[Heroes Against Darkness] Alpha rules available for feedback and playtest
Justin Halliday:
I've been working on a game system called Heroes Against Darkness for a while. It started as a reaction to extended play sessions of 4th Edition and Basic D&D, and aims to strike a balance between modern mechanics and simple play*.
The rules are available here:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/25437/Heroes%20Against%20Darkness%20-%20Game%20Rules.pdf
The key goals of the system are:
- Take the core mechanic of d20-style rule-sets.
- Reduce the paperwork and character management through minimal character build options.
- Use defenses instead of saving throws.
- Align all stats and bonuses so bigger is better.
- Introduce balanced combat powers for all classes that offer meaningful choices and situational advantages in combat.
- Increase combat damage at higher levels.
- Introduce Anima Points and spell powers that have Anima costs (instead of Vancian magic), so that players of mage characters have options in and out of combat.
- Use simple armor and weapon proficiencies based on class.
- Replace predefined skills with class and background appropriate skills that give bonuses to Ability Checks.
- Introduce Mage classes based on five schools of magic; Warlocks for physical (red), Healers for physiological (green), Canonates for divine (white), Necromancers for death (black) and Mystics for control and influence (blue).
- Introduce separate fighting classes; Warriors, Barbarians and Berserkers.
- Introduce specialist classes; Hunters and Rogues.
- Introduce the magical cross-class; Hospiters (similar to the old-school Cleric or Priest classes, but without the divine aspects of those classes).
Right now the system is at Alpha. I've been playtesting with my group for a few months now, but I don't have enough players to cover all of the bases with the different classes and combat options.
There's lots still to do:
- The Beasts and Bastards section for monsters
- Further refinement of class powers, especially Barbarian, Berserker, Hunter
- Replacement, removal or approval of Character Background and Dungeon Design sections
- Further development of the Game Master's section
I'm looking for feedback on the following:
- Class powers
- Magic system and spells for each Magi class
- Are the unique differences and qualities of the system clear from just reading the document, or are they 'buried.'
- Game balance, progression, balance between classes
- Playtest results!
Ultimately I plan to release the game for free, but I do want to make sure it's a usable system.
Thanks guys.
* So I'm sure it could be categorized as a fantasy heartbreaker... :-)
Zachary_Wolf:
At first glance it looks pretty cool. I can definitely tell you put a lot of work into it. My only concern is the derivative nature of it will limit potential fanbase.
Thriff:
Hey JH,
I really like the tone of your writing, it suffuses your game with a playful and personal feel.
The introduction eases the reader in and your character creation section is well organized and clearly explained.
I don't like mechanical restrictions on what my character can do--especially when such limitations are the result of a "class". Personal taste ofc, and I know there are many that would disagree with me, and that's fine. But I like how you've organized your classes because they cover lots of play-styles without stepping on each others' toes.
Lists don't excite me, so I can't comment on the weapons/spells/creatures of your game.
I agree with Wolf's observation, HaD feels (and is) derivative of DnD-esque games. This isn't inherently negative but it does create severe branding concerns for your hard work.
My suggestion:
Your current work is evidence of you being organized, dedicated, and thoughtful in your game design choices.
Forge your own setting and remove cliched races. You have the mechanics, so supplement them with an engaging and inspirational setting!
I don't know if a creative setting is enough to elude "fantasy heartbreaker" status, but I'd sure appreciate it as both a potential player and a fellow designer.
Hope this helps,
T
Justin Halliday:
Thanks guys for the thoughts.
First, these are my opinions and motivations, and I don't want to start an edition war. There are plenty of other places for those!
Wolf, the similarities between Heroes Against Darkness and various editions of D&D are:
- Genre (Medieval Fantasy)
- Ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Wisdom, Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma)
- Multiple Defenses
- Modifier maths (1/2 Level, Ability Mods)
- Races and classes (but these are mainly universal)
And then there are the differences:
- Magic system which is very different
- Combat power system that offers combat options without At-Will, Encounter and Daily Powers
- Armor and weapon proficiency based on classes
I've been working on Heroes Against Darkness mainly for myself and my group, but also because I imagine that there are other groups out there that - like ours - may be interested in a system like this.
As I mentioned, we've played a lot of various types of D&D and Heroes Against Darkness aims to offer modern mechanics in as simple a system as possible. At the same time, it aims to address a few key failings (subjective as they are) of each of the different variations of D&D:
- Lack of combat options for fighters in early editions
- Lack of magic options for spellcasters at low levels in early editions
- Progressive imbalance between classes in early editions
- Inconsistent mechanics in early editions
- Complication and 'crunchiness' in middle editions (and Pathfinder)
- Option and power-creep in each edition, which is compounded with feats and specializations that offer limited 'ideal' build options
Heroes Against Darkness is aimed directly at players who've tried 4th Ed and found some of the mechanics unwieldy (as I have). It's aimed at players who fondly remember the simplicity of early editions of D&D, but then rediscovered the flaws of those systems on actually re-playing them.
Thriff, I'm not sure about the creation and inclusion of a setting. Although I do plan to include a sample mini-adventure as I go along, but that will have to wait. Settings and color haven't been my priority for the system so far, and I could imagine that they would become an endless endeavor.
My major goal has been to 'prove' mechanics of the situational combat powers for the fighting classes and the new Anima-based magic system for the Magi. In our play of Heroes Against Darkness over the last few months, these areas have worked well (as far as I can tell) and offered players interesting choices.
Reaching out to forums like this is the first step to continue to develop and promote the game and to get it out to a wider audience.
Zachary_Wolf:
I'll have to agree with Thriff, adding an original setting to pair with the new rules is the only way I see mass appeal in the project. While I understand this endevour is primarily driven by your wish to address mechanical issues with commercial versions of D&D, without some new flavor to excite people, the end result is simply some elaborately laid-out house rules. Give your rules a home of their own!
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