Link here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/dolmenwood-tabletop-rpg?ref=nav_search&result=popular&term=Dolm
I got the notification email @ 09:02 CST
@ 11:20 CST, the pledges are at $340,000 by 2300 backers
I was looking forward to backing this, but now I'm in one of those weird moods where I don't want to pay for someone else's ideas, apart from what I've already purchased. I am interested in using the D&D Moldvay/Mentzer rules to run dungeons that *I* made, in a world *I* dreamed up.
I know that, at some point after the Kickstarter ends, I'm going to wish I had backed it and gotten all those goodies.
Shadowdark had over 13,000 backers, and raised over $1.3 million.
Not really at a price point I would pay for the product, especially as it's not really in my wheelhouse as far as setting materials go.
I think it's pretty amazing that the KS goal was 200K and they still hit it in under an hour. Will almost certainly pass 500K by the end of the first 24 hours. He's been teasing this for years and he redirected due to the OGL fiasco, but still impressive. And this is after Gavin has brought in over a million in assorted repackagings of OSE.
The stuff looks cool and I'm sure it will be high quality, but we're not playing much OSE anymore and I'm not enthralled with the setting. I do think it could be a good game to get younger players into the hobby, depending on how you present the setting. I'll hold off for now.
Interesting that Dolmenwood and Shadow of the Weird Wizard launched their projects on the same week.
The art in Dolmenwood is nice, but I'm leaning towards the Weird Wizard.
Folklore inspired, British Isles, decent system, random character creation, in theory I should like this, but the art style, minis, pins, sound track, patch, etc etc seem to take away from the mystery and danger that the setting should have. It looks like well trampled ground as opposed to a dark wood that people fear to tread. It looks board gamey. These are just impressions and probably not fair, but that's what's stopping me from supporting this one.
For $95, you get the three Dolmenwood hardcover rulebooks, three adventures in print (stretch goals), and a cloth map of the setting (if you pledge by this Friday). That's actually not a bad deal.
The 3d6, Down the Line podcasts did a short hexcrawl campaign set in Dolmenwood.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtBYin1uOBmDo5G8PCb-1JttO-HCyZYcQ
There are rules for finding out what the weather is each day, rules for the effects of consuming different foods and drinks (mostly flavor, but some mechanical effects, like healing), and details on what happens in a town on a feast day.
There are also unique monsters, like 7 foot tall goat-men, called "crook-horns", and something called a "gloam" ("glome"?) that is given the whimsical name "Mr. Rag-and-Bones", but which inflicts a horrible wasting disease. Seriously, stop arguing with the monster, and give it what it wants, already.
The elves are definitely Lord Dunsany style fairy.
Mmm. I'd have to be really sold on why I need yet another rule set for FRPG.
Quote from: Scooter on August 09, 2023, 03:12:41 PM
Mmm. I'd have to be really sold on why I need yet another rule set for FRPG.
You probably don't, as it's 90% OSE, which is just cleaned up B/X. The draw would be the setting and new potential classes, monsters, etc. But even most of the spells (based on the preview I've seen) are merely lightly reskinned B/X spells. And as I'm not that interested in learning someone else's setting & lore at this point (having my own), this is likely a pass.
Quote from: Persimmon on August 09, 2023, 05:57:10 PM
Quote from: Scooter on August 09, 2023, 03:12:41 PM
Mmm. I'd have to be really sold on why I need yet another rule set for FRPG.
You probably don't, as it's 90% OSE, which is just cleaned up B/X. The draw would be the setting and new potential classes, monsters, etc. But even most of the spells (based on the preview I've seen) are merely lightly reskinned B/X spells. And as I'm not that interested in learning someone else's setting & lore at this point (having my own), this is likely a pass.
That much money for a setting is too much for me
Im interested, but its a bit too much for me price wise.
It seems interesting, but I'm not convinced to purchase it. I won't criticize it. It has merit.
My interest dropped considerably after this changed from an OSE setting to its own game system.
Quote from: Lynn on August 10, 2023, 01:45:18 AM
My interest dropped considerably after this changed from an OSE setting to its own game system.
