When I first discovered Hyperborea and bought the 3E players guide, it gave me that same sense of amazement as those early D&D products. I’m am old school gamer who grew up on AD&D and 2E, fell out of the hobby and rediscovered it through 5E. Jeff’s decision to make everything campaign-centric was the right move , because every detail , from PC creation to monsters and treasure, is intentional and fits. For those who are fans of classic sword and sorcery and weird Lovecraftian horror, it’s a perfect blend without seeming campy or derivative. For any D&D fan, it brings things back to the roots - no animal-farm pc races, no goofy Harry Potter or other post-80s inflected fantasy tropes. I love Hyperborea for its seriousness, weirdness, and tie-in to real world history (in a pulpy way). The setting is perfect for DMs like myself who want to add their own stuff, without having to heavily modify because Jeff created that kind of “space” within the content. And that “space” also works well for incorporating older D&D and OSR material seemlessly. I am also a fan of Old School Essentials and Dungeon Crawl Classics, but Hyperborea still sits on the throne in my household, crushing all enemies, driving them before it, and hearing the Lamentations of their women!
That is AWESOME. I’m definitely a bit jealous now😀. Being someone that has had the authentic Hyperborea experience, do you feel like I did the game justice?
@@booksbricksandboards783 You did a great job with this review. I grabbed 4 modules from Jeff's booth while I was at the con. It was tempting to grab them all. This is a great game.
I’ve been running a Hyperborea game for my group for close to a year, and I ran a session of it at GaryCon back in March. I’ll be running 3 sessions at the next GaryCon. Hands down my favorite RPG.
@@booksbricksandboards783 Yeah, they filled up quick last year-I’ll be running Taken From Dunwich and 2 sessions of the new Oblation Slab of the Hepatopmancer this time.
Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea is among my favorite systems. The new Hyperborea is in my estimation an improvement in some respect, but I do prefer the original combat system. I also prefer the original game title as I find it so much fun to say aloud. So with appeal to older and newer gamers alike, why is Hyperborea not the most talked about crossfit FRP game? Cheers!
I think that as cool as the name is for folks in the know, the old name was an anchor from a marketing and educating perspective. As far as why it isn’t more known, I would chalk that up primarily to Talanian being a one man show, and the fact that this is based upon the older AD&D rules, not 5e or BX. With OSE soaking up all the air in the room for classics for the last few years, and 5e having a hangover period right now…. I’d say that Hyperborea is positioned to see more play with just the right nudge. Just need a few more creators to shine a spotlight on it! Thanks Jeff!
And the best part is that now, since Jeff finished the funding for the most recent 3 modules, he's going to use his experience of working on Gygax's city on making the Khromarium Gazetter.
I have the 3rd edition set. I really love these books. I haven't had the time to drill down on the rules but being a fan of 1e I knew there was a reason I liked this system. Thank you for reminding me to go back to the shelf.
It’s worth a look for sure. I’ve even taken classes from the game and ported them into games of BX and AD&D 2e. I’m thinking about doing an on camera solo session just to better show the system off, as it is hard to do justice in a single video.
Oh man... this sounds very interesting. I would say that I have no chance of getting a group to play it, but that's no knock on the game. I really like the way that the world ties in with out world. Fascinating stuff, and if nothing else, it will help make a good shelfie one day! In all seriousness, though, you've got to love and respect the attention to detail as well as the care the author takes with the work. This hobby rules!
I will add, he has been kind enough to return emails to me, prior to my even imagining a UA-cam channel, just gamers chatting… and that says a lot about the character of the man in my book!
Hey great review , definitely will be checking this out more with your recommendation! Oh and The time stamps require a "00:00 intro" it's dumb but that's waht UA-cam has said
Great summary, well put together, thanks. I really like this system, particularly the flavor. There's a great text box called something like "Ten things everybody knows on Hyperborea", outlining the nature of the world, major deities worshipped, and things that Hyperboreans take for granted. Very refreshing. Will try to get my players to have a go at something different at some point, and this could be a lot of fun.
I've been playing in a Hyperborea campaign since November 2020, coming up on 4 years now. Our characters are all around 7th level, and we are still having a ton of fun with the game & world. I started playing Dungeons & Dragons, and later AD&D, back in 1981, and Hyperborea definitely has the feel of the original game.
2020 is when I picked up my copy of 2nd edition. What a great pick up that was. It feels like AD&D, but just so refined and clean. It plays like we remember, which is probably better than those games actually were (nostalgia benefit)!
I really gotta say, the game looks cool. What I really love about certain derivative games from D&D, is when they drop the whole kitchen sink fantasy "you can do anything" shtick and fully embrace a specific setting of their own design. I wish the rules of any edition fully committed to the idea that there are only so many races and so much known history. So this seems really cool. I appreciate the human centric design and the fact that it looks like it basically is a more mechanically old school version of what Goodman Games wanted to do with DCC with a more confident sense of identity. I'll probably check this out for the same reasons I check a lot of games out. I love stealing rules and ideas but I don't imagine I'll probably be playing it personally. I could be won over but it's really cool to have learned about this specific fork in the D&D family tree
Definitely. I think Jeff created a game that plays AD&D the way we remembered it, which is better than the way it actually was. The changes he made were all in the spirit of the game, but very well implemented to improve the original. In my opinion.
i have the 3rd ed, 2nd ed, and the players Manuel for the 1st ed. I really love the world map and the world. The massive amount of options for players is cool as well. Its a massive work of amazing magnitude. I absolutely love it.
It really is something that could only be accomplished as a labor of love. There was so much that had to fall in place for this game to find its audience, and that Jeff produced such a great result is amazing!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Its a great game and i enjoyed the review. I wish it had more VTT support! I think someone made a roll 20 sheet? My IRL group is currently in Thracia and I'm running a simple version of DCC, for family that are all newbs. Id love to find a group for this one but this sort of complexity is past the real life group (who let me pick the game) and the VTT crowd who could handle it. Id love some Fantasy grounds Hyperboria, or roll 20. Fingers crossed.
I know he has addressed that in the boards before. The cost of development is pretty high. I think at one time, everything that existed for the game VTT wise, was fan created content. He’s a small publisher, so totally understand that comes with limitations.
Good stuff. I hope people take your advice and seek out Hyperborea. It can be hard to find at game stores, but it is just so good. I've been running a Hyperborea campaign for a while now. All of the reasons you cite for loving it are spot on. I especially love the setting. It is well-thought out, has some great details and history but it also leaves ellipses for ambitious GMs to fill in. Very very good game.
