Basic Fantasy Role Playing, that is. It's sort of the forgotten red-headed step-child of the retro-clones. Being a red-head myself, that makes me partial to it.
Before Labyrinth Lord came and stole the BX clone thunder, Chris Gonnerman had created this little gem of a game. Unlike LL, every game rule, module or supplement for it is available for free, and print versions are available at cost. It also borrows some of the tropes and mechanics of both AD&D and 3E D&D. Race and class are separate. Ascending AC and attack bonuses. 20 level classes.
But what it keeps are the simple rules for explorations and combats of the Classic D&D line.
Personally, I would use BFRPG over LL/AEC if I wanted to have AD&D style race/class separation. I'm fond of the racial classes of Classic D&D, but they don't always fit the mood of the game I want to play at the moment (whatever moment that may be). Plus, I'm a fan of ascending AC as it's one less thing I need to worry about as a DM.
So if you're thinking about running a new game, why not download the free BFRPG rules, give them a look, and consider using them for your next game? I've pretty much decided that when I get back to DMing my Megadungeon, they will be my go-to rules set.
2024 in Review
2 hours ago
I may be wrong, but AFAIK, LL/AEC is completely free. Unless they are giving away free print versions of BFRPG.
ReplyDeleteThanks for catching that. It was a hasty post. What I intended to say was that everything for it can be had for free, while some LL supplements/modules are only available for a price. And print versions of BFRPG are sold at cost, but not free. I'll edit the post.
ReplyDeleteMy first game in going back to D&D was with BFRPG and it's a good base. I have a printed out copy here and I suspect I'd use it again.
ReplyDeleteI also believe the LL download is also 'Art Free'
ReplyDeleteI still think it's the best of the D&D-type games out there, even better than the real D&D. It seems that people (me included) are for some reason drawn to the games that reproduce D&D more precisely though, without the very sensible innovations of BFRPG! I wonder why that is sometimes, as I have a print copy here, but still run official D&D...
ReplyDeleteCome check out SimpleDnD. We'd love to hear what you think of it! https://simplednd.wordpress.com/
ReplyDeleteIt was 40 years ago "when I first wore chain and wielded steel to slay evil for gold,girls,and glory". That said I love bfrpg and when my 3rd batch of grandkids wanted to "dungeon delve", this retro clone is the perfect solution for the price of some single books I was able to procure an easy to learn, "basic" world. Thank you Chris and everyone that created this awesome gem.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to be " Back in the game"