Basic Fantasy RPG | OSR's best value?
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- Опубліковано 11 жов 2024
- Now in its 4th edition, Basic Fantasy has been around for over a decade. Its free to download, and print versions are sold at cost. Is this the best value in the OSR? Let's take a look!
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My solution to the "what should I get?" dilemma was an easy one. I got them all. At these prices, how could I not? And I know Mr Gonnerman is selling them at cost, so he's not making any money off me, but I hope that buying his books will at least serve as a big thank you, to show him how much we appreciate his work and his generosity. Trust me, folks, get the 4th Ed core rules at least. You won't be disappointed.
Lol.. so true! Its in instant library for less than a hundred bucks.
My answer as well! I even got multiple copies of the core rulebook so no one would have to ask another person for theirs to look something up.
I have preached Basic Fantasy for years, honestly you really do not need more. As a free/bargain bin game it also stands as a good introduction to RPG's in general. Not sure if this whole gaming thing or OSR is for you, this is where to start. For the price of a 5E PHB you get the core book, a monster and treasure book, adventure compilation and a few individual adventures. You can get it for free as well. And can get the pdf's anyway to print out character sheets, maps and other things to print out. Yhea, you guys just said it, I am merely piling on, and it feels so good. Now to download the BF4E core rule book and see what's changed, clarified and hopefully not deleted.
Both the game itself as well as the forums absolutely deserve a look. A bunch of people just _doing it._ It's really inspirational.
I've supported BFRPG for years. Heck, one of my adventures is in the Adventure Anthology 3 that only recently came out!
I really wish Chris could put together an 'advanced' players book with all the optional classes and races in print. I understand the difficulty in monetizing community contributions, though. It'd just be nice.
You could make your own of that.
He specifically said that there is no plan on doing anything like that officially (only on the workshop)
@@denesszanto1870 Yeah. I understand some players want it but Chris has been very philosophically consistent about what his plans for BFRPG are since 2006. Gotta admire the man's decision and principles.
Also, since not all of the supplements are compatible with each other, you would not get a consensus about which to include. Making an arbitrary choice would then elevate some supplements over others as being "official" or not. This also something Chris refuses to do.
BFRPG is terrific. Definitely one of the best deals not just in the OSR but in tabletop RPGs period. It's a great introduction to the OSR but also a great, meaty game in its own right: no need to "graduate" to other games like OSE, LotFP, OSRIC, or whatever.
I like basic fantady but no thanks will stick with labyrinth lord.
One of the greatest systems out there and my absolute go-to for introducing people to OSR games. Chris is such a genuine person and it shows in all his work and actions.
There are four free games I recommend to everyone. Basic Fantasy is one. Olde Swords Reign is another game like BF, but with a few 5E bits added in. Next, Pocket Fantasy is probably the best rules lite RPG that is only about 10 pages long with the extra classes, which I do recommend getting, and only uses 1D6 for everything. Lastly, Mini-Six Bare Bones, which is a paired down, but also updated version of Star Wars D6 rules, and can still do Star Wars just fine, and is included as a knock-off setting called Imperium in Revolt However, Mini-Six is meant to be used for any setting now, not just Star Wars. I like it a lot.
I discovered Olde Swords Reign a few months ago, kinda wished they said the players book was the first half of the core rule book. Not that the two combined it was less than my bar tip a couple of nights ago. It's really solid, it seems to be along the lines of Shadowdark and Five Torches Deep(which needs a 2E in my opinion). I will look up Pocket Fantasy and Mini-Six Bare Bones, thanks for the heads up.
I contributed some art to the 4ed book and revised Morgansfort it was great being involved with such a great community :)
I remember my favourite DM had the AD&D Player's Handbook while I and the other players bought everything that came out in 1st and 2nd edition AD&D.We spent tons of money and had variously unbalanced and complicated games while he just created and refereed the best, most memorable games. Basic Fantasy is just that - everything you need, and it's coherent and concise. What a gift!
The Player's Handbooks were horrible and broken and we banned them. Unearthed Arcana was boss though.
@@darthkek1953That’s like, objectively wrong tho?
@@aurvay Sorry I mean the Player's GUIDES. Not Handbooks. What a brainfart! The Guides were 1 for each class and they just made the classes 10x more powerful. Just nonsense.
My group lovd my basic d&d over advanced ( red & blue).
Why I love Basic Fantasy
more play less.
@@darthkek1953 Oh ok, hahah what a mix-up!
It's always a good day when a new vid from captcorajus drops.