Thanks Dimensional Being! I think regarding the setting take, that is a great point you made. Just like the old Gray Box of Forgotten Realms was attractive to an enterprising GM because it left blank spot on the map, Hyperborea definitely leaves enough room to do your own thing!
I enjoyed them all, but for me The Late Trapper’s Lament was the one that surprised me the most… I knew I’d enjoy the ones based upon stories I was familiar with, but with that one, it had all the twists and turns to hit a tone and pace I really liked, it was Viking themed, AND it had the weird twist. Love it! Thanks for watching and the kind words.
Awesome video, explain slowly and calm to anyone understand! Well i said that i want to know more about the Hyperborea and now i known. I gonna buy the book on Drivethru RPG because i like what i see here! Great vídeo...
@@booksbricksandboards783 Yeah, i think so too, i grow up reading Conan and my favorite authors ar H.P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith so i think that i like that i much like DCC (Even don't play much as i want)
Grabbed a copy of the 2 cores (no maps yet) when on a DriveThru sale. Definitely got to make time for it ... and wait for the next sale for the maps & modules. 😊
Excellent take on the game, and I agree with every point you made Justin. Absolutely on point. Hyperborea is a phenomenal game system for both old and newer players of the game. Its STILL epic in scope. I would add that IMHO, the PCs are a bit more robust then their direct old school counterparts but they are still grounded as fantasy heroes, not fantasy 'super heroes'. The various classes each have their own amazing moments, and I highly recommend this game. I also concur about Jeff's prose. I call it 'high Talanian'.. lol... the rules are very well explained, easily understood and described. Hyperborea the setting is just.. amazing. I love the setting and the modules serve as 'mini' supplements are the area of the world they take place in. So much fun.
Wow, humbled sir… big fan of your channel. Thanks for chiming in. Regarding your assessment of the heroes, I agree completely. I have told gamers in the past, you can mix and match with other TSR era characters and monsters, but you might want to adjust a little on the fly because Northwind stuff tends to have a few more tricks than the originals. They are close but not identical. I’m amazed every time I revisit the setting, as I find more connecting ideas that make the world feel more cohesive and lived in. Usually I find holes when I revisit settings, but here I just find more details that make it better. Thanks for visiting the channel!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Awww, shucks, thanks Justin. I subbed to yours! and.. Yes! Your experience mimics mine. The setting is very well thought out, and gritty. the more you peal back the more you'll find. I also should add that so much is purposely left UNFILLED in so each game master can make the setting their own. A lot of GM's don't like the game system and the setting to be combined like this, and historically I would concur with that assessment, but gosh darn, this game the EXCEPTION to the rule. The Classes, Races and SPELLS are tailored to the setting giving them a very unique flavor that is both tweeking that old school nostalgia and unique to the setting in in many way 'modern' due to integration with the setting.
Yes, and that is the most impressive part of the setting! Every thing has a reason and every reason a thing. The way it all blends together is just incredibly well done. Rather than just dropping Tolkien Orcs in the game, he made them fit the setting. Same thing with all of the classes and cultures. Like you, I didn’t think I liked the combining of setting and system so tightly, but with this, Crown & Skull and Forbidden Lands, I think I’m shifting my view on that stance. Thanks again and keep rolling those bones and making those videos, we’ll keep watching them!
I did as well, unfortunately I did sell those when I was out of work for a bit. Seemed like the responsible thing to do at the time, but still regret it now 😉
Agreed. I mean the full thing was “cool”, in the way the Shawshank Redemption was cool… in that no one knows what it is without a thorough explanation. Hard to push a game that requires that much explanation just for the name🤣.
Having been childhood friends with Jeff, and playing together since we were pre-teens, so I have, of course, a biased view. Jeff has, in my and others' opinions done an absolutely amazing job at putting together a fantastic setting that really brings all the rules we loved of 1st and 2nd edition AD&D, and built it into a setting that is closer to the genres of HP Lovecraft's Cthulhu, Robert E. Howard's Conan, and the Realms of Hyperborea from Clark Ashton Smith. It's a Humancentric setting that removed most of the Tolkien races/monsters, but the rules are open enough to all the GM to add them back in as desired (as NPCs/Monsters being the best option). Also, the setting allows for most 1st/2nd edition monsters published in other settings to be brought in directly. Then the Modules, Jeff has a Cadre of writers that have created fantastic modules, that fit perfectly in the setting. Add to that the openness allows the talented GM to pull from the thousands of published works, from other settings and games, and easily convert them into the setting. For example, I've run some of the 2nd edition AD&D modules in Hyperborea for my home game, and they fit in almost without need for conversion (removing elves and dwarves and substituting one of the human ethnicities for them was all that was needed). I'm so proud to be able to call Jeff my friend, and so amazed at the accomplishments he has garnered over the years, following his passion for RPG games... Bob Hood
Bob, I don’t have the benefit of your experience with Jeff, and can say I am pretty objective on the subject. From that objective point of view I fully agree with your take. What a great testimonial to give to your friend as well, and well said!
had seen this off and on, but its seldom referenced in the small indie osr style niche I'm typically in. It looks really neat, though quite a tome. find myself wondering how it might compare to the recent tales of argosa?
I need to do some research as I’m not familiar with Tales of Argosa. Jeff is a very small publisher, but the game has passed the test of time and editions. It really was a great surprise when I dug in!
I fell in love with this system and setting when I fist discovered it a few years back. My only issue with it is finding a game! I have had no luck fining one over the years...😢
Totally understand that… I live in a rural area, and have a pretty busy schedule, so finding the right group for games is always a struggle. Conventions and solo play is always an option!
@@booksbricksandboards783 I do rock a lot of solo play. In fact, that's how I got into the hobby. But I find there is not better way to kill the momentum of a solo game than getting bogged down in rules. And I fear that happening with Hyperboria. But, perhaps I will reconsider. That and scoring discords and reddit for online games :p
@@2plus2isfive 👍 have you looked into The Ruins of the Undercity, by Kabuki Kaiser? It is intended for use with TSR era D&D for solo play, and its whole vibe would easily fit within Hyperborea. Might give it a try.
I got the signed special editions of this from the Kickstarter to go next to my signed Zygag book from Talanian and Gygax. I still haven't had a chance to play this though. I've discovered the hard way that my players don't like old school gaming. The books do like nice, though.
lol. I took mine through the “In Search of Adventure” module collection using OSE. The first session a dwarf was lit on fire while being consumed by a gelatinous cube. I found out that at least one of my players was FAR more resilient than I realized. 😂
You really never know how a player will react to character death until it happens. My players reacted pretty well to it. They still talk about that death and a couple of others almost every time we play. Related to Isle of Dread, did you think that it played well in a 5e rule set? I had the GG version, but have only ran the module in expert set rules. That adventure is an excellent representation of a lot of the adventuring in Hyperborea.
