I remember this mechanic resulting in many more players wanting to play fighters in my game in the late 80s, which I was happy to see. It always felt rather more polished than AD&Ds weapon specialisation.
Kind of ironic, really, that the BASIC system would have a more comprehensive process of mastery where the Advanced system is pared back and generalized.
I have the Master set, but never really did much with it. To be honest I had forgotten it even had this mechanic. I have never been a big fan (as DM) of the Unearthed Arcana weapon specializations and an adjusted version of this may be just the thing for my game. Since there is a cavalier in the group it will become an issue before long. Thanks for the reminder of this fun tool!
Thanks. That's the first time that system actually made sense to me. I'm a little mixed on it. I like not tracking proficiency in BX & BECMI and at a glance I think the benefits of mastery might be a bit much. But I do think Fighters could use a little boost and there's some neat ideas to lift from the system.
Very nice video, Sean! Lot of meat on the bone here; I do not own a copy of OSE (I'm resisting the urge to start accumulating too many books until i return back home) although i am planning to pick one up in the coming months. Im quite looking forward to be able to do a side by side comparison between OSE and BECMI. Cheers!
OSE has come a close second to me for favourite system. I still prefer my AD&D, but advanced does require a level of buy-in from players for the nuance. OSE/BECMI are far more accessible to the casual player, which is also a big plus.
@@Merlinstergandaldore I just can't give money to Wizbro, and I am not giving up a kidney for a vintage.Rules Cyclopedia. That makes my options... limited.
Wait you can use D&D in D&D! This would be an interesting system to add, I remember dabbling into it but we moved into AD&D. Your own system? whole cloth or just for weapons? The OSR always has room for more
I feel the spread out pacing of the levels of mastery, in addition to the need of finding a mentor and the chance of failure all contribute to a balance. It may make a character tough, but by the time they're at that level the potential creatures they'll be facing are legendary and dangerous. It's no different that a wizard accessing that high level, world bending magic.
Brutality to Imps will result in a checkmark in the 'alignment shift' column.
Duly noted.
Imps are evil. He had it coming! 😁
Come...come to the BECMI side!
Re: Learning from an equal, the saying is "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)
I remember this mechanic resulting in many more players wanting to play fighters in my game in the late 80s, which I was happy to see. It always felt rather more polished than AD&Ds weapon specialisation.
Kind of ironic, really, that the BASIC system would have a more comprehensive process of mastery where the Advanced system is pared back and generalized.
I have the Master set, but never really did much with it. To be honest I had forgotten it even had this mechanic. I have never been a big fan (as DM) of the Unearthed Arcana weapon specializations and an adjusted version of this may be just the thing for my game. Since there is a cavalier in the group it will become an issue before long. Thanks for the reminder of this fun tool!
Thanks. That's the first time that system actually made sense to me. I'm a little mixed on it. I like not tracking proficiency in BX & BECMI and at a glance I think the benefits of mastery might be a bit much. But I do think Fighters could use a little boost and there's some neat ideas to lift from the system.
Very nice video, Sean! Lot of meat on the bone here; I do not own a copy of OSE (I'm resisting the urge to start accumulating too many books until i return back home) although i am planning to pick one up in the coming months. Im quite looking forward to be able to do a side by side comparison between OSE and BECMI. Cheers!
OSE has come a close second to me for favourite system. I still prefer my AD&D, but advanced does require a level of buy-in from players for the nuance. OSE/BECMI are far more accessible to the casual player, which is also a big plus.
Rules Cyclopedia...huzzah!
I mean... I get it...
But...
Poor Impy! LOL!
BEMCI is great for adding a little more crunch and detail to a BX game. Love this overview!
Thank You Mr. Mage
great explanation
I see the imp is channeling his inner Beaker
Very informative thank you.
BECMI was my first RPG, well, "BEC" at least. I never got to Master and Immortal.
Yeah, I wonder how many actually did... let alone Immortals!
@@Merlinstergandaldore Now I kind of wish I still had a set.
Damn you, feelings of nostalgia!
@@bopaintsminis Print on Demand, baby!
@@Merlinstergandaldore I just can't give money to Wizbro, and I am not giving up a kidney for a vintage.Rules Cyclopedia. That makes my options... limited.
@@bopaintsminis Kidney... classic D&D... Kidney... Classic D&D... You don't need both kidneys, right? 😛
good stuff buddy
Wait you can use D&D in D&D!
This would be an interesting system to add, I remember dabbling into it but we moved into AD&D.
Your own system? whole cloth or just for weapons? The OSR always has room for more
Just for weapons. I don't feel the need to create a whole new RPG, that smacks of effort and I have enough projects on the go...
good video
Very entertaining and well presented! Still not for me alas. :)
As a becmi player. Bargle will kick the ass of Szass Tamm
Hmm... maybe they'll do an epic rap battle for it!🤔
And anon, and anon
I'm all for enhancing nonmagical PCs but this seems overpowered though. It has a chance of trivializing encounters and encouraging murderhoboism.
I feel the spread out pacing of the levels of mastery, in addition to the need of finding a mentor and the chance of failure all contribute to a balance. It may make a character tough, but by the time they're at that level the potential creatures they'll be facing are legendary and dangerous. It's no different that a wizard accessing that high level, world bending magic.