1) M&P is a literal interpretation of Holmes, including all the references to AD&D, and develops the game along those lines to 12th level while retaining some OD&D ideas like the d6 hit die for monsters.
2) BLUEHOLME takes the approach that Holmes was intended as an introduction to OD&D. The Prentice Rules (up to 3rd level) are very close to Holmes. Eventually the Compleat Rules will cover levels 1-20 and deliver all the extras promised in the Blue Book.
By the way, where's Michael Pfaff's original post?
Blueholme and M&P are both very good simulations. My only problem with Blueholme is that until the extra rulebook is released it's still covering the same ground as the original Holmes book, 1-3 level. There are, however, some good rules extensions of the Holme books out there to be found.
There is a document colloquially referred to as "the grey book" that does a nice job of incorporating Holmes basic + OD&D + the four supplements + various materials from The Strategic Review. It's copyright legality may be questionable, so it might be difficult to find.
You're right about BLUEHOLME™ Prentice Rules, Michael Badolato, and the reason is that I originally set out to write an errata/clarification document for Holmes. Of course, as everyone familiar with Holmes knows, the Blue Book is not comparable to Moldvay in clarity even though it is a big step forward from OD&D. So, once I realised that I was basically re-editing the entire rulebook, I decided to go all the way and make it a simulacrum.
IMO, Holmes was a Basic set to OD&D, so Blueholme matches what I envision it might've been if it wasn't pimped as an intro to AD&D. I'd just as soon run Holmes with the Single Volume 0e rules + Supplements.
John Raner I am ambivalent regarding clones, as I don't really like how they are intended to completely replace the original games. I do see the advantage in bringing new people to the old systems, though.
Blueholme isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYep:
ReplyDeletehttp://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/109409/BLUEHOLME-Prentice-Rules
Mazes & Perils is another that is readily available.
ReplyDeleteYep, there are two streams of Holmes cloning:
ReplyDelete1) M&P is a literal interpretation of Holmes, including all the references to AD&D, and develops the game along those lines to 12th level while retaining some OD&D ideas like the d6 hit die for monsters.
2) BLUEHOLME takes the approach that Holmes was intended as an introduction to OD&D. The Prentice Rules (up to 3rd level) are very close to Holmes. Eventually the Compleat Rules will cover levels 1-20 and deliver all the extras promised in the Blue Book.
By the way, where's Michael Pfaff's original post?
Blueholme and M&P are both very good simulations. My only problem with Blueholme is that until the extra rulebook is released it's still covering the same ground as the original Holmes book, 1-3 level. There are, however, some good rules extensions of the Holme books out there to be found.
ReplyDeleteThere is a document colloquially referred to as "the grey book" that does a nice job of incorporating Holmes basic + OD&D + the four supplements + various materials from The Strategic Review.
ReplyDeleteIt's copyright legality may be questionable, so it might be difficult to find.
Here's the original discussion link: https://plus.google.com/109977891248454555881/posts/joXrB2j122q
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael Pfaff - my share somehow failed to link to the original post/discussion.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about BLUEHOLME™ Prentice Rules, Michael Badolato, and the reason is that I originally set out to write an errata/clarification document for Holmes. Of course, as everyone familiar with Holmes knows, the Blue Book is not comparable to Moldvay in clarity even though it is a big step forward from OD&D. So, once I realised that I was basically re-editing the entire rulebook, I decided to go all the way and make it a simulacrum.
ReplyDeleteIMO, there isn't one. The retro-clones don't quite "get" Holmes, IMO.
ReplyDeleteIMO, Holmes was a Basic set to OD&D, so Blueholme matches what I envision it might've been if it wasn't pimped as an intro to AD&D. I'd just as soon run Holmes with the Single Volume 0e rules + Supplements.
ReplyDeleteJohn Raner I am ambivalent regarding clones, as I don't really like how they are intended to completely replace the original games. I do see the advantage in bringing new people to the old systems, though.
ReplyDelete