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General discussion » "Basic" BoL » 2/21/2024 3:13 am

Pit Fighter: I believe Simon is trying to get the document down to 6 or so pages. I’m of the opinion that 7 to 8 pages might be better if it includes a short few sentences on design choices at the start and some explanations (only one or two sentences) where required in the body of rules itself.
 
Almuric701: I agree that for this stripped-down version of BoL that Boons & Flaws had to go. (Personally, I like Boons & Flaws for standard BoL games, as the inform character – I don’t see them in the same way as D&D Feats.)
 
I agree that the way many people approach rpgs has changed over the years. I think a stripped-down version of BoL might appeal to some types of newbies. Definitely an approach of ‘rulings not rules’ will be needed with something so basic – and you can’t get more old school than that!
 
I’m still hoping to run a playtest of the rules in a city-based game sometime this week, having run a wilderness game previously. If you haven’t seen the thread yet where I give my thoughts on the first playtest check out the ‘Barbarians of Legend (BoL)’ thread under the section ‘Other genres, same rules’ in the sub-forum, ‘Dicey Tales, Dogs of War, Honor + Intrigue, etc to be discussed here’.

Simon: I was just about to ask you what was the intended audience for Barbarians of Legend, so thanks for the above heads up.

General discussion » If you aren't playing BoL.... » 2/19/2024 11:46 pm

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 21

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Please let us know how it goes!

Greetings, this is where we meet. » Greetings » 2/19/2024 11:45 pm

Yeah, I find that D&D GMs tend to really take to BoL - their players not so much. 

General discussion » If you aren't playing BoL.... » 2/18/2024 2:54 am

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 21

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I've not played anything but BoL or Everywhen (or a mash-up of the two) for many years now. It hits the sweet spot of pulpy fun that makes the games seem like a good film or expensive tv series (which is how I envision games when I write them). It is also surprisingly easy to dial up and down the level of pulpyness by fiddling with character generation, supply of boons and flaws, and the number of hero points available.

Since the start of the year we have played 17th century swashbuckling, occult investigation in 1937 LA, and mesoamerican sword & sorcery. Planned, is more swashbuckling in 1630s France (run by me) and a return to 1920s spy action (run by my wife Alison). Sometime this year I'd like to squeeze in a return to Ray Harryhausen-themed S&S Atlantis and perhaps some science fiction gaming. 

Please tell us what you are up to, everyone.

General rules (Mythic) » d6 damage for almost all weapons* » 2/18/2024 2:43 am

Interesting to see what you've done, Sigulf. Thanks for sharing.

Dicey Tales, Dogs of War, Honor + Intrigue, etc to be discussed here » Barbarians of Legend (BoL) » 2/18/2024 2:42 am

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 30

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Well, I didn't manage to get my city based playtest organised before the arrival of an aged aunt (84!) who came to stay with us for a few days. However, I might possibly be able to squeeze it in this week.

Greetings, this is where we meet. » Greetings » 2/18/2024 2:35 am

Welcome aboard!

If you are a dedicated sword & sorcery player I'd also suggest that you take a look at the Sword & Sorcery Codex - it's duel statted for both Everywhen and BoL and give lots of options to give your game a classic S&S feel.

Dicey Tales, Dogs of War, Honor + Intrigue, etc to be discussed here » Barbarians of Legend (BoL) » 2/09/2024 6:00 am

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 30

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Sadly we didn't find time to try out the rules yesterday with a city based game. Next week in mostly taken up by a visiting aged aunt (yes, older than even me), and tomorrow we are down to play Alison's next Hollywood Pulse game. So there may be a delay, but hopefully we might squeeze in the city game at the end of next week - we'll see.

Dicey Tales, Dogs of War, Honor + Intrigue, etc to be discussed here » Barbarians of Legend (BoL) » 2/07/2024 11:46 pm

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 30

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A thought occurs....I like Simon's Crimson Blades but I don't do D&D. Perhaps running CB with BoL Legend might work????

(I'm hoping to run another playtest game set in Lankmar, later today.) 

Dicey Tales, Dogs of War, Honor + Intrigue, etc to be discussed here » Barbarians of Legend (BoL) » 2/06/2024 4:18 am

Gruntfuttock
Replies: 30

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On Special Abilities:
I can see that some would be useful to be used more than once, you could set a limit on it I suppose – only 3 times in any one game – or maybe make them powered by Hero Points. Some seem things that are logically part of the PCs make up, so why not have them available all the time? I can see both Robert’s and Simon’s point here. The only one that strikes me as best used only once is ‘Berserk’. The Norse sagas (the original source material!) suggest that the state was something you deliberately worked up to, or else that struck in the heat of battle. It also left the berserker drained. Seems like a one use ability to me.
 
The penalty die for Hunter’s Mark relates, I assume, to penalties for range/low light and similar. Therefore the ability aids the archer in bringing off the perfect impossible shot.
 
I can see the point of warrior abilities being restricted. It fits in with the ‘Martial’ and ‘Non-Martial’ careers in the Codex, which I approve of.
 
Simon, I take your point about the weapons only being examples. I did like it that BoL lumped all swords together, but I guess such a short ruleset will be house ruled by GMs anyway. But perhaps a short explanation might be in order, Obviously my idea for a quick explanation might be where I’m coming from in my comment about not getting fixated on 6 pages if 7 might make things clearer. A lot could be covered by a short sentence or two at the start of the document – but you know how to write rules better than I do!
 
I suppose the need for explanation or not depends on who this ruleset is aimed at. Experienced old hands I guess, rather than newbies or as a gateway to full fat BoL.
 
Overall, I’m loving what I’m seeing – I think this has legs! Could you send me the latest draft please? I’ll use it for my next playtest game, later this week.

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