[Rq-rules] Re: New Runequest Question

[Lev Lafayette]

--- DevinC at aol.com wrote:

> I have a copy of RQ 4 at home and it seems like it
> is a very nice system. I  
> don't know why many RQers are not playing that
> system.
>  

Don't get me wrong, there are some nice features. I do
like the split between basic and advanced skill for
example. I do like base chances being based on the
simple addition of attributes (like Elfquest!). I do
like the 1/10th of skill chance is a critical rule. I
like Hero Points. I like the action/reaction idea. I
like the *concept* of "questing for runes". I like the
fact it's available as a SRD. 

I certainly don't have any love whatsoever for
"Legendary Abilities". The parry/dodge/attack system
as it is writ is clearly broken (although apparently
patched). The opposed rolls system doesn't make any
sense either. I don't like how they've implemented the
magic system. I don't like Strike Ranks being based on
INT+DEX. I don't like how some base chances are based
on two attributes, some on one and ...... and I could
go on (and have done in the past). 

There are a lot of things in MRQ system which I
personally think are seriously wrong and a few things
which are quite good. But overall, in terms of a game
system, it's a step backwards.

Another thing that does leave me quite cold however
are style issues. The fact that one must purchase at
least three slim harback books to get a decent game is
annoying; the writing is dull and the artwork
uninspiring.

Finally, MRQ really has made it difficult for old RQ
and Glorantha fans. From an RPG.net review;

- - -
I AM A LONG TIME FAN, SHOULD I BUY THIS EDITION?

No. If you are curious about the changes to the
system, go to the Mongoose website and download the
free SRD files. Frankly, the greatest oddity of the
new game is that Mongoose seems to have done
everything in its power to dissuade long time players
from buying the game. I don't believe, in 25 years of
gaming, I've ever seen this before. The core rule book
contains only a third of what the previous edition
did, and there are no conversion rules at all. If you
wish to upgrade an existing campaign to the new
system, you will find no support, only obstacles. For
example, if one of your players has a shaman
character, you will need to purchase the main
rulebook, the Companion (which contains rules for
spirit combat), and then wait for the Cults of
Glorantha Volume II book (due out in January 2007)
which will detail shamanism. Everything contained in
the single RQIII rulebook has been cleverly scattered
among multiple volumes. Even Divine Magic, a staple of
RuneQuest since the beginning, has been banished to
the Companion book. At every turn, the previous
edition was superior, in the quality of its writing,
in its completeness, and in providing a foundation for
play in either Glorantha or other worlds. I find this
mind-boggling. I have been a fan for 25 years, loyally
purchasing a great deal of RQ material. If I am not
part of the target audience for this game, who is? I
would remind Mongoose that most long-time RQ fans are
now professionals in our 30s, 40s, and 50s, with more
money to spend indulging in our hobby than when we
were kids. Why on earth try to exclude us? 

I AM A GLORANTHA FAN (HEROQUEST FAN, ETC), SHOULD I
BUY THIS EDITION?

Again, no. The core rulebooks have nothing for you.
The magic systems are generic, and in some cases show
either total ignorance of Glorantha or callous
disregard for the integrity of the setting. For
example, Bladesharp now depends on a new, “Metal”
Rune. Ignoring for the moment the fact that the Death
Rune is the mythic First Sword, associated with blades
and severing, one can't help but wonder if this means
Bladesharp no longer works on flint knives or
dragonewt klanths! Likewise, Skybolt, which calls
lightning from a clear sky, is now derived from the
Chaos (!!!) Rune. I am sure the Orlanthi would be
thrilled with this. However, you should take a look at
Glorantha, the Second Age, which has no system
specific material and could easily be used as a
reference for HeroQuest or other RuneQuest editions. I
intend to write a review of this volume, as it is far
superior to the core rulebooks. 

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/12/12628.phtml
- - -

So therein lies the problem(s) and the reason why I
have ended up running a RQ3 Glorantha game, a HQ
Glorantha game and a RQ3 gateway game, but not a MRQ
game.

HTH HAND,


Lev

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