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Pen & Paper Roleplaying Central => Pen and Paper Roleplaying Games (RPGs) Discussion => Topic started by: jux on March 27, 2019, 11:19:15 AM

Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: jux on March 27, 2019, 11:19:15 AM
Like the title says. Something old school, rules light, tight, yet modern.

By modern I mean production wise up to date with current standards. Not T&T first edition, but something I can purchase today as a brand new physical copy -- POD edition is fine as well.

I would also wish it to have a relatively successful (dare I say popular) product line.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Rhedyn on March 27, 2019, 01:06:56 PM
Savage Worlds has a bit in common with the d6 system (especially the concept of wild die). You could jump right into Hellfrost, Shaintar, Rippers or Beast & Barbarians from there.

Not old school but uses d6 shaped dice would be Fate games for fantasy.

Wrath and Glory for 40K is science fantasy, but does only use d6s and isn't as new school as Fate.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Alexander Kalinowski on March 27, 2019, 01:18:34 PM
Dragon Age comes to mind. GURPS (Dungeon) Fantasy probably is probably too rules-heavy.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Skarg on March 27, 2019, 01:45:58 PM
The Fantasy Trip (https://thefantasytrip.game/about/)

It just got re-released (https://thefantasytrip.game/products/core-games/) on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sjgames/the-fantasy-trip-old-school-roleplaying), and just showed up at people's houses (https://youtu.be/ORaayMye6Q4) this week.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Razor 007 on March 27, 2019, 01:56:28 PM
White Box, OD&D is d6 based; and there are many flavors of it.

White Box Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game

Swords & Wizardry Complete

Swords & Wizardry Continual Light

Etc.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Klytus on March 27, 2019, 05:53:03 PM
How about Tiny Dungeon? Small, fast and tight in a modern package.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/230298/Tiny-Dungeon-Second-Edition
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Bren on March 27, 2019, 06:46:43 PM
Well there is D6 Fantasy. It's based on the same D6 system that the West End Games Star Wars game used. Last  I looked it was free. Also Barbarians of Lemuria or its off-shoot, Honor + Intrigue. Both of those use a 2d6 system and are pretty simple. Well BoL is pretty simple. H+I dueling can be a moderately complicated.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Aglondir on March 27, 2019, 11:01:24 PM
Quote from: Bren;1081159Well there is D6 Fantasy. It's based on the same D6 system that the West End Games Star Wars game used. Last  I looked it was free.

True, Open D6 (https://ogc.rpglibrary.org/index.php?title=OpenD6) is still free.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: brettmb on March 27, 2019, 11:45:39 PM
Treasure Awaits! (http://rpg.deals/ta)
(http://www.pigames.net/ancientodysseys_p/PLI351BNDLcover2.jpg)
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Joey2k on March 28, 2019, 09:12:10 AM
I could have sworn I already replied to this thread. Oh well...

As others have said, D6 is pretty tight and straightforward.  Check out Mini Six (http://www.antipaladingames.com/p/mini-six.html) from Antipaladin Games for a streamlined, modernized take (free pdf and cheap print copy).

Advanced Fighting Fantasy (http://www.arion-games.com/aff.html) is a modernized remake of the older AFF rpg which is based on the even older Fighting Fantsay gamebooks.  There is also Stellar Adventures, the Sci-fi version of AFF if you want to go that way.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Narmer on March 28, 2019, 10:55:22 PM
Quote from: Joey2k;1081244I could have sworn I already replied to this thread. Oh well...

As others have said, D6 is pretty tight and straightforward.  Check out Mini Six (http://www.antipaladingames.com/p/mini-six.html) from Antipaladin Games for a streamlined, modernized take (free pdf and cheap print copy).

Advanced Fighting Fantasy (http://www.arion-games.com/aff.html) is a modernized remake of the older AFF rpg which is based on the even older Fighting Fantsay gamebooks.  There is also Stellar Adventures, the Sci-fi version of AFF if you want to go that way.

I concur with Mini Six and the aforementioned Barbarians of Lemuria.  AFF is a fun game but does use older mechanics.  Sometimes you roll under.  Sometimes you want to roll high.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Shawn Driscoll on March 29, 2019, 03:04:47 AM
Quote from: jux;1081088Like the title says. Something old school, rules light, tight, yet modern.

