The Inside Scoop on Gaming

*** Executive Summary ***

I just bought a copy of Gary Gygax's "Lejendary Adventure". It would seem that the father of role-playing games (Gary Gygax) has done it again.

After reading through the rules, I am compelled to say that I believe that the Lejendary Adventure system is the next step in the evolution of fantasy role-playing games. I find the system easy to grasp, flexible, and fun... yet realistic (if you can use the "r" word to describe a FRPG). Macray's description in the Bibliography section (below) sums up my feelings about the Lejendary Adventure System.

*** Personal Background in FRPG ***

I have been playing and game-mastering all kinds of role-playing games since the Summer of 1980. I have played systems from every genre and type... from the original D&D to the complexity of I.C.E.'s original Rolemaster system... and everything in between (in no special order: D&D, AD&D, Hero, Vampire, Twilight 2000, Cyberpunk, RuneQuest, Champions, GURPS, Warhammer RPG, Boot Hill, Gamma World, Fantasy Hero, ShadowRun, Traveller, yadda yadda yadda, etc., etc.). I have enjoyed some of these systems, and haven't enjoyed others.

However, I have *always* found something to whine about with each system. I searched hard to find something that I would have changed about the system. I found a minor component of combat resolution that I thought should be added.

I contacted Gary Gygax with my suggestion and he asked me to post it on the L.A. bulletin board, claiming that: "I actually extended pretty much carte blanch to you to *make* the argument favoring your interpretation, mechanic:) so why not do it on the list? I am not some sort of plaster idol that's afraid of being chipped. Fact is, I have been wrong a few times... (^_^). also, this isn't a matter of right or wrong. It is a matter of what might make the system more believable, fun, and seem reasonable/realistic. So to sum up, have at this if you like. A lively discussion only piques interest, and can lead to a better system too:) I very much appreciate your active interest, and I am not sensitive to genuine critical comment--I love it!"

I was impressed with this answer. It ensures that Mr. Gygax is committed to making a great game even better.

I have not yet found anything to whine about regarding Lejendary Adventures... but I promise to check back in with you after playing it for a few months.

*** Personal study of the game ***

The reasons why I feel that LA is the "next step" in the evolution of FRPG's:

* New Characters (Avatars, as LA calls them) can be generated in about 30 minutes with no confusion or complexity.

* Avatars have 3 stats (called base ratings in LA-talk). These stats can be improved later by spending "merits" (or experience points) on them.

* There are several new racial options and a few old ones. In D&D, demihumans (elves in particular) are optimal races. It was hard to find a PC that was a human in most of the AD&D campaigns that I played/GM'ed. What I *love* about LA is that there is no optimal race.

* Avatars pick between 5-6 abilities (general skill groups like weapons, stealth, enchantment, chivalry, etc.) to define their skill set. There are no "cookie cutter" classes... each Avatar is unique. There are no 9th level warriors that have almost identical fighting styles and abilities... each Avatar is special in his/her own way.

* Avatars may choose to belong to an order (criminal, sage, outlaw, noble, mage, etc.). Association with an order allows guild membership (in the case of a mage or a criminal) or formal titles and royal access (in the case of noble). The order does not restrict the Avatar, it just allows for players to be associated with a group of folks with common skills, if they wish (kind of like the Screen Actors' Guild in modern day... it's not very restrictive, but can help to actors contacts in the business).

* These initial abilities/skills can be improved later by spending "merits" (or experience points) on them.

* New abilities/skills can be learned (providing the Avatar has enough merit and the means to learn new abilities: a trainer, teacher, or self-study in the case of some skills)

* Combat turns are 3 seconds long. I love this rule. It makes combat much more realistic. I never understood how a rules set could allow a heavily armored warrior could charge a bowman from maximum range and the bowman could only get one or two combat rounds of shots in before the warrior was upon him.

* Armor and weapons are handled in a realistic manner. Shields provide GOOD protection (instead of added a mere point to your AC). If you have ever went to an SCA tournament, donned the padded armor and shield, grabbed a practice sword and began hammering at your opponent, you know that a shield makes a HUGE difference in defensibility.

