Welcome to Mystara: Rules Cyclopedia

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
  • The version of the old D&D setting and by many considered the best. A partial compilation of all the BECMI sets with many new rules and the skill system taken from the gazetteers. For only $25 it's a complete game, with treasures, traps, monsters and a character generation system to take you from levels 1 to 36. Even if you don't play the rules, the domain management and mass combat systems are fairly rules neutral and can be stolen across any version of the rules.
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ความคิดเห็น • 97

  • @tandamar
    @tandamar 6 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    a note on Demi humans limited level, Chapter 19 page 266 variant rules has options to allow demi-humans to rise to 36th level.

  • @misomiso8228
    @misomiso8228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Probably the best RPG book ever published

  • @stephenclements6158
    @stephenclements6158 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Rules Cyclopedia was such a good book. I am lucky enough to have gotten one when they first came out.

    • @djinndevyl7077
      @djinndevyl7077 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I have a battered and beaten copy my dad found on eBay. I think it's the only birthday gift that I've ever gotten that brought me to tears

    • @PGIFilms
      @PGIFilms 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      When this came out I was saving allowance to get more 2E books (particularly the "handbooks" like Arms & Equipment Guide, Necromancer's, Drow of the Underdark, Ninja, Fighter, Priest, Thieves, Wizards, Humanoids, etc.) and didn't see a need to get the Rules Cyclopedia since I already had the full BECMI sets. The beauty of D&D BECMI/Rules Cyclopedia was that it actually complimented AD&D 1E and 2E fairly well with just a but of tweaking. My 2E homebrew rules were essentially adapting BECMI and 1E rules that added more depth and variety in my DM sessions.

    • @ezerhaudenlewis68
      @ezerhaudenlewis68 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Still have my battered old original. Still using it too. My kids know this book goes into the grave with me!

  • @Agell
    @Agell 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Veteran 21st-century rules DM here, gearing up to run BECMI/RC D&D in Mystara for the first time. Your videos are an invaluable resource.
    Hyped to see what the old school is all about.

  • @TKFKU
    @TKFKU 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I still have my copy. Best book I ever bought. And yes it does have options to take demihumans up to 36th level. To take classes. For PCs to dual or multiclass, even has the gnome. All tucked away in the back of the book. Ad&d is backwards compatible to BECMI and there you can take missing monsters and bring them to bear. Miss a spell or want to make a new one? PC's have that option as well worked up just as easily as the mass combat BR's is. So it's nothing to invent a new spell or bring in a spell from ad&d, or any edition really with some mathing and a die roll. It's super easy to just take a spell from later editions and throw it into the mix. Miss feats or want any character to learn say, backstab? Use the weapon mastery as guidelines and work it up. It is really the only book you'll ever need and is easy to tweak to add or take away options at your game's need. Grab a PDF of AC9 and between the two books you'll want for nothing, keep in mind you can simply bring in monsters from the ad&d with little to no changes and you'll be overloaded with things to use. I know people love to look back on B/X as the "oldschoolyist oldschool" version of the game but Mentzer made it cool.

  • @thossi09
    @thossi09 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One book, and it contains everything you need. Better deal than the three books needed today. I love it, still have the copy I got for Christmas (from my parents) in either '91 or '92 (more likely '91). It's a bit worn, and the keel had to be taped years (20, maybe?) ago, and even though I've not played for a few years, I still keep in on the shelf and occasionally read something in it.
    I remember arguments (arguments like only 12-14 year old nerds can have...), with my friends going on about how much better AD&D (2nd Ed.) was.
    "Look, they even have the price for various spices, food, even rice!" they'd say. "And look at all the weapons and the stats for each! This is so much better, so much detail!"
    And I said "Yeah, but this one is so much simpler! You just play it! You don't have to look up all this stuff! Don't have to stop every round to check the rules!"
    We never got to an agreement. All I agreed on was how it was "unfortunate" that demihumans couldn't pick classes. That was better in the other editions.

  • @nicklarocco4178
    @nicklarocco4178 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Look at this dragon, just tremendous. You gotta believe me when I say I've got the biggest dragons. And who wouldn't want to see 'em? They're just enormous. The biggest dragons.
    I dig that Uriah Heep cover Cyclopedia.

    • @rolanejo8512
      @rolanejo8512 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I would not like to play at a table with the Don as DM.

  • @sharkdentures3247
    @sharkdentures3247 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Not sure why, but seeing a pic of Trump holding a DM's Guide just seemed SO funny to me!
    Thanks for the laugh.
    Also, good video.

