This is a site for discussing roleplaying games. Have fun doing so, but there is one major rule: do not discuss political issues that aren't directly and uniquely related to the subject of the thread and about gaming. While this site is dedicated to free speech, the following will not be tolerated: devolving a thread into unrelated political discussion, sockpuppeting (using multiple and/or bogus accounts), disrupting topics without contributing to them, and posting images that could get someone fired in the workplace (an external link is OK, but clearly mark it as Not Safe For Work, or NSFW). If you receive a warning, please take it seriously and either move on to another topic or steer the discussion back to its original RPG-related theme.

Author Topic: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?  (Read 3214 times)

Batjon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 504
What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« on: November 02, 2020, 11:12:56 AM »
I am not tied to the setting of Glorantha at all.  Knowing that, what version of RuneQuest is your personal favorite/would you choose?

I am trying to decide currently between RQ 2, RQ 6/Mythras, Magic World or possibly if I buy it and start to grok the Glorantha setting, the new RQ Glorantha.

Brendan

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 309
    • Great Noontide
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #1 on: November 02, 2020, 12:46:26 PM »
Hmm... it's a good question.  I have all of them except for the new version, which from what I've seen turns me off.

I would say either RQ2 or Mythras/ RQ6 depending on what kind of game you like playing.  RQ2 is lightweight and old school.  It doesn't have as many bells and whistles but if you want to take the basic underlying framework and build on top of it, its all very accessible.  Like other OSR games you're going to rely a lot on rulings instead of "rules". 

From RQ3 to Mythras you get more or less all the same mechanical stuff.  RQ3 feels grittier and crunchier to me and Mythras more smooth and polished, but you get all the different magical schools, cultures, etc.  You get all the rules you need for full blown world modeling and its more about what kind of setting you want to bolt on top. 

None of these come with Glorantha baked in.  It's there in RQ2 but its early on in the development and most of the real Glorantha stuff is in the supplements, not the core game. You can pretty much do whatever you want with it.  From RQ3 to Mythras Glorantha is abstracted out and the default setting is some kind of vague fantasy dark ages Europe.  There's so little setting detail its pretty obvious they expect you will use this as a rule system for your own setting.

For what its worth, I really enjoyed MY Glorantha game (YGWV - Your Glorantha Will Vary).  This is another reason I don't care for the current incarnation, which seems to be pushing an "Official Glorantha" catering to the woke gaming crowd. 

Magic World is more a simplified clone of Stormbringer than it is of Runequest.  They share an underlying mechanical framework and similar chargen systems, but have different hit point/ damage tracking systems, magic systems, etc.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2020, 12:56:10 PM by Brendan »

hedgehobbit

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1287
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #2 on: November 02, 2020, 01:26:21 PM »
I am not tied to the setting of Glorantha at all.  Knowing that, what version of RuneQuest is your personal favorite/would you choose?

Ruleswise, both RQ2 and RQ3 are decent rulesets. Personally, though, I would recommend Stormbringer (or Elric!) if you aren't that interested in Glorantha. The Stormbringer rules fix my main issue with Runequest which was how the fixed armor values made characters immune to many weapons and enemies. Stormbringer has a die roll for armor DR which improves this situation tremendously.

As for source material, it's probably not a surprise that I prefer the stuff from RQ2 and RQ3. Avalon Hill actually released a bunch of really good supplements (Dorastor, Sun Country being two of them) which don't get much attention today. IMO, the modern Glorantha material goes way to in depth on all sorts of trivial cultural info. The lack of this triviality makes the older material more flexible and easier to write adventures for. No one wants to read a 300 page book just to play a game.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2020, 01:44:14 PM by hedgehobbit »

Vile Traveller

  • Dreamscape Designer
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 487
    • Dreamscape Design
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #3 on: November 02, 2020, 01:37:44 PM »
If restricted to just the RuneQuests, my favourite flavour lies somewhere between RQ2 and RQ3. That's probably mostly down to familiarity, but I do find the complexity just about right (well, these days it's a bit too much). The percentile and hit location systems also simulate reality reasonably easily without adding in a lot of special cases or rules, so it's very easy to port into any setting you choose.

