Post/Author/DateTime

Post

#1 jadebrain Jun 26, 2012 13:27:15

Hello, everyone. I'm designing my own system for a Pen n' Paper RPG, and during a discussion with one of my friends, it came up that a basic Player's Handbook for any given game should only include basic information - about 5 races, 20 professions (in this game, professions are basically "mini-classes" which, individually, only have a small impact on any given character, but which together add up to a more complete character), some basic spells and items here and there. While I agree with him, I also have a problem with this - specifically, regarding races and classes. In order to adequately introduce the flavor of the setting, at least ten races will have to be available at the start, not to mention the fact that I'm planning to have professions representing different weapon types (axes, bludgeoning, large blades, etc.) or spell colleges with equal coverage from the start. Obviously, I'm going to have to remove some content from the PHB in order to keep the game options simple enough at the beginning, but how should I keep the game complete from the get-go? Releasing the other options in a later PHB would only work in a setting like DnD 4.0's Nentir Vale, which was designed to be added to over time, but the setting of my game is intended to be less of a sandbox than Nentir Vale. One option I have been considering is taking a hint from DnD Essentials, and possibly releasing two Player's Handbooks at the same time. The options of races and professions would be split between the two books, but only having one book would still allow you to play the game because both books would include the full rules for players. Is this a good idea for a new game system? Why or why not? Any and all honest feedback would be appreciated.