My go-to system is Deathbringer with Basic Fantasy (B/X streamlined), or Black Sword Hack. Marvelous rules lite system with lots of flavor. You can teach a newb to play very quickly, and making characters takes a few minutes. Even so, like the old school games of the past, you can keep it interesting because anything the players can think up is on the table as a possibility!
Now that I've actually played Deathbringer , and with my kids, I can also confirm that if a player makes good decisions they don't have to die right away. I modified it for young kids playing kids, by adding a Street Urchin class which is like an apprentice type of class that leans towards rogue/thief/Scoundrel at first but when they level up they can choose what class they want. I didn't really pull punches, I just asked them questions and also reminded them that they have some tools , weapons and DB Dice. They haven't even touched the dice yet. They started after they ran away from the orphanage and they used some thief and bard abilities to make cash. They restocked on food, have some tools they got from a helpful stranger. This first session was mostly gathering supplies and giving them opportunities to make decisions that will shape what quests they want to go on. I didn't use a specific setting or adventure yet. My oldest is now training with some deathbringers/ fighters , i think it's safe to say he'll be a Deathbringer. He's eager to use the DB Dice! We continue the game in November, and i want to make an orphanage setting incase they decide to return. Part of their quest is finding out who they are. I wish i recorded it even if its just for notes haha
@@FlintFireforge That works, they already got some files through a friend that works at the orphanage but there could be consequences to his actions. The kids might need to go rescue him and any other kid that wants to go with them. I think an "orphanage-dungeon crawl" might be fun to make and run. I'll make a note Edited Note: I did leave it open ended if the person running the orphanage is evil or not, maybe the orphanage just needs better finances and new management. Oh The possibilities!
I've been using DB for Meetup one-shots and con games - It's a good little tool for fast chargen and drop-in play. I've been surprised at how people grab onto the simple one-word backgrounds/miseries and roll with them during the session. I'm running them with B/X or shadowdark adventures - pretty much straight conversion either way. And yes, we've had a few glorious deaths.
I found two typos, and Prof. DM corrected them. You heal at Constitution +1 per day, so Con-0 characters can heal naturally. The other is the armor. He forgot the shield. It is a medium armor.
How i use the death bringer dice is I give the players the physical dice, so they can physically see the dice. That they have and can remember them. Oh and subscribed.!!
I like the Rule book binder you put together. I've been going over the DB rules and making characters , I designed them using hero forge and printed them out. I'm adding their backstories with the print outs , they'd look nice in a character book or binder. I haven't played a game yet with these rules but I plan to use Basic Fantasy or Olde Swords Reign. For my own game, I might modify the "clerics don't exist" thing and make it that clerics are rare or in hiding. You can't play as one but you might run into an NPC that's an old drunk that turns out to be a monk/cleric/ holy man that lost his faith for whatever reason, or perhaps there's also a law against clerics just like there is magic users. ALL types of spellcasters are outlawed, even bards. It opens up all kinds of spells that a grimscribe can find.
I've had the pdf for a long time, I love the Professor and this grimdark style. But you finally convinced me to use it! I have to translate the pdf, which I hope is ok with the creator, but most my players know only spanish :s.
I’m looking for a rule light game. Was planning on returing to the fantasy t trip which I last played in High School, but now toying with this. Want to share role playing with my daughter. If I do go with this I will likely modify some of the rules but I love that it’s sleek and that it’s lately a D 20 system.
I’m a subscriber to the dungeon craft channel and bought get Deathbringer rules to show my appreciation for his content. That being said, he refers to this as a game, but it is really more like a sheet of house rules. I don’t think there’s enough meat on the bones here to make a meal, but you could use it to flavor a pot of beans. An experienced Game Master probably wouldn’t need these rules because making the game of D&D more deadly for the player characters isn’t that difficult. Whereas these rules seem to be lacking the necessary context with which to apply them to the game of a novice DM. It is my opinion that the target audience for this pamphlet is precisely the kind of player who would least benefit from it. With that being said, I do appreciate and admire professor DM and don’t really regret my purchase. It is only a couple of bucks after all. I just don’t think of this as being a “feature complete” RPG.
I think I've also heard him refer to Deathbringer as a toolset, which I think has some merit, like you said, to an experienced dm. Thanks for watching.
@@FlintFireforge I think maybe it's closer to a 'subclass' or (in Pathfinder parlance) 'archetype' for your D&D. It still has the initial class's (D&D) DNA, but it adds a bunch of cool/interesting things. (Maybe a 'meta-subclass'???) Oh and to extend the metaphor, not everyone likes every subclass. Some people have favourites, and some flavours are not for some people, and that's okay.
@@AceneDean Yes, it's under Core Mechanics Checks, and is the same as most games, player say, "I want to do this" DM sets a DC, player rolls d20 adding and modifiers.
