Post originally by LarsDangly at 2005-02-18 11:44:35
Converted from Phorums BB System

I am a big fan of basic roleplaying, and particularly like the version used as the engine for Runequest (with its hit locations, strike ranks, etc.). There is not a single thing wrong with 2nd edition Runequest, which is explicitly engineered for Glorantha. 3rd edition Runequest is also good for playing in Glorantha, but tries (unsuccesfully, I think) to also be a generic system for historical or fantasy settings.

The trouble with it is that the magic and character advancement systems (rune lords, etc.) are basically built around the quirky details of the Gloranthan setting and don't translate to other settings very well. It is easy to see in general terms how this could be changed and improved to produce a game that is perfect for other settings, but no one ever did the hard work of sorting out the details. I had hoped that this new edition of basic roleplaying would include those changes, but it sounds like it doesnt. Am I wrong? To be more specific, if I ran a historical rome campaign, would everyone on earth have 3 or 4 spirit magic spells and all the senators and generals be runelords and priests? If so, it is just glorantha in togas and really has problems. If not, I would like to hear what they have done differently.