  • @joecoo4615
    @joecoo4615 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Looking to snapping this up.again
    Thanks Drivethru for bringing it back.
    Waiting for Duchy Of Karamikos to hit P.O.D
    Was glad to see Hollow World and the Monster Companion book
    Plus the reprint of The Inn with all those pre gens.

  • @midnightgreen8319
    @midnightgreen8319 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I still guard my copy. This was my introduction into Dungeons and Dragons

  • @TheTjedge1
    @TheTjedge1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I regret all the notes and scribbles I made in my copy back in the 90's while campaigning a group from 1-36. I still have it in great condition, aside from my lists of expanded weapons and weapon skills scrawled inside the cover...🤔
    Nah, I don't regret it because I'm never selling this book to anyone. It's one of my favorite treasures. It's mine!

    • @macoppy6571
      @macoppy6571 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The notes you have made make the book priceless. There are many like it, but this one is yours. Whoever inherits it from you will benefit from them.

  • @LangeloScuro
    @LangeloScuro 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yes it was/is the ultimate book!
    The weapons mastery was so welcomed back then. I allowed my players to do a supervised retcon of their characters because it was sooo good.

  • @thevortexATM
    @thevortexATM 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    been watching a lot of Mystara vids lately for the memories, but i gotta admit i clicked this one for the thumbnail alone! LOL, all your Mystara vids are great dude, bringing me way back! i started with the BECMI softcovers, the rules cyclopedia was my first hardcover book of any kind that I purchased

  • @thereluctanthireling
    @thereluctanthireling 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The first D&D book I personally bought upon my introduction to the hobby in the early 90's and still to this day probably my favorite and most used book.

  • @MrRourk
    @MrRourk 6 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Was a time you could pick one up for $7.00 on eBay.

  • @djartyom1243
    @djartyom1243 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    well will say drive thru does have it available for print on demand so that's nice if you want a new copy and not pay a crazy markup

  • @alexandersmith1777
    @alexandersmith1777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thinking about making my own setting for D&D: Rules Cyclopedia! :)

  • @rumleech
    @rumleech 6 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    It's worthwhile pointing out that the Cyclopedia does leave out one quite important rule - natural healing.

    • @russellharrell2747
      @russellharrell2747 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Steve Rumney don’t you get all your hp back after a long rest?
      *runs away and hides in shadows

    • @thagomizer4711
      @thagomizer4711 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Russell Harrell *rolls percentile* ooooh 67... the TH-cam commenters notices you and takes aim with his keyboard. He hits a AC2.

    • @djinndevyl7077
      @djinndevyl7077 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Actually, there's a Skill called Healing

    • @stephenclements6158
      @stephenclements6158 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      HEALING IS A CRUTCH

    • @rumleech
      @rumleech 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@djinndevyl7077 That's true, but there are still no natural healing rules as in page B25 of the Moldvay Basic rules. I'll have to rely on someone else to tell me if there is anything equivalent in the Mentzer set.

  • @thereluctanthireling
    @thereluctanthireling 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Your breakdown of the editions was top notch and on point!

  • @bartholomewr.6024
    @bartholomewr.6024 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Excellent video! The best review I've seen about the book. By far the deepest. Keep the hard work

  • @misomiso8228
    @misomiso8228 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yeah this book was amazing.

  • @tangpau93
    @tangpau93 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Years later. I really want to thank you for doing this.

  • @finncullen
    @finncullen หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great thumbnail.
    "Strength:19, Dexterity 19...."
    "That's a natural 21 to hit..."

  • @aspektx
    @aspektx 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    amazing thank you. these have really enticed me to continue working on my BECMI collection.

  • @TimothyBrannan
    @TimothyBrannan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @15:25 Love that Uriah Heep cover one! ;)

  • @NemesisOwl
    @NemesisOwl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I started singing along to the dare to be stupid reference before I even knew what was going on and then I just started laughing

  • @jeremywebster7912
    @jeremywebster7912 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great, GREAT video. I've owned a copy of this since it came out, and it's the most treasured RPG book I have.

  • @SerpenThrope
    @SerpenThrope 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    FYI, ordered a hard cover PoD, and got the PDF. I showed the PDF to a friend who always plays elf spellcasters (usually Wizards, but she has played a Druid once). I thought it might amuse you to know that she felt really torn having on the idea of having to choose either Elf or Magic User.
    ...that said, when she actually looked at them, she found both Elf and Druid appealing, but was unimpressed by the BECMI Magic User.

