

At the moment, I've looked at Pathfinder and D&D. What other games should I look at?For a medieval setting it's hard to beat Ars Magica. The setting books are evocative - I've used them for other systems at times. I think one of the older additions is free in pdf version if you want to check it out before purchasing.

If you want to concentrate more on action and tactics, check out the fantasy settings for Savage Worlds. Iron Dynasty, Shaintar, 50 Fathoms, or Hellfrost may fit. There are lots of settings, each with their own twists.

For more of a story creation game, check out FATE - Legends of Anglierre is a possibility. However, FATE doesn't have the tactical granularity you're used to from wargaming.

Warhammer Fantasy Role Play (WFRP) is also a good choice - particularly if you're already familiar with the setting from the wargame. It's "gritty" as fits the setting...if PCs aren't maimed or killed fairly often at first they're probably running a lot.


...Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (kinda wacky in that it uses special dice, but I've heard very good things about it) or Legends of Anglerre for a FATE hack that will port to just about whatever setting you want it to.You have those backwards. WFRP (Warhammer) is a percentile system. FATE uses fudge dice.

mithrawnudo
2012-12-08, 12:55 PM
Hi guys, I'm new to roleplaying games (scratch that, I don't have any) but I play wargames - 40k, WFB and Warmachine/Hordes.

Since reading OOTS, I've wanted to start a tabletop RPG for a while and there are few guys I know who are interested in starting with me. I know of no-one who plays in my area.

I'm looking for a game set in a fantasy world, more specifically a medieval-like world. I don't care about the cost - if the game's good, I'll pay whatever. The rules don't have to be too simple either. A complexity of 40k would be nice, but it doesn't have to be anywhere near that complex! I'd also like to be able to play the game without miniatures but also have the option to do so.

At the moment, I've looked at Pathfinder and D&D. What other games should I look at?

The real question becomes how much support are you looking for? The more obscure systems that are mentioned below will have a much smaller fanbase. While this might not be something you particularly care about, if you want to start playing, go to the nearest gaming store. I would be shocked if they didn't have a DnD 3.5/4 or a Pathfinder game at least once a week. At my store, in a town of ~60,000, we have 4e and Pathfinder every week.

While I won't comment on the validity or fun of most systems, I have played many, and I find that the more "mainstream" systems are more fun. (Don't jump me here people.) Personally, I like Pathfinder the best, but I have a soft spot for Pendragon, which you might want to check out.

TL;DR: Go to a gaming store and ask about. Look for a game you can join. Take it whatever system it is and see if you like it.

CarpeGuitarrem
2012-12-08, 04:16 PM
You have those backwards. WFRP (Warhammer) is a percentile system. FATE uses fudge dice.
WFRP 3rd Edition uses a unique system with special dice. They give more sophisticated results than just a straight number. You assemble your pool with dice of different colors, and each die has a different mix of sides.

Sample roller here (http://brokentome.com/tools/DiceRoller.aspx)

I'll also note that the Third Edition incorporates a lot of physical reminders and props (such as cards and such) for gamers, so that may actually be a selling point for someone coming from wargames.

Raum
2012-12-08, 05:06 PM
Hmm...I stand corrected. Must admit I haven't kept up with current versions of WFRP.

vhfforever
2012-12-08, 08:11 PM
Hmm...I stand corrected. Must admit I haven't kept up with current versions of WFRP.

2nd Edition works off of two d10's, which is still the first edition that comes to mind for me, as well. :)

erikun
2012-12-09, 01:32 AM
I will mention Burning Wheel as a good system with a fantasy setting. I'm not sure how much support it has with modules and such, though, but I very much like the system itself.

I will also mention HeroQuest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeroQuest_(role-playing_game)). Its base setting is Glorantha and does have some good material, although the system is quite different if you are expecting something similar to D&D.

Don't forget to check out other versions of D&D as well. AD&D especially has a large number of different settings and modules available to run.

Totally Guy
2012-12-09, 02:55 AM
What sort of stuff do you want the game to be about?

exnoctemnacimur
2012-12-09, 09:10 AM
Thanks for the suggestions!

I think I'll be a bit more specific.

With wargaming, what I find lacking is a narrative aspect. Sure, you can run narrative campaigns, but few play them. The games feel too short and they don't last.

Instead, what I want is a game that can be played with a grand narrative in mind. To be honest, I don't mind if combat is un-tactical because I do enough of that crap already! :) I want to be able to roleplay a party's actions through towns, through forests, through dungeons, on ships, in deserts etc. and link all the adventures into a huge campaign.

Also, I wanted a fantasy game because I have created my own realm that I think would be perfect for the game with a few tweakings.

Great suggestions though, thanks all of you, keep them rolling in :D

The Dark Fiddler
2012-12-09, 10:53 AM
I know you said you're looking for a fantasy world, but if you already play 40k you might be interested in Dark Heresy, Rogue Trader, or... I forget what the third one is, but the point is that these systems are meant to play in the Warhammer universe. Might be worth a look if you'd like to stick a bit closer to what you already know.

Anxe
2012-12-09, 11:38 AM
Mage Knight? It's a wargame that could easily be used as an RPG. Each player controls one figure and the DM controls all the monsters. Only problem is that there are no rules for advancement of characters. You could homebrew some, but that might be more work than you'd like.

Mage Knight was produced from 2000-2005, so you've got 6 years of figures to play with. The figures came in "booster packs," but your players can probably buy specific ones that they want on Ebay or Amazon. No more are planned to come out. Make of that what you will.

tensai_oni
2012-12-09, 11:43 AM
If you're making your own setting, then any setting-specific games are out. Warhammer, Exalted, HeroQuest - they won't fit your needs. Burning Wheel and DnD can be easily adapted to almost any fantasy setting, you should look at them. I like the former, but the latter has a lot of support online and finding players for it is much easier. But Burning Wheel is still popular enough - it's not an obscure title with a tiny fanbase.

Greylond
2012-12-09, 12:10 PM
I suggest you play HackMaster. Combat is very tactical and if you've played a lot of wargames there are elements to it that you'll appreciate.

Here are some links;

Main website:
http://www.kenzerco.com/index.php?cPath=25_94

Player's Handbook;
http://www.kenzerco.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_94_100&products_id=779

Player's Handbook sample pages:
Foward: http://www.kenzerco.com/hackmaster/foreword.html
Introduction: http://www.kenzerco.com/hackmaster/introduction.html
Combat Example(PDF): http://www.kenzerco.com/hackmaster/downloads/HMPHB_illustrated_example.pdf


Hacklopedia of Beasts(the monster book);
http://www.kenzerco.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_94_100&products_id=751

Sample Monsters(PDFs):
Bugbears: http://www.kenzerco.com/free_files/bugbear_preview.pdf
Dogs: http://www.kenzerco.com/free_files/dogs_hacklopedia.pdf
Owlbeast: http://www.kenzerco.com/free_files/owlbeast.pdf

And best of all, if you just want to try the game out you can download HackMaster Basic for FREE;
http://www.kenzerco.com/free_files/hackmaster_basic_free_.pdf