Yeah, there were lots of complaints on the Dolmenwood/OSE discussion forums about that when it was first announced. So Gavin added a race (kindred) as class option in the Player's Book. In skimming the preview it seems that the main changes from OSE mechanically are ascending AC (which was already optional in OSE), slightly changed saving throw categories, and separating race from class (which was an option in OSE advanced). There are slightly more complex monster stat blocks with assorted optional traits and possible encounter set-ups. So not huge changes, certainly not along the lines of what Proctor did to Labyrinth Lord, but there are a few.
Ascending armor class means I will not be backing this. Sell-outs.
Quote from: Persimmon on August 10, 2023, 09:01:24 AM
Yeah, there were lots of complaints on the Dolmenwood/OSE discussion forums about that when it was first announced. So Gavin added a race (kindred) as class option in the Player's Book. In skimming the preview it seems that the main changes from OSE mechanically are ascending AC (which was already optional in OSE), slightly changed saving throw categories, and separating race from class (which was an option in OSE advanced). There are slightly more complex monster stat blocks with assorted optional traits and possible encounter set-ups. So not huge changes, certainly not along the lines of what Proctor did to Labyrinth Lord, but there are a few.
I suspect that doing this (and others have done this too) is the result of hearing that add-on books don't sell as well as full game books. I get that, but I just don't want to pay for yet another set of rules that I don't need because I got OSE - especially since during the last OSE Kickstarter there was still talk of this fantastic setting book coming along. I am sure there were some people that got OSE (via the Kickstarter) because they knew Dolmenwood would be coming along.
I have been looking forward to this kickstarter for some time now. Unfortunately I just blew all of my disposable income on hardcover Lamentations of the Flame Princess adventures, and the entire collection of Castle Falkenstein books at Gencon.
This kickstarter could not have been timed any worse.
Take solace in the fact that you will be able to get the books after the campaign if you desire, likely at a better price.
Quote from: rkhigdon on August 10, 2023, 12:57:42 PM
Take solace in the fact that you will be able to get the books after the campaign if you desire, likely at a better price.
Echoing this, i got my OSE books off humble bundle for hardly anything though they are pdfs
Quote from: cavalier973 on August 10, 2023, 09:25:46 AM
Ascending armor class means I will not be backing this. Sell-outs.
That's because 90% of those <30 years old cannot do single digit math in their heads. Much less negative numbers. :'(
Quote from: rytrasmi on August 09, 2023, 02:34:48 PM
Folklore inspired, British Isles, decent system, random character creation, in theory I should like this, but the art style, minis, pins, sound track, patch, etc etc seem to take away from the mystery and danger that the setting should have. It looks like well trampled ground as opposed to a dark wood that people fear to tread. It looks board gamey. These are just impressions and probably not fair, but that's what's stopping me from supporting this one.
It may not be fair, but I got the same impression as well. I am not crazy about these rpg Kickstarters that seem to get distracted by bells and whistles that have little to do with the core of the supplement/game.
Quote from: GamerforHire on August 11, 2023, 09:38:24 AM
Quote from: rytrasmi on August 09, 2023, 02:34:48 PM
Folklore inspired, British Isles, decent system, random character creation, in theory I should like this, but the art style, minis, pins, sound track, patch, etc etc seem to take away from the mystery and danger that the setting should have. It looks like well trampled ground as opposed to a dark wood that people fear to tread. It looks board gamey. These are just impressions and probably not fair, but that's what's stopping me from supporting this one.
It may not be fair, but I got the same impression as well. I am not crazy about these rpg Kickstarters that seem to get distracted by bells and whistles that have little to do with the core of the supplement/game.
It's become an arms race of sorts. You see it all over the place now where they're adding t-shirts, stickers, slipcases, "special, limited edition" covers, minis, custom dice, and the soundtrack, which has gained a certain cache in the past couple years. In fact, there are a few bands out there who seem to simply cater to this niche audience, creating "dungeon synth" or other permutations of New Age music specifically as tie-ins for RPGs. I suppose this is just capitalism in its extreme form and you don't need to purchase these extras if you don't want them. But the escalation in recent years is striking. At least Necrotic Gnome has a track record of delivery, even if it's not always timely.
I NEVER give $ for the development of a new RPG. Why not? Because in today's environment one can produce and publish digitally for almost nothing. Compared to pre-internet when one had to invent the game, publish hard copy AND somehow get it placed in the physical channel (Distributor --> Reseller ----> Brick & Mortar) with primarily self financing.