Two of my favorite adventures are from Basic Fantasy: The Zombraire's Estate, and Blackapple Brugh. Highly recommended!
What a lovely coincidence to get this right as I was about to prep some material for a Basic Fantasy game
I've been running it lately. It's wonderful.
At this point for me, the captain's videos feel nostalgic even when they are only two weeks old.
You're probably my favorite content creator. I never got to see "old school" stuff as a kid (poor in a christian household), but it always fascinated me and I always wanted to see what was inside these forbidden books. Thank you!
I've been a huge fan of BFRPG for years. BFRPG remains my first choice in OSR game systems. I don't think that there is a better fantasy rpg out there and as this channel has demonstrated its low cost makes BFRPG an obvious favorite!
At the end of 2022 I used Basic Fantasy to introduce some 5e players to an OSR game and they loved it. I posted about it on my blog (with their feedback) and I'm planning to polish up the one-shot for an upcoming gaming convention.
When confronted with the question "What should I get?" the answer is all of them. Happy New Year!
The better question might have been, "Where to begin".
@@captcorajus indeed; when I first grabbed every available Basic Fantasy book a few years ago it was everything but anthology 3 and the 2nd monster book. I saw the prices and went, "Wait a minute; I can get all of these books for less than the MSRP of the 5e DMG, and it's NOT 5e? Yes please!" Definitely worth the purchase, they're great books.
I have known about Basic Fantasy RPG for years now and have a number of them already. I even got some additional BF books for Chrismass. Always good to see BF get more love! Keep-up the great reviews!🤘
I actually really like "Into the Unknown". It has the streamlined ease of 5e without a million subclasses each with a bunch of superpowers.
I picked up this OSR game couple years ago and it is very well done. Ty for reviewing it!
Best way to end the year, thanks and Happy New Year!
Happy new year! Thank you!
Hello Captcorajus. Happy New Year, bud. I actually played some Basic Fantasy this year. It's a good update on a classic.
You forgot to mention that coins only weigh half as much! :) Which incidentally is the only substantial rules change in the 4th edition. :D
Well, you'll have to blame Chris Gonnerman for that. I asked him for a list of all rule changes. He left that out. lol :P
Been running for 2 ½ years, love it.
Happy New Year and thank you for all your great videos Captcorajus!
Happy new year! And... awww shucks fellas.. you're very welcome!
Nice vid, Cap'n! Glad to see Basic Fantasy getting some love.
Basic Fantasy is WELL WORTH paying for the printed version. Such a great ruleset. Monkey Isle is a spectacular "Isle of Dread" style adventure.
Love the game. My Daughter's first trip into ttprg was BFRPF. we did Tales from the Laughing Dragon and was awesome.
Basic Fantasy has one of the coolest monsters, I think it was called a "Spell goat". Magic-users, if you have goats around , don't leave your scrolls out..................
Happy New Year!
Same to you!
I've enjoyed 3rd edition and supplements for a few years. You cant go wrong. I've got the field guides and anthologies and...a lot. All that stuff for probably 35 bucks. This is the cheapest and IMO best way to play like we did back in the early 80s but actually better organized and easy to get. Back around 82 we had ONE bookstore and it didnt carry much D&D and we kids couldnt drive....to go to big city stores. Anyway....this is the way to go. If we had these back then we would've freaked OUT. So much good stuff for so little money.
I run BFRPG. It's a great way to get 5e players to try OSR gameplay.
Love this game system because it's so..basic. I wrote my Dungeon23 project using it and was very pleased with the result.
Thanks for highlighting this great game system. As you point out, its the best value in gaming because its free and the overall system is extremely close to early D&D for those of us who enjoy that type of system. Not only that but there is an active community supporting and evolving this system.
I have all the printed material and I got the soft cover rule book for my player..Yes got the hard cover for my self. Fantastic game system!!
Thanks for bringing this to my attention esp for the adventures! Dude I tell you this all the time but your videos are gold. Happy New Year Cap.
I’m not sure why I follow so closely - I haven’t played since 1985. Anyway, happy new year to everyone who’s ever enjoyed this stuff.
I've picked up Morgansfort and Monkey Isle to maybe plug into my Dungeon Crawl Classics at some point.
Happy New Year's Capt... All the best to you and yours and thanks for another year of quality posts!!
Blackapple Brigh is so good I bought a hardcopy.
I like to see you doing what you love, Captcorajus. Do your customers as a gamer and as a DJ ever crossover?
