I feel your pain. I play every other weekend but my players are stuck on 5E. I hate 5E at this point, for no other reason than it being the only game my players like.
I am lucky my wife is new and it is just me the GM and her the player. We started with 5e, played some Low Fantasy Gaming. Currently running Mausritter. Old-School Essentials coming next. Going to run Storm King's Thunder with OSE.
@@IndyMotoRider I talked with my 5E players telling them that I wanted to play a OSR system and we instead worked togther on a group of homebrew rules to aproach 5E more like an OSR system and we will start testing them soon, maybe you can do the same.
I've run several sessions of LFG. It’s a great game, but much closer to 5e than OSR. It supports a more realistic setting than is possible in 5e, but still gives a lot of character options. The original edition of the rules is a free download and I like them just as much as the edition shown in this video. The Midland setting book is great, too, as an example of what a Sword & Sorcery setting can be. I generally prefer a more rules-light system, but watching this video makes me want to play LFG again.
That image I think is from a really fantastic 5e module called Killer Kobolds. It would probably fit really well in this system, so if you get it I'd take a look!
It's one of my favourite systems. The classes and abilities are so much fun, and I can't speak highly enough of the exploit system, where such simple rules make for incredibly cinematic moments.
Excited to see you reviewing this. I bought the book awhile ago and the ideas within really sent me on a journey of game design, it was the book that bridged the 5e gap-eventually actually leading me to this channel (the real key to the OSR kingdom). I've never run LFG itself unfortunately, but I have definitely pulled copious inspiration from it!
The martial exploits rule in this system is a standout, for sure. Makes combat much more flavorful but not slower, and encourages creativity at the table. In our experience players do not use this all the time (most combats are quite short), but can come clutch in key moments.
I have fallen in love with this thanks to your review. I GM for my wife and 5e was overwhelming for her but this is perfect with some tweaks to make it "easier." That way it suits the campaign we are already running. We started in 5e and I just "converted" the campaign to LFG and we are having much more fun. I was going to use Five Torches Deep but I much more prefer LFG. But I may homebrew a combo of 5e, LFG and FTD.
I love the unique features for the classes in LFG. As a GM I just used xp charts from Labyrinth Lord and gold = xp. And for hex/dungeon crawls just use round/turn/watch and give movement from your system of choice. Low Fantasy Gaming is a fun system overall.
Yeah, this is worth mentioning for people interested in the system. For example, the Companion adds alternative XP rules, based on gold and exploration.
Always love your reviews. Your review of LFG is spot on. I ran a short campaign using LFG RAW and the players loved it. It's not a perfect system, but it's inspired and more importantly it inspires creativity. I don't run LFG currently, but I keep the LFG rule book on my desk and look to it frequently when I'm creating my next adventure. In your review I think you glossed over the awesomeness of the magic items section. There are so many awesome ideas in that section for making "double edged sword" items. This book is a must buy for any OSR DM.
Glad to see this review! LFG is my preferred system - creeping up on the one year anniversary of starting our campaign. I found it when returning to TTRPGs after a long time. Pathfinder and 5e left me unsatisfied - found this and am now fully back into the hobby! I've meant to check out more OSR stuff since I grew playing old school D&D, but LFG scratches the itch so well, I kind of don't need to.
The exploit system reminds me of the deed system (I think thats how it is called) for the fighter class in dungeon crawls classic, basically its what you would do in old school games when you want to apply a creative solution to a problem other than just attacking it.
I love seeing everything you show, and all the systems are interesting but I'll be honest Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea 3E owns my soul and I'm happy with my overlord.
I've run several sessions of LFG. It’s a breat game, but much closer to 5emthan LSR. It supports a more realistic setting than is possible in 5e, but still gives a lot of character options. The original edition of the rules is a freemdownload andmI like them just as much as the edition shown in this video. The Midland setting book is great, too, as an example of what a Sword & Soecery eetting can be. I generally prefer a more rules-light system, buy watching this video mames me want to poay LFG again.!!
i have an older version of this. it is a 3rd edition hack. from what i've seen it looks like this is all of that expanded, but not changed at its core.
That BAB [Base Attack Bonus] looks like 3rd edition BAB. which is your full level for martial classes; 2/3 of your level for half-martial classes; and 1/2 of your level for non-martial classes. except the magic user also gets 2/3 in this one.