If one cannot produce a good game in PDF format and put it on DriveThru and the like without tens of thousands of $. It's probably not gonna be worth it.
Quote from: Scooter on August 11, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
I NEVER give $ for the development of a new RPG. Why not? Because in today's environment one can produce and publish digitally for almost nothing. Compared to pre-internet when one had to invent the game, publish hard copy AND somehow get it placed in the physical channel (Distributor --> Reseller ----> Brick & Mortar) with primarily self financing. If one cannot produce a good game in PDF format and put it on DriveThru and the like without tens of thousands of $. It's probably not gonna be worth it.
It looks like this is mostly done, however there's something disingenuous about a mostly done game and a delivery of actual books
a full year in the future.
Some vendors seem fully capable of a reasonable delivery.
The Mothership 1e Kickstarter ended December 1, 2021, with an estimated delivery date of November 2022. Files were sent to print the last day of July.
The Hull Breach Vol 1 book (for Mothership 1e) ended in January 2022 with an estimated September 2022 ship date. If you check out the materials of this one, it likely is as much, if not more complex than the Mothership 1e build. People are receiving them now, after books being sent by ship.
I get the impact of COVID, but I don't see how the latter did so much better than the former, given the former seems to have had more experienced people behind it.
Quote from: Lynn on August 11, 2023, 10:44:19 AM
Quote from: Scooter on August 11, 2023, 10:12:24 AM
I NEVER give $ for the development of a new RPG. Why not? Because in today's environment one can produce and publish digitally for almost nothing. Compared to pre-internet when one had to invent the game, publish hard copy AND somehow get it placed in the physical channel (Distributor --> Reseller ----> Brick & Mortar) with primarily self financing. If one cannot produce a good game in PDF format and put it on DriveThru and the like without tens of thousands of $. It's probably not gonna be worth it.
It looks like this is mostly done, however there's something disingenuous about a mostly done game and a delivery of actual books a full year in the future.
If it is done where are the PDFs? It is not "disingenuous" it is ludicrous and probably a bit shifty.
Backed it for $95, curious to see if the physical quality of these is as good as the other Kickstarter offerings.
RE: "WHERE AT THE PDFS?!?", they already released a very substantial PDF sample with excepts from parts of the books; there is no fucking way this could have been produced without having 99% of the content written and laid out already. This isn't hard, guys.
EDIT: https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/dolmenwood-preview-pdf <---- it's literally the second block of text on the KS page.
Quote from: Brad on August 11, 2023, 11:42:04 AM
RE: "WHERE AT THE PDFS?!?", they already released a very substantial PDF sample
A sample isn't what I'm talking about. Fail for straw man
Quote from: Scooter on August 11, 2023, 11:43:52 AM
A sample isn't what I'm talking about. Fail for straw man
Just admit you have no idea WTF you're talking about and overreacted. The PDFs will be released whenever they're released; the last KS I think I got them fairly quickly after the campaign was over. The physical books took quite a bit longer to arrive, but that was expected.
How did I know you didn't read anything?
Quote
How will PDFs be delivered?
The PDFs will be available as a digital download via BackerKit. Backers will receive near-finished PDFs of the core books shortly after the campaign ends (see Shipping and Timeline). These will be updated as the final stages of development are completed. Other PDFs (e.g. adventures) will be made available via BackerKit when ready.
So...like you're just wrong?
I'm on the fence about this one.
Pros:
- I love the theme (lost shrines, standing stones, ley lines, fairy roads, Wood Gods, fairy nobles, etc.)
- Price point is good ($95 for three hardcovers)
- Cover art and layout look amazing
- Love the character classes (cleric, enchanter, fighter, friar, hunter, knight, magician, minstrel, and thief)
- Ascending AC
- Race + Class
Cons:
- Not sure about some of the races (goat-headed? fungus-riddled? bat-faced?)
- A lot of mushroom-related things (personal quirk. Not a mushroom fan.)
- X in 6 skill system
- Might be too whimsical
Cons are mostly minor. Leaning towards yes, but I need to check the 76-page preview first. More on that later.