My favourite RPG with a review from one of my original favourite TTRPG UA-camrs, stopped by to say you'r opinons and reviews are great! Keep up the awesome work you do, look forward to the next one.
Totally agree with you Cap - Basic Fantasy is the VALUE leader, not just OSR TTRPGS -- I'd say the VALUE leader across all TTRPGs!!! Fantastic game!!
Been following you for years -- I've always been amazed at someone who didn't start playing D&D in the 70s or the 80s knows so much about D&D. Jealous that you actually met Gygax in person. We owe so much to Gygax and Arneson. Keep up the great work!
The softcover is not available here in Australia, the hardcover is, also at $27AUS from the US is pretty good!
What are Print on Demand prices in Australia, I know you guys have it rough for anything that requires a physical copy, would that be a more affordable method? Good luck and good gaming from New Jersey.
@@megarural3000Not too bad, , I just bought a few weeks ago the 2nd ed AD&D Monstrous Compendium, cost $58AUS including postage (they are printed in the UK for me). around $18 for the postage. Takes around 2-3 weeks for delivery.
About $39.50US
Ouch
@@megarural3000Even just the normal 32 page adv cost around $15. Does not help our dollar is only 68c to US$
I'm not as familiar with BF as I am with some of the other games in this subgenre but it's been consistently elevated by others, no doubt in part due to the generosity of its creator. It's fun to imagine basically buying a pile of books and having a fully featured system for the sort of money that might buy a couple of mainstream books.
Are there any setting choices among the BF materials that stand out? Or is it meant to sort of get out the way and let people add their own details for the most part?
As I mentioned in the video, there are some 'supplements' that offer setting details. 'The Western Lands' from Morgansfort and the Glain campaign, but that's about it.
Happy New Year.
Yes.
It could use better layout but it is a solid game.
I didn't touch on it, but I think the layout for 4E is pretty solid. Also, the layout is mean to mimic that from the Moldvay/ Cook editions of D&D. But at the low price its hard to be too upset, right? lol
Hey Cap, have you looked into Worlds without Number at all? I’d love to hear your take on it.
Best $5 in gaming. I've been saying it for years. Although it's actually $8 these days. But still.
And...the core book has a nice index!
What I like the most about Basic Fantasy RPG is that (so far) they have asked to remain neutral and not get involved in politics or drama. I appreciate having a good TTRPG that I can go to for an escape from reality without having to deal with woke/racist/communist crap.
Except he asked Clownfish TV not to mention his BF RPG in their videos because of their political views. If you're truly apolitical, then a shout-out is a shout-out. No matter who is praising your products.
Meh, Clownfish is exactly that... a clown. I wouldn't want to be associated with him either.
@@thefiendishdm9976 He asked them not to promote him in a video that was specifically political, which is entirely consistent with his long-standing policies.
@@joshjames582 Thank you for the reply. From what Clownfish had said, he wanted to introduce his son to TTRPGs, and found BF and liked what he saw so he gave it a shout-out. However, as is typical of Clownfish TV videos, the video was probably about one subject and meandered to another subject that was probably political in some fashion... So yeah I can see them being asked to not mention BF in a video that mentions politics so long as he is indeed against such things across the board, and not showing favoritism to either political side.
What you consider "woke/communist crap" is what I consider "progress". Looking at your channel, you have a playlist on guns, which are things that ought to be regulated and controlled, as they are here in Australia.
Be aware that there is an actual definition of "communist", and it is not just something to call things you don't like.
For sure best value! great video.
Nat 20 OSR! Only rpg with the Barklings.
Question for Cap. Is it me or were the original D&D system remained decentralized by choice? That way you could homebrew portions of the system without worry. Unlike 3+ where altering one element affects everything else?
Interesting video I’ll get some of these have a good read through not sure I’ll get round to playing though.
I'm dabbling in FRP but you can't beat the price!
What is the benefit of the coil bound versions?
They lay open flat on the table without the bulk of a hard cover.
I wish more POD rpgs had a spiral bound option.
I want it all. That’s all I can say.
I love this system please publish more high level modules
chris gonnerman is an actual saint
I find BFRPG more closely resembles AD&D 1st Edition rather than D&D Moldvay version. Either way, my group plays BF as well as Rolemaster.
Maybe if I had to use a retclone but I don't. Thank god for being able to save the original game from way back when. And drive thru rpg, where you can still buy them.
While I too have and love the original books, there's a lot to be said for a retro clone, especially in regards to getting new younger players into the OSR. I assume you're referring to 1E AD&D ... which is great, but they are a mess of organization, and I know even when it was new I never played it as described.
