I know similar threads have bee started, but none that really cover my perspective on this question...so I apologize for repeating a thread or possibly beating a dead horse...but here it goes... [grabbing mallet]
In a recent discussion on these boards I was brought to an increased interest in possibly expanding my game a bit. To rehash my background, I started my relationship with ICE with MERP and later expanded with RM2. I like MERP (coming from D&D the complexity and deadliness of the combat system was refreshing) and this enjoyment increased with RM2, but new members into the group (who were generally not as enthusiastic about that much detail) and a drift towards non-fantasy genres, pushed RM2 to the wayside. Years later I picked up cheap, used copies of RMSS in an effort to learn more about it, but was completely troubled by the amount of time it took to develop characters. I enjoy that much detail myself, but would NEVER be able to get my general group to go for it. I then found HARP and fell in love. It did everything I saw valuable in RM, but with a more streamlined method.
However, now I'm curious. I seem to be drawn to RM like a train wreck. I still can't quite place my finger on why I keep wanting to delve deeper into it when HARP does what it does (which is really all I ever need...so WHY am I drawn RM???). Well, I'm the type of guy who likes to explore such things and want to try and consolidate my involvement in RM. I want to see first hand what the attraction is. This means playing. This also means exploring the possiblity of "upgrading" my RM set.
I don't have my RM2 books anymore (sold them for crack...or othe RPGs, can't remember which). I do have RMSS along with Arms Law and Spell law (for the RMSS rules system). I really like the organization of these books (the fact that there is very little repeated information between these books is awesom) but for a new player it is a bit much. Also, the complexity of RMSS (and I assume RMFRP) will be a problem when presented to my players. I'm also having problems locating some essential products (I want the old RMSS GM Law and Creatures and Monsters, not the new RMFRP edition...just for nerdy reasons). But if I can get them to buy into it, could it be better than RM2/RMC?
So, here's my question. Should I buy new copies of RM2 on PDF, buy the upgraded RMC, stick with the RMSS that I have (and hunt down the two or three books I still need), or buy into RMFRP so that the players only need to buy the one, core book?
I hope all this makes sense.
Anyway, any input, even trivial input (hey, ya never know what might help), would be much appreciated. lol