What Price Glory

brettmb · March 02, 2023, 04:11:15 PM

So I brought back another forgotten classic RPG to complement the others (Man, Myth & Magic, Sir Pelinore's Book, Supergame, etc.). This time it's What Price Glory from 1978. I completely remastered the layout for legibility while maintaining the feel of the original. This D&D alternative features classless characters that allow for experience in different areas, rather than getting stuck with just being a fighter or magic-user. It also features other unique twists, like planar travel and variable levels of power going into spell castings. The PDF is available now with optional softcover pre-order (the PDF is also available at DTRPG).

FingerRod · March 02, 2023, 05:04:56 PM

Ordered the digital/print. Somehow had never heard of this. Excited to go through it this weekend.

The remastered PDF is very well done. Great job.

brettmb · March 02, 2023, 06:37:49 PM

Thanks!!

Stephen Tannhauser · March 03, 2023, 12:42:58 AM

The preview pages are a little hard to read. Is there going to be a review of this going up on your "Forgotten RPGs" thread by any chance?

GhostNinja · March 03, 2023, 10:45:33 AM

Quote from: brettmb on March 02, 2023, 04:11:15 PM
So I brought back another forgotten classic RPG to complement the others (Man, Myth & Magic, Sir Pelinore's Book, Supergame, etc.). This time it's What Price Glory from 1978. I completely remastered the layout for legibility while maintaining the feel of the original. This D&D alternative features classless characters that allow for experience in different areas, rather than getting stuck with just being a fighter or magic-user. It also features other unique twists, like planar travel and variable levels of power going into spell castings. The PDF is available now with optional softcover pre-order (the PDF is also available at DTRPG).

This is interesting. What can you tell me about the mechanics? Has this been updated or is this a simple reprint of the original?

brettmb · March 03, 2023, 11:30:22 AM

Quote from: Stephen Tannhauser on March 03, 2023, 12:42:58 AM
The preview pages are a little hard to read. Is there going to be a review of this going up on your "Forgotten RPGs" thread by any chance?

It won't be a part of Forgotten RPGs, since I don't look over the ones I publish. I will try to do something about the previews. They are smaller than normal due to the layout.

brettmb · March 03, 2023, 11:34:01 AM

Quote from: GhostNinja on March 03, 2023, 10:45:33 AM
This is interesting. What can you tell me about the mechanics? Has this been updated or is this a simple reprint of the original?

The rules mostly use a d20 for combat, etc, with the typical other polynumerals for random rolls and damage. To-hit numbers require tables to lookup for roll-over values; this is based on the weapon used and armor class. Damage is split into Fatigue Points and Hits-to-Kill. Magic depends on the spell and your experience with it. Some rolls are roll-under. There is a mix of different systems. For example, thieving is based on a ratio derived from your skill vs. the opponent's skill or situational toughness. A table is then consulted for the number needed to roll.

GhostNinja · March 03, 2023, 12:17:43 PM

Quote from: brettmb on March 03, 2023, 11:34:01 AM

The rules mostly use a d20 for combat, etc, with the typical other polynumerals for random rolls and damage. To-hit numbers require tables to lookup for roll-over values; this is based on the weapon used and armor class. Damage is split into Fatigue Points and Hits-to-Kill. Magic depends on the spell and your experience with it. Some rolls are roll-under. There is a mix of different systems. For example, thieving is based on a ratio derived from your skill vs. the opponent's skill or situational toughness. A table is then consulted for the number needed to roll.

Ok thank you for the information

FingerRod · March 05, 2023, 09:50:43 AM

Brett, this game is fantastic. I finished my first pass.

I could not find a lot of information around its history. Only 500 copies, and it sounds like Zocchi purchased 300 of them for distribution. Not sure why it didn't catch on.

The remaster is beautiful. It would be frustrating to try to read the original print, not to mention the separate errata.

This is a must read for fans of OD&D and Chainmail. The different types of experience are great, and supports the adage, "If you want to be a thief, go steal something.".

Progression reminds me a little of the QFG CRPG in that you improve as you use skills, even down to the individual spells. The relationship with fatigue also had me thinking about QFG. Really innovative ideas.

brettmb · March 05, 2023, 12:27:16 PM

Glad you liked it, FingerRod. I especially like the task rules for experience.

brettmb · March 11, 2023, 03:25:07 PM

Pre-orders begin shipping on Monday.

Tasty_Wind · March 12, 2023, 01:42:49 PM

Got my physical book delivered yesterday. Read a fair bit of it.
Will I ever actually play it? Probably not, but still, I have a special place in my heart for these old elf game heart breakers, especially ones from the same decade as the little brown books. And honestly, some of the ideas in it ain't half bad.

You did a good job. Thumbs up.

brettmb · March 12, 2023, 03:28:40 PM

Thanks!