@ Questing Beast: You mention that you'd like to see a section in traps that describes "how to figure them out." Can you give me an example product that does this? Can anyone in the comments? I can't remember if I've ever saw this and my collection of RPGs is pretty extensive. Thanks!
I'm really curious how much direction and guidance the game gives a GM to run Mass Combat scenes and sessions. I was seeing rules for stuff, but not much in the way of guidance in the video.
I seriously consider using LFG for future (actually) *high*er fantasy campaign. I have plenty of OSR to choose from if I want a "low" fantasy setting to my taste, but LFG seems just the right amount of "5e" for me if I want my players to enjoy a more colourful adventure/party. I come from 3.5, so I appreciate the cool character classes abilities and skills to choose from, but I don't know if I can go back to something as complex as 3.5 rules. The exploits look cool, but I would somehow punish failure in order to prevent my players to using them every single round. LFG seems just right for a "heroic" D&D campaign in my book.
@15:40 you talk about dungeonerring and hexcrawling as being not as detailed and turn based etc. so to follow up, what do you recommend for a more detailed tactical rule set/etc for dungeoneering/hexcrawling?
Hey bro found you again through your shorts. Love your stuff but keeping up with shorts might help you get more views for your longer videos. Good luck and keep up your work, just throw in some shorts to keep you in the algorithm.
I really like the direction of LFG [the LFG Companion is a great book BTW] However I feel it needs i) Standard stats; I dont see the benefit of Perception and Luck tbh both of which equal Wisdom for me, so just make it Wisdom ii) Saving Throws back in or duel named To Luck Save and presented like in Neverland with Good/Bad save mods iii)The OSR (OSE) turn structure would be REALLY beneficial to the game iv) Its easy to a "house rule" for "Gain a Level per X adventures" so Id rather see the core experience system be XP for gold ( I like the very clear point XP for gold makes "If your smart you dont need to fight the monsters" v) Id like to see Monster trophies as per Into the Wyrd and Wild or better yet Ambition and Avarice 2 giving monster fighting its own reasons ... With these changes made it would be a go-to system for me.
> I dont see the benefit of Perception and Luck tbh both of which equal Wisdom for me Because lots of features in this game use luck as a resource to burn and it doesn't make sense that doing a Major exploit makes it harder to see. It uses different stats, get over it. The rest of your complaints are straight-up incomprehensible or part of other systems entirely.
Good game. Amazing book/layout/art/written. Then...get to magic. They say, "Less Magic", Riiight. Every time (every time!) the spell user casts a spell they must roll a 1d20 and there is a 5% chance that an effect occurs (chance increases by 5%,10%,15%, etc.). So, after casting four spells there is a 20% of an effect. Some effects: "You grow a beard of short rubbery tentacles that you can't control. They shrivel up and drop off after 1d3 days.", "You sprout 2-inch tusks from your jaw and they recede after 1d6 days", or "A random limb turns black, rots and drops off which cannot be stopped". That's some serious high-high fantasy instead of what they promised as "more grit".
yeah spell miscast is kind of bullshit and disincentivizes spellcasters from, you know, doing the thing their class does. they took that from DCC and forgot the fact than in DCC Warriors can also cut their own head off on a bad roll. Also the spell names suck.
I think I'm the only one here that thinks like this, but: I don't like the name, it's too utilitarian for me. I can't convince my players to play a game called "low fantasy gaming", that title is pretty much the opposite of inspiring. But I guess this is really more targeted at veeeeery long-time veterans who want to know exactly what they're getting when they're buying a new rpg. It's a shame really, because the game looks awesome.
Good point. The name always sounded flat to me, too. Of course, that's pretty low on a GM's priority list of fun but it's quite different when attempting to convince players. Unfortunately so, as this is one which could tear some of the 5e-only players away from their typical "kitchen sink fantasy" comfort zone. Since the core rules have many similarities.
I generally have a name for my campaign and use that when drumming up interest among potential players. I do get your point though. On the other hand, the title instantly highlights what makes it different from 5e which makes explanations easier.