By modern I mean production wise up to date with current standards. Not T&T first edition, but something I can purchase today as a brand new physical copy -- POD edition is fine as well.

I would also wish it to have a relatively successful (dare I say popular) product line.

Not enough info given. People may just as well post a list here of all RPGs that use a d6 in them.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Skarg on March 29, 2019, 12:02:55 PM
Quote from: Razor 007;1081113White Box, OD&D is d6 based; and there are many flavors of it.
It uses d6's for some things, but it seems to me there are many references to things that come in 1-4, 1-8, 1-12 and 1-20, etc., percentages, and aren't attack rolls done with d20?
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: brettmb on March 29, 2019, 12:17:39 PM
Also Swords & Six-Siders (http://rpg.deals/sss) for 1d6-based OSR.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Jaeger on March 30, 2019, 04:53:47 PM
Arrowflight 1st edition used d6's.

The second edition uses 2d6 but is an overall change in mechanics from the first. But one for the better.

Crimson blades is a neat d6 version of basic D&D.

Uses only d6's and you roll your pool of hit dice,  which are equal to your level to a target number determined by your opponents 'DC'.

I think he could get more mileage out of that system in the long run compared to his barbarians of lemuria, if he put in the same level of polish.

I've always thought that if someone wanted to put in the work a somewhat simplified version of Shadowrun 3rd or 4th edition with all the tech taken out would make a good base for a gritty fantasy game.

But yeah, basically d6 fantasy games are thin on the ground for OSR, D&D ogl reasons...
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Aglondir on March 30, 2019, 05:51:29 PM
Quote from: Jaeger;1081594But yeah, basically d6 fantasy games are thin on the ground for OSR, D&D ogl reasons...

Not sure what you mean, can you elaborate?
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Jaeger on March 30, 2019, 09:17:38 PM
Quote from: Aglondir;1081599Not sure what you mean, can you elaborate?

One of the knock on effects of the 3.x OGL years later: The D&D system is now ridiculously dominant.

Generally people make RPG's to make some money, or at least break even, maybe even get a little bit of $$ back.

That is much easier to do using a D&D based rules set.

A d6 based fantasy game will find it very difficult to gain traction in our OSR D&D dominated fantasy market.

And that is assuming that the game is actually good right out of the gate!

To gain awareness and traction the game developers would have to put in a lot of effort to promote the game.

And be prepared to face the fact that no matter how good it may be, by not using D&D based rules, a large chunk of the hobby will dismiss it sight unseen.

It is the reality of our hobby.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Simon W on March 31, 2019, 06:24:47 AM
Quote from: Jaeger;1081594Crimson blades is a neat d6 version of basic D&D.

Uses only d6's and you roll your pool of hit dice,  which are equal to your level to a target number determined by your opponents 'DC'.

I think he could get more mileage out of that system in the long run compared to his barbarians of lemuria, if he put in the same level of polish.


Maybe I'll just do that...
(PS. Return of the Woodland Warriors uses the same basic system)
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Quadrante on March 31, 2019, 07:42:40 AM
Go with OpenD6 if you want a streamlined system.

You could take a look at TheCombatants if you want something more in line with RoS (focus on fencing).
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Jaeger on March 31, 2019, 08:18:31 PM
If toolkit systems are an option for you, Mythic d6 is another option.

I vastly prefer to count successes rather than adding dice myself.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Razor 007 on April 01, 2019, 01:44:18 PM
Quote from: Skarg;1081412It uses d6's for some things, but it seems to me there are many references to things that come in 1-4, 1-8, 1-12 and 1-20, etc., percentages, and aren't attack rolls done with d20?


White Box FMAG is the only flavor of OD&D I have on hand; but referring to it:

All Weapon Damage is D6, D6 +1, D6 -1, etc.

All Monster Hit Dice and Damage are D6 based; except for Dragons.

Thief Skills are D6 based.

There are lots of D6 rolls in OD&D.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Bren on April 01, 2019, 01:46:10 PM
Quote from: Jaeger;1081682If toolkit systems are an option for you, Mythic d6 is another option.