Love Hyperborea, the setting, and system (cleaned up and improved 1st ed). It's hard to beat Weird tales the rpg. Only complaint is Vancian magic, but it's a minor issue ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
The Vancian aspect of the magic never bothered me as much, simply because it kept wizards from becoming the answer to everything. I do wish there was some sort of spell based corruption mechanic, that would show the impact of long term magic use.
Sometimes it’s almost better, as it prevents some purchases that would hit the account quickly otherwise lol. It’s how I am with board games that have a lot of stuff out there… would love to play it, but I’d have to have it all so not going to even go there lol.
It is almost like an alternate history of the game, where Gary didn’t get ousted from TSR and an updated edition of his version of AD&D was created. It really feels like a work he would have been a fan of.
Yeah, you aren’t alone in that. As a matter of fact, I am going to run a solo game of Hyperborea on camera next week just to kind of teach the system a bit, as well as show folks that it can be done as a solitary endeavor. Solo gaming won’t replace group games, but it can be a fun way to play when a) you can’t get a group together or b) you can’t find a group to play what you want to play. I run a couple solo games a month, in addition to my group Savage Worlds game with the adults and my AD&D 2e/ BECMI games with my two kids. I have fun every session, group or solo.
There are aspects directly ripped from both Smith and Howard, as well as Lovecraft and world mythologies. On the whole, it is its own thing. Also, some of the names and faces have been changed to protect the innocent, for example, Cimmerians are Kimmerians, Cthulhu is Kthulhu and Crom is Krimmr. Port Greely is Innsmouth, and Shambala of Howard is Xaambala here.
I’m a big fan of 2e. I’ve done a couple videos on it recently. It has the best Monster Manual (in my opinion) and also the most complete set of options and settings across an edition.
@@booksbricksandboards783 agreed. I still have the old school binders. The Ravenloft and Spelljammer MM was great. And the Monster Myth book (the one that had the monster gods). Just pure gold.
I have printed and spiral bound several of the old monster appendices. That edition had SO MUCH material. It also happened to be where I spent my most impressionable gaming years. It is an absolute limitless toolkit, you can make it do almost anything you want, with the right supplements and optional rules.
When I attend conventions, this is a major draw for me. It plays beautifully, and attracts some excellent old school DMs. Plus this is a regional game for me, as I don't live far from its birthplace - and hence discovered the game early on... If only I made more conventions, stupid adulting. Edit: As a grognard amidst 2e era players, games like this one are harder sells... Though, I have several players who know it, and enjoy it. There is always that holdout who wants me to run Pathfinder or something...
Grim, totally appreciate where you are coming from, as a fellow grizzled veteran, and also one that meets the same resistance a lot of times. I am only a few hours drive from Lake Geneva(took a trip there last spring and again this spring, specifically for gaming purposes on both occasions), and also not far from the home of the Judge’s Guild, so I was lucky enough to have older kids with wheels introduce me to the original game pretty early on. I just had a 3-4 year run of Pathfinder 2e finish up so I can relate… I have stepped them down to Savage Pathfinder, so big improvement in my book. On the other hand, over that same time frame I have gotten them to try short bursts of Old School Essentials (borrowing some ASSH classes and options), DCC (several one shots, funnels and X Crawls), some Call of Cthulhu, Black Hack, Index Card RPG, Quest, Sentinel Comics, Monster of the Week, and Cypher System… so I can’t complain too much! 😉
@@booksbricksandboards783 Okay After watching the video I see what you're saying. I see BX as a great foundation to add some AD&D and my own mechanics to, I feel AD&D is too bloated and requires you to either ignore or remove a lot from it. I prefer additive rather than subtractive game augmentation but that is a personal preference so that is why I like BX and think it's the best edition. In terms of your review, it was great and very comprehensive. I have watched other reviews on this system and I felt they didn't describe the system well, whereas this video felt like I fully understood what I needed to know about the game. I would consider this system it has a lot of things I like and agree with like descending AC (which is better than ascending) and I like its theme and vibe. Oh by the way that history lesson on the origin of the game was interesting and a nice added touch. It really tied the video together.
@@BX-advocate that’s awesome man, love to hear that it hit the objective. I’m a big proponent of TSR D&D generally, especially BX(I’ve done full videos on BX, BECMI and Old School Essentials). Glad you like the review and that you have a good understanding of the game from it!
Good game, some of the classes are half baked and too squishy. One major complaint is most of the summon monster spells are higher level than a warlock can ever cast, which seems broken and makes warlock a bit lame.
Too squishy surprises me… are you comparing to other old school options or modern versions of the game? The warlock monster summoning issue is pretty specific, is there a reason that particular aspect of their spell casting was important? I’m just curious as these are both issues I’d not heard from others and a frame of reference would help me better understand. Thanks for watching.
@@booksbricksandboards783 only comparing some of the classes to others.. warlock just felt kind of weak in play. However I. D&D and every game with warlocks, summoning is "their thing" that they use most often. 3e can only summon the weakest/lowest level of summoned creatures. Just felt half baked overall. I love hyberborea but it could benefit from some fine tuning.
@@kspen72 I understand. I believe Jeff’s Warlocks are from his original version of the game, which was at his home table. They are based upon the traditional use of the term warlock I believe, being a male witch. So when they were developed I don’t think that the assumption that they would be good at summoning was there. I think that is a result of the exposure that 5e has creating expectations. I actually like the warlock as a little bit of spellslinging and a little bit of sword swinging.
@@booksbricksandboards783 I like the premise. Most games and literature prior to 5e have historically painted the warlock as a those who use summoning to do their dirty work. The spell casting/sword welding combo is great and attractive but in play it left a bit to be desired. I think some minor tweaks to a few of the custom classes could go a long way but all good, that's what homebrew is for. It's definitely one we plan to revisit for another lengthy campaign.
Just out of curiosity, what are some things you would have liked to see? I was blown away by the number of changes with the rebuilt and expanded classes, the new spell lists, the reworked bestiary, the huge number of combat options, the Mass Warfare mechanics, and the great setting… to me that was a lot for a one man shop to accomplish. Are you saying you wanted them to stray more from the core mechanics? Just curious.
