Author Topic: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?  (Read 3120 times)

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Offline Chapomaster

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The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« on: September 28, 2017, 02:51:39 AM »
I have been contemplating running this game, but i am quite scared of the crunch and i don't know where to start, but the idea of all the customization options and the deadly combat excites me.

Can anyone give me a guideline? don't know which edition to read and what i can do with each one.

Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2017, 05:21:19 AM »
There is a lot less crunch in RM than there is in Pathfinder and most recent versions of D&D. The image of RM's weight and complexity is a legacy from decades ago, so you can stop worrying about that.

If you want to buy new rules then you have three options. On rpgnow you can buy RMFRP as a single volume book for $20.

You can also get all of RMC (Classic) as new books. In my opinion RMC is less demanding than RMFRP, the criticism of RMs bookkeeping demands come more from RMFRP than from RMC because of the skill system.

Your third option us to play test RMU and then buy the finalised books when they become available.

I introduced a new GM recently and we went down the RMC route as they wanted to buy printed books there and then. If you are an experienced GM then RMU could be a good option. The more fresh eyes that look at it the better.
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Offline Spectre771

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2017, 09:06:33 AM »
Getting into RM in any incarnation is easy enough.  If you are brand new then the easiest option is to jump in on the RMU threads and watch the development of the newest version that will be released.  The system has been greatly revamped and is looking fantastic.

The next option I would suggest is RM 2nd ed.  (RM2)  You can get the box set of the 3 core books and RM Companion 2 (RMC2) and be well on your way for adventures.   I will argue till the cows come home that RMC2 is so integral and ties the core books + RMC I together so well that it should be considered one of the core books.  Master Class list, master skill list, skill costs, definitions of all the skills... the Bible of RM2

The last option is the RM-FRP system.  I haven't personally played it, but I have the core books for RM-SS and it was nice and it had great changes, but at that point in my life I had several hundred dollars invested in RM2 and I wasn't ready to switch to the new system and dump more money.   I was a poor college kid at the time, working 3 part time jobs and paying for tuition.  Money was scarce.


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Offline Chapomaster

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2017, 02:06:24 PM »
Is RM2 == rolemaster classic?

also ,is RMU better?

Offline Spectre771

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2017, 02:31:52 PM »
RM2 is before RM Classic.  I've seen books from Classic and some friends tried to incorporate it into the RM2 campaign I had going and there were enough differences where it didn't work well.  RM Classic is close, and if you make an all RM Classic session, OK, good. 

RMU isn't out yet, but it's been tons of fun play testing and reading up on.  Seriously, the best thing for RMU is to jump into the RMU threads and start reading up on things. 
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Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2017, 02:50:52 PM »
Is RM2 == rolemaster classic?

also ,is RMU better?

RMC is a revamp of RM2 but is not 100% compatible. I am familiar with both and can happily jump between the two.

RMC book are in print and can be bought from rpgnow. RM2 is out of print but you can find copies here and there in eBay and maybe Amazon.

RM2 runs to dozens of books, RMC is 5 books.
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Offline Chapomaster

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2017, 04:53:51 PM »
So there is no main difference between RM2 and RMClassic just a matter of taste?

Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2017, 08:19:19 AM »
So there is no main difference between RM2 and RMClassic just a matter of taste?

There are differences. RM2 skill resolution is based around 76+ and 101+ for success.

RMC is based around 76+ is partial success, 91+ is near success and 111+ is success.

In arms law there is a lot of tidying up so RMC characters can use a spear and shield, in RM2 spearsvare 2 handed weapons. In RM2 characters can you shield, sword and a thrown weapon all in the same round, RMC characters cannot.

RM2 combat is based around phases so spells always go first, then missiles, then movement and finally melee. That means that you could put a crossbow against a 15th level casters head and he could prepare and cast teleport before you could pull the trigger every single time, initiative be damned.

RMC combat is based around percentage action rather than phases.
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Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #8 on: September 29, 2017, 08:20:17 AM »
So there is no main difference between RM2 and RMClassic just a matter of taste?

There are differences. RM2 skill resolution is based around 76+ and 101+ for success.

RMC is based around 76+ is partial success, 91+ is near success and 111+ is success.

In arms law there is a lot of tidying up so RMC characters can use a spear and shield, in RM2 spearsvare 2 handed weapons. In RM2 characters can you shield, sword and a thrown weapon all in the same round, RMC characters cannot.

RM2 combat is based around phases so spells always go first, then missiles, then movement and finally melee. That means that you could put a crossbow against a 15th level casters head and he could prepare and cast teleport before you could pull the trigger every single time, initiative be damned.

RMC combat is based around percentage action rather than phases.
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Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2017, 08:22:56 AM »
sorry for the double post, went to hit modify to correct a typo and hit quote by mistake.
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Offline HawksNut

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #10 on: September 29, 2017, 12:02:06 PM »
I am personally running RMSS/RMFRP campaign but I would agree with most of the posters that RM Classic is a simpler start as an introduction. I am beginning to hate Pathfinder. RM is much more simple and realistic. You can make combat life a bit more simple if you take a laptop with you to the game and invest in Combat Minion. It takes some time putting the characters into the software and you do need to think ahead on possible encounters for the players but if you guess right then combat record keeping is easy as the software does most of the work for you. Just my 2 cents.

