Hey everyone! I’m on the hunt for an RPG that leans towards low or no magic, while still keeping that medieval feel. I’m really into systems that offer a wide range of weapon options, like different types of arrowheads or varying qualities of weapons—for instance, starting with a woodsman’s axe and then upgrading to iron and then steel versions. I’ve heard some good things about Pendragon, but I’m not sure if it aligns well with tactical combat, which I really enjoy. Any recommendations for games that might fit this description, including classic fantasy races similar to those in Lord of the Rings? Thanks for your help!
5 Answers
If you’re looking for something that keeps the magic minimal, Hackmaster is a great option. It’s mostly low magic, and you can always ignore the magical elements if you want. Plus, they have a free demo for the first levels! Also, check out Palladium—it covers similar ground.
Have you checked out Harnmaster? It’s a solid choice for what you’re looking for.
Thirding this one! It’s a bit complex but really rewarding.
Have you thought about looking into Aquelarre? It’s set in medieval Spain and runs with a low magic approach. Pendragon is good for Arthurian themes, and Harn is perfect for a realistic medieval experience.
You might really enjoy Mythras! It has detailed rules for different weapon materials and crafting masterwork gear, plus the combat system is robust and tactical. The magic elements can be minimized if you prefer more focus on weapon choice.
I agree! Mythras really shines when it comes to weapon variety and tactical options.
Definitely check out the blog post about combat examples with Mythras. It outlines how choices impact gameplay significantly.
For Pendragon, you might want to look into the Book of Battles. It adds a lot of tactical options to combat. If you’re considering something similar, SIFRP (A Song of Ice and Fire RPG) might fit—but beware, it can get messy during individual combat.
Great suggestion, I’ve heard good things about its depth!