When I clicked on the video, I felt a brief moment of confusion, and then I was laughing for nearly a minute straight. I like how simple and straightforward Shadowdark is, it seems like it would be ideal for a pickup game
I really appreciate the larger font size as one of those 'Grogs' myself. Whenever I get around to typesetting my own Fantasy Heartbreaker I'll also use a large sized font.
@@jaysw9585 Yeah that's the double edged sword of 'Large Print' books isn't it. Their page count increases by allot thus driving up the cost (and shipping weight) of an increasingly expensive hobby.
There's a way to open a new hardback book to protect the spine and get to open more easily / flatter. 1) set the book down on a table in front of you. With the book still closed, stand it up so that the spine is on the desk. 2) let the front cover down 3) let the back cover down 4) take about ten pages from the front of the book and flatten them down onto the table. Run your hand along the inside of the book to flatten them down. 5) take the last ten or so pages from the back of the book and do the same. 6) keep alternating between opening a few pages from the front and the back until you get to the centre of the book. 7) Repeat this a couple of times and you're good to go.
This is the kind of video I love. A bit of humor and valid points. I do think she could have been more verbose but she got the PHB, DMG, and MM all in one so being succinct was necessary. Good observation
Yeah she wrote adventures so it is 100% a style choice. She knows how to write. So you either like the ease of reading or you don't. I'm fine with either way.
Good review. Great product. Any DM worth his salt can easily use this for the world at large, not just dungeons. I intend to run B2, G1-3, and everything in the Dread Domain with this game. Maybe Desert of Desolation, too. Yes, I could use D&D or AD&D, but I've already beaten that dead horse to mush. This is lighter on rules and less cumbersome. In addition, this seems like a possible contender to knock Wazi down a peg. I look forward to the potential content that may be created for this game (such as modules and campaign settings). I'm an old gamer. Kelsey did a great job. She definitely deserves her awards and our general support.
I've played a LOT of roleplaying games since 1978. Shadowdark is my favorite version of D&D, and the one that makes me excited to run classic adventures like Caverns of Thracia. Really you can run old school adventures run straight from this book. Shadowdark comes with most of the stat blocks you need for these old modules. In a pinch you can use the old statblocks by subtracting the old AC from 20 to get new AC and halving hitpoints for creatures over 3 hitdice. Plus right from level one PCs feel like their classes - Fighters can fight, Thieves can thieve, Wizards and Priests can do their things too.
CHOMP CHOMP! *Laughing* Absolutely fantastic video, Jon! Your parody of Pundit had me roaring in laughter! OMG! So on point! Excellent review of ShadowDark as well! I run two ShadowDark games per week. The ShadowDark game is just awesome! I think the book is a pleasure to read, and certainly the players instantly fall in love with the ShadowDark game. As a DM, damn, you know? The ShadowDark book is so beautiful and crafted to be *USED* at the table. There are so many tools that are provided to make the DM's job of running a game easier, but also always fun! Semper Fidelis, SHARK
Okay some feedback on your review: You are right that coin encumbrance isn't that hard, however I have never seen it as concisely explained as Kelsey manages to do with SD's slot system. Dungeon generator: I originally agreed with Crossface and you on this, but now I no longer do: The dungeon generator is exactly what it needs to be for the way SD is intended to run. The removal of hirelings really changes the way dungeons feel, less epic and more of a sprint to get loot. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it fits what SD is. My assumption is that Kelsey knows Appendix A is there and sees no reason to replace that, but rather provide a tool that gives a different experience that suits the style of SD. On long term campaign play, you can do it, but the lack of strong rules outside the dungeon make it difficult unless your campaign wants to stay in the dungeon every session. Excellent review despite being high on cope.
Am I the only one who thinks that a game doesn't need strong rules for every part of the world? If it's a game just about going into dungeons, that's fine. It worked for old versions of D&D and we had a blast then. Hell, it worked for Castlevania for the entirety of it's existence.
@@titusgroen A game doesn't need strong rules but it needs SOME rules, which is where these sorts of games fail completely. PBbtA inspired schlock often tries it's best to never commit to ANYTHING remotely concrete and eventually just results in Calvinball. Old SChool DnD did have rules, very precise and stringent rules, it's just that it focused those rules on combat and Dungeon exploration rather than on the roleplay aspect which it still had rules for, but more open ended. It was mechanics you had to give flavor, not flavor you had to give mechanics.