Update: It just broke a million dollars in 5 days. A few months ago some people were suggesting that the emergence of Shadowdark had somehow invalidated or undermined OSE's status in the OSR. But that is apparently not the case, and judging from the KS comments, a lot of folks have invested in both. What this might also be is an indication of people's dissatisfaction with WOTC as indie games keep doing big business. And unlike, say, "Coyote & Crow," Gavin Norman has a proven track record of delivering quality products.
Quote from: Persimmon on August 14, 2023, 10:39:03 AM
Gavin Norman has a proven track record of delivering products.
That's all that matters, honestly. Kevin Crawford and him are the only people using KS that actually seem to be reliable about producing anything in a timely manner. While I back Troll Lords stuff as I collect C&C, I have no confidence in getting any of those books anytime soon and am pleasantly surprised when they finally show up. But even that's nothing compared to stuff like Dwimmermount and Far West.
Quote from: Brad on August 14, 2023, 10:43:52 AM
Quote from: Persimmon on August 14, 2023, 10:39:03 AM
Gavin Norman has a proven track record of delivering products.
That's all that matters, honestly. Kevin Crawford and him are the only people using KS that actually seem to be reliable about producing anything in a timely manner. While I back Troll Lords stuff as I collect C&C, I have no confidence in getting any of those books anytime soon and am pleasantly surprised when they finally show up. But even that's nothing compared to stuff like Dwimmermount and Far West.
Greg Gillespie usually delivers on time from my experience as well. But yeah, I love C&C as a system and the Troll Lords are good guys, but timely they are not and part of the problem seems to be that they always have too many things going on simultaneously. So everything ends up getting delayed. But in my experience no one is as bad as Sandy Peterson. He admits starting new project to fund old ones and still asks people for extra money to pay shippers to get product off the pallets.
Quote from: Brad on August 14, 2023, 10:43:52 AM
Quote from: Persimmon on August 14, 2023, 10:39:03 AM
Gavin Norman has a proven track record of delivering products.
That's all that matters, honestly. Kevin Crawford and him are the only people using KS that actually seem to be reliable about producing anything in a timely manner. While I back Troll Lords stuff as I collect C&C, I have no confidence in getting any of those books anytime soon and am pleasantly surprised when they finally show up. But even that's nothing compared to stuff like Dwimmermount and Far West.
I got my Hyperborea stuff in a timely matter. So I"d North Wind Adventures to that list too.
Quote from: Scooter on August 11, 2023, 10:47:17 AM
If it is done where are the PDFs?
They're on my hard drive. Patreon backers have had access and input on the PDFs over the last couple of years. They are mostly done. The layout, pages, rules and content are all there with TODOs in some of the text areas. I think another year for Gavin to obsess over the layout and finish text is a realistic schedule. Though no shade to anyone who wants to just wait for the finished product.
Quote from: Lynn on August 10, 2023, 01:45:18 AM
My interest dropped considerably after this changed from an OSE setting to its own game system.
The OGL shake up ended up with a lot of designers wanting to shift more away from WoTC material and that ended up turning Dolemwood into a little more of its own thing. Also, OSE has sort of become a very popular "newbie" OSR game and there are elements of that system which get the same questions over and over again. So Dolemwood is also intended to be a bit more newbie friendly, clearer on some rules, and emphasizes certain OSR game concepts better for people who may be coming from 5E.
Quote from: Dracones on August 14, 2023, 11:40:20 AM
The OGL shake up ended up with a lot of designers wanting to shift more away from WoTC material and that ended up turning Dolemwood into a little more of its own thing. Also, OSE has sort of become a very popular "newbie" OSR game and there are elements of that system which get the same questions over and over again. So Dolemwood is also intended to be a bit more newbie friendly, clearer on some rules, and emphasizes certain OSR game concepts better for people who may be coming from 5E.
But not all of their customer base.
I am sure that many that heard about the forthcoming Dolmenwood setting had that in mind as an OSE setting and, it partially drove some to purchase OSE (directly or, in the recent OSE Kickstarter). Changing Dolmenwood to its own thing breaks compatibility with OSE, and its asking OSE purchasers to go out and buy yet another rule set that they don't want and don't need.
Quote from: Lynn on August 14, 2023, 12:12:12 PM
But not all of their customer base.