@@booksbricksandboards783 If I knew how to make an innovative game I would make it myself 🙂, but I can see some improvements that could be made that other new TTRPG have made. There could be less ability scores. The scores could just be the bonuses. I never really like saving throws, maybe a new way of doing it. The hit and roll damage/miss and nothing interesting happens, maybe that could be improved. And reintroducing THAC0 just seems like a very odd choice
I kind of figured this was really what you were thinking so I appreciate the clarification… you were looking for a game that isn’t based upon AD&D. That’s totally fair, but also, not what he was looking to do. He wanted to make a game that was based upon the original, but cleaner, with better classes and less ambiguity in the rules. Plenty of different systems out there, looks like this one isn’t for you. Thanks again for clarifying.
@@booksbricksandboards783 You are right I have played my share of D&D - I'm more looking for games with a more modern feel at this moment. Alan Bjorkgren (The Dungeon Coach) is working on a game called DC20 with some interesting ideas and it's based on D&D.
If you have watched my channel, you know I play ALOT of different games. I understand the itch to play something different. I’ve been playing since 85, and played every edition except for OD&D (white box/wood box), and I still feel the urge to play games based upon those systems. That said, my favorite SYSTEM right now, is Savage Worlds. Feel like it is fast and flexible, and can do everything I want it to. Also, my players are into it, so big PLUS there. lol. Have a good rest of the weekend my man!
I've always been kind of curious about Hyperborea, but I was never a huge Conan the Barbarian fan, and I think I enjoy the fantastic elements of dwarves, elves and halflings too much to really give it an honest try.
That’s fair. Technically you could add them. If you did, there is even an in world reason that would be coherent… Hyperborea is a land created out of the remnants of populations from across time and space. Nothing saying you couldn’t bring a community of Dwarves lost in the mines of Middle Earth that pop up in the triple peaked mountains of Hyperborea. Or maybe a group of Evermeet elves take a rare trip back to the mainland only to discover all of Evermeet had been moved to Hyperborea… for how long they might wonder? Mechanically, they’d be AD&D elves, dwarves, whatever, which would fit seamlessly into Hyperborea.
I'm currently in a Hyperborea campaign and my character died, which made me sad, but for a game that has so much data to put into your character sheet, it shouldn't be that damn deadly. I will say, that I am enjoying it so far.
That is true. I was excited about my Barbarian, and now I've accepted my Legerdemainist ... until he dies, LOL. One of the issues I had was that 2 of our party failed a climb roll, and died from the fall, there was no skill in that. I am still giving this system its fair shake though, and am excited to play some more 😁.
I know when I was a kid, we tried to avoid dice rolls anytime that was an option… because every die roll is a chance to roll over and die. It made it feel like an accomplishment when you survived to be a successful adventurer.
All depends on our personal preferences to a degree right? Lol. Well, if you’ve watched my other videos, you know I love Gavin Norman’s stuff, so you won’t get any pushback here! Thanks for chiming in.😉
@@Arnsteel634 a lot of it depends if you want innovation or fidelity too. In the beginning, I would argue OSE was better at playing full BX D&D than actual BX D&D, with full fidelity. The Advanced version also BX-ified AD&D in a way that feels very true to the BX design philosophy. Again, fidelity. For me Hyperborea is all about iterative innovations. Scrapping the classes and going whole hog on the S&S stuff, and adding a dozen combat options, then re-writing the bestiary, that is all innovation, but within the guidelines enough to feel like AD&D still. Love both, they had different objectives and they both achieved the objectives they set out to.
Hyperborea isn't out there. It's in here 👉 ❤
Mic drop…
When I first discovered Hyperborea and bought the 3E players guide, it gave me that same sense of amazement as those early D&D products. I’m am old school gamer who grew up on AD&D and 2E, fell out of the hobby and rediscovered it through 5E. Jeff’s decision to make everything campaign-centric was the right move , because every detail , from PC creation to monsters and treasure, is intentional and fits. For those who are fans of classic sword and sorcery and weird Lovecraftian horror, it’s a perfect blend without seeming campy or derivative. For any D&D fan, it brings things back to the roots - no animal-farm pc races, no goofy Harry Potter or other post-80s inflected fantasy tropes.
I love Hyperborea for its seriousness, weirdness, and tie-in to real world history (in a pulpy way). The setting is perfect for DMs like myself who want to add their own stuff, without having to heavily modify because Jeff created that kind of “space” within the content. And that “space” also works well for incorporating older D&D and OSR material seemlessly.
I am also a fan of Old School Essentials and Dungeon Crawl Classics, but Hyperborea still sits on the throne in my household, crushing all enemies, driving them before it, and hearing the Lamentations of their women!
Totally agree with everything said in this post! Excellent take.
Great game. Over the weekend I got a chance to play in a session run by Talanian, it was awesome.
That is AWESOME. I’m definitely a bit jealous now😀. Being someone that has had the authentic Hyperborea experience, do you feel like I did the game justice?
@@booksbricksandboards783 You did a great job with this review. I grabbed 4 modules from Jeff's booth while I was at the con. It was tempting to grab them all. This is a great game.
That means a lot. Thanks! Again, still jealous you played with the MAN. Awesome! 😀
I’ve been running a Hyperborea game for my group for close to a year, and I ran a session of it at GaryCon back in March. I’ll be running 3 sessions at the next GaryCon. Hands down my favorite RPG.
If I go back I will try to sign up for a game. It was too late to get into a Hyperborea game last year. Love the system!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Yeah, they filled up quick last year-I’ll be running Taken From Dunwich and 2 sessions of the new Oblation Slab of the Hepatopmancer this time.
Ooh… Lovecraft theming even. Dunwich close to Port Greely?
Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea is among my favorite systems. The new Hyperborea is in my estimation an improvement in some respect, but I do prefer the original combat system. I also prefer the original game title as I find it so much fun to say aloud.
So with appeal to older and newer gamers alike, why is Hyperborea not the most talked about crossfit FRP game?
Cheers!
I think that as cool as the name is for folks in the know, the old name was an anchor from a marketing and educating perspective. As far as why it isn’t more known, I would chalk that up primarily to Talanian being a one man show, and the fact that this is based upon the older AD&D rules, not 5e or BX. With OSE soaking up all the air in the room for classics for the last few years, and 5e having a hangover period right now…. I’d say that Hyperborea is positioned to see more play with just the right nudge. Just need a few more creators to shine a spotlight on it! Thanks Jeff!
A fine capper to another glorious Cimmerian September.
lol. I did feature Conan a lot this month 😉
And the best part is that now, since Jeff finished the funding for the most recent 3 modules, he's going to use his experience of working on Gygax's city on making the Khromarium Gazetter.
Awesome! That will be a treat for the community.