Shadowdark seems like it's probably not my thing because I already play B/X and AD&D and don't feel like I need a transitional system like that, but it's cool that other people seem to like it and have fun with it.
For me its just a better B/X, like a direct upgrade mechanically, atleast thats how I feel about it, and easy to just use with any old adventure or campaign from the 80s with adaptation able to be done on the fly. And the book is just so well done, probably the easiest to read and use RPG rulebook I have ever had.
i eyes are much happier with the larger font. I do like the simple straight to the point descriptions. If I want large amounts of details Ill read a novel.
Trying to figure out how to create another internet controversy over this because there was no Meatball in the RPGPundit parody. Maybe I can get PETA to cancel The Basic Expert for not including a cat.😅
In my opinion, all of the Shadowdark-hate coming from the so-called OSR is ugly and jealous. I don't care to play Shadowdark myself, but I think it serves the important function of providing an off-ramp for 5e normies to get into other better games, as 5e continues its downward spiral of corporate ensh*ttification and pandering.
Fair points, valid examination and hilarious touches throughout! I'm glad you helped to defeat the sort of "anti hype" that afflicted me over this game. Is it one I'll use that often? Probably not. All the same, the game is distinct enough from its sum of influences that I can see the appeal.
Shadowdark is great for old school DMs that want a successor to BX, but it's a hard sell for modern players that lack the old-school nostalgia. I personally would have liked something closer to 2e. There was so much great stuff from DnD in the 90s that goes completely forgotten, by the old school and the modern players.
@TheBasicExpert modern players like character options for builds. That wish fulfillment aspect of games like 5e and Pathfinder. Shadowdark and OSR games strip all that away. I run games at a game store, and I see it all the time. Sure, a 1 shot or a few sessions works, but it's not long before they are itching to get back to a more robust system that allows them to customize their character.
The opening was funny. The pundit hate and ridicule was missing, but otherwise very egotistical and pundit-ish. (Probably a good choice to leave out the hate and ridicule and personal disparagement, there is too much of that on other channels.) Cheers!
The "clerics cannot use swords" trope probably dates back to the medieval Holy Roman Empire. Therein, when they went to war, Prince bishops - who being clergy were not really supposed to engage in much violence to begin with - tended to symbolically use non-bladed weapons as their war time badges of office. As opposed to a lay Prince who was most likely to use a sword - a strictly war focused item, and an expensive one at that (clergy made vows of poverty so flaunting their wealth was in bad tone even though a Prince bishop would have been very rich pretty much by default). So clerical lords gravitated towards ornate maces as their side arms of choice. . Clarification: a "Prince" in the Holy Roman Empire is basically any landed individual who had no lord above him, besides the Emperor himself. So both the King of Bohemia and the Bishop of Meinz were Princes of the Empire, even though the former was much more important than the latter.
More than the sum of its parts seems to describe Shadowdark. Taken individually, most aspects of this game are okay, or even a little innovative, but not earth shattering. Adding it all up, I think that I see why Shadowdark is getting the positive traction it enjoys. Picking it apart and being critical of a single aspect of Shadowdark is rather too easy as much of it is derived from other games, but play it at the table and I think it works nicely. It's been overhyped, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid game. Shadowdark informs its players about an "old school" play style without being too in our face about it. It's more subtle than most of the OSR competitors. Oh, and I found the book's binding loosens up as it's used more. My first copy is lying flat nicely now. (I picked up a second copy for the table and it's definitely stiff!)
Great review. It is pathetic how some people will tear into authors and projects to serve themselves to get move views, likes, and follows. It is just like the media these days. Love ShadowDark! Just finished second session last night.
Personally, I sort of knew the game Shadowdark would be pretty good but... with earlier 5e + old school + retroclone games like * Searchers of the Unknown * , * Five Torches Deep * and the very underrated and extremely affordable * Olde Swords Reign * ( 7 dollars for 265 page book, 15 bucks hardcover !! ) .... It was a hard pass for me. At the time I had just went in on the ACKS 2e Kickstarter for a crunchier OSR rule set. I sort of wished more people would talk about some of the other 5e+BX retro-clones that predate Shadowdark. PS: cool parody at the beginning. Also - great score getting an early edition of Pendragon RPG!!!