I played 1e in the 80s and I'd say that it wasn't so much as deadly system as it was dangerous. If you play well, you live. If you make a mistake, it's not very forgiving. Also, I'm old enough to remember TWERPS, which came in a small plastic pouch, had one mini d20, and a little booklet with very few rules. The character had only one stat. I never played it but my guess is it was probably too "rules lite" for most people. But rules lite still appeals to me. D&D is fun, but it's really too much for most people, especially most beginners, and rpg's don't have to be that deep to be fun.
Totally agree. DnD can be a lot and because people, especially teens, don't read as much these days, it can feel like a task and why WoTC is trying to go digital. I loved reading growing up so had not problem with devouring the core books and Dragon magazines to learn how to play.
Curious how combat works out? I recently got in touch with my old gaming group from the 90s and they want me to run a game online for them. I figure a rules-lite system is good for the task, but curious if one needs to use either 3.5-5e material, or old AD&D-2E works, and how the differ under the Deathbringer system?
It's still a roll to to hit when it comes to melee and distance combat but you can add a Deathbringer Die (1 per level) to improve your roll, your save, etc. On a Nat 20 you do an additional +12 DMG and lower the Def of the opponent by 1. I do not think you have to add anything to make the combat work but you can certainly add whatever works for you table or for you as a DM. The combat went pretty smoothly for us.
Some cool ideas, but "use the spells from 5e or OSR" is bonkers. Also, it's pretty sloppy. The ability score rule says to distribute 8 points, but the example adds up to 9. Corruption rule says “when you commit _and_ evil deed”.
Yes, with degrees of variance in character creation such as not having ability scores but 9 built points you can spread around your 6 abilities (no higher than 6 in anyone ability). Your bonus is your ability score. Strength +5, Dex +2 Con +1 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +1
Thanks for the review and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hope you did not have to explain what a "courtesan" was.
🤣 I did not.
*bass boosts microphone up to 11, cranks volume until it echoes* "Death Bringer here blahblahblahblah"
🤣
My go-to system is Deathbringer with Basic Fantasy (B/X streamlined), or Black Sword Hack. Marvelous rules lite system with lots of flavor. You can teach a newb to play very quickly, and making characters takes a few minutes. Even so, like the old school games of the past, you can keep it interesting because anything the players can think up is on the table as a possibility!
Absolutely.
Hey keep it up. That system is great. My fist set of players didn’t like it too much but the other groups I played it with love it.
Glad to hear it. There's a lot to like about it.
Now that I've actually played Deathbringer , and with my kids, I can also confirm that if a player makes good decisions they don't have to die right away.
I modified it for young kids playing kids, by adding a Street Urchin class which is like an apprentice type of class that leans towards rogue/thief/Scoundrel at first but when they level up they can choose what class they want. I didn't really pull punches, I just asked them questions and also reminded them that they have some tools , weapons and DB Dice. They haven't even touched the dice yet.
They started after they ran away from the orphanage and they used some thief and bard abilities to make cash.
They restocked on food, have some tools they got from a helpful stranger.
This first session was mostly gathering supplies and giving them opportunities to make decisions that will shape what quests they want to go on. I didn't use a specific setting or adventure yet.
My oldest is now training with some deathbringers/ fighters , i think it's safe to say he'll be a Deathbringer. He's eager to use the DB Dice!
We continue the game in November, and i want to make an orphanage setting incase they decide to return.
Part of their quest is finding out who they are.
I wish i recorded it even if its just for notes haha
Or maybe they have to go back and rescue the orphanage hmmm.
@@FlintFireforge That works, they already got some files through a friend that works at the orphanage but there could be consequences to his actions. The kids might need to go rescue him and any other kid that wants to go with them.
I think an "orphanage-dungeon crawl" might be fun to make and run.
I'll make a note
Edited Note: I did leave it open ended if the person running the orphanage is evil or not, maybe the orphanage just needs better finances and new management.
Oh The possibilities!
I've been using DB for Meetup one-shots and con games - It's a good little tool for fast chargen and drop-in play. I've been surprised at how people grab onto the simple one-word backgrounds/miseries and roll with them during the session. I'm running them with B/X or shadowdark adventures - pretty much straight conversion either way. And yes, we've had a few glorious deaths.
It's not DB without a few glorious deaths lol
I love seeing this. I've been following Dungeoncraft for a while now but somehow overlooked that this was on Drivethru RPG already
I found two typos, and Prof. DM corrected them. You heal at Constitution +1 per day, so Con-0 characters can heal naturally. The other is the armor. He forgot the shield. It is a medium armor.
ahh, muchos gracias.
Big fan of Prof DM's web channel and his gaming thoughts. I have to try this.
It's a great tool box or system either way.
I LOVE ultra-lite rules in a grimdark world!!!
Me too!
How i use the death bringer dice is I give the players the physical dice, so they can physically see the dice. That they have and can remember them. Oh and subscribed.!!
Thanks J! I do the same with some tiny D6 's.
I like the Rule book binder you put together.
I've been going over the DB rules and making characters , I designed them using hero forge and printed them out. I'm adding their backstories with the print outs , they'd look nice in a character book or binder.
