Message:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowdarkrpg/shadowdark-rpg-old-school-gaming-modernized
The biggest thing is the party uses torches that are tracked real time. One torch = one hour real time.
A few other features include: (from the KickStarter)
The four core classes: fighter, priest, thief, wizard
A d20-based, roll-high system
No darkvision — total darkness is dangerous
Treasure grants XP, and tracking it is dead simple
Roll-to-cast spells — magic is exciting and risky
Simple distances (close, near, far)
Monster morale and reaction rolls
Always-on initiative — time is easy to track
The six classic stats (3d6 in order)
No skills — just ability checks and advantage/disadvantage
Separate ancestry and class
Randomized character class abilities — emergent character growth!
Low hit points — fast and deadly combat
Simple encumbrance (gear slots)
So after 40 years of doing ... someone published AD&D again.
It is a pretty thing to be sure and all the "right" people like it. It will up the game on the Old School Essentials crowd to update their books.
It does check a lot of the boxes:
- Cut the words by 75%
- Lots of random tables
- Nice binding
- The editing is solid
- Everything in one book (well everything so far)
- Big fonts on white paper (who though brown on tan was a good idea?)
- Not afraid of the Dungeon
Lots of the obvious problems:
- If I have AD&D, what does this bring? (the Hit Points, Initiative, Stats, manage inventory thing has been done.)
- The big idea it seems is ... it's Dark in dungeons. Once you had to deal with that once or twice, what happens next?
- Grub for rusty sword. Get an iron bar. Sharpen it. +1. Sword of Flame ... Holy Avenger. Once you've done that, what is next?
- I'm not sold on the name. "The Star Book" apparently was taken.
- No new ideas (which I suppose could be positive thing)
I hope they sell a million million copies. It's just Beverly Hills Cop 2 but that was a fun ride.
Yours,
IronConrad
02-Mar-2023