I like Shadow Dark, but I don't love it. The main thing that bothers me is just the 4 basic classes. I am happy that there are a bunch of classes that have been created for the game now, but four classes in the core rulebook is too few for me. I'm still happier with Olde Swords Reign (free game) that ironically has only 4 classes as well, but has customization feats. In fact, the feats mean you can create Paladins, Barbarians, Rangers, and so on. Or, the other free game I like, Pocket Fantasy. With the class expansion (also free) you have 14 classes to start with in a tiny game that works. I think that game is great.
@@weirdguy564 0e D&D only had three clases. Bx has 4. This is a very traditional number of classes because the basic ones are archetypes that can cover a wide range of character types imo.
Honestly, to me, ShadowDark RPG provides the rules skeleton to play a great game of D&D. Yes, there are some things I would like to homebrew, but I feel like the rules of the game are clear enough that I could do so without inadvertently breaking the game. I also like how it does away with some of the elements of D&D that add unnecessary complexity and/or unnecessary levelling treadmill effects to the game. THAC0 isn't needed, anymore. Saving throw categories aren't needed, anymore. XP for gold at a 1 to 1 ratio isn't needed, anymore. Rules for the sake of rules aren't needed, anymore. Building monsters and NPCs shouldn't be a chore and shouldn't take a long time (3.X/PF1/5E/PF2E, I'm looking at you). To me, ShadowDark RPG takes the best of 5E and distills it down to a game that is similar in scope to B/X. And, it eliminates unnecessary rules from B/X, too. This makes the actual game engine so simple that it can be mastered in little time and it gives room for all those wonderful tables in the book. Yes, there's plenty of room to expand ShadowDark RPG. But, the framework is solid enough that each table can do that, themselves. And, a GM with a decades of experience in other systems might feel like they've been given super powers when they get used to running and building adventures for ShadowDark RPG. Things that got in the way are now gone and probably won't be missed. And, they are easy to add back, if really wanted.
I think the GM tools are good enough for anyone to use. They have an evocative flavor to them and are excellent for the purpose of generating a dungeon, practically speaking.
Now that I've seen it, I can say that I don't "get" the hype. There isn't anything new, it's got a "look" you can like and collect (I love a cool looking book). I'd love to have it on my bookshelf, but in the end it has an "art skin" on a collection of some ideas that you could just assemble yourself from all the material that is already out there. OSE has a similar take but is so dense and compact with a great art composition that it tips it over into the must own category for me. It condenses the old stuff and clarifies so I can use it without any effort.
@@MagnificentDevil True. I married a chef, and restaurants usually disappoint. When we go out it has to be special, so we choose carefully where we go.
Can't tell which is his worst look... Swami or Reactionary Curmudgeon. I do like the title "Final Boss of Internet Shitlords" though. If anyone ever called me that I would repeat it ad infinitum just as he does.
every time you say Macahuitl fast it keeps sounding to me (with poor hearing) like Muckweasel and I now realize I REALLY want to play a game called Muckweasel.
I've never understood the "strength make good to hit!" and "armor make it harder to hit!" idiocy...or the intense need to make "new" games that are just...DnD for the thousandth time. I get it, its ubiquitous, but can we please not gloss over the fact that it's the same thing over and over? Maybe a little bit of difference? Some real innovation, instead of the same thing since the 1970s?
I forgot to post my substack with the links to all my other stuff.
thebasicexpert.substack.com/
LOL, you had me f'd up there for about the first 10 seconds
I was so confused for a second I looked at the channel name like did he change his name? What is going on! 😂
When I clicked on the video, I felt a brief moment of confusion, and then I was laughing for nearly a minute straight. I like how simple and straightforward Shadowdark is, it seems like it would be ideal for a pickup game
0:13 C'mon if your going to parody Pundit you got to have your own books relentlessly in focus on the desk.
Impossible to parody Pundit without a Meatball cameo.
I really appreciate the larger font size as one of those 'Grogs' myself.
Whenever I get around to typesetting my own Fantasy Heartbreaker I'll also use a large sized font.
Word. 🤟
But at $60, is that large font and double spacing worth it?
@@jaysw9585 Yeah that's the double edged sword of 'Large Print' books isn't it. Their page count increases by allot thus driving up the cost (and shipping weight) of an increasingly expensive hobby.
If I want to read the words….heck yes.
The pipe is a nice touch.
BUY MY BOOKS!
