Does anyone know of a retro-clone rulebook specifically emulating the old blue book version of D&D edited by Dr. Holmes? Anybody know of one in the works? Over the weekend I had a couple ideas as to how I would retroclone Holmes Basic, but I see no reason to duplicate someone else's efforts.
A Return to the Stars
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After a veeeeerrrryyyy long, and mostly unplanned, hiatus, Stuart and I got
together to play more Stargrave in recent days. It was good! It was also a
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I don't know if anyone have done it (if you exclude Sickly Purple Death Ray's Holmes XY, which is not meant to be released) neither if someone is working on it, but I would love a dr. Holmes retro-clone. Please go ahed with this!
ReplyDeleteI have heard it discussed, but haven't seen anything come of it yet. The general consensus is that Holmes is "close enough" to other rules sets that we don't need a clone of it. I feel it is different enough, and would LOVE to see you tackle it, Jeff. Regardless of what others have done or may do. I'd like to see a set of rules written in your voice.
ReplyDeleteAt one point, Brave Halfling was discussing it, but I think the S&W Whitebox may have eclipsed it.
ReplyDeleteHow would this project be different from what is already out there ? I ask this question because I really do think one of the things missing from the retro clone list is a nice short clean book of limited scope written for new gamers. BFRPG is 159 pages, DD is 345, LL is 138, S&W is 113 and god only knows how long LotFP is. I think the time has come for a 32 page book.
ReplyDelete@Chris--I don't know if this is the reason or not, but while scoping out prices for POD for my Flying Swordsmen RPG (Dragon Fist retro-clone) I realized that around 120-140 pages is the price break point. Make something shorter than that, and it will still have to sell for the same price as something that long.
ReplyDeleteFor a .pdf only release, it wouldn't matter. But if you're planning to sell print copies, I doubt many people these days would want to pay $20 for a 32-page book.
That being said, a nice simple "basic" Basic Set would be a nice way to introduce new players, especially of the youngest generation.
not aware of a Holmes-a-like in the works myself.
ReplyDeleteThere is a holmes12 floating about out there that is another extended holmes edit of sorts that tops out at level 12 I believe.
@Lord Gwydion, every issue of fight-on is under $20.00 and it has 30-120 page issues. Of course shipping will raise the price.
I'd actually pay more for a 32 page book that was well-written, concise and reasonably complete. Something like a cleaned-up Holmes would be ideal as a base game. I'd rather have that than something 100 pages or more, and would gladly pay for it since I'd value it more. It would have to be well-written though, maybe even clever, like some of the one-page game rules I have seen. Low page count is a limitation in a way, but it forces the designer to get creative and make smart choices in design.
ReplyDeleteThe closest thing to a Holmes clone was Steven Ege's Gray Book, but I see that it's no longer available. It was closer to AD&D than to the Holmes ed. clocking in at 146 pages. It was more of a "what if the Holme's edition was expanded.
ReplyDeleteI have it saved it you are interested.
There was 'The Grey Book' an exansion of Holmes to cover more levels. I downloaded it a while ago, but a quick check reveals the document isn't there anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe project is on the back burner at BHP but not forgotten. :)
ReplyDeleteWork has indeed begun on a Holmes clone. Myself and John Adams shelved the BHP project last year. James Maliszewski (Grognardia) and Rick Marshall (Oaths and Fates) have teamed up - inviting me along for the ride - to revive and bring this to fruition. No time frame at this stage, but work moves ahead at pace.
ReplyDelete