I am sure that many that heard about the forthcoming Dolmenwood setting had that in mind as an OSE setting and, it partially drove some to purchase OSE (directly or, in the recent OSE Kickstarter). Changing Dolmenwood to its own thing breaks compatibility with OSE, and its asking OSE purchasers to go out and buy yet another rule set that they don't want and don't need.
Does this really matter to you, though? I am sure anyone on this board could use Dolmenwood in any OSR-style system with absolutely zero brain power expended. I certainly do not need yet-another slightly different rules-set, but functionally it's irrelevant in play. I think the off-beat fae stuff will draw in some newbies who might not GAF about regular old D&D, which means more players who are not buying WotC stuff. If this is a war, you gotta do whatever it takes to win. Same with the ascending AC argument. Yeah, it doesn't have an attack chart, just a simple BAB bonus. And? The dude is producing a product that will actually exist and people can buy and play in an OSR-style, which is a win for anyone who likes real RPGs. Getting hung up about ascending AC when the 800 pound gorilla already uses it and everyone with any sort of exposure to modern D&D already knows how it works is just a dumb hill to die on.
This isn't a personal attack since I actually am somewhat annoyed at the direction this is taking, too, but in the bigger picture, this is ultimately a win for us. The more people we can get off the WotC bandwagon and playing real RPGs, the more the hobby will thrive. I consider Dolmenwood nothing more than a gateway drug to AD&D.
+1 for North Wind Adventures. Dolmenwood looks interesting; glad it's seeing this success.
Quote from: Brad on August 14, 2023, 12:35:47 PM
Quote from: Lynn on August 14, 2023, 12:12:12 PM
But not all of their customer base. I am sure that many that heard about the forthcoming Dolmenwood setting had that in mind as an OSE setting and, it partially drove some to purchase OSE (directly or, in the recent OSE Kickstarter). Changing Dolmenwood to its own thing breaks compatibility with OSE, and its asking OSE purchasers to go out and buy yet another rule set that they don't want and don't need.
Does this really matter to you, though? I am sure anyone on this board could use Dolmenwood in any OSR-style system with absolutely zero brain power expended. I certainly do not need yet-another slightly different rules-set, but functionally it's irrelevant in play.
Yes, it does.
A new rules set is just stuff I don't want or need or want to pay for, even though I can afford it.
On the technical side as a GM, sure, it isn't hard. But just like my previous point, I don't want to have to do that. If there are stat blocks in the campaign book, I want OSE stat blocks, for the purposes of convenience.
I don't have any problem with OSR books that present themselves as OSR products. I have picked up quite a few of those.
This decision to turn it into a game with a modified engine is clearly a business decision to sell more. I totally get that. It is however, a disservice to those that bought OSE with the notion that a campaign setting for OSE was on its way.
Quote from: Persimmon on August 14, 2023, 10:39:03 AM
Update: It just broke a million dollars in 5 days. A few months ago some people were suggesting that the emergence of Shadowdark had somehow invalidated or undermined OSE's status in the OSR. But that is apparently not the case, and judging from the KS comments, a lot of folks have invested in both. What this might also be is an indication of people's dissatisfaction with WOTC as indie games keep doing big business. And unlike, say, "Coyote & Crow," Gavin Norman has a proven track record of delivering quality products.
It is good that people are looking to branch out from the Wotzi umbrella. Even if they are largely clones.
I would also take this as a sign that
in general people want complete games (Rules+Setting).
OSE is nice and all, but it is a B/X rules reference that relied largely on pre-existing TSR era modules and settings...
Quote from: Brad on August 14, 2023, 12:35:47 PM
...
This isn't a personal attack since I actually am somewhat annoyed at the direction this is taking, too, but in the bigger picture, this is ultimately a win for us. The more people we can get off the WotC bandwagon and playing real RPGs, the more the hobby will thrive. I consider Dolmenwood nothing more than a gateway drug to AD&D.
^This^
Whatever grumbling people have about ascending AC and the integrated game & setting - ultimately the direction taken with Dolemwood was the right one for the publisher, and the majority of the audience has apparently agreed.
Hopefully the publisher follows up with support to grow the games player network.
Am I the only one who thinks the basic book covers look better than the limited edition designs?