Offline Hurin

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #11 on: September 29, 2017, 02:09:18 PM »
Also remember that you can buy the software (Electronic Roleplaying Assistant) to make characters and run combat in RMC (I think-- never used it myself).
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Offline Voriig Kye

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #12 on: September 29, 2017, 06:19:29 PM »
Also remember that you can buy the software (Electronic Roleplaying Assistant) to make characters and run combat in RMC (I think-- never used it myself).

I can confirm that ERA is available both for RMC and RMFRP.
You can download the base product for free (works with both editions) from RPGNow (http://www.rpgnow.com/product/137825/ERA-for-Rolemaster).

Once you decide on the edition you'll play (and if you liked the application) you can buy packages that add content from different books (spells, attacks, criticals, professions, ...).

Offline Cory Magel

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #13 on: September 29, 2017, 07:14:23 PM »
So, the way it goes here is the RM2/RMClassic users are going to tell you to use it and the RMSS/RMFRP are going to tell you to use it.

I use a modified RMSS (with RM2 and my own stuff) to be fair... but, I think as a new user you DO NOT use RM2.  Maybe use RM Classic or maybe use RMSS/RMFRP.

RM2 is not friendly to new users.  It's not organized well and balance is out of whack if you use the wrong stuff.  Being new you aren't going to know what 'the wrong stuff' is.

I am not sure if organization and balance issues were addressed in RM Classic, however, RMSS/RMFRP has much more material out than RM Classic.  I can say, if the skill system being 'book keeping' is someones criticism for RMSS/RMFRP, just do away with categories and use specific skills providing them with 5% per rank instead of 3%.  Problem (if such a minor issue is a problem for you) solved.  Also, if you didn't find learning Pathfinder challenging, I don't see why you'd find Rolemaster all that challenging.

Essentially I use a mix of RM2 and RMSS with a tiny amount of RMFRP tossed in, so if you have questions about certain aspects of each fire away.
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Offline Raqlexia

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #14 on: September 29, 2017, 09:09:16 PM »
So, as a new user would you recommend RMC or RMSS/RMFRP more? Sorry to add on to the questions

Offline Cory Magel

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #15 on: September 30, 2017, 01:03:25 AM »
I honestly don't know much about RMC as it is a revamp aimed at RM2 users.  I use the old RM2 material to integrate into RMSS.
I'm pretty sure RMC has less expansion materials however, so I'd go with RMSS/RMFRP personally.
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Offline Peter R

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #16 on: September 30, 2017, 01:16:31 AM »
So, as a new user would you recommend RMC or RMSS/RMFRP more? Sorry to add on to the questions

as a new user I would suggest you use RMU and know that what you are using is the most up to date and current.
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Offline Cory Magel

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #17 on: September 30, 2017, 02:23:59 AM »
So, as a new user would you recommend RMC or RMSS/RMFRP more? Sorry to add on to the questions

as a new user I would suggest you use RMU and know that what you are using is the most up to date and current.

That is another option if you want to wait on it (or use it unfinished).  Personally I think there are still problems to resolve with RMU before I'd recommend it.
- Cory Magel

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(Channeling Companion, RMQ 1 & 2, and various Guild Companion articles author).

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Offline Spectre771

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #18 on: October 02, 2017, 10:39:04 AM »
RM2 is not friendly to new users.  It's not organized well and balance is out of whack if you use the wrong stuff.  Being new you aren't going to know what 'the wrong stuff' is.

Agree.  100% agree.  It's the system I love and still use but I agree it's daunting for new players with a skilled GM, and even more confusing with a New-to-the-system GM.  Having started off new players to RM using the RM2 system, they are struggling with some concepts and as a new GM, not knowing what optional rules to add will throw the gameplay out of whack, it could be messy the first few times out.  That is one reason I believe RMC-II should be considered part of the core books.  It cleaned up a lot of the core books and RMC-I and works great.  If you ever get really into RM2 and get to know the system you can streamline it.  After many years of playing, we have what works best for us and I can make Level 5 PC in about 10 minutes.


as a new user I would suggest you use RMU and know that what you are using is the most up to date and current.

Honestly, this is the best route (IMO as well) since you will have the latest and well play-tested version of RM.  Play tested by RM players over decades of playing all incarnations of RM.  You can get in on the Beta Testing for a lot of the content and really learn the system as it's being developed.  The authors are constantly taking in suggestions and making updates and improvements.

Rather than invest time and money in the older systems, then invest time and money into the RMU system, hit the ground running with the latest version.




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Offline Felros

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Re: The most FAQ, how do i get into RM and related products?
« Reply #19 on: October 15, 2017, 11:32:03 AM »
 As a new player, I definetely would recommend you playing RMC. Yes, there is less material, but it also means less money to spend. RMU is so cool and I want it to be finally released, but if you play it it means you will have to deal with corrections and modifications, as it is still in beta. I played and loved RMF/RMSS more, I think it´s more balanced, but also more complex.

When you catch the system and feel comfortable, you can always add more material from other editions as you see fit.