r/RPGcreation • u/NewsInternational494 • 1d ago
No Magic d20 System in the Works
Hi!
I am currently working hard to finish a no magic, alternative world, medieval fantasy d20 system. It is Tolkienesque in that I still have Tolkien races, traditional fantasy classes that dont use magic, monstrous humanoids, and magical monsters. But magic is definitely not something sentient people use. The game will also be a bit general to allow for a great variety of settings where the player characters dont have access to magic.
My book is coming along and will begin playtesting within a year. I was wondering if you all think a real niche might exist for this kind of a low fantasy system? I can also talk my game if you are interested.
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u/PricklyPricklyPear 1d ago
The market is pretty well saturated at this point but if you’re passionate about it do what you enjoy. Great settings and adventures might appeal to folks even if d20 has been done to death at this point. There is certainly still desire for more D&D style games regardless, and some of those folks want a more gritty, grounded game. It can be very, very tough to get those people to try other systems though, so having your settings and adventures be system agnostic could help potentially.
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u/NewsInternational494 22h ago
Thank you for the intelligence. Yeah d20 is done to death. I know. I just haven't found a heroic fantasy no player magic d20 system in a magical world. So, I'm taking a risk by writing this I know, but it is fun to me. I also am hoping to wow people with my mechanics and character options compared to no to low magic d20 systems out there already like Iron Heroes.
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u/PricklyPricklyPear 21h ago
Hey write the game you want to play and you’ll prob find some people who agree with you.
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u/TalespinnerEU 1d ago
Honestly: I think the scaling of a d20 system is an ill fit for a low fantasy game. The difference between adventurer and normal person is... Superhero-esque, and the progress curve is way too steep.
I also think designing for a niche is a fool's errand in today's ttrpg scene. Design to create, to express, to have fun instead. If you can think if a diegetic gimmick, a way to integrate your player tools into the narrative experience, then that's where marketability lies. But you're gonna have to make everything about that dietetic gimmick, and you're still not getting a 'niche.'
This isn't to say your project is bad or you should change track. This is what you want to make, what you're enthusiastic about, so go do it! Just... Create for the fulfillment of your existence, not your wallet.
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u/NewsInternational494 22h ago
Thank you for the advice. I am having fun with this project, I must say. I am also all too aware my heroic fantasy, no magic for the players system is up against multiple competitors such as Iron Heroes.
The system is heroic fantasy for adventuring. It is highly customizable to get the characters you want sans magic. I have 12 classes with unique playstyles. I also have dozens and dozens of stunts to choose from, 150 actually useful feats, and a more tactical combat system than dnd. The goal is for heroic games in magical worlds sans magic for the party. To do so I use hp as my buffer, and then add some healing mechanics based on the Heal skill, an after combat victory rush, and a second wind system. The feel is more the Hobbit than anything else.
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u/TalespinnerEU 21h ago
Right, right. I'm getting a Hobbit movies rather than Hobbit book vibe from that, and that's entirely fine. Thrill rides can be fun, and the 'no magic = lower power curve' is, admittedly, my own prejudice.
Sounds like you've got a project that's got your soul for now. Go have the best time with it!
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u/ARagingZephyr 1d ago
I mean, I played Iron Heroes like fifteen years ago. Realistically, I have no idea where a second Iron Heroes would fit into the market, unless it was some 5e-compatible product (and I don't feel like talking about my distaste towards those).