I have the 3rd edition set. I really love these books. I haven't had the time to drill down on the rules but being a fan of 1e I knew there was a reason I liked this system. Thank you for reminding me to go back to the shelf.
It’s worth a look for sure. I’ve even taken classes from the game and ported them into games of BX and AD&D 2e. I’m thinking about doing an on camera solo session just to better show the system off, as it is hard to do justice in a single video.
I absolutely love Hyperborea 3e! Granted I do wish Level Drain was in this game instead of ability drain, but in my table that's easily fixed.
Man level drain makes players really consider the value of having a cleric with them lol.
Great video and overview Justin. I have been wanting to get this game and check it out for year now. Thank You for sharing this. 😊
Thanks Dangar!
Oh man... this sounds very interesting. I would say that I have no chance of getting a group to play it, but that's no knock on the game. I really like the way that the world ties in with out world. Fascinating stuff, and if nothing else, it will help make a good shelfie one day! In all seriousness, though, you've got to love and respect the attention to detail as well as the care the author takes with the work. This hobby rules!
I will add, he has been kind enough to return emails to me, prior to my even imagining a UA-cam channel, just gamers chatting… and that says a lot about the character of the man in my book!
@@booksbricksandboards783 That is very cool. There's a lot of negativity out in the world, but it's nice to see decent people out there too.
He’s a good one buddy.
Hey great review , definitely will be checking this out more with your recommendation!
Oh and The time stamps require a "00:00 intro" it's dumb but that's waht UA-cam has said
lol. I remembered MOST of your advice. When it didn’t work I wondered. Will try to fix it now. Thanks for watching(and for the advice)!
It's Working! Hope you're having a good day @@booksbricksandboards783
Great summary, well put together, thanks. I really like this system, particularly the flavor. There's a great text box called something like "Ten things everybody knows on Hyperborea", outlining the nature of the world, major deities worshipped, and things that Hyperboreans take for granted. Very refreshing. Will try to get my players to have a go at something different at some point, and this could be a lot of fun.
It really is a work of passion. Jeff clearly did this out of appreciation, the commercial benefit being a happy side effect. Thanks for watching!
I've been playing in a Hyperborea campaign since November 2020, coming up on 4 years now. Our characters are all around 7th level, and we are still having a ton of fun with the game & world. I started playing Dungeons & Dragons, and later AD&D, back in 1981, and Hyperborea definitely has the feel of the original game.
2020 is when I picked up my copy of 2nd edition. What a great pick up that was. It feels like AD&D, but just so refined and clean. It plays like we remember, which is probably better than those games actually were (nostalgia benefit)!
This is such a great game. We finished a pub'd adventure and are soon starting another. My group loves this game and our ages range from 20's to 40's.
Nice! What one did you play?
Looking to add this to my repertoire. Maybe even my bday.
It’s a keeper!
I have 1st and 2nd Ed of AS&SH, ran some 2nd and had a good time with it.
I wish I still had my 2nd Ed book! Such a good game.
Hyperborea is awesome! Once I played this one it quickly became my favorite
It is funny, because it borrows ideas from so many places, but the end result is something entirely its own and entirely wonderful.
I really gotta say, the game looks cool. What I really love about certain derivative games from D&D, is when they drop the whole kitchen sink fantasy "you can do anything" shtick and fully embrace a specific setting of their own design. I wish the rules of any edition fully committed to the idea that there are only so many races and so much known history. So this seems really cool. I appreciate the human centric design and the fact that it looks like it basically is a more mechanically old school version of what Goodman Games wanted to do with DCC with a more confident sense of identity.
I'll probably check this out for the same reasons I check a lot of games out. I love stealing rules and ideas but I don't imagine I'll probably be playing it personally. I could be won over but it's really cool to have learned about this specific fork in the D&D family tree
You should look in his Resources section, as there is a fan made encounter generator that really captures the flavor of the setting well!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Alright, Justin, I'll do just that. Thanks for the pointer
Welcome!
Yeah, Hyperborea is great. It’s a real throwback to that pure spirit of fun & discovery that the early DnD games had.
Definitely. I think Jeff created a game that plays AD&D the way we remembered it, which is better than the way it actually was. The changes he made were all in the spirit of the game, but very well implemented to improve the original. In my opinion.
i have the 3rd ed, 2nd ed, and the players Manuel for the 1st ed. I really love the world map and the world. The massive amount of options for players is cool as well.
Its a massive work of amazing magnitude. I absolutely love it.
It really is something that could only be accomplished as a labor of love. There was so much that had to fall in place for this game to find its audience, and that Jeff produced such a great result is amazing!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Its a great game and i enjoyed the review. I wish it had more VTT support! I think someone made a roll 20 sheet?
My IRL group is currently in Thracia and I'm running a simple version of DCC, for family that are all newbs. Id love to find a group for this one but this sort of complexity is past the real life group (who let me pick the game) and the VTT crowd who could handle it.
Id love some Fantasy grounds Hyperboria, or roll 20. Fingers crossed.
I know he has addressed that in the boards before. The cost of development is pretty high. I think at one time, everything that existed for the game VTT wise, was fan created content. He’s a small publisher, so totally understand that comes with limitations.
@@booksbricksandboards783 Agreed.
@@booksbricksandboards783 100% but i can wish!
Good stuff. I hope people take your advice and seek out Hyperborea. It can be hard to find at game stores, but it is just so good. I've been running a Hyperborea campaign for a while now. All of the reasons you cite for loving it are spot on. I especially love the setting. It is well-thought out, has some great details and history but it also leaves ellipses for ambitious GMs to fill in. Very very good game.
Thanks Dimensional Being! I think regarding the setting take, that is a great point you made. Just like the old Gray Box of Forgotten Realms was attractive to an enterprising GM because it left blank spot on the map, Hyperborea definitely leaves enough room to do your own thing!
This is one of the best RPG videos I’ve ever seen. Instantly subscribed! Do you have a favorite Hyperboria module?
I enjoyed them all, but for me The Late Trapper’s Lament was the one that surprised me the most… I knew I’d enjoy the ones based upon stories I was familiar with, but with that one, it had all the twists and turns to hit a tone and pace I really liked, it was Viking themed, AND it had the weird twist. Love it! Thanks for watching and the kind words.
Awesome video, explain slowly and calm to anyone understand! Well i said that i want to know more about the Hyperborea and now i known. I gonna buy the book on Drivethru RPG because i like what i see here! Great vídeo...
Thanks again Victor! Glad you are enjoying the channel sir. Hyperborea won’t disappoint!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Yeah, i think so too, i grow up reading Conan and my favorite authors ar H.P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith so i think that i like that i much like DCC (Even don't play much as i want)
Even just reading the setting information for Hyperborea is a lot of fun.