@@captcorajus I refer to bx and becmi, but mostly becmi. There is no school like the real old school. Mentzer, is really the end all be all of the game. (grognards united, 3d6 straight down te line!) Spend the money and get a RC and play it how it was really played. You'll thank me later. (Yes I'm old) And yeah I knoe the two went together, 1e and "basic"but the two were backwards compatible, you could add in adnd stuff with the slimmed down version as you wanted. Or not. It is the best bare bones version of the game hands down. And I for one am glad I have all the books still. No need to buy someone elses version of the classic game. BUt if i was a whippersnapper, I might use this.
@@TKFKU You might be new to the channel. One of the first major video series I did was on basic D&D and the Rules Cyclopedia, and I got my POD of the RC the week they made it available.
Love the RC, but to be honest, I''m not a fan of stretching the class levels out to 36. IMHO, the game don't hold up much after level 10ish, but you might be able to push it to 20.
But absolutely, the RC is probably the purest version of the game. I'm a big fan. :)
Happy new year. If you like basic fantasy. I recommend giving Cairn a try. Cairn is free or you can buy every physical for around $12 or $13.
White Box is the best deal in the OSR. Fantastic prose and not even 5€ over here.
Thanks!
Wow! You're very welcome and thank you so much!
I picked up the 3rd edition, and wasn't a fan of the ascending AC. I got a belly full of it over the years. Otherwise, a fine game.
Any tips for easily converting ascending AC to something like THAC0?
@@Sanguivore
For AC, use the following conversion:
(Descending AC) = 20 - (Ascending AC)
Because Ascending AC 11 is unarmoured in BFRPG, this will yield a Descending AC where having no armour is AC 9, like in non-Advanced D&D.
This is the conversion from Attack Bonus to THAC0
THAC0 = 20 - (Attack Bonus)
Also, the best way to do THAC0 is as follows:
In order to resolve an attack by a Player Character, they roll a d20, adds the appropriate modifiers, and subtract *this* result from their THAC0. The number left is the best AC they can hit. In this way, combat can be conducted *without* disclosing the A.C. of the enemy.
The referee's attack rolls can be made by adding the target AC to the modified roll, and if the result is greater that or equal to the attacker’s THAC0, it hits.
@@Sanguivore Just pick up Swords & Wizardry. It has ascending and descending AC, the supplemental classes included, and is free online.
Honestly, no REAL reason to play BFRPG.
You're an absolute beast, mate! Thanks a ton!! :D@@tmuiuocrndqs
I appreciate the suggestion!
However, I prefer physical books (softcover preferred), and S&W is quite a great deal more expensive than BFRPG.
For the price of a single copy of S&W's rules, I can buy BFRPG and *tons* of supplements.
Though now S&W is going on the to-buy list regardless, so thanks again! :D@@Krano229
Prefer worlds without number for the free pricetag (although I did buy the book as well)
Huzzah
A 'sold at cost' gamebook people might consider looking at is the "D&D 5E Basic Set Combined Edition."
It is a book of the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition Basic Rules. I like it because it gives you the 5th Edition rule set, without the bloat.
Can you do a video on Shadowdark?
I want to, but I didn't do the KS, and I can't seem to contact the creator Kelsey Dionne, so we'll see.
@@captcorajus Would be cool to see you do a review of Shadowdark. Yes, maybe Kelsey will send you a book for you to do a review -- she's a savvy marketer.
One can't really argue about the price. But the writing is so boring and the adventures so mediocre, they should pay you. Our group calls it "Boring Fantasy Roleplaying." But to each their own.
Lol i did a lot of artwork and accepted monster enties for the books, but because of a 'Sheeople' meme regarding masks and covid on facebook, Chris decided to remove all the art and critters because our politics were different. Apart from the time spent doing the system a favor, it cost me nothing, just seemed a bit silly. The game system is fair, especially for the cost, so there's that.
Do you air your political views on facebook? 😂
"Sheeople" are people who look around them and do what they see other people doing because they fear standing out from the crowd. They also belittle people who stand out, and come up with labels like "sheeople," as a way of begging to be included in the group of sheep, where they feel safe. Regardless of your politics, most people do not wear masks, so the people not wearing masks are the sheeople.
Good for Chris.
@@Splozy apparently my reply to 'also' political views was bad if it disagreed
@@joshjames582 Yeah that makes sense. Drop the best material because someone bad-touched your indoctrination.