I'm torn on this. I absolutely love this game and wonder if a catchier name would help it get the attention it deserves. On the other hand, I found it when googling for "low fantasy rpg" so the name certainly worked to get me hooked.
With a name like that I expected something low fantasy like Ironsworn. When you got to the dwarves and elves I was confused. Looks like a marginally better designed 5e which just isn’t what I’m looking for right now. I am into the idea of a low fantasy setting though.
Can we please *NOT* have "Evocative Spell Names"? "Silent Image, Invisibility, Magic Missile and Hold Monster" is descriptive, and tells me exactly what the spell does without having to look at the rules. "Shadows & Dust, A Wisp Unseen, Lash of Unerring Pain and Crush of the Warp" is GamesWorkshop Trademark Jargon, and tells me NOTHING.
Without encumbrance or proper incentive for going into dungeons for money I don't see how this is an "oldschool" experience really. It doesn't even seem very "low fantasy" other than magic sometimes backfiring randomly.
I had those same issues. The companion book has a section on xp and I put out an item book for this system that adds encumbrance called Trade Winds. That helps. The game is good for gms that want the OSR feel with players that don't.
As DM, you can award xp for anything you want, just like every other version of D&D. There are two things that make it low fantasy to me. (1) Only the dedicated caster classes get magic, unlike 5e which gives it to most classes in one form or another. (2) The setting is not filled with intelligent species. By default, players are human and most encounters will be with hostile humans or non-speaking monsters.
What makes it low fantasy--and the reason I love the system--is that cultists and sorcerers are the only spellcasters. (And in the Midlands setting, sorcery is illegal, in addition to being dangerous.) So most player classes are various sorts of warriors and rogues, and this gives everything a nice low-magic Conan vibe.
"OSR but with Feats" killed any interest for me. This game is "5E style games but with OSR like setup". Saving the world kinda stuff but you're Conan instead of Captain Neverwinter.
Nope, boo! Setting the level cap at 12 because they're too lazy to explain, or learn how, to run high-level campaigns in this setting is a deal breaker. Clearly, we need some kind of book to teach modern GMs how to run engaging high level adventures that don't just turn into them slugging it out with dragons and demon lords.
@@TimMcIntire Yeah, I've no interest in that kind of game, either. It was fine when I was a teen but these days I actually care about story, roleplaying, and character development beyond the mechanics.
Low Fantasy = not superheros. I've played conventional D&D off and on for 40 years. Never been in a campaign that went beyond 12. Never felt the desire. Of course there is nothing wrong with high level play, but it wouldn't make much sense if you are after a low fantasy experience. Fortunately you have lots of other genres to play, like 5e which is super high fantasy.
Looks good. Guess I'll be adding another game to my shelf that will likely never get played 🤷♂
I feel your pain. I play every other weekend but my players are stuck on 5E. I hate 5E at this point, for no other reason than it being the only game my players like.
I am lucky my wife is new and it is just me the GM and her the player. We started with 5e, played some Low Fantasy Gaming. Currently running Mausritter. Old-School Essentials coming next. Going to run Storm King's Thunder with OSE.
@@IndyMotoRider I talked with my 5E players telling them that I wanted to play a OSR system and we instead worked togther on a group of homebrew rules to aproach 5E more like an OSR system and we will start testing them soon, maybe you can do the same.
If you don't have it, you cant play it.
Totally... ahaha
I've run several sessions of LFG. It’s a great game, but much closer to 5e than OSR. It supports a more realistic setting than is possible in 5e, but still gives a lot of character options. The original edition of the rules is a free download and I like them just as much as the edition shown in this video. The Midland setting book is great, too, as an example of what a Sword & Sorcery setting can be. I generally prefer a more rules-light system, but watching this video makes me want to play LFG again.
To me it seems closer to 3rd edition.
@@edheldude 👍
Right? Personally it rides the line betwixt 2e and 3rd.
7:43 is that lizardman holding a rifle? I'm sold.
That image I think is from a really fantastic 5e module called Killer Kobolds. It would probably fit really well in this system, so if you get it I'd take a look!
It's one of my favourite systems. The classes and abilities are so much fun, and I can't speak highly enough of the exploit system, where such simple rules make for incredibly cinematic moments.