@@TheBasicExpert lol, I always check his replies to see if he posted anything other than that. 99% of the time... no.
@@BockwinkleB It's the kind of audience interaction that really makes loyal viewers feel appreciated.
Did he go buy a pipe for this, or just had one lying around? 😂 Go get a cat!
Top-tier parody & satire
didn't know I needed that shot of humor until you delivered it..... very funny intro... cudos
There's a way to open a new hardback book to protect the spine and get to open more easily / flatter.
1) set the book down on a table in front of you. With the book still closed, stand it up so that the spine is on the desk.
2) let the front cover down
3) let the back cover down
4) take about ten pages from the front of the book and flatten them down onto the table. Run your hand along the inside of the book to flatten them down.
5) take the last ten or so pages from the back of the book and do the same.
6) keep alternating between opening a few pages from the front and the back until you get to the centre of the book.
7) Repeat this a couple of times and you're good to go.
This is simply awesome!
This is the kind of video I love. A bit of humor and valid points. I do think she could have been more verbose but she got the PHB, DMG, and MM all in one so being succinct was necessary. Good observation
Yeah she wrote adventures so it is 100% a style choice. She knows how to write. So you either like the ease of reading or you don't. I'm fine with either way.
That was a good bit. "Currently smoking, cope" was the nail in the coffin. Had me laughing.
Good review. Great product. Any DM worth his salt can easily use this for the world at large, not just dungeons. I intend to run B2, G1-3, and everything in the Dread Domain with this game. Maybe Desert of Desolation, too.
Yes, I could use D&D or AD&D, but I've already beaten that dead horse to mush.
This is lighter on rules and less cumbersome.
In addition, this seems like a possible contender to knock Wazi down a peg.
I look forward to the potential content that may be created for this game (such as modules and campaign settings).
I'm an old gamer.
Kelsey did a great job.
She definitely deserves her awards and our general support.
I've played a LOT of roleplaying games since 1978. Shadowdark is my favorite version of D&D, and the one that makes me excited to run classic adventures like Caverns of Thracia. Really you can run old school adventures run straight from this book. Shadowdark comes with most of the stat blocks you need for these old modules. In a pinch you can use the old statblocks by subtracting the old AC from 20 to get new AC and halving hitpoints for creatures over 3 hitdice. Plus right from level one PCs feel like their classes - Fighters can fight, Thieves can thieve, Wizards and Priests can do their things too.
CHOMP CHOMP!
*Laughing* Absolutely fantastic video, Jon! Your parody of Pundit had me roaring in laughter! OMG! So on point! Excellent review of ShadowDark as well! I run two ShadowDark games per week. The ShadowDark game is just awesome! I think the book is a pleasure to read, and certainly the players instantly fall in love with the ShadowDark game. As a DM, damn, you know? The ShadowDark book is so beautiful and crafted to be *USED* at the table. There are so many tools that are provided to make the DM's job of running a game easier, but also always fun!
Semper Fidelis,
SHARK
Hilarious intro.
Been running a campaign since January. No idea why anyone would think it’s not ok for campaign play.
Agreed. Running a campaign for almost 2 years in this system it’s great for campaign play
Okay some feedback on your review: You are right that coin encumbrance isn't that hard, however I have never seen it as concisely explained as Kelsey manages to do with SD's slot system.
Dungeon generator: I originally agreed with Crossface and you on this, but now I no longer do: The dungeon generator is exactly what it needs to be for the way SD is intended to run. The removal of hirelings really changes the way dungeons feel, less epic and more of a sprint to get loot. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it fits what SD is. My assumption is that Kelsey knows Appendix A is there and sees no reason to replace that, but rather provide a tool that gives a different experience that suits the style of SD.
On long term campaign play, you can do it, but the lack of strong rules outside the dungeon make it difficult unless your campaign wants to stay in the dungeon every session.
Excellent review despite being high on cope.
Am I the only one who thinks that a game doesn't need strong rules for every part of the world? If it's a game just about going into dungeons, that's fine. It worked for old versions of D&D and we had a blast then. Hell, it worked for Castlevania for the entirety of it's existence.
@@titusgroen A game doesn't need strong rules but it needs SOME rules, which is where these sorts of games fail completely. PBbtA inspired schlock often tries it's best to never commit to ANYTHING remotely concrete and eventually just results in Calvinball. Old SChool DnD did have rules, very precise and stringent rules, it's just that it focused those rules on combat and Dungeon exploration rather than on the roleplay aspect which it still had rules for, but more open ended. It was mechanics you had to give flavor, not flavor you had to give mechanics.
