Paksworld RPG Based On Elizabeth Moon's Novels

Elizabeth Moon's 'Paksenarrion' series of novels constitute a fantasy saga which launched in 1988 with Sheepfarmer's Daughter and features a runaway girl--Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter--who becomes a paladin.

Brittannia Game Designs--best known for its Chivalry & Sorcery rolepaying game--has announced that it will be producing the officlal roleplaying game. There will be two versions: one powered by D&D 5E, and one powered by Brittannia's in house Skillscape system.

Brittania's Stephen Turner describes Paksworld as "a world of gritty high adventure". The game will be coming to Kickstarter later this year.

 

[Eilathen]

How do the two systems that they want to use for this, compare to each other? I know 5e from my own tables but i never played the Skillscape system.
For people who have read the books and know both systems, which one is a better fit for the novels, in your opinion?

 

[Parmandur]

How do the two systems that they want to use for this, compare to each other? I know 5e from my own tables but i never played the Skillscape system.
For people who have read the books and know both systems, which one is a better fit for the novels, in your opinion?

The novels are very much straight up AD&D 1E fiction, in detail. The first story is even The Village of Hommlet, with her clearing out the Moathouse.

 

[SteveC]

I really enjoyed these books. I had heard they were a great description of how someone becomes a Paladin, and I really agree with that. I will definitely look at the game and this motivates me to get out the series again.

I'll point out that the books start off as sort of YA fantasy. I was surprised at how dark they turn at a certain point, so I don't know if I'd recommend them to a younger reader as a result. That's just my impression from reading them, and your mileage may vary. If you're a parent, I'd look at a summary before giving them to younger readers. But I do recommend them for reading as solid character development. I really enjoyed them.

 

[Von Ether]

Moon was one of the old guard who vehemenytly defended against any RPG adaptations of her work so I am as surprised as happy that we are getting this one.

While I knew authors were more open to ttrpg adaptations now, I am still surprised how many of them are full on ttrpg gamers and are now just as likely to write a rulebook themselves.

 

[robertsconley]

The novels are very much straight up AD&D 1E fiction, in detail. The first story is even The Village of Hommlet, with her clearing out the Moathouse.

Yes, when I read Divided Allegiance and Paks arrived in Brewerbridge, several pages in, I thought, ' This feels very familiar. But it is no rip-off; the characters of the village were well-drawn, and it felt like a place with a life of its own.

 

[Zaukrie]

Great books! I'll check out the game, but I doubt I'll buy it. But we'll see.

 

[Peter BOSCO'S]

Moon was one of the old guard who vehemenytly defended against any RPG adaptations of her work so I am as surprised as happy that we are getting this one.

Sometimes people change their minds as they get older. This is normal and good and, in this case, good for role-players.

 

[Belen]

While I knew authors were more open to ttrpg adaptations now, I am still surprised how many of them are full on ttrpg gamers and are now just as likely to write a rulebook themselves.

It is clear from her novels that she played D&D. In the early days of the internet, people were producing fan-made IP content and authors like Moon, McCaffrey, and Lackey were very protective of their IP and feared that having an RPG produced would allow people to steal or erode it.

I am happy she changed her mind and very sad that you cannot find her books on the shelves any longer. All you find is romantasy and booktok trash.

 

[GuardianLurker]

The novels are very much straight up AD&D 1E fiction, in detail. The first story is even The Village of Hommlet, with her clearing out the Moathouse.

Not 1e; B/X. The progression from pure veteran fighter to called paladin lines up very neatly with the advanced classes of that system.

 

[Belen]

Not 1e; B/X. The progression from pure veteran fighter to called paladin lines up very neatly with the advanced classes of that system.

Agreed.

You guys have me re-reading it again.