Did you know I wrote a Universal/Generic RPG in the 1980s?

...and that the free PDF version has been downloaded nearly 14,000 times since it was "re-released" back in 2011?

It's been a while since I mentioned The System around these parts. The System is the universal RPG that I originally wrote as a high-schooler in 1985, abandoned when I realized GURPS had hit the market, then finally resurrected when I discovered the OSR back in the early part of 2011 (though had yet to understand what a retro-clone was... which The System is definitely not). If you've never heard of The System, it was actually the first New Big Dragon RPG product ever published (in the early months of 2011), and the one that set the ball in motion for what I've done since. Below is how the "original edition" appeared in the mid 80s (on the left) and how it appears now in the "25th Anniversary Edition" (on the right). I suppose I should start getting ready for the 40th Anniversary Edition in 2026.



I'm quite willing to admit the game has its flaws... I mean, c'mon, I was 16 or 17 when I wrote it. (e.g., there is a very convoluted constitution-to-hit-point system, and there is an innovative but ultimately ill-conceived initiative and movement tracking system, and while it purports to handle supers among its genres, I can't claim that it actually scales to reflect the expanse of power levels between the weakest and strongest heroes). But over time, I have more and more appreciation for the fact that it uses d6s only, and led to some underlying things that Welbo and I would like to see become part of a "2nd Edition" of The System. (Should we ever get back to it.)

There have been some interesting developments over the last ten or twelve years. For example, it was poised to become a guy in Brazil's replacement for GURPS. I've also received several emails over the years with people asking about using the underlying system as a framework for other games (both tabletop and computer-based), though nothing has ever materialized from those inquiries.

• If you want the full story on The System, check out this post.

• To download a free PDF from MediaFire, click here. 
• To buy a print copy of The System from Lulu, head over here.

Dialectal Misunderstanding

Those who've played in my games know that, having been influenced just a bit* by Steve Marsh, languages are a big part of my games—especially in campaigns. 

As part of a long-term project idea, I've come up with a chart for giving the chances of misunderstanding when two people are conversing in different dialects of the same language, based on their Intelligence. 

Literate speakers of a language (those with on Intelligence of 9 or above) will be able to understand another literate speaker of the same language using a different dialect (e.g., regional dialects of Common, or different versions of Elvish, etc.). However, characters with a lower Intelligence that are speaking in or listening to a dialect of the language other than their own have a chance to misunderstand or be misunderstood (respectively), based on the intelligence of the person to whom they are speaking (due to thickness of accent, reliance on slang, and lack of vocabulary).

A Heartfelt Thanks!

I just wanted to issue a heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support me and my gaming efforts. You humble me with your response to the things that I publish, and I hope they continue to bring enjoyment, excitement, and fun to your gaming tables!!!

Starting to prepare for my NTRPGCon games...

Playing Around with AI Images

Thinking about using these to create my first project with a color interior. Stay tuned.

Expanded Creature Cache Format

I'm playing around with an expanded format for a letter-sized Creature Cache. Interested to know what folks think.

Now Available! Old School Adventures™ Accessory RS1: Fang, Faith, and Legerdemain

 

Bring additional dimensions to your classic fantasy gaming! This 64-page book presents players and DMs alike with information to expand the playability and possibilities in their campaigns. It's a cornucopia of information on all aspects of the game including characters, spellcasting, adventures, encounters, monsters and dungeon mastering. This is truly an indispensable resource for the the classic edition Dungeon Master (BX, OSE, LL).

Get the PDF at DTRPG. >> 

Get a trade paperback print copy from Lulu.com. >>

WHAT'S INSIDE...

• detailed and expanded Ability Score information

• character background generation

• dual-axis alignment information, including alignments for all standard B/X monsters

• detailed language information

• new cleric options for petitions, manufacture of holy water, and turning based on the Hit Dice of the undead creature

• new options for demi-humans establishing their own clans, including the acquisition and use of clan artifacts

• new combat options for fighters

• new magic-user options for cantrips, point-based spellcasting, manufacture of spell scrolls, and familiars

• new thief options for finding, disarming, and setting traps

• a system for creating custom character classes

• expanded weapon and armor information

• expanded weapon and armor information

• full rules for hiring and using henchmen, hirelings, mercenaries, and specialists

• comprehensive alchemy rules, including descriptions for 64 different potions, and potion miscibility information

• information about animal training

• new rules for lore checks, reactions, object saving throws, unarmed combat, invisibility, morale, sanity & madness, the effects of alcohol & drugs, and poison use

• expanded information to assist with monster encounters, and rules for monsters as tribal spellcasters

• information about adventuring on the various Planes of Existence

• details about creation and campaign use of artifacts 

• And much more!

Get the PDF at DTRPG. >> 

Get a trade paperback print copy from Lulu.com. >>

Paperback has cream interior pages.