I vastly prefer to count successes rather than adding dice myself.
I'm the opposite. I'd rather add up the pips. And I dislike the all or nothing nature of counting successes.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: jux on April 02, 2019, 03:28:49 AM
Great suggestions everyone!

White Box Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game -- it's D&D, it's d20 system, but that's ok. I like how minimal this is -- I'll get it, thanks!

OpenD6, MiniSix, D6 Fantasy -- these was actually what I mean by D6 fantasy, but all these games are basically dead. I was hoping there is a something new and shiny (and popular) that is based on these rulesets.

Tiny Dungeon -- yeah, I might look it up, if only it is not too light? I shall meditate on this.

The Fantasy Trip -- now this is what I think is a hidden gem. I don't have any history with this game, is it a nostalgia product? Is it actually a clever design? The product line is super confusing: there are boxed edition, melee edition, wizard edition, melee + wizard edition? The Fantasy Trip: In the Labyrinth -- this seems to be the core book that includes everything? It has release date in June, so I will keep my eye on it.

Also regarding this, Steve Jackson Games seems to have a knack on creating weird complicated product lines. There is also Dungeon Fantasy (GURPS based?), which is huge expensive box of multiple books. The artworks seems fine but the text label is just hideous.

Crimson Blades -- also interesting. Have to read more about it.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Razor 007 on April 02, 2019, 05:44:58 AM
Quote from: jux;1081846Great suggestions everyone!

White Box Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game -- it's D&D, it's d20 system, but that's ok. I like how minimal this is -- I'll get it, thanks!

OpenD6, MiniSix, D6 Fantasy -- these was actually what I mean by D6 fantasy, but all these games are basically dead. I was hoping there is a something new and shiny (and popular) that is based on these rulesets.

Tiny Dungeon -- yeah, I might look it up, if only it is not too light? I shall meditate on this.

The Fantasy Trip -- now this is what I think is a hidden gem. I don't have any history with this game, is it a nostalgia product? Is it actually a clever design? The product line is super confusing: there are boxed edition, melee edition, wizard edition, melee + wizard edition? The Fantasy Trip: In the Labyrinth -- this seems to be the core book that includes everything? It has release date in June, so I will keep my eye on it.

Also regarding this, Steve Jackson Games seems to have a knack on creating weird complicated product lines. There is also Dungeon Fantasy (GURPS based?), which is huge expensive box of multiple books. The artworks seems fine but the text label is just hideous.

Crimson Blades -- also interesting. Have to read more about it.


You're welcome.  It's a neat one book game.  Just enough spells and monsters to really enjoy it
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: Omega on April 05, 2019, 04:58:50 PM
Id suggest one of the editions of Tunnels & Trolls. Either one of the earlier editions or one of the newer ones. It is a pretty simple system but had enough complexity to not be too basic.
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: jux on April 10, 2019, 07:49:12 AM
Quote from: Omega;1082419Id suggest one of the editions of Tunnels & Trolls. Either one of the earlier editions or one of the newer ones. It is a pretty simple system but had enough complexity to not be too basic.

Any link I could buy it from?
Title: Looking for a tight d6-based fantasy game
Post by: TKurtBond on April 10, 2019, 04:09:28 PM
Quote from: jux;1082874Any link I could buy it from?

Deluxe Tunnels & Trolls, the current rules, are available here (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/152613/Deluxe-Tunnels--Trolls?filters=0_0_44297_0_0) in pdf.  This edition makes a several useful changes and adds a lot of detail on Trollworld, the setting of T&T.

It looks like the hardback edition of Deluxe T&T is available (http://www.flyingbuffalo.com/tandt.htm) from Flying Buffalo.

The 5th edition rules are also available (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/210996/Tunnels--Trolls-Rules-Version-5?filters=0_0_44297_0_0) in pdf inexpensively, as are the first edition (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/130768/Tunnels--Trolls-First-Edition-Reprint?filters=0_0_44297_0_0) and the fourth edition (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/108306/Tunnels--Trolls-Rules-Version-4?filters=0_0_44297_0_0).