Grabbed a copy of the 2 cores (no maps yet) when on a DriveThru sale. Definitely got to make time for it ... and wait for the next sale for the maps & modules. 😊
Good strategic acquisition!
fyi "legerdemain" pronounced like "ledger-"
Looks fascinating. Will have to check it out.
Thanks for the heads up. I’ve read it for years, but never heard it pronounced properly apparently. Appreciate it!
Excellent take on the game, and I agree with every point you made Justin. Absolutely on point. Hyperborea is a phenomenal game system for both old and newer players of the game. Its STILL epic in scope. I would add that IMHO, the PCs are a bit more robust then their direct old school counterparts but they are still grounded as fantasy heroes, not fantasy 'super heroes'. The various classes each have their own amazing moments, and I highly recommend this game.
I also concur about Jeff's prose. I call it 'high Talanian'.. lol... the rules are very well explained, easily understood and described.
Hyperborea the setting is just.. amazing. I love the setting and the modules serve as 'mini' supplements are the area of the world they take place in. So much fun.
Wow, humbled sir… big fan of your channel. Thanks for chiming in.
Regarding your assessment of the heroes, I agree completely. I have told gamers in the past, you can mix and match with other TSR era characters and monsters, but you might want to adjust a little on the fly because Northwind stuff tends to have a few more tricks than the originals. They are close but not identical.
I’m amazed every time I revisit the setting, as I find more connecting ideas that make the world feel more cohesive and lived in. Usually I find holes when I revisit settings, but here I just find more details that make it better.
Thanks for visiting the channel!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Awww, shucks, thanks Justin. I subbed to yours! and.. Yes! Your experience mimics mine. The setting is very well thought out, and gritty. the more you peal back the more you'll find. I also should add that so much is purposely left UNFILLED in so each game master can make the setting their own. A lot of GM's don't like the game system and the setting to be combined like this, and historically I would concur with that assessment, but gosh darn, this game the EXCEPTION to the rule. The Classes, Races and SPELLS are tailored to the setting giving them a very unique flavor that is both tweeking that old school nostalgia and unique to the setting in in many way 'modern' due to integration with the setting.
Yes, and that is the most impressive part of the setting! Every thing has a reason and every reason a thing. The way it all blends together is just incredibly well done. Rather than just dropping Tolkien Orcs in the game, he made them fit the setting. Same thing with all of the classes and cultures. Like you, I didn’t think I liked the combining of setting and system so tightly, but with this, Crown & Skull and Forbidden Lands, I think I’m shifting my view on that stance. Thanks again and keep rolling those bones and making those videos, we’ll keep watching them!
Great game.. So happy I grabbed a copy of the signed limited edition leatherette 3rd ed and I almost NEVER do that or care... Great setting
I did as well, unfortunately I did sell those when I was out of work for a bit. Seemed like the responsible thing to do at the time, but still regret it now 😉
The AD&D books on your shelf is putting a tear in my eye!! Truly a thing of beauty!👍 Also the video was excellent 👌
Thanks Crusher! Lot of us old guys that still appreciate the finer things in life. Stay rolling the bones!
@booksbricksandboards783 A lot of the new stuff is ok, but you just can't beat good old AD&D!
Nothing sparks my imagination as much as the classics.
Seems a delicious read accompanied of beverage of choice, in a half lit room. Woah, it's so nice when the game is a good read by itself!
Honestly, if Jeff did a series of novels or graphic novels, I’d buy them in a heartbeat.
Jeff rebranding was a smart move.
Agreed. I mean the full thing was “cool”, in the way the Shawshank Redemption was cool… in that no one knows what it is without a thorough explanation. Hard to push a game that requires that much explanation just for the name🤣.
Having been childhood friends with Jeff, and playing together since we were pre-teens, so I have, of course, a biased view. Jeff has, in my and others' opinions done an absolutely amazing job at putting together a fantastic setting that really brings all the rules we loved of 1st and 2nd edition AD&D, and built it into a setting that is closer to the genres of HP Lovecraft's Cthulhu, Robert E. Howard's Conan, and the Realms of Hyperborea from Clark Ashton Smith.
It's a Humancentric setting that removed most of the Tolkien races/monsters, but the rules are open enough to all the GM to add them back in as desired (as NPCs/Monsters being the best option). Also, the setting allows for most 1st/2nd edition monsters published in other settings to be brought in directly.
Then the Modules, Jeff has a Cadre of writers that have created fantastic modules, that fit perfectly in the setting. Add to that the openness allows the talented GM to pull from the thousands of published works, from other settings and games, and easily convert them into the setting. For example, I've run some of the 2nd edition AD&D modules in Hyperborea for my home game, and they fit in almost without need for conversion (removing elves and dwarves and substituting one of the human ethnicities for them was all that was needed).
I'm so proud to be able to call Jeff my friend, and so amazed at the accomplishments he has garnered over the years, following his passion for RPG games...
Bob Hood
Bob, I don’t have the benefit of your experience with Jeff, and can say I am pretty objective on the subject. From that objective point of view I fully agree with your take. What a great testimonial to give to your friend as well, and well said!
@@booksbricksandboards783 Thanks...
You said Bestiary correctly ...this video gets a like
All of my practice in the mirror paying dividends, lol. Thanks!
had seen this off and on, but its seldom referenced in the small indie osr style niche I'm typically in. It looks really neat, though quite a tome. find myself wondering how it might compare to the recent tales of argosa?
I need to do some research as I’m not familiar with Tales of Argosa. Jeff is a very small publisher, but the game has passed the test of time and editions. It really was a great surprise when I dug in!
Checked out as soon as I heard descending armor class.
Yep, a lot do. Not uncommon, hence why I brought it up in the video.
Agree 200%
Thanks for the seal of approval! Glad you enjoyed it!
I fell in love with this system and setting when I fist discovered it a few years back. My only issue with it is finding a game! I have had no luck fining one over the years...😢
Totally understand that… I live in a rural area, and have a pretty busy schedule, so finding the right group for games is always a struggle. Conventions and solo play is always an option!
@@booksbricksandboards783 I do rock a lot of solo play. In fact, that's how I got into the hobby.
But I find there is not better way to kill the momentum of a solo game than getting bogged down in rules. And I fear that happening with Hyperboria. But, perhaps I will reconsider.
That and scoring discords and reddit for online games :p
@@2plus2isfive 👍 have you looked into The Ruins of the Undercity, by Kabuki Kaiser? It is intended for use with TSR era D&D for solo play, and its whole vibe would easily fit within Hyperborea. Might give it a try.
