Has anyone compared the two yet? Any preferences? Are the two systems workable enough to be interchangeable? I've been thinking of getting MRQ Deluxe (if I can convince my LGS to get it in) to supplement Elric (and possibly Hawkmoon). But BRP looks compelling as well. OK I want both, but opinions would be nice.
Runequest vs Chaosium's BRP
- Thread starter Krimson
- Start date
The King
Cosmic Mongoose
There is a short thread about the Chaosium BRP in the Conan forum, though there is no comparison.
Though the system was especially created for Runequest, the later game were somewhat different (i.e. magic system and hit location).
Generally those who like the BRPG dislikes the D20 rules (and vice-versa) for several reasons.
With the Legendary abilities, Mongoose RQ did manage to really make something of very experienced adventurers while they're still vulnerable. Moreover Hero Points make gaming much more lively.
Also, in MRQ, the resistance matrix has changed and I prefered it that way.
Though the system was especially created for Runequest, the later game were somewhat different (i.e. magic system and hit location).
Generally those who like the BRPG dislikes the D20 rules (and vice-versa) for several reasons.
With the Legendary abilities, Mongoose RQ did manage to really make something of very experienced adventurers while they're still vulnerable. Moreover Hero Points make gaming much more lively.
Also, in MRQ, the resistance matrix has changed and I prefered it that way.
The new RuneQuest and the "good old" Chaosium BRP are very close relatives. After all they are all based on the excellent D100 mechanics.
As soon as one know some basic differences (HP locations for exemple), any clever GM can adapt NPC characteristics very easily.
Of course, the "specific" rules (i.e. magic and technology) are quite different but very easy to understand.
My advice is to download the RuneQuest SRD on the Mongoose site for FREE and buy any universe you'll like (Elric or Hawkmoon for exemple).
As soon as one know some basic differences (HP locations for exemple), any clever GM can adapt NPC characteristics very easily.
Of course, the "specific" rules (i.e. magic and technology) are quite different but very easy to understand.
My advice is to download the RuneQuest SRD on the Mongoose site for FREE and buy any universe you'll like (Elric or Hawkmoon for exemple).
Right now I am waiting for my LGS to get more BRP in stock. I did pick up RQ (as well as the Elric Companion, since I had money for 2 books). My interest is in running an Eternal Champion game, and if any of you have read Michael Moorcock's Second Ether Trilogy or even the latest Elric Trilogy (The Dreamthief's Daughter, The Scrayling Tree and The Whitewolf's Son), then you would know that some of the adventures Elric and his companions have occur on Earth, hence my interest in BRP. The backgrounds, professions, skills and weapons/equipment would be very useful should I decide to have the PCs travel to Earth and run into Ulrich von Bek (circa WW2), Jerry Cornelius, Oswald Bastable, or Una Persson. If BRP is close enough in this regard to make conversion easy, I will be a happy GM.
Loz
Mongoose
You'll find BRP and RQ (including the Elric system) close enough to make this happen.
I'd also recommend the Dream Realms book, out later this year, for the additional information on the multiverse. And, sometime next year, there will be a dedicated multiverse book to help tie things together and deliver things like a Dancers and Second Ether campaign.
I'd also recommend the Dream Realms book, out later this year, for the additional information on the multiverse. And, sometime next year, there will be a dedicated multiverse book to help tie things together and deliver things like a Dancers and Second Ether campaign.
Loz said:
I'll probably pick that up and I would love a Multiverse book. I like the idea of having freedom to emulate some of the stories. One of the most extreme examples would be Phoorn versus Luftwaffe, like in Dreamthief's Daughter. I am still gathering books, and the Hawkmoon game is also on my list. We haven't even played and my players cringe whenever I mention Granbretan (I ran a "What-If MM wrote Star Wars" d20 game once and some of the players are still traumatized
). And thanks to Bastable his actions in Whitewolf's Son, I am now justified in messing with continuity as much as I want.So yeah, if your Multiverse book lets me have a sky full of zeppelins, Luftwaffe, Ornithopters and Dragons, I will be extremely happy.
Krimson said:(I ran a "What-If MM wrote Star Wars" d20 game once and some of the players are still traumatized
I am waiting for someone to run a Family Guy Star Wars adventure.
'Use the force, Luke. But don't tell anyone else, it's a secret between the two of us...'
Trifletraxor
Mongoose
BRP of course! :twisted:Krimson said:
Close enough, just need a bit of work.
If you want the MRQ rules, you should definitly get the deluxe edition. Still a bit broken, but much better than the first rule books. Chaosium is selling out their Stormbringer stock cheaply, so a look by their store might be worth your while (It's BRP, but won't take that much convertion work to use ti with MRQ).