I hate that I'm nerdy enough to instantly know exactly who you're clowning on 😂
Spread the word, share the video! Buy my books! ... But no, really, buy Shadowdark.
How is it different than the 1e/2e I've been running for 42 years?
@@adampender2482 how is Shadowdark different?
Shadowdark seems like it's probably not my thing because I already play B/X and AD&D and don't feel like I need a transitional system like that, but it's cool that other people seem to like it and have fun with it.
For me its just a better B/X, like a direct upgrade mechanically, atleast thats how I feel about it, and easy to just use with any old adventure or campaign from the 80s with adaptation able to be done on the fly.
And the book is just so well done, probably the easiest to read and use RPG rulebook I have ever had.
Thanks for the giggles. Love me some Shadowdark.
i eyes are much happier with the larger font. I do like the simple straight to the point descriptions. If I want large amounts of details Ill read a novel.
Freaking hilarious intro. I'm ☠️😂
I like the big font. I'm 40+ and don't have glasses. But last years I feel more comfy with bigger fonts.
I actually had to scroll down and check the channel. Got me
shots fired
Shots were fired a year ago! We are at like trench warfare using flame throwers in bunkers! Haha.
Trying to figure out how to create another internet controversy over this because there was no Meatball in the RPGPundit parody. Maybe I can get PETA to cancel The Basic Expert for not including a cat.😅
People told me I needed to have one of my ducks sit on the book but that would get extremely messy.
@@TheBasicExpert perfect! Then I could allege duck abuse🤣
SWEET MOTHER OF GOD HAHAHAHAHAHAH
LOL, funny, and then interesting! Cheers.
I continue to be amazed that people take Pundit seriously. I thought we all already knew who and what he was a decade ago.
We should but it doesn't hurt to laugh at clowns every once and a while.
In my opinion, all of the Shadowdark-hate coming from the so-called OSR is ugly and jealous. I don't care to play Shadowdark myself, but I think it serves the important function of providing an off-ramp for 5e normies to get into other better games, as 5e continues its downward spiral of corporate ensh*ttification and pandering.
This is perfection, well done.
Fair points, valid examination and hilarious touches throughout! I'm glad you helped to defeat the sort of "anti hype" that afflicted me over this game. Is it one I'll use that often? Probably not. All the same, the game is distinct enough from its sum of influences that I can see the appeal.
Shadowdark is great for old school DMs that want a successor to BX, but it's a hard sell for modern players that lack the old-school nostalgia.
I personally would have liked something closer to 2e. There was so much great stuff from DnD in the 90s that goes completely forgotten, by the old school and the modern players.
@@jaysw9585 potentially. I think because it's built, fundamentally, on 5e. It make it easier to sell in that regard.
@TheBasicExpert modern players like character options for builds. That wish fulfillment aspect of games like 5e and Pathfinder. Shadowdark and OSR games strip all that away. I run games at a game store, and I see it all the time. Sure, a 1 shot or a few sessions works, but it's not long before they are itching to get back to a more robust system that allows them to customize their character.
@@jaysw9585 It will depend because my games of 0e and BX have lasted a long time. Shadow Darks games exist beyond 30 sessions at this point.
Congratulations on your Ennies🎉
Lol.
0:10 Okay, but this has to end with ".....but my book is better! Buy my book!"
The Lazy GM aka Sly Flourish crossed his 40th session playing ShadowDark. Still going.
STR doesn't add damage in Shadowdark either. It only increases the chance to hit.
Nice. I missed that! Thanks.
@@TheBasicExpertTalents is where you get the bonus damage.
@@Nashcraeft Yeah I realized that. That's the old school brain in me rewriting what I read. I'm set in my ways at this point haha.
Genius parody! Love it!
re: 1st minute of RPGpundit roast! SCORCH! LOL
The opening was funny. The pundit hate and ridicule was missing, but otherwise very egotistical and pundit-ish. (Probably a good choice to leave out the hate and ridicule and personal disparagement, there is too much of that on other channels.)
Cheers!
*Chef Kiss*
I love the formatting. I wonder if there's a template anywhere to create pages like it.