I got the signed special editions of this from the Kickstarter to go next to my signed Zygag book from Talanian and Gygax. I still haven't had a chance to play this though. I've discovered the hard way that my players don't like old school gaming. The books do like nice, though.
lol. I took mine through the “In Search of Adventure” module collection using OSE. The first session a dwarf was lit on fire while being consumed by a gelatinous cube. I found out that at least one of my players was FAR more resilient than I realized. 😂
@@booksbricksandboards783 we did the expanded Goodman Games Isle of Dread in 5e, with one character death.
You really never know how a player will react to character death until it happens. My players reacted pretty well to it. They still talk about that death and a couple of others almost every time we play.
Related to Isle of Dread, did you think that it played well in a 5e rule set? I had the GG version, but have only ran the module in expert set rules. That adventure is an excellent representation of a lot of the adventuring in Hyperborea.
@@booksbricksandboards783 it was fun, but the full rest mechanics and less of a focus on survival and resource management took away some of the feel.
That was my assumption… it worked largely because death lurked around every corner. Hard to capture that with 5e.
Never heard of it but now I wantbit
It’s unlike any other game setting I own… and I own a lot of them lol😀
Love Hyperborea, the setting, and system (cleaned up and improved 1st ed). It's hard to beat Weird tales the rpg. Only complaint is Vancian magic, but it's a minor issue ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
The Vancian aspect of the magic never bothered me as much, simply because it kept wizards from becoming the answer to everything. I do wish there was some sort of spell based corruption mechanic, that would show the impact of long term magic use.
@@booksbricksandboards783 I thought 3e added spell corruption or perhaps I’m mixing that up with Dungeon Crawl Classics.
That is DCC you are thinking of.
looks like a great game!
Honestly from reading your posts, I feel like this is the kind of game and world you would really dig.
@booksbricksandboards783 for sure but you know my situation with shipping. it's ok though I can appreciate from a distance haha
Sometimes it’s almost better, as it prevents some purchases that would hit the account quickly otherwise lol. It’s how I am with board games that have a lot of stuff out there… would love to play it, but I’d have to have it all so not going to even go there lol.
@@booksbricksandboards783 agreed
I backed the 3rd edition and I'm still trying to get my friends to play it 😢
That is one of the reasons that I run solo sessions. That gives me a chance to play some of the systems that I have not gotten a group to try yet.
Sounds legit
It is almost like an alternate history of the game, where Gary didn’t get ousted from TSR and an updated edition of his version of AD&D was created. It really feels like a work he would have been a fan of.
Really sucks that I can’t find anyone to run a game of Hyperborea
Yeah, you aren’t alone in that. As a matter of fact, I am going to run a solo game of Hyperborea on camera next week just to kind of teach the system a bit, as well as show folks that it can be done as a solitary endeavor. Solo gaming won’t replace group games, but it can be a fun way to play when a) you can’t get a group together or b) you can’t find a group to play what you want to play. I run a couple solo games a month, in addition to my group Savage Worlds game with the adults and my AD&D 2e/ BECMI games with my two kids. I have fun every session, group or solo.
So is this the Clarke Ashton Smith/Robert E Howard Hyperborea or just a world inspired by it?
There are aspects directly ripped from both Smith and Howard, as well as Lovecraft and world mythologies. On the whole, it is its own thing. Also, some of the names and faces have been changed to protect the innocent, for example, Cimmerians are Kimmerians, Cthulhu is Kthulhu and Crom is Krimmr. Port Greely is Innsmouth, and Shambala of Howard is Xaambala here.
So just a question. Are you a fan of 2e? I see the AD&D 2e books and references. Just curious (it is my fav).
I’m a big fan of 2e. I’ve done a couple videos on it recently. It has the best Monster Manual (in my opinion) and also the most complete set of options and settings across an edition.
@@booksbricksandboards783 agreed. I still have the old school binders. The Ravenloft and Spelljammer MM was great. And the Monster Myth book (the one that had the monster gods). Just pure gold.
I have printed and spiral bound several of the old monster appendices. That edition had SO MUCH material. It also happened to be where I spent my most impressionable gaming years. It is an absolute limitless toolkit, you can make it do almost anything you want, with the right supplements and optional rules.
When I attend conventions, this is a major draw for me. It plays beautifully, and attracts some excellent old school DMs. Plus this is a regional game for me, as I don't live far from its birthplace - and hence discovered the game early on... If only I made more conventions, stupid adulting.
Edit: As a grognard amidst 2e era players, games like this one are harder sells... Though, I have several players who know it, and enjoy it. There is always that holdout who wants me to run Pathfinder or something...
Grim, totally appreciate where you are coming from, as a fellow grizzled veteran, and also one that meets the same resistance a lot of times. I am only a few hours drive from Lake Geneva(took a trip there last spring and again this spring, specifically for gaming purposes on both occasions), and also not far from the home of the Judge’s Guild, so I was lucky enough to have older kids with wheels introduce me to the original game pretty early on. I just had a 3-4 year run of Pathfinder 2e finish up so I can relate… I have stepped them down to Savage Pathfinder, so big improvement in my book. On the other hand, over that same time frame I have gotten them to try short bursts of Old School Essentials (borrowing some ASSH classes and options), DCC (several one shots, funnels and X Crawls), some Call of Cthulhu, Black Hack, Index Card RPG, Quest, Sentinel Comics, Monster of the Week, and Cypher System… so I can’t complain too much! 😉
The coolest DnD!
This is my favorite iteration of the Thief! I love LotFP's as well but using D12 is genius to me
Favorite iteration of a Warlock as well! I just feel like sub Warlocks are missing but it isn't hard to adjust
My favorite bestiary remains Skerples' Monster Overhaul but this is close behind a self-contained bestiary
The thief and cleric using d12 for their special abilities was a good choice!
@@booksbricksandboards783 I strongly agree!
Are you backing the new version?
Is he doing a newer version already ?
There’s a new version of Conan on Kickstarter.
Ah, not through Northwind Adventures though. Who is doing the new Conan game?
Monolith who did the board game.
Still using the 2d20 system?
Moldvay Basic/Expert is the best edition of D&D...but I'll still watch your video about this game, just needed to make that clear.
Your opinion is noted! I think you will find that in areas Jeff departs from AD&D, he steers to a point between AD&D and BX, and he has said as much.
@@booksbricksandboards783 Okay After watching the video I see what you're saying. I see BX as a great foundation to add some AD&D and my own mechanics to, I feel AD&D is too bloated and requires you to either ignore or remove a lot from it. I prefer additive rather than subtractive game augmentation but that is a personal preference so that is why I like BX and think it's the best edition.
