Topic: So which is it? RM2, RMSS, RMFRP, HARP, RME, RMC?

[shnar]

Ever since "growing up", I've not been able to find the time to really RP any more. However, I have a love for RM (and HERO) as being my all time favorite RPG systems that I will occassionally come back and see what's going on in the ICE district. I have all the RM2 books (*loved* when a new Companion would come out) and I picked up the RMSS and even some of the RMFRP books, though never really played them, I pretty much stuck with RM2.

Been a while since I've been here (I think the last time I came to this site was when HARP was coming out) and low and behold, RMC is out. Sounds pretty cool, my preferred version of RM is now becoming the standard version. But my main problem with all these versions is to know which one is the "standard" version? I ask mainly because all the suppliments will tend to support the standard version. I.e. stats for NPCs in modules will be for RM2 or RMSS or HARP, etc.

So what's the official story? Which version is the "official" Rolemaster? And is ICE  dropping support for the other versions?

-shnar

P.S. sorry if this has been asked before, I searched but was unable to find...

[yammahoper]

From what I see, RMC and HARP are getting all the focus.  RMSS/FRP will die the day the revision begins.  Even RMC will probably see a major overhaul (like the attack tables and armor system) that will become the NEW AND REVISED RM.

Note;  I have no proof for the above statements.  RMSS was an idea and reorganization done by people no longer at ICE, and so was most of RMFRP.  It seems ICE is dedicated to RM, but they understand a revision is necessary and will do one, their way.  Personally, from what I have seen so far, I believe this will result in the best version of RM yet.  Fate may frown and RM may not enjoy a resurgence, but I don't think it will be because of a bad product.

For the present, ICE has said RMC is a way to serve the old guard with an updated and better formatted version of RM2.  All my conjecture past that is just that; conjecture.

lynn

[Rasyr-Mjolnir]

ICE has 3 current standards...

RMC (which often is equated to RM2, but there are SOME differences -- RME gets included under this banner because it is a sub-set of the rules)

RMFRP (which is the same as RMSS, just in different packaging.proportioning)

HARP (different game altogether - but still related to RM - a cousin, so to speak)

Both RMs (and HARP) are official, none of the three are being dropped.  Any modules that we do will either be released multiple times with different stats OR released with all three versions of the stats.

At some point in the future, once we have been able to reclaim as many of the RM2 fans as we can (several years at least), ICE will then begin work on revising. If I can get my way at that time, I would create a single core system that had both a simpler version and a more detailed version - where we would only have to produce stats for one version because it smoothly and easily translates from one level of detail to the next (thanks to Brent Knorr for this idea - this concept is based off something he proposed a couple of years ago).

I hope that answers your questions...

Yamma -- RMFRP is not being ignored -- Rob Defendi is currently working on a book for it (between all of his other projects as well).

[yammahoper]

Well, ya know...I'm along for the ride no matter what

lynn

[shnar]

Interesting to hear. I do agree that seeing just one product would be nice, so you don't have to print multiple stats for an adventure (the old MERP/RM stats was annoying).

Looking forward to RMC,

-shnar

[ob1knorrb]

At some point in the future, once we have been able to reclaim as many of the RM2 fans as we can (several years at least), ICE will then begin work on revising. If I can get my way at that time, I would create a single core system that had both a simpler version and a more detailed version - where we would only have to produce stats for one version because it smoothly and easily translates from one level of detail to the next (thanks to Brent Knorr for this idea - this concept is based off something he proposed a couple of years ago).

Hmmm, I vaguely recall that, in fact, I think I still have some notes on it somewhere.  It would be interesting to see what that would end up looking like in practice.

[Sho]

Interesting, Defendi is working on a new book. Glad to hear this.

Uhmmm... I'm wondering which could it be... ^^

[Defendi]

Profession Companion.  I start it in earnest the moment that I put Echoes Product 4 to bed.

[Sho]

Great Robert   I didn't know anything about this new release. Now I'm already waiting for it XDDD

It'd be good to know a little about its contents when U can. Thanks & ganbatte!.

[Kamarathin]

Profession Companion.  I start it in earnest the moment that I put Echoes Product 4 to bed.

Now this I am eagerly awaiting!

[Fenrhyl Wulfson]

This next release already has a room for it on my shelves.

[jeff]

Dito

[Rasyr-Mjolnir]

This next release already has a room for it on my shelves.

Your shelves have little rooms? Do they have little hallways as well?   

[markc]

My rooms have little hallways that leed into little room in the room.
MDC

[Michael Petrea]

A "Through the Looking Glass" sort of thing? 

[markc]

A "Through the Looking Glass" sort of thing? 

Yes MC Escher type of thing.

I am just glad it is not like Powls Books of Portland, OR. Boy I thought I had a lot of books. If you are courous download the stor map on PDF so you can see what I am talking about. Or better yet go to the store.
MDC

[Michael Petrea]

That is a pretty cool map.

http://www.powells.com/pdf/burnside_map_sep2006.pdf

Are they good people to buy from?

[markc]

That is a pretty cool map.

http://www.powells.com/pdf/burnside_map_sep2006.pdf

Are they good people to buy from?

Yes they have a huge store with loads of hard to find books. I was thier last week and I saw some old RM2 Comp on the shelves. I think it was SUC, VII, V, III, but do not quote me. Thier online prices are competative but not allways the best. But all in all I like them.
MDC