The back of the book gives font guidance and everything I believe.
@@TheBasicExpert Nice!
Magma tunnels in the volcano? We're headed to the underworld, boys!
I love the hand held shaky camera also 🤣
Bro. All I can say is well done! Class
Hilarious! "currently smoking cope..."
I wont buy new dungeon and dragons, im out. I like this simple and slick.
Oh no, it's the Shadowdarkening...
That intro gave me a good laugh
Okay you had me rolling on that opening! Anytime someone pokes fun at that azzclown pundit I get a good laugh out of it.
Pungent?! LMAO
@@michaelmullenfiddler I didn't catch that, I had to watch it again :)
I've not watched the full video yet but full marks on the hilarious parody introduction. Spot on!
great review! thanks
Hahha this is great bud love the intro 👌🏻
No cat? No cat? Where is the cat?
People were saying I should have had a duck but that would have been way too messy.
@@TheBasicExpert if you did it on table outside, it would have worked. Next time
The "clerics cannot use swords" trope probably dates back to the medieval Holy Roman Empire. Therein, when they went to war, Prince bishops - who being clergy were not really supposed to engage in much violence to begin with - tended to symbolically use non-bladed weapons as their war time badges of office. As opposed to a lay Prince who was most likely to use a sword - a strictly war focused item, and an expensive one at that (clergy made vows of poverty so flaunting their wealth was in bad tone even though a Prince bishop would have been very rich pretty much by default). So clerical lords gravitated towards ornate maces as their side arms of choice.
.
Clarification: a "Prince" in the Holy Roman Empire is basically any landed individual who had no lord above him, besides the Emperor himself. So both the King of Bohemia and the Bishop of Meinz were Princes of the Empire, even though the former was much more important than the latter.
Please tell me you bought that pipe just to troll.
I actually smoke tobacco pipes. I don't make it my personality haha.
@@TheBasicExpert C&D Autumn Evening
No mention of cats in your skit, zero out of ten. 😂
More than the sum of its parts seems to describe Shadowdark. Taken individually, most aspects of this game are okay, or even a little innovative, but not earth shattering. Adding it all up, I think that I see why Shadowdark is getting the positive traction it enjoys. Picking it apart and being critical of a single aspect of Shadowdark is rather too easy as much of it is derived from other games, but play it at the table and I think it works nicely. It's been overhyped, but that doesn't mean it's not a solid game. Shadowdark informs its players about an "old school" play style without being too in our face about it. It's more subtle than most of the OSR competitors. Oh, and I found the book's binding loosens up as it's used more. My first copy is lying flat nicely now. (I picked up a second copy for the table and it's definitely stiff!)
Melding BX and 5e together was something I tried a while ago and failed. So she did do something cool in that regard.
Truly the Thomas Edison of our hobby!
I ran the labrynth game for my friends & had fun. I love the various random tables.
Great review. It is pathetic how some people will tear into authors and projects to serve themselves to get move views, likes, and follows. It is just like the media these days. Love ShadowDark! Just finished second session last night.
It reminds me more of Black Hack 2E but similar to original BX.
Personally, I sort of knew the game Shadowdark would be pretty good but... with earlier 5e + old school + retroclone games like * Searchers of the Unknown * , * Five Torches Deep * and the very underrated and extremely affordable * Olde Swords Reign * ( 7 dollars for 265 page book, 15 bucks hardcover !! ) .... It was a hard pass for me. At the time I had just went in on the ACKS 2e Kickstarter for a crunchier OSR rule set.
I sort of wished more people would talk about some of the other 5e+BX retro-clones that predate Shadowdark.
PS: cool parody at the beginning. Also - great score getting an early edition of Pendragon RPG!!!
Correction: the early 5e/BX clone was called Into the Unknown not searches of the unknown --- sorry
I'll make sure to add some of these precursors to my list of books to check out and eventually cover here.
Goddamn. I called the cops to report a murder, Jesus wept 😂
Haha, so many great inventions there.
Bold Strategy Cotton! 😂
I like Shadow Dark, but I don't love it. The main thing that bothers me is just the 4 basic classes. I am happy that there are a bunch of classes that have been created for the game now, but four classes in the core rulebook is too few for me.
I'm still happier with Olde Swords Reign (free game) that ironically has only 4 classes as well, but has customization feats. In fact, the feats mean you can create Paladins, Barbarians, Rangers, and so on.