Comparison of the monster book (basic on left, limited on right)
The rules changes for Dolmenwood vs OSE are summarized here. They are 90%+ compatible with OSE and what little requires conversion can be done on the fly in your head. They are either quality of life changes or simplifications/clarifications specifically targeted at new players/GMs.
https://necroticgnome.com/blogs/news/dolmenwood-core-rules
Quote
Core Rules: Mechanical Changes
Just one. Removing descending Armour Class / THAC0 / the attack matrix.
Reason: Ascending AC is a bit easier for complete newcomers to understand, is much easier to explain, and is already familiar to the vast majority of gamers (via D&D 3, 4, 5 and their associated ecosystems). The standard OSE dual format ("AC 8 [11]") looks arcane and confusing for new players.
Core Rules: Presentation Changes
Adventuring Skills
There are a bunch of X-in-6 based skills common to all character classes hidden away in B/X (e.g. listening at doors, searching for traps, the surprise roll, etc). Dolmenwood will present these as a skill system, rather than as ad hoc rolls. There will be 3 skills: Listen, Search, Survival. The underlying mechanic for these checks remains the same (i.e. X-in-6 chance of success, with certain races / classes getting an improved chance of success).
Reason: Explaining this "hidden skills system" explicitly makes it easier to understand and apply.
Saving Throw Categories
Dolmenwood will use slightly different names for the 5 save categories: Doom, Ray, Hold, Blast, Spell. The mechanic for rolling saves remains the same.
Doom: Effects that instantly kill or inflict ongoing physical malignities—for example, poison, disease, death magic.
Ray: Rapidly moving, directional effects that can be dodged—for example, energy rays, magic wands.
Hold: Effects that hinder or prevent movement—for example, paralysis, petrification, falling rocks that may crush or pin characters.
Blast: Lethal energy effects that fill a wide area—for example, wyrm breath, explosions.
Spell: Potent, directly targeted effects—for example, arcane or holy spells, fairy glamours, magic staves or scrolls.
Reason: This makes the save categories more broadly applicable (e.g. Ray instead of Magic Wand, Blast instead of Breath Attack), which makes them easier to understand and apply.
Movement Rates
Are noted in a simplified format: "Speed 40", rather than "MR 120' (40')"
Reason: Exploration speed (the "120'" in the example) rarely matters for monsters. It's just noise to include it in all stat blocks.
Hit Dice
Monster Hit Dice are being reframed as monster Level (to match PC level).
Reason: Hit Dice is an odd term that means pretty much the same as another term that already exists: level. Melding the two terms makes the game easier to understand.
Character Creation: Changes
Separate Race + Class
The race + class character creation method is the default, with race-as-class options presented in the appendix. Note that the method of character creation doesn't affect the core game rules in any way. A race-as-class Halfling created using the B/X rules can adventure alongside a race + class Grimalkin Hunter without issue.
Reason: OSE presents two methods of character creation: one based on B/X, the other based on AD&D. The two different methods make sense to people versed in D&D history, but are a really common point of confusion for newcomers. Zoning in on just a single method makes the game much easier to understand. The vast majority of players are already familiar with the race + class option, making it the obvious choice.
Standard Classes
Dolmenwood will include the standard cleric, fighter, thief, and magic-user classes. (In addition to the following Dolmenwood-specific classes: enchanter, friar, hunter, knight, minstrel. A total of 9 classes.) Each of the standard classes will have some minor tweaks, tying it in with the setting and/or adding some common house rules. As noted above for races, a standard B/X thief will be able to adventure alongside a Dolmenwood thief without issue, should players wish.
Cleric: Can use any type of weapon, but only holy magic weapons. Chooses to be a member of one of 3 Dolmenwood holy orders, each granting a small class ability.
Fighter: Gain a combat talent every 4 levels, from level 2.
Magic-user: Use the AD&D style spell book rules (see OSE Advanced Fantasy). Roll or choose from a list of starting spell books. Gain detect magic as an X-in-6 class skill (each attempt takes 1 turn).
Thief: Use X-in-6 skills across the board, unified with the general adventuring skills framework. Optional point buy system for skill improvement.
Reason: Cleaning things up a bit, better tying things in with the setting, and adding a few extra abilities to classes that are commonly house ruled.
Referee-Facing Stuff
Monster #Appearing
Will be listed in a simplified format. (The exact format isn't yet finalised.)