I haven't played a game yet with these rules but I plan to use Basic Fantasy or Olde Swords Reign.
For my own game, I might modify the "clerics don't exist" thing and make it that clerics are rare or in hiding. You can't play as one but you might run into an NPC that's an old drunk that turns out to be a monk/cleric/ holy man that lost his faith for whatever reason, or perhaps there's also a law against clerics just like there is magic users. ALL types of spellcasters are outlawed, even bards.
It opens up all kinds of spells that a grimscribe can find.
Love your idea of banished clerics!
@@FlintFireforge Thank you!
I've had the pdf for a long time, I love the Professor and this grimdark style. But you finally convinced me to use it! I have to translate the pdf, which I hope is ok with the creator, but most my players know only spanish :s.
That's great! I am sure Professor DM will not mind.
I Like you take on this game.
Thanks!
I’m looking for a rule light game. Was planning on returing to the fantasy t trip which I last played in High School, but now toying with this.
Want to share role playing with my daughter.
If I do go with this I will likely modify some of the rules but I love that it’s sleek and that it’s lately a D 20 system.
Awesome! Hope you and your daughter have a blast!
Thank you!
You're very welcome!
I’m a subscriber to the dungeon craft channel and bought get Deathbringer rules to show my appreciation for his content. That being said, he refers to this as a game, but it is really more like a sheet of house rules. I don’t think there’s enough meat on the bones here to make a meal, but you could use it to flavor a pot of beans. An experienced Game Master probably wouldn’t need these rules because making the game of D&D more deadly for the player characters isn’t that difficult. Whereas these rules seem to be lacking the necessary context with which to apply them to the game of a novice DM. It is my opinion that the target audience for this pamphlet is precisely the kind of player who would least benefit from it. With that being said, I do appreciate and admire professor DM and don’t really regret my purchase. It is only a couple of bucks after all. I just don’t think of this as being a “feature complete” RPG.
I think I've also heard him refer to Deathbringer as a toolset, which I think has some merit, like you said, to an experienced dm. Thanks for watching.
@@FlintFireforge I think maybe it's closer to a 'subclass' or (in Pathfinder parlance) 'archetype' for your D&D. It still has the initial class's (D&D) DNA, but it adds a bunch of cool/interesting things. (Maybe a 'meta-subclass'???)
Oh and to extend the metaphor, not everyone likes every subclass. Some people have favourites, and some flavours are not for some people, and that's okay.
@@rickcarson591 True.
@FlintFireforge does it ever actually say how you roll ability checks?
@@AceneDean Yes, it's under Core Mechanics Checks, and is the same as most games, player say, "I want to do this" DM sets a DC, player rolls d20 adding and modifiers.
I played 1e in the 80s and I'd say that it wasn't so much as deadly system as it was dangerous. If you play well, you live. If you make a mistake, it's not very forgiving. Also, I'm old enough to remember TWERPS, which came in a small plastic pouch, had one mini d20, and a little booklet with very few rules. The character had only one stat. I never played it but my guess is it was probably too "rules lite" for most people. But rules lite still appeals to me. D&D is fun, but it's really too much for most people, especially most beginners, and rpg's don't have to be that deep to be fun.
Totally agree. DnD can be a lot and because people, especially teens, don't read as much these days, it can feel like a task and why WoTC is trying to go digital. I loved reading growing up so had not problem with devouring the core books and Dragon magazines to learn how to play.
I like your little binder. Where did you get it?
From Amazon. They come in different colors too. Here's a link amzn.to/4cBx8Xz
Curious how combat works out? I recently got in touch with my old gaming group from the 90s and they want me to run a game online for them. I figure a rules-lite system is good for the task, but curious if one needs to use either 3.5-5e material, or old AD&D-2E works, and how the differ under the Deathbringer system?
It's still a roll to to hit when it comes to melee and distance combat but you can add a Deathbringer Die (1 per level) to improve your roll, your save, etc. On a Nat 20 you do an additional +12 DMG and lower the Def of the opponent by 1. I do not think you have to add anything to make the combat work but you can certainly add whatever works for you table or for you as a DM. The combat went pretty smoothly for us.
I guess "magic missile" is far less popular under these rules?
Not necessarily but magic, in general, has its risks.
Some cool ideas, but "use the spells from 5e or OSR" is bonkers.
Also, it's pretty sloppy. The ability score rule says to distribute 8 points, but the example adds up to 9. Corruption rule says “when you commit _and_ evil deed”.
Weird that you didn’t call the game “DEATHBRINGER!!!!” for your middle school group. 😄
They might have loved it, but the administration...not so much lol.
So, it's D & D
Yes, with degrees of variance in character creation such as not having ability scores but 9 built points you can spread around your 6 abilities (no higher than 6 in anyone ability). Your bonus is your ability score. Strength +5, Dex +2 Con +1 Int +0 Wis +0 Cha +1
@@FlintFireforge I might play it but II stopped _running_ D & D a long time ago.