Excited to see you reviewing this. I bought the book awhile ago and the ideas within really sent me on a journey of game design, it was the book that bridged the 5e gap-eventually actually leading me to this channel (the real key to the OSR kingdom). I've never run LFG itself unfortunately, but I have definitely pulled copious inspiration from it!
Currently playing using this system and it really works. It's great for people coming from 5e who want a bit more freedom and simplicity.
The martial exploits rule in this system is a standout, for sure. Makes combat much more flavorful but not slower, and encourages creativity at the table. In our experience players do not use this all the time (most combats are quite short), but can come clutch in key moments.
I have fallen in love with this thanks to your review. I GM for my wife and 5e was overwhelming for her but this is perfect with some tweaks to make it "easier." That way it suits the campaign we are already running. We started in 5e and I just "converted" the campaign to LFG and we are having much more fun.
I was going to use Five Torches Deep but I much more prefer LFG. But I may homebrew a combo of 5e, LFG and FTD.
I love the unique features for the classes in LFG. As a GM I just used xp charts from Labyrinth Lord and gold = xp. And for hex/dungeon crawls just use round/turn/watch and give movement from your system of choice. Low Fantasy Gaming is a fun system overall.
I really enjoy this game. Some of the things you mentioned were addressed in the companion book. Some of them were not.
Yeah, this is worth mentioning for people interested in the system. For example, the Companion adds alternative XP rules, based on gold and exploration.
There's even a few gr8 third party source books class toolkit even an equipment guide!😉👍
This is the game that got me into OSR, glad to see it on your channel. It's definitely a good transition for people coming in from 5e
Always love your reviews. Your review of LFG is spot on. I ran a short campaign using LFG RAW and the players loved it. It's not a perfect system, but it's inspired and more importantly it inspires creativity. I don't run LFG currently, but I keep the LFG rule book on my desk and look to it frequently when I'm creating my next adventure. In your review I think you glossed over the awesomeness of the magic items section. There are so many awesome ideas in that section for making "double edged sword" items. This book is a must buy for any OSR DM.
Thank you so much for doing this review QB - greatly appreciated!! :DD
Love this game. It's easily my favorite system. The community is also very passionate and great. Amazing review!
Glad to see this review! LFG is my preferred system - creeping up on the one year anniversary of starting our campaign. I found it when returning to TTRPGs after a long time. Pathfinder and 5e left me unsatisfied - found this and am now fully back into the hobby! I've meant to check out more OSR stuff since I grew playing old school D&D, but LFG scratches the itch so well, I kind of don't need to.
osric is free. it's a d&d rewritten to be a little easier to understand.
The exploit system reminds me of the deed system (I think thats how it is called) for the fighter class in dungeon crawls classic, basically its what you would do in old school games when you want to apply a creative solution to a problem other than just attacking it.
DCC uses the Mighty Deeds System for the Warrior and Dwarf classes.
One of the best games I played in the last 3 years , great review
Loved your review. I purchased this game about a year ago and LOVE IT! Going to be starting me new home campaign of LFG tomorrow!!!
Started watching your DMG readings and now LFG?
SUBSCRIBED!
Plz cover the LFG Midlands setting!
Fantastic review! for a Fantastic Game!
Nice book! Thanks for sharing, Ben!
I desperately want to run this. Amazing!
Funny, I bought this game two days before you release the video. From what I am seeing, it is a good buy. Thanks!
I love seeing everything you show, and all the systems are interesting but I'll be honest
Astonishing Swordsmen and Sorcerers of Hyperborea 3E owns my soul and I'm happy with my overlord.
Omg, love the structure of this book! Those few pages, very ADHD friendly to me.
I've run several sessions of LFG. It’s a breat game, but much closer to 5emthan LSR. It supports a more realistic setting than is possible in 5e, but still gives a lot of character options. The original edition of the rules is a freemdownload andmI like them just as much as the edition shown in this video. The Midland setting book is great, too, as an example of what a Sword & Soecery eetting can be. I generally prefer a more rules-light system, buy watching this video mames me want to poay LFG again.!!
I've been working on something similar for quite a while now. I guess I'll get one of those for further reading.
I need to get this for R&D of my own system
Awesome review. I was hoping you'd have something about this book before I decided to get it.