  • @PeterNorthsLeftTesticle
    @PeterNorthsLeftTesticle 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love the thumbnail. 😂

  • @PolyhedralParadice
    @PolyhedralParadice 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When you broke out with Dare to be Stupid" I nearly lost it from laughter.

  • @nordicmaelstrom4714
    @nordicmaelstrom4714 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just got this book. I had an original copy but it was lost to time. Looking forward to having it back in my collection.

  • @djinndevyl7077
    @djinndevyl7077 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    GREATEST FUCKING GIFT TSR EVER GAVE US

  • @stephenbobby6715
    @stephenbobby6715 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think the RC left put that in combat you need to declare what you are doing THEN role initiative. Great job you are doing Mr. Welch. I just started a new group and we are running RC. So nice and simple. I love the quickness of combat and we are not using skills. Goes fast.

  • @noobiesnacks1636
    @noobiesnacks1636 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great series of videos! subbed and liked

  • @patrickholt2270
    @patrickholt2270 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm interested in the RC digest of the skills, because that was my problem with the skill system as I encountered it in the Gazetteers, that, like the Gazetteers in general, they were written without reference to each other, and therefore as well as there just being too many, there was no equalization of the skills in terms of value for skill point.

  • @ajaxplunkett5115
    @ajaxplunkett5115 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good vid.
    Just a minor correction: 2nd edition AD&D came out in 1989 not 1992 and there was another basic ( 2 actually ) product set. The " Black Box " starter set which gets good reviews to learn the game. And there was a hardcover called classic dungeons and dragons.

  • @marcuswooldridge
    @marcuswooldridge 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    that's good boy....now hold my beer,!

  • @redfeildre349
    @redfeildre349 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Never regretted getting rid of any RPG more than Rules Cyclopedia. Love my new POD copy even with the sight cover damage on the back cover. No idea what happened with that. The rest of the book is perfect.
    Towards the end of the video you show an old copy of RC and the new hard/soft cover reprints. WHAT version of RC is that in the middle and how do I get a copy? I WANT THAT BLACK COVER!

    • @aspektx
      @aspektx 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ya i was wondering the same thing. even my 2ed core set i purchased with the black covers. for several reasons, but one of them was the color :)

    • @adamlee6467
      @adamlee6467 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Currently I am running a low level AD&D 1e game in Greyhawk. Some of my players are playing Dwarves and Elves. I plan are DM a high level campaign but it seems Dwarves and Elves are limited to lower levels. Would this book help with that for my Greyhawk campaign? Is there an old school book you would recommend that doesn’t limit demihumans?

    • @redfeildre349
      @redfeildre349 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@adamlee6467 I wish I can find my book. If I recall correctly, demi humans effectively stop advancing in RC as far as new abilities, save throws, ect BUT they still get HP. I could be remembering this wrong. I've had to do some Christmas shuffling and a lot of my books are not accessible. To be honest, my games never seem to get past level 10.

  • @mircoles
    @mircoles 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    On p.25 of the Moldvay B/X basic book a full days rest will recover 1-3 Hp. Any interruptions to that rest would cancel it.

  • @bartholomewr.6024
    @bartholomewr.6024 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really good video! Well done very well done

  • @Number01
    @Number01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would you be willing to do a how to play series on "BECMI"/"RC"/"B/X"? Anything from combat to skills etc?

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If there's interest enough. The rules cyclopedia skill-set I still hold up is the best one ever written for D&D

    • @Number01
      @Number01 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mr_Welch I'm learning "B/X" -"Moldvay" to convert my 5e group over right now and picked up the RC and all the rules books in the BECMI line to expand it once they get a hang of the system. I'd definitely be interested in a series on the rules with examples. Thank you for your consideration.

  • @GojiKaichou
    @GojiKaichou 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is there a print on demand place online that has the creature catalogs? Drive-thru RPG doesn't have it.
    Just got my hardcover Cyclopedia from them for $25.

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Sadly no, and the CC's are minimum $40 on Ebay

    • @GojiKaichou
      @GojiKaichou 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Mr_Welch $40 isn't that bad, to be honest. I just like to have hardcopy around when it's not convenient to use .pdf.

  • @squatchhammer7215
    @squatchhammer7215 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know it's 5 years old... Man now I understand what old guys mean that the years flew by, but I think by reprinting that Wizards had admitted that the community doesnt like any of the newer ed. that were printed at this point. Yes they are still printing 5th and going onto 6th but I wouldn't be surprised that 6th would look more like adnd.

