Guardians Of Order
First Post
I have received several emails from gamers wanting to know more about BESM d20. Here is a general overview:
BESM is an interesting project.
It is the point-based alternative to the Player's Handbook. Since it is published under the d20 license, however, it technically requires the PHB. It is our belief that anyone who is actually interested in a d20 book already owns the PHB, so it's not a concern at all. It is also our position the two major restrictions with the d20 license -- can't tell people how to roll ability scores (roll 4d6, take best 3), and can't tell people how to compare experience points with an experience table -- are not really restrictions at all.
Consequently, we don't believe that you need the PHB to use BESM d20.
BESM d20 is loaded with everything that made BESM Tri-Stat popular, but is customized for the d20 System. For example:
* there are 15 new character classes (Adventurer, Dynamic Sorceror, Giant Robot, Gun Bunny, Hot Rod, Magical Girl, Martial Artist, Mecha Pilot, Ninja, Pet Monster Trainer, Samurai, Sentai Member, Shapechanger, Student, Tech Genius)
BUT...you don't have to use character classes (Adventurer is effectively classless)
* there are a few dozen feats to choose from
BUT...you don't have to use feats
* we have the standard d20 Skill list, with some additional options
BUT...specializations provide a focus for players
* we have included a more cinematic not hex-based combat system
BUT...you can use normal d20 combat rules if you prefer
* our use of Dynamic Sorcery is a free-flowing magic system
BUT...you can use traditional d20 spells if you prefer
* BESM d20 is less restrictive in nearly all ways than standard d20, since it is a point-based system
BUT...you can use any d20 rule you like to reign in the scope of the character options
* and, of course, there's an entire and comprehensive point-based power creation system (the Attributes)
Also, BESM d20 deconstructs the PHB races and classes, providing point values for all abilities provided. If you want to play a dwarven paladin, for example, we'll give you the point costs to synch it up with the rest of BESM d20. We have taken the PHB, broke it down to its smallest components, balanced it, and rebuilt it.
In our opinion, BESM d20 is the perfect alternative to the PHB for d20 players that want:
* an open character creation system, not overly restricted by classes
* a fast and furious cinematic combat system
* advice for adding an anime flair to their games
Everything (or very nearly) is in one book, but BESM d20 integrates seamlessly with both D&D and d20 Modern.
This is why we have tagged BESM d20 as "d20 Redefined." It truly is.
BESM is an interesting project.
It is the point-based alternative to the Player's Handbook. Since it is published under the d20 license, however, it technically requires the PHB. It is our belief that anyone who is actually interested in a d20 book already owns the PHB, so it's not a concern at all. It is also our position the two major restrictions with the d20 license -- can't tell people how to roll ability scores (roll 4d6, take best 3), and can't tell people how to compare experience points with an experience table -- are not really restrictions at all.
Consequently, we don't believe that you need the PHB to use BESM d20.
BESM d20 is loaded with everything that made BESM Tri-Stat popular, but is customized for the d20 System. For example:
* there are 15 new character classes (Adventurer, Dynamic Sorceror, Giant Robot, Gun Bunny, Hot Rod, Magical Girl, Martial Artist, Mecha Pilot, Ninja, Pet Monster Trainer, Samurai, Sentai Member, Shapechanger, Student, Tech Genius)
BUT...you don't have to use character classes (Adventurer is effectively classless)
* there are a few dozen feats to choose from
BUT...you don't have to use feats
* we have the standard d20 Skill list, with some additional options
BUT...specializations provide a focus for players
* we have included a more cinematic not hex-based combat system
BUT...you can use normal d20 combat rules if you prefer
* our use of Dynamic Sorcery is a free-flowing magic system
BUT...you can use traditional d20 spells if you prefer
* BESM d20 is less restrictive in nearly all ways than standard d20, since it is a point-based system
BUT...you can use any d20 rule you like to reign in the scope of the character options
* and, of course, there's an entire and comprehensive point-based power creation system (the Attributes)
Also, BESM d20 deconstructs the PHB races and classes, providing point values for all abilities provided. If you want to play a dwarven paladin, for example, we'll give you the point costs to synch it up with the rest of BESM d20. We have taken the PHB, broke it down to its smallest components, balanced it, and rebuilt it.
In our opinion, BESM d20 is the perfect alternative to the PHB for d20 players that want:
* an open character creation system, not overly restricted by classes
* a fast and furious cinematic combat system
* advice for adding an anime flair to their games
Everything (or very nearly) is in one book, but BESM d20 integrates seamlessly with both D&D and d20 Modern.
This is why we have tagged BESM d20 as "d20 Redefined." It truly is.