Hell, it's about time!
i have an older version of this. it is a 3rd edition hack. from what i've seen it looks like this is all of that expanded, but not changed at its core.
That BAB [Base Attack Bonus] looks like 3rd edition BAB.
which is your full level for martial classes; 2/3 of your level for half-martial classes; and 1/2 of your level for non-martial classes.
except the magic user also gets 2/3 in this one.
Great stuff friend 👏 👍
My favourite D&D type game, very OSR-adjacent, and absolutely brilliant to run 😎
Too many interesting games out there.
@ Questing Beast: You mention that you'd like to see a section in traps that describes "how to figure them out." Can you give me an example product that does this? Can anyone in the comments? I can't remember if I've ever saw this and my collection of RPGs is pretty extensive. Thanks!
Grimtooth guides.
I'm really curious how much direction and guidance the game gives a GM to run Mass Combat scenes and sessions. I was seeing rules for stuff, but not much in the way of guidance in the video.
I seriously consider using LFG for future (actually) *high*er fantasy campaign. I have plenty of OSR to choose from if I want a "low" fantasy setting to my taste, but LFG seems just the right amount of "5e" for me if I want my players to enjoy a more colourful adventure/party.
I come from 3.5, so I appreciate the cool character classes abilities and skills to choose from, but I don't know if I can go back to something as complex as 3.5 rules. The exploits look cool, but I would somehow punish failure in order to prevent my players to using them every single round.
LFG seems just right for a "heroic" D&D campaign in my book.
@15:40 you talk about dungeonerring and hexcrawling as being not as detailed and turn based etc. so to follow up, what do you recommend for a more detailed tactical rule set/etc for dungeoneering/hexcrawling?
Old School Essentials
@@QuestingBeast so it’s between LFG vs OSE and I can only afford to buy one. I’m going to assume you would recommend OSE?
@Questing Beast
Do you have a video on how to run a funnel mission?
This looks very good.
Flipped right by the the armored pub without comment.
I don’t see this as an OSR game or a bridge to OSR games. It’s a modern fantasy game that is just lower magic and grittier than 5e or Pathfinder.
Hey bro found you again through your shorts. Love your stuff but keeping up with shorts might help you get more views for your longer videos. Good luck and keep up your work, just throw in some shorts to keep you in the algorithm.
I really like the direction of LFG [the LFG Companion is a great book BTW] However I feel it needs i) Standard stats; I dont see the benefit of Perception and Luck tbh both of which equal Wisdom for me, so just make it Wisdom ii) Saving Throws back in or duel named To Luck Save and presented like in Neverland with Good/Bad save mods iii)The OSR (OSE) turn structure would be REALLY beneficial to the game iv) Its easy to a "house rule" for "Gain a Level per X adventures" so Id rather see the core experience system be XP for gold ( I like the very clear point XP for gold makes "If your smart you dont need to fight the monsters" v) Id like to see Monster trophies as per Into the Wyrd and Wild or better yet Ambition and Avarice 2 giving monster fighting its own reasons ... With these changes made it would be a go-to system for me.
> I dont see the benefit of Perception and Luck tbh both of which equal Wisdom for me
Because lots of features in this game use luck as a resource to burn and it doesn't make sense that doing a Major exploit makes it harder to see. It uses different stats, get over it.
The rest of your complaints are straight-up incomprehensible or part of other systems entirely.
Omg, love the dark magic consequences!
Good game. Amazing book/layout/art/written. Then...get to magic. They say, "Less Magic", Riiight. Every time (every time!) the spell user casts a spell they must roll a 1d20 and there is a 5% chance that an effect occurs (chance increases by 5%,10%,15%, etc.). So, after casting four spells there is a 20% of an effect. Some effects: "You grow a beard of short rubbery tentacles that you can't control. They shrivel up and drop off after 1d3 days.", "You sprout 2-inch tusks from your jaw and they recede after 1d6 days", or "A random limb turns black, rots and drops off which cannot be stopped". That's some serious high-high fantasy instead of what they promised as "more grit".
yeah spell miscast is kind of bullshit and disincentivizes spellcasters from, you know, doing the thing their class does. they took that from DCC and forgot the fact than in DCC Warriors can also cut their own head off on a bad roll. Also the spell names suck.
