Basic Fantasy RPG Forums

Has anyone created a system for followers specifically using the BFRPG rules in mind?

If not, does anyone know if the other "basic" retro-clones (or the original editions) have such systems in place that could be easily ported over?

Looking at what I have copies of, I'm not seeing much in terms of followers. I have one that mentions apprentices for magic-users, and drawing a body of fighter-types for clerics, but that's it.

I forget Solo's standpoint on mentioning the esteemed competition, so I'll let it be at that.

For a starting point, maybe start with something a bit more 'advanced' and tweak it?

Joe the Rat wrote:Looking at what I have copies of, I'm not seeing much in terms of followers. I have one that mentions apprentices for magic-users, and drawing a body of fighter-types for clerics, but that's it.

I forget Solo's standpoint on mentioning the esteemed competition, so I'll let it be at that.

For a starting point, maybe start with something a bit more 'advanced' and tweak it?

Yes, I imagine 'advanced' stuff might form the basis of a system of followers. I may look at the second iteration of 'advanced' reference materials for ideas here, as those brown books had lots of good material tailor made for each class. Regardless, this sounds like a Supplement in the making.

Matt Finch, Stuart Marshal, Dan Proctor, and I have an agreement that we (personally) may talk about each other's games more or less freely. It helps that we all respect each other. However, that does not necessarily extend to other contributors (i.e. some of you guys who have your names on the game or on official supplements).

However, I see no reason not to discuss borrowing from any OGL game. I don't think it falls into the marketing-type restriction that the OGL is aimed at, and I doubt any of the fellows listed above would complain.

While drawing ideas from other sources is a good idea, I would like to see something built originally for bfrpg. Is this going to be the discussion idea thread or is that going to be done over on dragonfoot? I'm willing to toss ideas around in either place.

Yes, and of course, I do not propose any wholesale copy/paste of any other material... but to utilize in the inspiration and emulation sense. I respect their IP/Copyrights (including that wizbro company)... but I like the idea of getting certain essentials of various games incorporated into my favorite system (from whatever source inspiration).

Metroknight wrote:While drawing ideas from other sources is a good idea, I would like to see something built originally for bfrpg. Is this going to be the discussion idea thread or is that going to be done over on dragonfoot? I'm willing to toss ideas around in either place.

Agreed.

And, the thread was originally an open inquiry about whether or not something is already out there somewhere... but I have no problem with making this into a collective project.

Borrowing OGC materials for our own use is actually entirely okay. That's what OGC is for.

That said, I'd prefer a very classic take on it. Shouldn't require more than a page or two.

Solomoriah wrote:Borrowing OGC materials for our own use is actually entirely okay. That's what OGC is for.

That said, I'd prefer a very classic take on it. Shouldn't require more than a page or two.

Agreed on this as well. I am thinking something that works across the board such as X number of HD of followers (with some modifiers for CHA, Level, type/size of Stronghold (if any), etc.). Zero Level count as 1/2HD, and some rule for maximum level of individual leader types of those followers (and how many leader types they get).

Then following can be some tables for the individual classes, Fighters getting an assortment of warrior types; Clerics a mix of various laypeople, warriors (temple guards), and clergy types; Thieves get assortment of street urchins, informants, fences, and leveled thieves; Magic-Users getting students, apprentices, a few leveled assistants, Igor types to do grunt-work, and perhaps the occasional magical beast.

Having the basis of the followers be 'formulaic' also allows the GM to tweak follower lists to suit the campaign or additional optional materials that may have been included. For instance, the game has progressed and the party finds themselves settling down (with strongholds) in a region far from their origins on island chains inhabited by pirates, tribesmen, and communities of aquatic beings. Since this will not likely be well represented by standard pseudo-medieval (european-ish) charts of typical offerings, the GM is able to (and encouraged) to build suitable options for the characters.
Another example might be for games where the Game Master uses optional Supplements for classes... the Rangers or Druids getting mostly animal or creature followers, while a Paladin uses this framework for an (extra special) intelligent warhorse mount and a squad of squires .

SmootRK wrote:Then following can be some tables for the individual classes, Fighters getting an assortment of warrior types; Clerics a mix of various laypeople, warriors (temple guards), and clergy types; Thieves get assortment of street urchins, informants, fences, and leveled thieves; Magic-Users getting students, apprentices, a few leveled assistants, Igor types to do grunt-work, and perhaps the occasional magical beast.

I was browsing the AD&D 2E Player's Handbook yesterday and noticed that it includes follower tables like those you suggest for many of the character classes. It would be worth a look.