What's the difference between first and second edition?  I've heard good things about the world.

That's a good question; the only one I saw was 1st edition, I believe, and it was a very good alternative to D&D in its time.

RPGPundit

I'm particularly interested in the setting, which I'd like to use with C&C.  I hear the setting rocks.  I'm most interested in setting differences, as I don't care for the Palladium system.

There's a fairly long thread on rpg.net about this, I'll see if I can dig it out.

In short though, first edition is a classic fantasy game that's a lot of fun.  My understanding is that second messed that up with dumb rules changes that added nothing to the game.

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=274404&highlight=palladium+fantasy

Here are some others talking about it:

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=258822&highlight=palladium+fantasy

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=280785&highlight=palladium+fantasy

http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?referrerid=&t=278178&highlight=palladium+fantasy

I haven't actually played in the Palladium world, but from the books I own I'd say that it's a pretty standard fantasy world. But there's lots of good material available, so you don't need to do that much work. The Wolfen are kinda cool, a non-standard, non-human race with a huge empire. This makes a lot of games not as humano-centric as you'd get elsewhere...

I'd take a look at the magic system, even if you want to play with C&C. Some of that could be salvaged, and having some unique spells and magic paths makes a world more unique.

The world of PF is very grey. And the battles of old and the civilizations of old are scary shit. Enter Old One Dungeons at your own risk.
In OD&D killer dungeons, you have a slim chance, based on smarts.
In Siembieda Old One Dungeons, you are fucked, except for luck and cowardice. Period.

Thanks for the links Balbinus.  I reread those threads to see if they could answer my question, and they haven't.

Is there any difference between first and second edition besides rules?  Is the second edition a total rewrite of the game?

I want the setting, and if it's exactly the same or incredibly similar (the edition's sourcebooks are compatible, setting wise), I can just order the book from Palladium.  If I have to hunt down the 1st ed. of the game, I'd like to know.

I'll not be using the mechanics, so it doesn't bother me if the rules are different between the editions.

Quote from: SosthenesI'd take a look at the magic system, even if you want to play with C&C. Some of that could be salvaged, and having some unique spells and magic paths makes a world more unique.

I think I will.  Palladium's house system should be pretty compatible with C&C in some ways, being a ripoff of old D&D.

Quote from: joewolzThanks for the links Balbinus.  I reread those threads to see if they could answer my question, and they haven't.

Is there any difference between first and second edition besides rules?  Is the second edition a total rewrite of the game?

I want the setting, and if it's exactly the same or incredibly similar (the edition's sourcebooks are compatible, setting wise), I can just order the book from Palladium.  If I have to hunt down the 1st ed. of the game, I'd like to know.

I'll not be using the mechanics, so it doesn't bother me if the rules are different between the editions.

Since you aren't using the mechanics, just go ahead and pick up 2e.  There won't be any problem.  I actually think that books like Adventure on the High Seas are great setting books all on their own.  There's the journal for a ship that sailed around the known Palladium world, which is cool, and it also goes on to describe a lot of the maritime lands.  Just something to consider if you find you really dig the setting.

Quote from: Zachary The FirstSince you aren't using the mechanics, just go ahead and pick up 2e.  There won't be any problem.  I actually think that books like Adventure on the High Seas are great setting books all on their own.  There's the journal for a ship that sailed around the known Palladium world, which is cool, and it also goes on to describe a lot of the maritime lands.  Just something to consider if you find you really dig the setting.

I'm fairly certain I'm going to like the setting, it seems damn cool.  Can I use the sourcebooks from either edition?  Or does the world change?

Quote from: joewolzI'm fairly certain I'm going to like the setting, it seems damn cool.  Can I use the sourcebooks from either edition?  Or does the world change?

There are a few minor tweaks, but all in all, its pretty close to the same.

If you are not going to use the rules I would suggest taking a look @ some of the setting books in addition to the core book. IMO, Palladium Fantasy has one of the best settings of any fantasy game.

Quote from: McrowIf you are not going to use the rules I would suggest taking a look @ some of the setting books in addition to the core book. IMO, Palladium Fantasy has one of the best settings of any fantasy game.

Which ones are best?  Will I understand them without the corebook?

Quote from: joewolzWhich ones are best?  Will I understand them without the corebook?

Adventures on the High Seas is a good overview look that would help get you started. You'd  be able to understand and use most source material even without the core book.  Eastern Territory, Western Empire, Northern Hinterlands--each can stand on its own, or easily be linked to the other books in the series.

Quote from: RPGPunditThat's a good question; the only one I saw was 1st edition, I believe, and it was a very good alternative to D&D in its time.

RPGPundit

Total agreement on this, compared to 2nd ed AD&D (which is what I started with) the Palladium Fantasy system seemed a huge improvement.  Ton's more options, more flexible magic system in that your one spell a day could be of any level that you knew. (if I'm remembering right.

2nd ed Palladium expanded on it and brought it up to date, also switched the spell system to a spellpoint system.  When you go up levels you can only learn free spells of your level or less, but if you can find a higher level spell in a scroll, you can learn and cast it.

Quote from: Zachary The FirstAdventures on the High Seas is a good overview look that would help get you started. You'd  be able to understand and use most source material even without the core book.  Eastern Territory, Western Empire, Northern Hinterlands--each can stand on its own, or easily be linked to the other books in the series.

I'd just list it as a great book in general, (2nd ed at least) say what you will about the system or the lack of ballance between different OCC's, but reading through the books almost always fills my brain with ideas for adventures, or a longing to have a pc visit some of the places.  (on the other hand I personally think the adventure in the book is insane, unworkable, and likely to end up with a player mutiny.)

I'd still like to run the adventure in the 1st ed. main book (no matter the system) but it would take a group of really good players to pull it off I think. I can't remember if the 2nd ed book has it or not.  If you like I can check on it, and I've got an extra copy of the main book that I'm looking to get rid of. PM or e-mail me if your interested. (moving out of state tomorrow so I'll be out of contact for a day or two)