Post by Ironnerd on Aug 24, 2020 23:44:38 GMT
Introduction to BEz
BEz (short for Basic and Expert D&D Zeta) is a set of Homebrew rules inspired by some very nice OSR works that is intended to help bring BECM into the 2020's.
As much as I enjoy the simplicity and playability of BECM D&D, I do recognize that in the nearly forty years since it’s publishing, games and gamers have changed quite a bit. Where BECM was a pretty simple system in 1983, by the standards of 2020 it’s complex and even confusing. I still like the level of simplicity that comes from Race equaling a class, and the nice touches like different classes progress differently through the experience path. I also dislike such abominations as a Half-Elf Cleric-Thief. That's just not how I game.
So, in my modest free time, I gathered together some ideas that I thought would enhance BECM while still keeping it compatible with the original modules and accessories. The content of the following posts is my attempt to sweeten up BECM to help it be more playable for 21st century gamers, while still keeping as much of its simplicity and “old-schooliness” as possible.
Some of the goals for BEz are:
► To make as many rolls as possible X+ on d20.
► Streamline combat.
► Update the system to be fun and easy-to-play while keeping it backwards compatible with BESM Modules and Accessories.
► Create a modern playing experience with Old School feel.
Some may ask why I don't just play 5e? Well, in BECM and BEz, I can go from a blank sheet of paper to a character in a dungeon in under an hour. Most of the rules I need to play fit in a single thin book (available as a PDF from Drivethrurpg.com for 5 USD).
Why "Zeta"? Well... BECMI is based upon B/X - it's pretty much the same rules, but with some cool walk-through tutorials. I've never had a character make it to "Companion" level, so out of BECMI, I only ever use BE. "Zeta" is a reference to one of my other favorite indulgences; ANIME! There was a series that came out about the same time as B/X called Mobile Suit Gundam, which was followed by Mobile Suite Zeta Gundam, and then by Mobile suit ZZ Gundam (see the pattern?). Maybe it's not the right genre, but the naming convention works, and evokes some funky 1980's nostalgia.
Anyone is welcomed to try these rules out, and can feel free to comment or even suggest variations. I don't really use them much any more as I have finally migrated my players back to THAC0 (makes DMing a hair easier)
Note: BEz does not go beyond "Expert" level since very few players run characters past 10th (±) level.
BEz (short for Basic and Expert D&D Zeta) is a set of Homebrew rules inspired by some very nice OSR works that is intended to help bring BECM into the 2020's.
As much as I enjoy the simplicity and playability of BECM D&D, I do recognize that in the nearly forty years since it’s publishing, games and gamers have changed quite a bit. Where BECM was a pretty simple system in 1983, by the standards of 2020 it’s complex and even confusing. I still like the level of simplicity that comes from Race equaling a class, and the nice touches like different classes progress differently through the experience path. I also dislike such abominations as a Half-Elf Cleric-Thief. That's just not how I game.
So, in my modest free time, I gathered together some ideas that I thought would enhance BECM while still keeping it compatible with the original modules and accessories. The content of the following posts is my attempt to sweeten up BECM to help it be more playable for 21st century gamers, while still keeping as much of its simplicity and “old-schooliness” as possible.
Some of the goals for BEz are:
► To make as many rolls as possible X+ on d20.
► Streamline combat.
► Update the system to be fun and easy-to-play while keeping it backwards compatible with BESM Modules and Accessories.
► Create a modern playing experience with Old School feel.
Some may ask why I don't just play 5e? Well, in BECM and BEz, I can go from a blank sheet of paper to a character in a dungeon in under an hour. Most of the rules I need to play fit in a single thin book (available as a PDF from Drivethrurpg.com for 5 USD).
Why "Zeta"? Well... BECMI is based upon B/X - it's pretty much the same rules, but with some cool walk-through tutorials. I've never had a character make it to "Companion" level, so out of BECMI, I only ever use BE. "Zeta" is a reference to one of my other favorite indulgences; ANIME! There was a series that came out about the same time as B/X called Mobile Suit Gundam, which was followed by Mobile Suite Zeta Gundam, and then by Mobile suit ZZ Gundam (see the pattern?). Maybe it's not the right genre, but the naming convention works, and evokes some funky 1980's nostalgia.
Anyone is welcomed to try these rules out, and can feel free to comment or even suggest variations. I don't really use them much any more as I have finally migrated my players back to THAC0 (makes DMing a hair easier)
Note: BEz does not go beyond "Expert" level since very few players run characters past 10th (±) level.