* The magic system is great. Starting Avatars may have up to 7 or so powers (or spells) that they are proficient with. Avatars can cast these spells as often as they like... until they run out of AEP's (spell points). AEP's recuperate at the rate of one AEP/minute. After an hour or so of rest, your Avatar's AEP total should be back to full. AEP's are derived from the "Speed" attribute. Speed is lowered while restrictive armor is worn. The more armor that your Avatar wears, the fewer AEP's your he/she will have to use powers.

* Many more reasons... I encourage you to go buy the game and find out for yourself. I'm enjoying an online LA campaign right now and I will soon be running one.

So... get connected to the LA online bulletin board, get involved, and start playing! :)

*** Bibliography ***

Lejendary Adventure website: http://www.gygax.com/LegendaryAdventureFRPG/menu/menu.html

Lejendary Adventure bulletin board: http://communities.msn.com/LejendaryAdventures/ (Gary Gygax is an active member and posts lots of messages about game play and mechanics, Avatar construction, etc.)

Place where I bought my signed and numberd copy of "Lejendary Rules for All Players": http://www.macrayskeep.com/ihtml/main.ihtml

Description of Lejendary Adventures (from Macray's Keep):

"Lejendary Rules for All Players" The Lejendary Rules for All Players is the first release in the new Lejendary Adventure(tm)fantasy role-playing system by Gary Gygax. Its uncomplicated rules provide fast character generation, with endless possibilities for a near-endless variety of unique Avatar characters that are neither "cookie-cutter" stereotypes, nor "Know-it-all juggernauts". They allow the imagination and creativity of the Lejend Master and Player alike to take precedence over the rules, providing structure, not statute. They capture reality and a logical sort of fantasy that catapults the participant past suspension of disbelief, and into a desire to share in the marvels of a universe of magic, whimsy, fabulous beasts and all that is encompassed in the realms of fantastic heroism and adventure.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Lejendary Rules for All Players
Author: Gary Gygax Category: game Company/Publisher: Hekaforge Productions Line: Lejendary Adventure Page count: n/a SKU: HFP1001 (Author's Signed and Numbered Edition) Playtest Review by Greg Bilbruck on 11/06/99. Genre tags: Fantasy	* Executive Summary * I just bought a copy of Gary Gygax's "Lejendary Adventure". It would seem that the father of role-playing games (Gary Gygax) has done it again. After reading through the rules, I am compelled to say that I believe that the Lejendary Adventure system is the next step in the evolution of fantasy role-playing games. I find the system easy to grasp, flexible, and fun... yet realistic (if you can use the "r" word to describe a FRPG). Macray's description in the Bibliography section (below) sums up my feelings about the Lejendary Adventure System. * Personal Background in FRPG * I have been playing and game-mastering all kinds of role-playing games since the Summer of 1980. I have played systems from every genre and type... from the original D&D to the complexity of I.C.E.'s original Rolemaster system... and everything in between (in no special order: D&D, AD&D, Hero, Vampire, Twilight 2000, Cyberpunk, RuneQuest, Champions, GURPS, Warhammer RPG, Boot Hill, Gamma World, Fantasy Hero, ShadowRun, Traveller, yadda yadda yadda, etc., etc.). I have enjoyed some of these systems, and haven't enjoyed others. However, I have always found something to whine about with each system. I searched hard to find something that I would have changed about the system. I found a minor component of combat resolution that I thought should be added. I contacted Gary Gygax with my suggestion and he asked me to post it on the L.A. bulletin board, claiming that: "I actually extended pretty much carte blanch to you to make the argument favoring your interpretation, mechanic:) so why not do it on the list? I am not some sort of plaster idol that's afraid of being chipped. Fact is, I have been wrong a few times... (^_^). also, this isn't a matter of right or wrong. It is a matter of what might make the system more believable, fun, and seem reasonable/realistic. So to sum up, have at this if you like. A lively discussion only piques interest, and can lead to a better system too:) I very much appreciate your active interest, and I am not sensitive to genuine critical comment--I love it!" I was impressed with this answer. It ensures that Mr. Gygax is committed to making a great game even better. I have not yet found anything to whine about