Post originally by Mike at 2005-04-25 08:55:36
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HARP is technically level-based, but level only serves to dictate maximum skill caps (similar to Green Ronin's Mutants and Masterminds). This is a point-based RPG in a level-based disguise.
So when your HARP character levels up, he does not automatically become tougher, more able to resist magic, more skilled with weapons, able to cast more spells, better at dodging, and so forth. Nothing improves automatically.
Instead, the player receives a number of Development Points (as mentioned in the review) which they may spend on skill improvements, talents (analagous to D20 feats), spells, endurance, and weapon skills for their character as they see fit.
Post originally by Dan Davenport at 2005-04-25 09:49:26
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Nice review, especially for a first try!
Two suggestions, though:
(1) I would avoid using "!!!" to convey enthusiasm. It makes you sound so biased in favor of the game as to throw the objectivity of your observations into doubt.
(2) This is more of a personal preference, but I always like to know what's in the bestiary. (Thankfully, I have HARP, and so already know. )
Post originally by David at 2005-04-25 11:22:12
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It sounds like the HARP core book doesn't provide a setting. Is there a setting provided in another book? I wouldn't want to have to always be doing conversions to HARP, and I'm not that interested in creating my own setting from scratch.
Post originally by Rasyr at 2005-04-25 12:59:14
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In the core book, no there is not a setting. ICE will start actual pagemaking on a HARP setting (called Cyradon) on Monday of next week, so hopefully the pdf version will be out by the end of May (all art is not yet in).
Post originally by The Fiendish Dr. Samsara at 2005-04-25 14:23:31
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Just to follow up Dan’s Point #1, it’s a good idea to avoid any sense of suggesting something is “really different” unless you have some discussion to back that up. For example, being able to customize is nothing unique to HARP, nor new. The same with being able to change the parameters of spells. You didn’t say they were in so many words, but your enthusiasm sort of implied something along those lines and tends to diminish the objectivity of the review (I might add, you were very careful to note your like of the game and consequent “bias”). It’s not always possible to do comparisons, but they are very helpful when discussing some nifty quirk or mechanic.
I also think that you rushed along a bit fast. Eight basic stats? What are they? (Here’s where a comparison might be handy re. D&D.) Your basic races? Elves, dwarves, orcs, I assume (that ought to be an acronym for High Fantasy settings: EDO). But I’m just assuming. You like maneuvers; how about describing some that stand out. It’s changed the way you game—that a big statement; I’d like to hear why and how.
Post originally by Zachary Houghton at 2005-04-25 15:16:15
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Thank you both for your critiques. Like I said, this was my first interview, and hopefully my next one will be much better. Thanks for the advice, one and all.
I don't have my HARP book on front of me, and I want to privde you with a complete answer on the bestiary, so I'll have to get back with you on that.
Post originally by Rasyr at 2005-04-25 15:42:11
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For those who are interested - the Monsters in the HARP core rules include the following:
Ant, Giant
Ape, Giant
Beetle, Giant
Cat, Large
Centaur*
Demon, Class I
Demon, Class II
Demon, Class III
Demon, Class IV
Demon, Class V
Demon, Class VI
Dragon, Adult
Gargoyle*
Giant, Greater
Giant, Lesser
Goblin*
Golem, Iron
Griffin*
Hippogriff
Hobgoblin*
Hydra
Kobold*
Lizardmen*
Ogre
Orc*
Rat, Giant
Sabertooth Tiger
Scorpion, Giant
Spider, Giant
Spider, Greater
Spider, Lesser
Troll, Greater
Troll, Lesser
Undead, Class I
Undead, Class II
Undead, Class III
Undead, Class IV
Undead, Class V
Wasp, Giant
Werewolf
Wolf
Wyvern
That is 42 different monsters available. Please note that the Undead and Demons are generic, so you could actually make them any type you want, give them any description you want.
The monsters marked with an asterisk are those that a player may select as a PC race if the GM allows it.
Post originally by adamsmith at 2005-04-25 16:01:15
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Another great thing about HARP is the level of online support that’s available. It has an active forum, where one of the design team lurks, and it is really easy to get an answer to a rules question. There are also lots of free downloads, including character sheets, tables, and lots of fan submitted materials.
Post originally by Jamie Craig at 2005-04-25 16:49:54
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Having played (but not GMed) Rolemaster in the distant past, I kind of have a problem with your review. Unfortunately the impression it conveyed to me was that you now have more customisable starting options and the spell lists are in part replaced by scaling spells. Otherwise the two games look alot alike to me based on your review and my experiences. I can tell you really like this game and you mention some other things that might be different. However, it looks to me like I get the same (dubious) benifit of a system that really makes it complicated to make characters and the nagging worry (I can't tell because your review does not seem to cover it) that this complexity carries over into other areas, though the elegant handling of spells is a little reassuring.
Still, given you do not really reference other relevant systems that might appeal to those who like detail (RQ? GURPS? others?) I am unsure as to how to pick this over others?
On a better note, your review was hardly uncritical or mindless plugging of the product so I wasn't tempted to suspect your objectivity. I just really wondered how aware you were of oter systems and what implications that would have for your high rating.
(Thankfully, I have HARP, and so already know. 
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