Reason: The B/X #Appearing format is very weird and confusing.
Treasure Types
These will be replaced by a new system of letter codes and treasure tables separately listing Coins, Riches (gems, jewellery, art objects), and Magic. Each list will be sorted in order of average value, making it easy to choose a treasure type by looking down the list. (There'll be a 1:1 conversion guide from the B/X treasure types, for those who need it.)
Reason: The B/X treasure types don't follow any kind of pattern, making them difficult to understand and use.
Monster Tags
Monsters will be listed with "tags" noting their size (small, medium, large), creature type (fairy, undead, animal, etc), and intelligence (mindless, animal, low, etc).
Reason: This simple addition clarifies a lot of other rules, for example which monsters count as "larger than human-sized" for the sake of small characters gaining an AC bonus.
Equipment
There'll be a bunch of tiny changes and additions here and there, such as:
Slow weapons: Removing this rule as virtually no one uses it.
Rations: Stating how long rations of each type remain fresh.
Crossbows: Making them armour piercing (+2 to attack vs metal armour), to counteract their Reload downside.
Battle axes: Now one-handed.
Silver: Specifying the cost of making silver weapons of any kind (i.e. not just daggers and arrows).
Reason: Adding useful little details, clearing up minor rules.
Quote from: Aglondir on August 14, 2023, 03:34:48 PM
Am I the only one who thinks the basic book covers look better than the limited edition designs?
Comparison of the monster book (basic on left, limited on right)
You're not alone. I think the original looks clean and evocative, while the LE looks cluttered, and covers the art. Definitely gilding the lily.
Jon Britton is hard-selling this setting/game to me:
https://youtu.be/TYAOz1ShB6w
He goes through a few of the monsters, so SPOILERS
Does anyone know when the pdfs are due to be available?
I backed the kickstarter, and was going to make this my next campaign. I thought that the pdfs would be available when the backerkit site went live, but that seems to not be the case. Now I'm not sure if I should wait or go ahead and start something else.
So this is loosely based around OSR rules?
I would have used something entirely different than classes and levels I think, since it looks more fairy-tale like.
Looks nice though.
Quote from: Trond on October 08, 2023, 10:47:04 PM
So this is loosely based around OSR rules?
I would have used something entirely different than classes and levels I think, since it looks more fairy-tale like.
Looks nice though.
Not even loosely. It's about 80% B/X with a few AD&Disms like separating race & class, though he offers race as class as an option. From the preview, if you know B/X and/or AD&D, you can learn this game in minutes. Gavin shifted gears a bit due to the OGL fiasco, but he's a B/X fan at heart so it was never going to stray too far from those roots.
Quote from: ForgottenF on October 08, 2023, 09:50:39 PM
Does anyone know when the pdfs are due to be available?
I backed the kickstarter, and was going to make this my next campaign. I thought that the pdfs would be available when the backerkit site went live, but that seems to not be the case. Now I'm not sure if I should wait or go ahead and start something else.
In the Kickstarter update dated Sep 9, they said the early release pdfs would go out in about a month. So I'd assume any day now. Someone asked the same question in the KS comments a few days ago, but hasn't been answered yet. I know from backing Gavin's Patreon for awhile that he did have the books quite close to completion, so I don't think it will take them too long.
They just released the PDFs for the player's book and character sheet in BackerKit today.
I just saw that. Thanks both of you. Good thing I knew to wait.
I missed the deadline for the KS due to having to exercise some fiscal discipline. I can't wait until this thing is released. I am dying to sink my teeth into it.
Quote from: Trond on October 08, 2023, 10:47:04 PM
So this is loosely based around OSR rules?
I would have used something entirely different than classes and levels I think, since it looks more fairy-tale like.
Looks nice though.
Reading all the available material about it, it's essentially OSE with a couple of tweaks. The differences are centered around classes and races. I am to understand you can run this ignoring the internal mechanics and use OSE or any other of your favorite OSR clones.
Quote from: cavalier973 on August 09, 2023, 12:09:37 PM
Link here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/dolmenwood-tabletop-rpg?ref=nav_search&result=popular&term=Dolm
I got the notification email @ 09:02 CST
@ 11:20 CST, the pledges are at $340,000 by 2300 backers
Why wasn't this moved to the kickstarter thread where it belongs? ???