In terms of your review, it was great and very comprehensive. I have watched other reviews on this system and I felt they didn't describe the system well, whereas this video felt like I fully understood what I needed to know about the game. I would consider this system it has a lot of things I like and agree with like descending AC (which is better than ascending) and I like its theme and vibe.
Oh by the way that history lesson on the origin of the game was interesting and a nice added touch. It really tied the video together.
@@BX-advocate that’s awesome man, love to hear that it hit the objective. I’m a big proponent of TSR D&D generally, especially BX(I’ve done full videos on BX, BECMI and Old School Essentials). Glad you like the review and that you have a good understanding of the game from it!
Good game, some of the classes are half baked and too squishy. One major complaint is most of the summon monster spells are higher level than a warlock can ever cast, which seems broken and makes warlock a bit lame.
Too squishy surprises me… are you comparing to other old school options or modern versions of the game? The warlock monster summoning issue is pretty specific, is there a reason that particular aspect of their spell casting was important? I’m just curious as these are both issues I’d not heard from others and a frame of reference would help me better understand. Thanks for watching.
@@booksbricksandboards783 only comparing some of the classes to others.. warlock just felt kind of weak in play. However I. D&D and every game with warlocks, summoning is "their thing" that they use most often. 3e can only summon the weakest/lowest level of summoned creatures. Just felt half baked overall. I love hyberborea but it could benefit from some fine tuning.
@@kspen72 I understand. I believe Jeff’s Warlocks are from his original version of the game, which was at his home table. They are based upon the traditional use of the term warlock I believe, being a male witch. So when they were developed I don’t think that the assumption that they would be good at summoning was there. I think that is a result of the exposure that 5e has creating expectations. I actually like the warlock as a little bit of spellslinging and a little bit of sword swinging.
@@booksbricksandboards783 I like the premise. Most games and literature prior to 5e have historically painted the warlock as a those who use summoning to do their dirty work. The spell casting/sword welding combo is great and attractive but in play it left a bit to be desired. I think some minor tweaks to a few of the custom classes could go a long way but all good, that's what homebrew is for. It's definitely one we plan to revisit for another lengthy campaign.
Hyperborea IS iabsolutely D&D if youre familiar with Appendix N
For sure.
Seems like a good game, but it also seems like they miss some opportunities to make the game even better. I would have liked to see more fresh ideas.
Just out of curiosity, what are some things you would have liked to see? I was blown away by the number of changes with the rebuilt and expanded classes, the new spell lists, the reworked bestiary, the huge number of combat options, the Mass Warfare mechanics, and the great setting… to me that was a lot for a one man shop to accomplish. Are you saying you wanted them to stray more from the core mechanics? Just curious.
@@booksbricksandboards783 If I knew how to make an innovative game I would make it myself 🙂, but I can see some improvements that could be made that other new TTRPG have made. There could be less ability scores. The scores could just be the bonuses. I never really like saving throws, maybe a new way of doing it. The hit and roll damage/miss and nothing interesting happens, maybe that could be improved. And reintroducing THAC0 just seems like a very odd choice
I kind of figured this was really what you were thinking so I appreciate the clarification… you were looking for a game that isn’t based upon AD&D. That’s totally fair, but also, not what he was looking to do. He wanted to make a game that was based upon the original, but cleaner, with better classes and less ambiguity in the rules. Plenty of different systems out there, looks like this one isn’t for you. Thanks again for clarifying.
@@booksbricksandboards783 You are right I have played my share of D&D - I'm more looking for games with a more modern feel at this moment. Alan Bjorkgren (The Dungeon Coach) is working on a game called DC20 with some interesting ideas and it's based on D&D.
If you have watched my channel, you know I play ALOT of different games. I understand the itch to play something different. I’ve been playing since 85, and played every edition except for OD&D (white box/wood box), and I still feel the urge to play games based upon those systems. That said, my favorite SYSTEM right now, is Savage Worlds. Feel like it is fast and flexible, and can do everything I want it to. Also, my players are into it, so big PLUS there. lol. Have a good rest of the weekend my man!
I've always been kind of curious about Hyperborea, but I was never a huge Conan the Barbarian fan, and I think I enjoy the fantastic elements of dwarves, elves and halflings too much to really give it an honest try.
That’s fair. Technically you could add them. If you did, there is even an in world reason that would be coherent… Hyperborea is a land created out of the remnants of populations from across time and space. Nothing saying you couldn’t bring a community of Dwarves lost in the mines of Middle Earth that pop up in the triple peaked mountains of Hyperborea. Or maybe a group of Evermeet elves take a rare trip back to the mainland only to discover all of Evermeet had been moved to Hyperborea… for how long they might wonder? Mechanically, they’d be AD&D elves, dwarves, whatever, which would fit seamlessly into Hyperborea.
I'm currently in a Hyperborea campaign and my character died, which made me sad, but for a game that has so much data to put into your character sheet, it shouldn't be that damn deadly. I will say, that I am enjoying it so far.
lol. It’s true. There is a lot of work to have to reroll, but reroll you shall! But that is why they have 26 classes! 😉
That is true. I was excited about my Barbarian, and now I've accepted my Legerdemainist ... until he dies, LOL.
One of the issues I had was that 2 of our party failed a climb roll, and died from the fall, there was no skill in that. I am still giving this system its fair shake though, and am excited to play some more 😁.
I know when I was a kid, we tried to avoid dice rolls anytime that was an option… because every die roll is a chance to roll over and die. It made it feel like an accomplishment when you survived to be a successful adventurer.
I think the greatest edition of DnD is OSE and soon to be Dolmenwood. But Hyperborea is a very super close second
All depends on our personal preferences to a degree right? Lol. Well, if you’ve watched my other videos, you know I love Gavin Norman’s stuff, so you won’t get any pushback here! Thanks for chiming in.😉
@@booksbricksandboards783 really each are great for their respective settings. They capture the essence of their settings
@@Arnsteel634 a lot of it depends if you want innovation or fidelity too. In the beginning, I would argue OSE was better at playing full BX D&D than actual BX D&D, with full fidelity. The Advanced version also BX-ified AD&D in a way that feels very true to the BX design philosophy. Again, fidelity. For me Hyperborea is all about iterative innovations. Scrapping the classes and going whole hog on the S&S stuff, and adding a dozen combat options, then re-writing the bestiary, that is all innovation, but within the guidelines enough to feel like AD&D still. Love both, they had different objectives and they both achieved the objectives they set out to.