How does Basic Fantasy RPG compare to White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game?
I’ve frequently mentioned my preference for Basic Fantasy RPG. It’s a system that everyone should at least check out for the plethora of freely available resources. Recently, I came across White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game (WBFMAG) edited by Charlie Mason. It’s his effort to re-organize Matt Finch and Marv Breig’s Swords and Sorcery: WhiteBox (SaSWB). As their names imply, SaSWB and WBFMAG are based on the original white box set of the most popular role-playing game. It follows, then, that BFRPG and WBFMAG are attempting to capture the game styles of two pretty different rulesets. We should be careful about comparing these systems because their aims are quite different. Below we’ll have a brief look to see what these systems have in common and what sets them apart.
Both systems are available at no cost in PDF. They’re also sold at (or near) cost in print. WBFMAG is available at DriveThruRPG; the cheaper print-on-demand options can be obtained on the most popular online retailer. For both systems, all of the core rules are contained in one book.
William McAusland did almost all of the interior art, giving the entire book a consistent look. It’s worth grabbing a copy of the PDF just to have a look at the impressive line art. The artwork in BFRPG, on the other hand, is a community effort; in other words, there’s a wide variety of styles. Not to imply that having variety is bad, of course. There’s a certain charm to such an eclectic collection of artwork. Nevertheless, it does sacrifice some consistency. Furthermore, the layout of WBFMAG is clean and aesthetically pleasing. Although BFRPG is readable and laid out nicely, I must admit that I consider its overall look to be merely serviceable. Ultimately, readers will have to decide for themselves which aesthetics that they prefer.
What are the most notable rule differences?
The following is a short list of some of the major differences. Both systems are based more on GM fiat rather than explicit rules. This list is not exhaustive; it’s merely an attempt to show how these systems approach things differently.
- Most character classes only have experience level advancement details up to level 10.
- There is a brief discussion about alignment but it’s still left largely up to GM discretion.
- There are slightly more complex rules for experience point bonuses based on class and creature choice.
- Thief abilities are based on 1d6 rather than 1d100.
- Descending armor class is preferred. Ascending armor class (called AAC here) is included as an option.
- Most damage is 1d6, with only few exceptions. There are optional rules to make all damage 1d6 to keep in line with the source material.
- Initiative is based on sides rather than individuals.
- There are rules for jousting.
- Monster stat blocks are less detailed; there’s no line for treasure, morale rating, nor number of creatures appearing.
- Monsters have a “hit dice equivalent” stat that is based on a creature’s abilities and which is intended to help GMs determine a monster’s difficulty.
Which is better for newcomers to the hobby?
BFRPG’s chapter for GMs is much more helpful for rookies, as it
includes more detailed instructions on how to construct both dungeon and
wilderness adventures. The same sections in WBFMAG are too brief and vague in comparison. A short dungeon scenario would have helped as well.
WBFMAG lacks the community support of BFRPG.
There are a lot of modules, extra rules, and all sorts of other handy
resources available on the BFRPG website. That’s no fault of the folks making WBFMAG, of course. BFRPG was a community effort from the start, and has been around for far longer.
In the end, I’m enamored with the presentation of WBFMAG. If new players ask me to recommend systems, I will definitely encourage them to check out both. WBFMAG’s more consistent look may win them over to an old school, rules lite style of play.
Bibliography
Mason, Charlie, ed. White Box: Fantastic Medieval Adventure Game. Self-published, PDF, 2017 (2nd printing).