I seriously want to play in or run a Napoleonic naval RPG online via virtual tabletop + Skype in the same vein as Hornblower and the Jack Aubrey Master & Commander stories but am having a horrendous time trying to decide between these 2 systems which to use.

Which game would you use for an online game and why? Which do you prefer overall and why?

In Harm's Way A Napoleonic Naval RPG

OR

Beat to Quarters

Never heard of Beat to Quarters.  Who does it?

As someone who has contemplated a Napoleonic naval RPG campaign (it died in the planning stages alas), I would endorse In Harm's Way.  The Notice mechanic in particular I think fits the setting very well.

The only other Napoleonic naval RPG I ever came across is the old FGU Privateers and Gentlemen rules.  They are available in PDF from DriveThru but they are definitely a product of the early 80s and I would recommend getting it for the excellent reference material on the period rather than for the rules.  As an aside, although I would pass on the RPG rules Privateers and Gentlemen comes with the hands down best Napoleonic naval miniature wargame rules in my opinion, Heart of Oak.


-TGA

Quote from: The Good Assyrian;664950Never heard of Beat to Quarters.  Who does it?

There is a line of games around this type/period of game and it is produced by Omnihedron Games.

Here is their DriveThruRPG page:  http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=2533

Here is a RPG.net review of Beat to Quarters:  http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/14/14545.phtml

Quote from: Drohem;664951There is a line of games around this type/period of game and it is produced by Omnihedron Games.

Thanks for the heads up!  Another thing to consider...


-TGA

Never heard of the other guy, but In Harm's Way is really amazing.

Quote from: RPGPundit;665349Never heard of the other guy, but In Harm's Way is really amazing.

You've not heard of BtoQ?! Do yourself a favour and get it (plus Duty and Honour) and discover something new and ingenious in roleplaying.

Quote from: Stainless;665399You've not heard of BtoQ?! Do yourself a favour and get it (plus Duty and Honour) and discover something new and ingenious in roleplaying.

I like In Harm's Way but, like the Good Assyrian I'm rather fond of Privateers & Gentlemen. That's the one I'd use.

I did have Beat to Quarters but I sold it. Not really my thing.

In Harm's Way is a great game. The trouple play lets you really jump into life aboard a sloop or frigate, and being able to sacrifice your body for success makes for some stomach-churning choices.

Quote from: Stainless;665399You've not heard of BtoQ?! Do yourself a favour and get it (plus Duty and Honour) and discover something new and ingenious in roleplaying.

What makes it different/better than IHW?

RPGPundit