Or, the other free game I like, Pocket Fantasy. With the class expansion (also free) you have 14 classes to start with in a tiny game that works. I think that game is great.
@@weirdguy564 0e D&D only had three clases. Bx has 4. This is a very traditional number of classes because the basic ones are archetypes that can cover a wide range of character types imo.
Ho-lee-shit. Well played. 👏🏻
Nailed the intro!
I thought for a second I had tapped on the wrong video. Lol
Honestly, to me, ShadowDark RPG provides the rules skeleton to play a great game of D&D. Yes, there are some things I would like to homebrew, but I feel like the rules of the game are clear enough that I could do so without inadvertently breaking the game. I also like how it does away with some of the elements of D&D that add unnecessary complexity and/or unnecessary levelling treadmill effects to the game. THAC0 isn't needed, anymore. Saving throw categories aren't needed, anymore. XP for gold at a 1 to 1 ratio isn't needed, anymore. Rules for the sake of rules aren't needed, anymore. Building monsters and NPCs shouldn't be a chore and shouldn't take a long time (3.X/PF1/5E/PF2E, I'm looking at you).
To me, ShadowDark RPG takes the best of 5E and distills it down to a game that is similar in scope to B/X. And, it eliminates unnecessary rules from B/X, too. This makes the actual game engine so simple that it can be mastered in little time and it gives room for all those wonderful tables in the book.
Yes, there's plenty of room to expand ShadowDark RPG. But, the framework is solid enough that each table can do that, themselves. And, a GM with a decades of experience in other systems might feel like they've been given super powers when they get used to running and building adventures for ShadowDark RPG. Things that got in the way are now gone and probably won't be missed. And, they are easy to add back, if really wanted.
I think the GM tools are good enough for anyone to use. They have an evocative flavor to them and are excellent for the purpose of generating a dungeon, practically speaking.
I would recommend that people who just want the tables to get the PDF and just print the tables they want and need.
Hoohoo! What's this I hear about you being wanted for a hit-and-run in Canada, Mr. Pungent? :3
Fantastic intro sir. Well done.
Nice intro.
ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now that I've seen it, I can say that I don't "get" the hype. There isn't anything new, it's got a "look" you can like and collect (I love a cool looking book). I'd love to have it on my bookshelf, but in the end it has an "art skin" on a collection of some ideas that you could just assemble yourself from all the material that is already out there.
OSE has a similar take but is so dense and compact with a great art composition that it tips it over into the must own category for me. It condenses the old stuff and clarifies so I can use it without any effort.
"I don't understand restaurants. They just offer a collection of ingredients you could assemble and cook yourself".
@@MagnificentDevil True. I married a chef, and restaurants usually disappoint. When we go out it has to be special, so we choose carefully where we go.
Great review!
Guys, I really feel you could take the elephant description and run with it as a dm. The results would be goofy and hilarious. This isnt ad&d!!
Can't tell which is his worst look... Swami or Reactionary Curmudgeon.
I do like the title "Final Boss of Internet Shitlords" though. If anyone ever called me that I would repeat it ad infinitum just as he does.
XD I am dying
lmfao this is awesome
every time you say Macahuitl fast it keeps sounding to me (with poor hearing) like Muckweasel and I now realize I REALLY want to play a game called Muckweasel.
That intro lmao.
Not complex enough for us to design good content for, but it has a strong purpose elsewhere and I'd recommend it.
You should have a rat crawl all over your books while you talk.
Needed more duck butt, to truly shill product.
Is that a Dr. Grabow?
What OGL has to do with "races"?
When WotC was pulling stuff last year or so, I don't remember, she was changing language of things to get off the OGL.
LOL Killing it 🤣
I've never understood the "strength make good to hit!" and "armor make it harder to hit!" idiocy...or the intense need to make "new" games that are just...DnD for the thousandth time.
I get it, its ubiquitous, but can we please not gloss over the fact that it's the same thing over and over?
Maybe a little bit of difference?
Some real innovation, instead of the same thing since the 1970s?
Top kek opener
Cute.
Down voted for lack of cat walking in front of the camera.
lmaoooo
can i get some copain too?
HAHAHAHA 😂😂😂
I see a lot of RPG Tubers claiming to be friend's with her. Ok, get "your friend" on your channel.
SHARE THE VIDEO! BUY MY BOOKS!