My 0e/LBB retro-clone Torch & Sword is nearly complete. Since I'll be taking a little break from it to work on my new campaign, I decided to release this beta version (PDF, LaTeX source files).
In a few months, I'll give it a final edit and add one or two bits and bobs, but it's now pretty close to a complete implementation of the original rules. I also added some art.
Cool!!! From my quick glance, it looks sharp. And it looks like you've packed a hell of a lot of info into 79 pages!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading over this. It's obvious you put a lot of effort into the project just looking at the preview here in the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm shooting for a minimal framework with a terse style. There are few Gygaxian prose flourishes here, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both James and R. W., really good work!
ReplyDeleteI like the clean and minimalistic approach.
Nice! Excellent layout, digging the appendix. Are there any rules changes to the original beyond the appendix?
ReplyDeleteAre there any rules changes to the original beyond the appendix?
ReplyDeleteI tried to isolate rules additions to the appendix.
Very cool stuff. Will give it a more thorough read soon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell done Paul, looks great. And I look forward to having a better look at T&S.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, you've been busy! Looks great man.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's coming along.
ReplyDeleteWhat the... How is it that I just learned of this today- literally while randomly looking through a blog roll list? Anyway you've made a really well laid out and beautifully illustrated retroclone of the 3lbb's. Really awsome, and looks really close to the source. For combat, I like how you combined FC with the target 20 system - I did basically the same thing as an "alternate" combat system in the Champions of Zed retroclone. Great Stuff Paul.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Nice to see you here. I bought Fight On! 12 five minutes ago, and had just started reading ZED article when you left your comment. I'm eager to see the whole book.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I haven't been using FC at the table. My group has settled into S&W's AAC system, and I find it plays well despite my initial hesitance about it.
Technical question: Are you writing in LaTex directly or are you converting to LaTex from something? If the latter, what?
ReplyDeleteI write LaTeX directly in Vim.
ReplyDeleteAnyone curious about LaTeX but not comfortable with a text editor and raw markup might take a look at Lyx, a word-processor-like LaTeX GUI.
Another options would be to do the bulk of the writing in a simple format like markdown, then convert to LaTeX using pandoc. I have considered going this route myself.
I write my own stuff in org-mode on emacs and export it to LaTex, but that is becoming a bit too limiting. I was thinking of moving over to just writing the tex files directly. Your tex files are a helpful tool. I like the landscape layout. Thanks for posting them.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work so far, I'm looking forward to seeing the final product! Are you planning to include anything from the supplements? I like your approach of keeping any changes to the appendices, I like simulacrums to stick as closely as possible to the original gameplay (that was my goal for Blueholme). And the screen-sized format is a good idea - I know I look at stuff more on screens than in print these days.
ReplyDeleteIt only covers the three LBB's.
ReplyDeleteI haven't touched this project in a long time. "LBB clone" is a well-served niche at this point. It was a very educational experience for me.
At some point, I'll do one more editing pass on this, tighten up the formatting, and quietly stick on my publications page at devilghost.com.
Sweet.
ReplyDelete(For some reason, this post didn't show up in my feed reader; I only noticed it because I saw a share on Google Plus.)
Also, I'd be greatly interested in seeing a 1-up digest version of this (better for reading on tablets).
ReplyDeleteWhat's the argument for using this rather than, say, Labyrinth Lord or Swords & Wizardry?
ReplyDeleteLL and S&W are probably better choices. Torch & Sword has two possible advantages: it's extremely terse, and it makes an effort to preserve the ambiguities and lacunae of the LBB's. Also, all the art is public domain.
ReplyDelete(This is an old post, so comments only appear after I approve them.)
ReplyDeleteI think that's why this serves a niche that none of the other clones scratch as yet. It's a great little package for the electronic age - a lot of people I see at play (and work) now come to the table armed with a tablet. It makes occasions where things can't proceed because some document or other is missing much less likely.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you did here. Nice neat little package with all the necessities. I'm wondering though, did the original box include rules for aerial combat? I haven't seen the white box in years and don't remember it.
ReplyDeleteYes, the original game includes rules for aerial combat based on Mike Carr's Fight in the Skies WWI game.
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion: the character creation quick steps makes it seem as if a PC of a given race can be any class. It says, "Choose a race," and then the next line is "Pick a class". But then the next page makes it clear that dwarves, elves and halflings are classes unto themselves, so to speak. You might want to re-word the instructions in the quick steps. Otherwise, great looking rule set!
ReplyDeleteThis is really good. I especially like the inclusion of splintered shields and love the thief class and carousing experience.
ReplyDeleteWhere can i buy a print version?
ReplyDelete