A hybrid of Rolemaster and Harp, but adding new elements that aren't a part of either, might be a good idea, as long as it still resembles in some way the systems that came before it. Fixing the main complaints about ICE's games, while keeping the old school fans might be a tough thing however. I guess it's just tough to be in the RPG industry...
Rolemaster should never go the way that some suggest, a D20 dumb down. I read a lot of a recent thread over at RPG.net and came away with a bit of an epiphany. Those that do not like Rolemaster who played it in the past were "overusing" the options and getting bogged down. One whiner mentioned how silly it was that one had to roll for food poisoning. I thought I knew the options well but that was one I did not remember - but it is there burried deep in one of the companions. Likely this poster was bending the truth for effect since I doubt that anyone ever tried to play such a rule but true or not, it was obvious that he had no clue about the concept of a GM's toolkit and optional rules. Too many complex charts and rules and math (blah blah blah) - I came to realize that the complainers did not understand how the game system should be used.
Rolemaster too complex - ya, if you try to cram and use every optional rule and table!
Rolemaster has too much math - I'm sorry, I have not sympathy for a population that can not do double digit addition/subtraction in their head OR have never heard of a
calculator Rolemaster is too deadly - DnD is too silly and has a low sense of immersion because of its riduculous combat and damage system. Rolemaster allows greater immersion and realism because of its more realistic combat models, also PCs adapt and become smarter in the way they handle things. Less monster bashing and more roleplaying.
Rolemaster characters take too long to create - Yes they do take more time but they are more individual and detailed. This is a matter of taste, I like more detailed PCs as opposed to cookie cutter PCs that one will get with a more basic ruleset.
The problem is that Rolemaster is very complex for a beginner (without help from a veteran). The game once understood is actually very simple and can have as much or as little detail as one wants without breaking the system. Unfortunately it seems that some got stuck somewhere just past the early beginner stage and never saw the real game through all the rules, tables and options (i.e. can't see the forest through all the trees).
I believe ICE is close to understanding the fix but their focus wavers at times. RMX is a great idea to help babystep players up to full blown RM. Newbees need to know that many supplimental rules are OPTIONAL and given suggestions on ways to streamline gameplay. A little section on when to fudge and when not fudge might help some understand that all the charts do not need to be used all the time. Now for the "wavering focus" bit. RMX is a good idea, but... after reading what RM Cyrdan is going to be, I add my lament to Nicholas'. Why, oh why didn't ICE either make it for RMC or better yet make it the bridge for joining RMC with RMFRP? Instead it is sounding like yet another separate ruleset for RM... NOOOOO!
Ok now to end my rant with my wise guy ideas on how to help RM.
First and formost. One version to bind them all one version to rule them all. Make a version of RM that has the following traits:
1) It has a simple base ruleset, and yet is easy to add more detail to it. Skills, Spells, Combat options are all areas that can be easily built upon starting with a basic foundation. Thus if one likes to keep combat simple, but loves having a bajillion skills - no problem - keep the core rules for combat and use the expanded rules for skills.
2) Once this core book is done, one that combines the best of RMC, RMFRP, and HARP, then set up an even more basic ruleset to help newbees get started (like RMX). Charge a small fee for a paper version of it, but consider giving the PDF for free (or maybe a buck or two).
3) Additional supliments where it is stressed and made clear and repeated and burned into the minds of the buyers - these are OPTIONAL rules. I got it with the RM2 companions - but I think there were many who did not.
End of rant, epiphany over.
