(Hi, I'm new. And English is not my first language. So if you don't understand what I'm writing, it's probably not your fault.;) )
To the point:
I'm very interested in buying the RPG Hollow Earth Expedition. From everything I have read so far, reviews included, this seems to be a great game. But I have one problem: I don't care for its time frame. The 1930s don't interest me at all. For some reason, I think that the Hollow Earth idea is better suited for the Victorian age.
So, what I would like to know is, if it would still make sense for me to buy HEX and play it Victorian style or if it would be easier to take a Victorian RPG and incorporate the Hollow Earth idea into it. For example, would it be possible to use the HEX character classes in a Victorian setting? That one is very important. What about the HEX skills? Are they somehow closely tied to a more modern time frame? And I guess I would have to change the equipment and weapon lists?
I hope that was somehow intelligible. Thanks for any answers.
Well, seeing as how HEX doesn't have character classes, you can safely make up anything you want. Go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief right now, my friend. Feels good, huh?
Skills in HEX are also pretty generic; although I don't have the book right here by my side, I don't think they're tied to any particular time in history. If you really, REALLY need to have a Phrenology skill, just add it in.
As far as weapons, well...just ignore automatic pistols and any out-of-period rifles and you'll be OK.
There's nothing in HEX that ties it down to the 20's/30's; go ahead and put waistcoats and bustles on anything you want.
Oh, and welcome to the site, Ysbyrd!
Welcome.
Now I'm going to do the unthinkable, and disagree with Dr Rotwang! I think you might be better off with your favorite generic system tailored to the Victorian era. The HEX game is pretty to look at and mechanically it looks solid, but there really isn't a whole buch of stuff about the Hollow Earth itself included (if you don't count the rather lackluster beastary, there is less than 20 pages of setting material, in fact.) The thirties get more coverage, or at least so it seems to me. If you ae looking for setting information there are far more ideas in your average Burroughs pelucidar novel which can often be had used or new for a fraction of HEX will cost you- print or pdf.
I hate to knock the game, which is beatifully presented, but i was personally a bit underwhelmed by the settting stuff, and I agree that the 1930's is a less than optimal time period for the Hollow Earth.
Aos' brazen defiance of my WORD AND LAW* brings up a good question, Ysbyrd. Are you impressed by HEX as a system, or as a setting resource?
That's an important distinction that I, uh...should have asked.
Before.
But.
Um.
I didn't.
*This statement is hilariously preposterous.
Quote from: AosWelcome.
I think you might be better off with your favorite generic system tailored to the Victorian era. The HEX game is pretty to look at and mechanically it looks solid, but there really isn't a whole buch of stuff about the Hollow Earth itself included (if you don't count the rather lackluster beastary, there is less than 20 pages of setting material, in fact.)
Well, I'm not a fan of generic systems but I have a whole library of Victorian games like Space 1889, Castle Falkenstein, Passages, Gaslight Cthulhu ... But I'm not a fan of any of these systems either. I hoped that the HEX system would be better. But if you tell me that the stuff on Hollow Earth is lacking, that's a bit of a disappointment. Less than 20 pages? So, it's in fact more a 1930s pulp game with Hollow Earth stuff as an added bonus? That's a shame.
Thanks for the info, though.
Quote from: Dr Rotwang!Aos' brazen defiance of my WORD AND LAW* brings up a good question, Ysbyrd. Are you impressed by HEX as a system, or as a setting resource?
A little explanation is due here: I don't have a FLGS. I have to order everything online. I can't thumb through the books before buying. So I don't know if I would be impressed by HEX. I can only go by the stuff I read in reviews. And that can very misleading.
I don't have a favorite system for Victorian games. I used to play Castle Falkenstein but I always thought that this system read much better than it actually played. So, if the HEX system was good that would be an incentive to buy it. But, than again, if it is lacking as a setting resource that would be a bit of a disappointment.
No problem. I thought maybe you'd read some enticing stuff in reviews or something. I like the game, personally, and here's some good stuff I had to say about it. (http://xbowvsbuddha.blogspot.com/2007/04/nazis-at-grand-central-station.html)
That said, HEX's system is fairly light; it's fast and furious. Lots of dice but little counting -- you're just looking for even rolls. In fact, in many cases, you're encouraged not to roll if the situation doesn't really warrant it.
My FLGS doesn't carry more than D&D and WoD, so...I can't pick this stuff up and thumb through it, either.
Quote from: Dr Rotwang!No problem. I thought maybe you'd read some enticing stuff in reviews or something. I like the game, personally, and here's some good stuff I had to say about it. (http://xbowvsbuddha.blogspot.com/2007/04/nazis-at-grand-central-station.html)
.
I have read every review I could find and they were all saying positive things about the game. I guess this was more a retorical thread. Because, knowing me, I will buy it anyway. I had some money put aside for The Great Pendragon Campaign but that seems to be out of print (?). So this money will probably get me HEX instead.