Get both! That's always a good idea. You can never have to much RPG stuff!
SGL.
Mongoose Acolyte said:Krimson said:(I ran a "What-If MM wrote Star Wars" d20 game once and some of the players are still traumatized
I am waiting for someone to run a Family Guy Star Wars adventure.
'Use the force, Luke. But don't tell anyone else, it's a secret between the two of us...'
Technically Hawkmoon was Star Wars before Star Wars. The only thing I did different was put it into space and made Granbretan an Ecumenopolis like Coruscant.
Trifletraxor said:
I did pick up Deluxe. I wanted the updated rules to help flesh out any EC games I run. I would consider getting Stormbringer (I noticed they still had it on their site, and I kind of figured they were clearing out existing stock) if it were not for the fact that as an acquaintance of MM I'm kind of inclined to only purchase products with his IP if he is getting royalties out of it.
Get both! That's always a good idea. You can never have to much RPG stuff!
Yeah I am planning on it. BRP looks like a very well made game. Its "plug and play" options allowing for customized level of complexity makes it quite compelling, and the inclusion of rules for super powered characters kind of slam dunked it for me. My only impediment now is that I have to wait for my LGS to get more in.
Get both and draw the best out of the two!
Anyways my preference goes to the new BRP which allows to customize the system to your liking. Almost every rule that appeared in a BRP Chaosium game is revised and reprinted in the new BRP. Sanity, Strike Ranks, Hit Locations, Fatigue, Fate Points, Allegiance, Super Powers, Psychic Powers, Mutations, Sorcery, Magic, Major Wounds, Critical Hits, Bleeding, Crushing and Impaling special results, Fixed or Random Armor, Heroic character generation and much more!
As always with BRP, everything is simple and logical (and entirely optional!). You choose the level of rules you want to use. You'd probably use different combat rules when running a Cthulhu game and a Conan one!
King wrote:
Anyways my preference goes to the new BRP which allows to customize the system to your liking. Almost every rule that appeared in a BRP Chaosium game is revised and reprinted in the new BRP. Sanity, Strike Ranks, Hit Locations, Fatigue, Fate Points, Allegiance, Super Powers, Psychic Powers, Mutations, Sorcery, Magic, Major Wounds, Critical Hits, Bleeding, Crushing and Impaling special results, Fixed or Random Armor, Heroic character generation and much more!
As always with BRP, everything is simple and logical (and entirely optional!). You choose the level of rules you want to use. You'd probably use different combat rules when running a Cthulhu game and a Conan one!
King wrote:
How did you manage to know, as I never told it to anyone? (or did I?) :wink:
Krimson said:
Yes.
BRP or better yet, BRP with some bits of MRQ imported in.
You can use bits from one in the other with little or no conversion work. Like MRQ but prefer damage and HP BRP-style? No problemo. Or perhaps you prefer to use MRQ style damage but with BRP-style total HP? Again, no problemo.
These two systems IMO actually add value to each other. The existence of one makes the other better.
The King
Cosmic Mongoose
This is my personal impression but I think it concerns also many. There always was some sort of competition between AD&D and the BRPG and the first game always suffered from the "search (treasure and XPs') & destroy (monsters)" syndrom which may please or may not please players.Hervé said:
But with 3.0 and 3.5 editions, the game became more complex with everything concerning generation and level augmentation.
I am going to compare the two in some detail, eventually. My wife is going home for a while and that will give me plenty of time to review a number of supplements, compare RQM and BRP and finish off some odds and ends.
I'd use parts of RQM, parts of BRP, parts of RQ2/3, some house rules and anything else that is useful.
I'd use parts of RQM, parts of BRP, parts of RQ2/3, some house rules and anything else that is useful.
I am using both systems for upcoming games. Mainly using the BRP skill advancement rules with RuneQuest, BRP Hit Points and a bit here and there (possibly magic, sanity and other seasonings and sauces from BRP).
I am using the Dark Heresy hit location chart and rules however.
Oh I will most likely use the BRP Luck and Idea and other rolls.
I am using the Dark Heresy hit location chart and rules however.
Oh I will most likely use the BRP Luck and Idea and other rolls.
I have both books now. MRQ is my preference mainly because its the sanctioned system for Elric and Hawkmoon (just picked up the latter the other day along with the GM screen, which is very nice). From the looks of it, aside from completing the Elric/Hawkmoon collection, I may have to pick up Glorantha:2nd Age (at least) as well as Lankhmar and Slaine. The various types of powers in the rules are appealing, and I like the combat rules.
