Is There a Level-less RPG? - Page 2

Magus · 10-07-2007, 11:09 PM

I think most Pen and paper RPGs have that format. Someone else mentioned similar to what Barrel-Hating Sycophant mentioned is that is is supposed to be like a real battle where you and your opponent are dodging and spinning around and parrying and all that. Except without any flashy visuals like in a video game. Also this may not translate into FUN.

But be assured they're all like that. Even the (real) video game versions of D&D are like that. Just play Pool of Radiance and watch your characters miss constantly forever (still a great game(s) though).

I guess the only consolation I can give you is that your opponents are supposed to not hit you very often either. They probably do, though.

What does BESM stand for, Nayno?

Nintendonick4 · 10-09-2007, 09:18 AM

If I may take that one, BESM stand for 'Big Eyes, Small Mouth.' It's a quite good d20 system that is supposedly anime-based, but can really be used for anything you like. I enjoy how open the system is, it's very adaptable.

CheshireThief · 10-10-2007, 04:37 AM

I -would- say play Paranoia if you don't like levels... But if you like -hitting- things, chances are it's treason and you're now dead. Send in the next clone.

Breakthrough · 10-12-2007, 01:59 PM

Why do people always assume I want to hit all the time? I'm looking for 45-55% hit rate not 10-12% like I get as a level 1 fighter. There IS a happy medium to be had. If I only hit with natural 20 then a mage is just as good at beating people up as a fighter.

I want to play as an Armor-clad, non-magical warrior and not feel like I'm a extra-weak paladin.

But from your responses it would appear that there is no RPG to satisfy that desire.

bluestarultor · 10-12-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nintendonick4

If I may take that one, BESM stand for 'Big Eyes, Small Mouth.' It's a quite good d20 system that is supposedly anime-based, but can really be used for anything you like. I enjoy how open the system is, it's very adaptable.

Since when did it go d20? It was always Tri-Stat. D20 would totally ruin it.

For those who don't know, Tri-Stat is based literally on three main stats: Body, Mind, and Soul. Body handles all your physical abilities and checks, Mind is for your character's general mental prowess (sometimes used in place of Soul for psionics) and perception checks, and Soul is the basis for your magic and willpower checks. All stats range from 1-12, with 4 being considered on par with a normal adult human. And the entire game is based on 2d6.

I highly recommend BESM 2nd Edition, but played on a 1st ed. sheet. As a former hardcore BESM player and rarely GM, I can tell you it's a lot easier that way. And totally go for the green book if you can. The blue book made nothing more than a few insignificant tweaks and totally boned all the formatting into a jumbled mess. I also highly recommend doing your stats the 1st edition way, as 2d6 + 10, then running your attribute and skill points as 20/20. It tends to keep an easy game balance that way.

As for video games, Chrono Cross has no level system per se. They grow naturally.

Zilla · 10-13-2007, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurusloth

Explain. I have played GURPS repeatedly and was, on average, happy during that time.

Agreed, GURPS is a solid system, it's levelless, and I absolutely adore it's combat.

Professor Smarmiarty · 10-13-2007, 01:57 AM

I don't know I couldn't stand GURPS. It just seemed like a continual grind with no real achievements to be gained, and too much focus on combat.

Oh and paranoia is higly recommended but will drive you mad.

Nintendonick4 · 10-14-2007, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluestarultor

Since when did it go d20? It was always Tri-Stat. D20 would totally ruin it.

Er, sorry. I have the first first edition, and while it does have plenty of Tri-Stat elements, it does utilize d20s quite often. The only books I've seen are first release, reprint of first release, and the most recent one.
Also, in my edition, your stats aren't 2d6+10, 4 isn't normal... Okay, at this point I'm doubting my own testimony since you seem to know what you're talking about,so I'm going to go get my book and check.

...

I am in shock. Apparently I have a rare, limited edition of BESM d20.
I... I... Wow. I'm seeing the world from a completely different angle now... Anyway, I guess you were right about your book and I was right about mine.

10-07-2007, 11:09 PM	#11
Magus Archer and Armstrong vs. the World Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 7,164	I think most Pen and paper RPGs have that format. Someone else mentioned similar to what Barrel-Hating Sycophant mentioned is that is is supposed to be like a real battle where you and your opponent are dodging and spinning around and parrying and all that. Except without any flashy visuals like in a video game. Also this may not translate into FUN. But be assured they're all like that. Even the (real) video game versions of D&D are like that. Just play Pool of Radiance and watch your characters miss constantly forever (still a great game(s) though). I guess the only consolation I can give you is that your opponents are supposed to not hit you very often either. They probably do, though. What does BESM stand for, Nayno? __________________ The Valiant Review

10-09-2007, 09:18 AM	#12
Nintendonick4 Regal of Zeal Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida, United States Posts: 6	If I may take that one, BESM stand for 'Big Eyes, Small Mouth.' It's a quite good d20 system that is supposedly anime-based, but can really be used for anything you like. I enjoy how open the system is, it's very adaptable. __________________ The Menchi and Moogle: A Disreputable Pub for the Purposes of Throwing up on your Grandmother's Shoes

10-10-2007, 04:37 AM	#13
CheshireThief Still RaiRai's ***** Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Shut up, KP. Posts: 2,365	I -would- say play Paranoia if you don't like levels... But if you like -hitting- things, chances are it's treason and you're now dead. Send in the next clone. __________________ Holy crap! A CheshireThief spotting!

10-12-2007, 01:59 PM	#14
Breakthrough Smiling Alchemist Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 24	Why do people always assume I want to hit all the time? I'm looking for 45-55% hit rate not 10-12% like I get as a level 1 fighter. There IS a happy medium to be had. If I only hit with natural 20 then a mage is just as good at beating people up as a fighter. I want to play as an Armor-clad, non-magical warrior and not feel like I'm a extra-weak paladin. But from your responses it would appear that there is no RPG to satisfy that desire.

10-13-2007, 01:57 AM	#17
Professor Smarmiarty Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: K-space Posts: 9,758	I don't know I couldn't stand GURPS. It just seemed like a continual grind with no real achievements to be gained, and too much focus on combat. Oh and paranoia is higly recommended but will drive you mad.