    • @sandman6088
      @sandman6088 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Are you referring to the D&D community as a whole? Because if you are, saying the community doesn't like newer editions is a big stretch. The reprints are simply there for the smaller old school community to purchase and to dissuade them from going to non-Wizards alternatives.

  • @chrissangenette6359
    @chrissangenette6359 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    On what page does it cover player potion crafting?

  • @pblackcrow
    @pblackcrow 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wait...can't wizards get domains as well?

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Shannon Stokely they do, the game does usually make it a wizard tower. But it's not mandatory. Your wizard can take any building for their own

    • @MrRourk
      @MrRourk 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hell ya they do! We got this castle for you. Amberville. You are the new Lord. Enjoy ;)

  • @wbbartlett
    @wbbartlett 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    4:25 what is this hideous creature? it looks lumbering and dull-witted but still capable of great evil.

  • @terratorment2940
    @terratorment2940 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lol at Trump as a DM

  • @fja3924
    @fja3924 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The changes I would make to a RC campaign is Ascending AC, Advantage/Disadvantage and Pushing Skill checks (from CoC)

  • @death2all79zx
    @death2all79zx 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    @15:45, what version is that in the middle?

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The POD Drivethru RPG version

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I stand corrected that seems to be somebody's personal copy they took down to a local printer and had it rebound

  • @SerpenThrope
    @SerpenThrope 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Question: I've found in the past that retroclone rules tend to be more readable (ie I have a friend who will only play 2e, and I have For Gold and Glory so I don't have to read the ramblings of 2e books), but you mention this book being well put together. Would getting the Rules Cyclopedia PoD be preferable to getting Old School Essentials or another retroclone?

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      For the price there's no reason not to take it to cyclopia if you're looking for an old school game. This is the Grand Daddy that most people are copying and basing their clone off

    • @SerpenThrope
      @SerpenThrope 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mr_Welch Well, let me ask this: Does it separate lore from mechanics, or lump them together like 2e? I was so annoyed having to read a paragraph about how Gnomes behave to find out they have a +1 bonus to Intelligence.

    • @Mr_Welch
      @Mr_Welch  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SerpenThrope no it's pretty condensed. Any fluff is just maybe a line before you get to the crunch. It jumps right into the rules on page one

  • @liquidnation9992
    @liquidnation9992 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    4:22 wait Trump plays D&D!?

  • @GamerKatz_1971
    @GamerKatz_1971 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why did you have to insult the game by showing thumbnail of Trump holding the DMG? Gary deserved better. lol ;)

  • @markhill3858
    @markhill3858 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    did you HAFTA use trump as a thumbnail we are really trying to forget him down under lol

    • @ForeverYoungKickboxer
      @ForeverYoungKickboxer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You will have some time before that is possible. But, maybe you are already forgetting Trump, with your own Tyrant down there

    • @markhill3858
      @markhill3858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ForeverYoungKickboxer which tyrant would that be mate? scomo? hes more the steal public funds type not the tyrancy type .. what makes you call him a tyrant?

    • @markhill3858
      @markhill3858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ForeverYoungKickboxer also gross ignorance and detachment from objective reality .. tyrant LIKE attributes Im sure .. but I am a little mystified why youd call him a tyrant .. his worst sins are stuff like going on holiday to hawaii during the worst fires in human history, hes more compulsive liar, incompetent boob and money obsessed crook than tyrant I think

  • @raisenets99
    @raisenets99 6 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Love your vids! , But Trump should be no where near D&D.

    • @firewalkwithme7560
      @firewalkwithme7560 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      felipe hoil President Trump is the ultimate DM.

    • @johncartwright3130
      @johncartwright3130 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes he is!

    • @johnbalk6091
      @johnbalk6091 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      felipe hoil I agree with you completely. Trump would be the worst player or DM. That whole section with him looking at the book only made me angry. Especially with everything that’s going on right now. Fucking loser.

    • @vaele723
      @vaele723 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Why? Does it affect you in any way? It's not even real. People like you confuse me, and I'm not even American.

    • @johnbalk6091
      @johnbalk6091 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hex Counter Maybe people like us confuse you because you’re NOT an American and don’t have to live with this fuck-tard making decisions that actually affect us, and not you. Plus, many of us use this game to escape, and having him be a part of it, even jokingly, is terrible.