Out of the whole family of game systems, though, I find Magic World hits the spot for crunch vs. playability. I'd say it may be a little less "realistic" than RQ but that's quite a loaded term anyway - mostly it just measures realism as perceived by the players. Magic Worls is a bit simpler, faster, and less predictable than RQ, which makes for more exciting play in my opinion.

Steven Mitchell

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • S
  • Posts: 3770
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #4 on: November 02, 2020, 02:03:29 PM »
Probably RQ 3 or Mythras, because I currently have copies of those.  I wouldn't object to RQ 2, or even RQ 1.  If they come out with a version of Lyonesse that is less expensive and marketed with less woke, then that would be my first choice (more because of the setting than the rules, though). 

Barring that, I doubt RQ in any form is making it to the top of my run list in the next few years.  I'm a little burned out on the Glorantha association even when considering it for a completely different setting.  Plus, my own homebrew, D&D-style leaning, games are certainly drifting heavily towards some of the same areas that I like that RQ does well.  So the impetus to run RQ to scratch that itch isn't really there.

Simlasa

  • Lemon Tart
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5832
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2020, 02:16:10 PM »
Mythras has been getting pretty good support. Several books in their Mythic Earth line... Britain, Rome, Constantinople, Babylon... Greece is coming soon. Plus expansions into other genres. 3rd party stuff as well.

Magic World is a favorite, more streamlined than Mythras... but if support matters, it only got one supplement and some (good) fan documents. Also, people like to complain about the title, the art, the layout, the typos... but for none of that has been an issue for our group. Plus, Magic World seems to be on sale these days.

Both games have free quickstarts, IIRC.

Bren

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7638
    • http://honorandintrigue.blogspot.com/
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #6 on: November 02, 2020, 03:25:02 PM »
I've GMed and played RQ2, RQ3, Stormbringer, and Hawkmoon. On balance I prefer the greater simplicity of RQ2 over RQ3. I disliked RQ3 Sorcery and Shamanism and the Fatigue system, while eminently resonable in theory was too much of a pain to calculate for every NPC or to track in combat.

Stormbringer and Hawkmoon are fine as long as you don't want everyone to have magic and to cast spells. As everyone a spell caster was one of the features I liked about Runequest (and I'd prefer the next campaign I run to be one where all the PCs can cast magic), I won't pick Stormbringer/BRP. If you want a divide between fighters and non magic users, then Stormbringer/BRP is probably the way to go.

I only have a couple of Mongoose products, but they seem rather slip shod or lacking in play testing. So I wouldn't use that.

Mythras seems like it is designed to appeal to people who are already experienced with Runequest and who now want more rules. As I age and as my main player group evolves into a more casual, less rules oriented group less, rather than more, rules is my preference so I don't see any appeal in learning an elaborated version of Runequest.

I just got a copy of RQ Glorantha. So far, it seems more like RQ2 with a lot more setting information. The clan and economic holding information reminds me of Pendragon - mostly in a good way. I got the rules it in a slip cover package along with the Bestiary and Game Master's Screen. I didn't think I'd get much out of the Bestiary, but it seems like it will actually be more useful than I expected. The maps and Sartar information in the GM pack seems like exactly what we wanted back in the early-mid 1980s, but did not have. I'm not far enough into reading the RQ rules to see how it compares with RQ 1-3. So far, it seems closer to RQ2 - which for me is a feature not a flaw and it seems to have mitigated at least some of the problems I had with Shamanism and Sorcery.

The RQ:G character creation is significantly more elaborate than RQ2 (again more like Pendragon) and it follows a family-oriented life path creation. It definitely presumes a more connected, homeland oriented style of play and some folks will like that. Those who prefer rootless, wandering heroes or who want to create a new character in < 10 minutes probably won't like it. The rules do include options to truncate or skip the background creation. If you don't want Glorantha or a setting that is like Glorantha with the serial numbers filed off, RQ:G may not be your best bet for system. I'd go with Classic Runequest 1 or 2 instead.

Until I've had a chance to finish reading and creating a few characters the jury is still out on what I think is the best system.

Currently running: Runequest in Glorantha + Call of Cthulhu   Currently playing: D&D 5E + RQ
My Blog: For Honor...and Intrigue
I have a gold medal from Ravenswing and Gronan owes me bee

Shawn Driscoll

  • Role-Play Purist
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2928
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2020, 05:15:32 AM »
I am not tied to the setting of Glorantha at all.  Knowing that, what version of RuneQuest is your personal favorite/would you choose?