BRP is another monster altogether. After reading through it, it seems to remind me a bit of True20, inasmuch as its a toolkit rather than a game in itself. Not that this is bad, considering I have all the True20 books on since Blue Rose. Yeah, BRP does come across as a nifty set of tools that can be used to enhance MRQ. In fact, I would consider using BRP alone if not for the aforementioned Moorcockian games. Rules I may implement include the Strike Rank rules (where number of attacks is determined by SR), some of the powers rules, and pretty much what strikes my fancy.
Side by side, things aren't much different. Weapons and armor seem a touch more powerful (as in a +1 here and a +2 there) than in MRQ - which makes crossover easier. I love the list of professions in BRP, which can really help flesh out a multiversal campaign. From MRQ, I am growing fond of Hero (Fate in Hawkmoon) points and Legendary Abilities. All in all, now that I have both books I can't honestly see running a game without both handy.
BRP is another monster altogether. After reading through it, it seems to remind me a bit of True20, inasmuch as its a toolkit rather than a game in itself. Not that this is bad, considering I have all the True20 books on since Blue Rose. Yeah, BRP does come across as a nifty set of tools that can be used to enhance MRQ. In fact, I would consider using BRP alone if not for the aforementioned Moorcockian games. Rules I may implement include the Strike Rank rules (where number of attacks is determined by SR), some of the powers rules, and pretty much what strikes my fancy.
Side by side, things aren't much different. Weapons and armor seem a touch more powerful (as in a +1 here and a +2 there) than in MRQ - which makes crossover easier. I love the list of professions in BRP, which can really help flesh out a multiversal campaign. From MRQ, I am growing fond of Hero (Fate in Hawkmoon) points and Legendary Abilities. All in all, now that I have both books I can't honestly see running a game without both handy.
The King
Cosmic Mongoose
I think too that MRQ brings new interesting ideas with Legendary Abilities which are very like what heroes can perform in the various Gloranthan texts.
Anyway I believe the most important difference between the 2 systems is the HP location (but this was already the case with the former Runequest rules) because it affects the way one plays as this one of the rare system where PCs' can have specific limbs damaged.
Anyway I believe the most important difference between the 2 systems is the HP location (but this was already the case with the former Runequest rules) because it affects the way one plays as this one of the rare system where PCs' can have specific limbs damaged.
I've got both...my honest opinion?
MRQ has dropped the resistance table in favour of opposed resolution. Tables are oh so last century. A good thing.
MRQ doesn't expect ordinary hard working people to calculate 20% or 5% of 83 in favour of making it 10% for criticals (just knock the last digit off 83 and you get 8 ) - A good thing.
MRQ never asks you to multiply 17 by 4 in play then check for criticals and fumbles, though I am in favour of characteristic rolls (what's wrong with rolling under POW on d20?). A good thing.
MRQ has only one set of hit points reducing bookkeeping - a good thing.
MRQ has Glorantha and Elric. A good thing.
MRQ is not the masterly work of the writer's art we should expect (the core books not the Gloranthan ones) and strays into machismo and childishness. The sooner we get MRQ 2.0 the better. A bad thing.
MRQ has inconsistencies and parts don't work without house rules or internet updates. BRP is tried and tested over 30+ years. A bad thing for MRQ.
BRP is 400 pages requiring only a scenario and you're away. MRQ core has 124. A bad thing for MRQ.
Because you don't need a maths degree to play, it drops the resistance table, has opposed resolution, is in a lot of games and comic shops, and has the rights to Glorantha - I vote MRQ.
MRQ has dropped the resistance table in favour of opposed resolution. Tables are oh so last century. A good thing.
MRQ doesn't expect ordinary hard working people to calculate 20% or 5% of 83 in favour of making it 10% for criticals (just knock the last digit off 83 and you get 8 ) - A good thing.
MRQ never asks you to multiply 17 by 4 in play then check for criticals and fumbles, though I am in favour of characteristic rolls (what's wrong with rolling under POW on d20?). A good thing.
MRQ has only one set of hit points reducing bookkeeping - a good thing.
MRQ has Glorantha and Elric. A good thing.
MRQ is not the masterly work of the writer's art we should expect (the core books not the Gloranthan ones) and strays into machismo and childishness. The sooner we get MRQ 2.0 the better. A bad thing.
MRQ has inconsistencies and parts don't work without house rules or internet updates. BRP is tried and tested over 30+ years. A bad thing for MRQ.
BRP is 400 pages requiring only a scenario and you're away. MRQ core has 124. A bad thing for MRQ.
Because you don't need a maths degree to play, it drops the resistance table, has opposed resolution, is in a lot of games and comic shops, and has the rights to Glorantha - I vote MRQ.