regarding Lejendary Adventures... but I promise to check back in with you after playing it for a few months. * Personal study of the game * The reasons why I feel that LA is the "next step" in the evolution of FRPG's: * New Characters (Avatars, as LA calls them) can be generated in about 30 minutes with no confusion or complexity. * Avatars have 3 stats (called base ratings in LA-talk). These stats can be improved later by spending "merits" (or experience points) on them. * There are several new racial options and a few old ones. In D&D, demihumans (elves in particular) are optimal races. It was hard to find a PC that was a human in most of the AD&D campaigns that I played/GM'ed. What I love about LA is that there is no optimal race. * Avatars pick between 5-6 abilities (general skill groups like weapons, stealth, enchantment, chivalry, etc.) to define their skill set. There are no "cookie cutter" classes... each Avatar is unique. There are no 9th level warriors that have almost identical fighting styles and abilities... each Avatar is special in his/her own way. * Avatars may choose to belong to an order (criminal, sage, outlaw, noble, mage, etc.). Association with an order allows guild membership (in the case of a mage or a criminal) or formal titles and royal access (in the case of noble). The order does not restrict the Avatar, it just allows for players to be associated with a group of folks with common skills, if they wish (kind of like the Screen Actors' Guild in modern day... it's not very restrictive, but can help to actors contacts in the business). * These initial abilities/skills can be improved later by spending "merits" (or experience points) on them. * New abilities/skills can be learned (providing the Avatar has enough merit and the means to learn new abilities: a trainer, teacher, or self-study in the case of some skills) * Combat turns are 3 seconds long. I love this rule. It makes combat much more realistic. I never understood how a rules set could allow a heavily armored warrior could charge a bowman from maximum range and the bowman could only get one or two combat rounds of shots in before the warrior was upon him. * Armor and weapons are handled in a realistic manner. Shields provide GOOD protection (instead of added a mere point to your AC). If you have ever went to an SCA tournament, donned the padded armor and shield, grabbed a practice sword and began hammering at your opponent, you know that a shield makes a HUGE difference in defensibility. * The magic system is great. Starting Avatars may have up to 7 or so powers (or spells) that they are proficient with. Avatars can cast these spells as often as they like... until they run out of AEP's (spell points). AEP's recuperate at the rate of one AEP/minute. After an hour or so of rest, your Avatar's AEP total should be back to full. AEP's are derived from the "Speed" attribute. Speed is lowered while restrictive armor is worn. The more armor that your Avatar wears, the fewer AEP's your he/she will have to use powers. * Many more reasons... I encourage you to go buy the game and find out for yourself. I'm enjoying an online LA campaign right now and I will soon be running one. So... get connected to the LA online bulletin board, get involved, and start playing! :) * Bibliography * Lejendary Adventure website: http://www.gygax.com/LegendaryAdventureFRPG/menu/menu.html Lejendary Adventure bulletin board: http://communities.msn.com/LejendaryAdventures/ (Gary Gygax is an active member and posts lots of messages about game play and mechanics, Avatar construction, etc.) Place where I bought my signed and numberd copy of "Lejendary Rules for All Players": http://www.macrayskeep.com/ihtml/main.ihtml Description of Lejendary Adventures (from Macray's Keep): "Lejendary Rules for All Players" The Lejendary Rules for All Players is the first release in the new Lejendary Adventure(tm)fantasy role-playing system by Gary Gygax. Its uncomplicated rules provide fast character generation, with endless possibilities for a near-endless variety of unique Avatar characters that are neither "cookie-cutter" stereotypes, nor "Know-it-all juggernauts". They allow the imagination and creativity of the Lejend Master and Player alike to take precedence over the rules, providing structure, not statute. They capture reality and a logical sort of fantasy that catapults the participant past suspension of disbelief, and into a desire to share in the marvels of a universe of magic, whimsy, fabulous beasts and all that is encompassed in the realms of fantastic heroism and adventure. Style: 5 (Excellent!) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)