I think I'm the only one here that thinks like this, but: I don't like the name, it's too utilitarian for me. I can't convince my players to play a game called "low fantasy gaming", that title is pretty much the opposite of inspiring. But I guess this is really more targeted at veeeeery long-time veterans who want to know exactly what they're getting when they're buying a new rpg. It's a shame really, because the game looks awesome.
Good point. The name always sounded flat to me, too. Of course, that's pretty low on a GM's priority list of fun but it's quite different when attempting to convince players. Unfortunately so, as this is one which could tear some of the 5e-only players away from their typical "kitchen sink fantasy" comfort zone. Since the core rules have many similarities.
I generally have a name for my campaign and use that when drumming up interest among potential players. I do get your point though. On the other hand, the title instantly highlights what makes it different from 5e which makes explanations easier.
Don't judge this book by its cover! Really gr8 game.
I'm torn on this. I absolutely love this game and wonder if a catchier name would help it get the attention it deserves. On the other hand, I found it when googling for "low fantasy rpg" so the name certainly worked to get me hooked.
It's a better name than "tales or Argosa", lmao, at least it hints as to the actual contents of the book.
Hey-o!
With a name like that I expected something low fantasy like Ironsworn. When you got to the dwarves and elves I was confused. Looks like a marginally better designed 5e which just isn’t what I’m looking for right now.
I am into the idea of a low fantasy setting though.
Can we please *NOT* have "Evocative Spell Names"?
"Silent Image, Invisibility, Magic Missile and Hold Monster" is descriptive, and tells me exactly what the spell does without having to look at the rules.
"Shadows & Dust, A Wisp Unseen, Lash of Unerring Pain and Crush of the Warp" is GamesWorkshop Trademark Jargon, and tells me NOTHING.
Without encumbrance or proper incentive for going into dungeons for money I don't see how this is an "oldschool" experience really. It doesn't even seem very "low fantasy" other than magic sometimes backfiring randomly.
I had those same issues. The companion book has a section on xp and I put out an item book for this system that adds encumbrance called Trade Winds. That helps. The game is good for gms that want the OSR feel with players that don't.
As DM, you can award xp for anything you want, just like every other version of D&D. There are two things that make it low fantasy to me. (1) Only the dedicated caster classes get magic, unlike 5e which gives it to most classes in one form or another. (2) The setting is not filled with intelligent species. By default, players are human and most encounters will be with hostile humans or non-speaking monsters.
@@vidgrip8622 Problem is that there is no XP track to determine how much gold should correspond to each level for each class.
What makes it low fantasy--and the reason I love the system--is that cultists and sorcerers are the only spellcasters. (And in the Midlands setting, sorcery is illegal, in addition to being dangerous.) So most player classes are various sorts of warriors and rogues, and this gives everything a nice low-magic Conan vibe.
@@VermilionMage GP and XP is usually a one to one deal. 1000GP = 1000XP.
"OSR but with Feats" killed any interest for me. This game is "5E style games but with OSR like setup". Saving the world kinda stuff but you're Conan instead of Captain Neverwinter.
5E superheros light on magic. Meh. Hardly low fantasy.
Nope, boo! Setting the level cap at 12 because they're too lazy to explain, or learn how, to run high-level campaigns in this setting is a deal breaker. Clearly, we need some kind of book to teach modern GMs how to run engaging high level adventures that don't just turn into them slugging it out with dragons and demon lords.
Based on my experience with the system, good luck GETTING to level 12, let alone higher!
@@TimMcIntire Yeah, I've no interest in that kind of game, either. It was fine when I was a teen but these days I actually care about story, roleplaying, and character development beyond the mechanics.
Just because you are unwilling to play a different kind of game than 5e, doesn't mean that anyone who chooses otherwise is lazy.
Low Fantasy = not superheros. I've played conventional D&D off and on for 40 years. Never been in a campaign that went beyond 12. Never felt the desire. Of course there is nothing wrong with high level play, but it wouldn't make much sense if you are after a low fantasy experience. Fortunately you have lots of other genres to play, like 5e which is super high fantasy.
@@Maehedrose I get it, and all I can tell you is I've been playing LFG for about a year, and it's checked all those boxes for me. YMMV.