Don't know if this has been posted before, but JB of the always solid B/X Blackrazor has put together some AD&D style subclasses for Holmes Basic.
Paladins & Rangers:
- http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-bonus-classes.html
- Paladins were introduced along with Thieves in the GReyhawk supplement for OD&D (first print March 1975, 2nd print July 1975). Jeff Rients does a pretty good overview on the OD&D Paladin here: http://jrients.blogspot.com/2007/05/paladin-problem-part-1.html
- The Ranger was originally created for OD&D by Joe Fischer and appeared in Strategic Review #2 (Summer 1975), extract available in this DF thread: http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1503
Illusionists (2 parter - class in first link, Illusion magic in second link):
- http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-illusionist-part-1.html
- http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/
- Note that the OD&D Illusionist first appeared in Strategic Review #4 (Winter 1975), created by Peter Aronson. The original pre-AD&D version of the class is in this DF thread: http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1615
Holmes Basic, of course, arrived broadly on store shelves in late 1977, with the AD&D Monster Manual arriving in December of that year (just for general reference as to when these now-classic subclasses arrived in D&D with respect to Holmes Basic).
Speaking of the OD&D subclasses, if you use 3d6 ability generation they are pretty rare given the minimum ability score requirements. Worth a look at this old blog post on Grognardia if you consider using these in your Holmes Basic: http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2011/03/ability-scores-and-sub-classes.html
http://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-bonus-classes.html
That ranger actually does a very close approximation of Strider in his main particulars. It jives with how I tend to think about Basic branch as sort of the Hobbit rpg.
ReplyDeleteStellar grouping of links!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out, Andy. Don't forget I also have a witch subclass posted (in the "Holmesian" style):
ReplyDeletehttp://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-witch.html
Next up, the druid...
; )
sub for later
ReplyDeleteThe first part of the druid is now out, too:
ReplyDeletehttp://bxblackrazor.blogspot.com/2015/11/holmes-rules-druid-part-1.html
Jonathan Becker looks good. I'd throw an exception to their -1 attack roll penalty for weapons which are normally not made from refined metals anyway - staves, clubs, spears, bows, etc. Heck, perhaps simply banning any weapon made from forged metal would be simpler? That would fit with their DIY ethos.
ReplyDeleteLike the wound-tending ability. That's very much in the spirit of the class.
The real breath of life for them will be in the spell list.
The spell list is on its way.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that the weapons are made by the druid herself, and she's presumed to not really be trained in weapon-making (compared to an actual bowyer, smith, etc.), I'd think the -1 at least appropriate for materials used. Any weapon that can normally be purchased on the Holmes equipment list is going to have at least some steel used in its construction (including spears). There AREN'T any staves or clubs or slings in Holmes, and I'd be inclined to give such primitive weapons (as well as flint knives and stone axes) the same -1 penalty (as a house rule) if characters were to find or construct such items.
Please note, this is a penalty to ATTACK ROLLS (only), not damage. You can still brain someone with a tomahawk, if you can crack his steel helmet.
; )