I’m not exactly sure why Basic Fantasy Role Playing Game (http://www.basicfantasy.org/) bothers me so much (well maybe I am).  I just hate the fact that someone has basically copied someone else’s work, slapped their name on it and arrogantly takes credit for it.  

I mean, it isn’t like the OSRIC which is simply a reference document designed to legally write D&D 1st ed, adventures, if that was the case I’d probably LOVE The Basic Game…but the author acts like it’s his own creation, then arrogantly puts restrictions in the OGL license about how it can be used.

I mean what’s the point of even using BFRPG as opposed to the RC or any other version of Basic D&D?  Any of the original basic D&D rules, though long out of print, are more popular and recognized than BFRPG ever will be (despite being currently “n print”).  The changes to BFRPG from original Basic D&D are so minor as to be inconsequential (I changed the “to hit” system years ago with little more than a simple conversion table).  There is no nostalgia factor…and to be blunt, BFRPG is written and edited very poorly, making any version of basic easier to use, reference, or just read.  Picking Basic D&D up on eBay is cheaper than a print copy (or printing your own copy) of BFRPG, so the fact that it is also offered free online means little.  

The only point of BFRPG would be if it was set up as the OSRIC, to make basic adventures easy and legal to publish…but the restrictions in BFRPG kill this possibility.

So seriously, not only is BFRPG an insult to the original authors and creators of Basic D&D (IMHO)…but it’s rather pointless in the end.

Why would anyone play this other than just playing their preferred version of Basic D&D?

Do you mean Basic Fantasy? Link?

I don't know, really I don't.  Doesn't make any sense to me.  Why not play a good game instead?

Quote from: CalithenaDo you mean Basic Fantasy? Link?

Yes, sorry (edited the OP)...I could have sworn it was called "the basic game", not sure where I got that from, did they change the name, or am I thinking of something else?  I have a copy I printed up, so I know the material.

Maybe because they don't have any version of Basic D&D in their possession, don't want to mess with e-bay or mail order, and no other alternative is available locally.  Plus, it's free.

Quote from: GabrielMaybe because they don't have any version of Basic D&D in their possession, don't want to mess with e-bay or mail order, and no other alternative is available locally.  Plus, it's free.

True, but I find it hard to believe that anyone who has come across something as obscure as BFRPG doesn't have some experience with Basic D&D already...and it is probably the single most easy RPG item to find anywhere (hell, I find them at Goodwill often).  It's really only free if you don't print it up.  For the price of ink and paper you could pick up a copy of the real basic D&D game from any store that sells used RPG books or buy it online (If you are in fact, not against such things).

I don't begrudge Sol vanity publishing his own D&D homebrew. Let a thousand flowers blossom. I'd like to publish my own, actually, though not enough to actually put the effort into doing it.

I felt the same way about that FASERIP project everyone was going all ga-ga over.

Why the fuck should I give Phil Reed money just so he can repurpose someone else's work?

Quote from: grubmanAny of the original basic D&D rules, though long out of print, are more popular and recognized than BFRPG ever will be (despite being currently "n print").

If this is true, then what's the point in getting worked up over it? Besides, you're giving him free advertising with this. I'd never even heard of the system until you ranted about it. If I were slightly less lazy I might even click your link, read the system, and want to play it, thus fueling something you despise.

Quote from: James McMurrayIf this is true, then what's the point in getting worked up over it? Besides, you're giving him free advertising with this. I'd never even heard of the system until you ranted about it. If I were slightly less lazy I might even click your link, read the system, and want to play it, thus fueling something you despise.

Indeed. I followed the link and downloaded it. Looks useful!

Thanks for pointing it out, Grubman.

- Q

Quote from: J ArcaneI felt the same way about that FASERIP project everyone was going all ga-ga over.

Why the fuck should I give Phil Reed money just so he can repurpose someone else's work?

Are the guys behind FASERIP likely to relaunch the material? Would you like new FASERIP material?

- Q

Quote from: James McMurrayIf this is true, then what's the point in getting worked up over it? Besides, you're giving him free advertising with this. I'd never even heard of the system until you ranted about it. If I were slightly less lazy I might even click your link, read the system, and want to play it, thus fueling something you despise.

I wouldn't say "getting all worked up over it".  The point of the discussion was in the title, Why would anyone play this instead of just playing Basic D&D?...the rest was just miscellaneous opinions unrelated to the actual thread topic.

Quote from: QuireAre the guys behind FASERIP likely to relaunch the material? Would you like new FASERIP material?

- Q

I don't care.

It's called plagiarism.

Whether you game the law to get around it, at it's heart it's the same thing.

Now, it's one thing to make such a project available in the fashion that OSRIC has, but actually pulling a profit from someone else's work is another matter entirely.

It's wrong.  Period.

OSRIC was started months after Basic Fantasy. Basic Fantasy wasn't designed so that works could be made for profit, OSRIC was.

(edit: added the following)
It has ascending AC and splits race from class, my two main gripes with Basic D&D.

FWIW I like the idea of both BFRP & OSRIC.

Quote from: Casey777(edit: added the following)
It has ascending AC and splits race from class, my two main gripes with Basic D&D.

Which took me about 10 minutes (seriously) to house rule ages ago