I am trying to decide currently between RQ 2, RQ 6/Mythras, Magic World or possibly if I buy it and start to grok the Glorantha setting, the new RQ Glorantha.

For one thing, do you know if you like D100 mechanics or not? If so, what do you like about them?

Batjon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 504
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2020, 12:36:28 PM »
I am not tied to the setting of Glorantha at all.  Knowing that, what version of RuneQuest is your personal favorite/would you choose?

I am trying to decide currently between RQ 2, RQ 6/Mythras, Magic World or possibly if I buy it and start to grok the Glorantha setting, the new RQ Glorantha.

For one thing, do you know if you like D100 mechanics or not? If so, what do you like about them?

I like that I know exactly what my chances of success are immediately when looking at my skills.  I like the quick adjudication fo skill checks and combat.  I like hit locations and HPs per location.  I like the more visceral/slightly more realistic feel of combat.  I like that armor acts like armor and doesn't make me harder to hit.  I like weapon and armor degradation, as long as it isn't overdone.  I like weapon reach being a slight factor and strike ranks for initiative.

applecross

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 1
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2020, 04:06:02 PM »
I'll give shout out to OpenQuest by d101 Games. 3rd edition was just kickstarted. Older ones are not available to buy anymore, though you can find them if you look. In short, a nice fantasy d100 game.

https://openquestrpg.com/
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/645319106/openquest-3rd-edition

bat

  • A bottle in front of me..
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 212
    • Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2020, 06:25:13 PM »
RQ 6/Mythras is my favorite because as RQ there is not much Glorantha at all and as Mythras there is even less. Of course as I explain this to a friend who wanted to play something besides D&D he buys new RQ (which I do have too, just would rather run Mythras) therefore I guess I will be running new RQ.
Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets

Sans la colère. Sans la haine. Et sans la pitié.

Jag är inte en människa. Det här är bara en dröm, och snart vaknar jag.


Running: Barbarians of Lemuria, Black Sword Hack
Playing: AD&D 1st Edition.

Vile Traveller

  • Dreamscape Designer
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 487
    • Dreamscape Design
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #11 on: November 04, 2020, 05:06:56 AM »
I like hit locations and HPs per location.
If this is a must, your options are narrowed down to RuneQuest or Mythras. OpenQuest and Magic World both use general hit points and not hit locations.

zarion

  • Newbie
  • *
  • z
  • Posts: 7
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2020, 07:38:21 PM »
Mythras!!!

My favorite iteration of the runequests cause, well, it just hits me right in my tender parts.

soltakss

  • RQ Fogey
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1433
    • http://www.soltakss.com/index.html
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #13 on: November 07, 2020, 03:32:17 PM »
I am a huge fan of RQ3, but I do prefer the new RuneQuest Glorantha (RQG).

For me, RQG has a lot of new rules that work really well, for example Rune Pools, Passions, Runes, Shamanic Powers, harder to be killed by a single blow and so on. Sure, some of the rules are a mishmash of RQ2/3 and could have been edited a lot better, but it is still as flavoursome as RQ2 and as detailed as RQ3.

Although the timeline has jumped ahead, it is still good to get the RQ Classic supplements as PDFs and use them until we get more support for RQG.
Simon Phipp - Caldmore Chameleon - Wallowing in my elitism  since 1982.

http://www.soltakss.com/index.html
Merrie England (Medieval RPG): http://merrieengland.soltakss.com/index.html
Alternate Earth: http://alternateearthrq.soltakss.com/index.html

Bren

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7638
    • http://honorandintrigue.blogspot.com/
Re: What version of RuneQuest would you choose and why?
« Reply #14 on: November 10, 2020, 12:47:59 AM »
Anyone know why Runequest: Glorantha switched how many Spirit Magic spells you could know from INT to CHA?

It seems to have turned CHA into an uber stat for most characters and, unless you use Sorcery, it's turned INT into a bit of a dump stat. Is that the same or different from Mythras?
Currently running: Runequest in Glorantha + Call of Cthulhu   Currently playing: D&D 5E + RQ
My Blog: For Honor...and Intrigue
I have a gold medal from Ravenswing and Gronan owes me bee