[net.games.frp] RuneQuest editions

adam@ucsfcgl.UUCP (Adam Janin%Kuntz) (01/10/86)

I've been hearing things about different versions of runequest.
I have the original frp set.  Is it worth it to buy the new edition?
What's changed?

Please reply by e-mail if possible.

Thanks,

	Adam Janin
		adam@ucsfcgl
	or
		janin@cit-vax

cc100jr@gitpyr.UUCP (Joel M. Rives) (01/13/86)

The major change between the original RuneQuest and version III (other than
that it is now being put out by Avalon Hill) is in the magic system. They have
added a third type - Spirit/Battle and Rune/Divine magics being the original
two - which covers Sorcerous magic.
Another change which can be implemented withpout purchasing the new version is
the way and amount of experience gain. Originally, one subtracted the current
percentage skill from 100 and added whatever experience bonus the character had
A successful experience gain would be indicated by a D100 roll of less than the
generated number. If successful, the character would gain an automatic 5% to
that skill. The new version works as follows. A successful experience gain is   
determined by rolling greater than your current percentage in the skill on D100.
If your current skill level is >= 100 then the player must roll less than their
characters INT. If the roll is successful, the player can either roll D6 and add
the result to their character's current skill level or they can take a straight
3 percentile increase. This method prevents characters from advancing too     
quickly, which apparently was a problem in the earlier version. It also makes
for greater variance in skill levels. 
Speaking of RuneQuest, Avalon Hill has just recently released a new adjunct to
the system, "Monster Colesium". This boxed set includes a large fold out map
of a typical arena, a booklet detailing the workings of arenas and where things
are located on the inclosed map, details on the various types of gladiators -
both human and non-human, a multitude of pre-generated opponents for players
to oppose in the Colesium, details on how to construct chariots and how to
conduct chariot races, plus a greeat deal more. I highly recommend this role
playing aide to any one using the RuneQuest Rule system.

					  -Joel