Hey guys, I am both new to the forum and new to KAP. I had always known that a King Arthur game existed, but had never played it and the last time I looked into it the white wolf versio was rather expensive. However here recently I had a renewed interest in the game and purchased the first edition through Drive Thru Rpg. I'm no grognard but I do tend to prefer the simplicity of older games.

I was floored when I read it through the first time. So many great ideas packed into one of my (and all of western culture's) most beloved tales - how had I never played this before? How had I only heard about it in passing?

I started talking it up a lot to my local group which loves all sorts of games but gravitates towards rules heavy tactical games. They bit and we had our first session yesterday with three players set in 501 (not sure if there is any interest in a campaign report here). They loved it, I loved it, it went fantastically and they are geared up to play again.

Now that the group likes it I am looking into grabbing a few other books, especially the Great Pendragon Campaign. My biggest question is whether or not the GPC is worth purchasing since we are using first edition? I am highly tempted by it already, as it looks to be one of the most unique works in the roleplaying industry, but I want to know whether it would be useful mechanically as well?

It would be compatible. The basic rules don't really change from the first edition. It most ways Pendragon hasn't gotten more complicated. Just more refined. Good fun.

NT

Agreed - you'll have no problem using it. I'd go as far as saying it is the second part of the core set in many ways - it teaches the game and the genre perfectly and is a most wonderful tome. Get it, you won't regret it!

If this isn't obvious, the GPC is a few hundred pages of campaign material and NOT for players. Don't let them even get a glimpse of it, if you can help it.


T.

It would be compatible. The basic rules don't really change from the first edition. It most ways Pendragon hasn't gotten more complicated. Just more refined. Good fun.

The one point I would bring up though is that I do NOT recommend using the language and culture ski8lls from First Edition

I'd recommend picking up KAP 5.1. It is very similar to KAP 1.0 but more streamlined. As Greg noted, some skills are dropped. He's also clarified a lot of ideas over the years.

Depending on your style of play, some of the more recent supplements would be good additions.

Book of the Manor if you want to develop and micromanage your holdings.
Book of Battle for detailed and really fun battles.

It is not necessary though. You could happily play with 1.0.

I would also add that all the 'adventure' supplements are also compatible.

NT

Thanks guysthis has been a really big help!

I play house-ruled 1st edition, but use material from 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th editions. I agree with Mr Stafford about Customs/languages. GPC is what I use when I am out of ideas or want to make sure some critical events happen. You can browse my forum at makofan.proboards.com and see what I have done with the character sheets (listed under Active Player Knights) and read some campaign background - just one way 1st edition might be played. You might find the adventure sessions amusing or useful also

Hey Jive Professor I was like you when I frst played KAP in high school when 1st edttion game came out in 1985 me and my friends loved it played the whole campagin through from the main box set
King Arthur Pendragon, 1st Edition (1985)
CHA2702, The Pendragon Campaign (1985)
and endeded up buying all the of the following
CHA2703, The Noble's Book (1986)
CHA2704, The King Arthur Companion (?1984) (Mine says 1986 Greg)
CHA2705, The Grey Knight (1986)
CHA2706, Tournament of Dreams (1987)

Which I recommend Highly and yes I agree 5.1 kap plays the same except that by 4th edition the follwing rules changed as Greg stated "The one point I would bring up though is that I do NOT recommend using the language and culture ski8lls from First Edition "I am so used to fourth edition with all the added Character Generation, for not just Knights, but Lady's and Magician and had the Christian Powered by the (Divine Miracle of God and the Celtic Pagan powered by the Magic of Faerie) The magic rules added allot to the game and was disappointed KAP 5.1 did not have them. But considering Greg might not have the rights to the magic system might be one reason why they did not appear, Just speculation on my part. Then I found out in a posting on another post on this forum a new magic book was forth coming that made me happy. But also like you when I found out how much the GPC was being sold for I was like wow can't afford that one @149.99 (why i did not buy it) now on amazon.com their over 300 dollars way to much for me, even though I would like to have one. I will find a used one cheap sooner or later I hope.

But also like you when I found out how much the GPC was being sold for I was like wow can't afford that one @149.99 (why i did not buy it) now on amazon.com their over 300 dollars way to much for me, even though I would like to have one. I will find a used one cheap sooner or later I hope.


You might wish to buy directly from Nocturnal:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/12405/The-Great-Pendragon-Campaign?it=1

PDF for $24.99, Softcover $49.99, Both $56.99.

Hey Thanks Ya I am in the process of moving right now and need ll my money to move but I will keep that in mind for later!

Ok Guess what everyone i just orderded form Morian's above link directly from nocturnal a softcover printed copy of the gpc for a totalo of Total: $54.98 this includes the book 49.99 and media mail shipping for $4.99 they said allow 4 to 14 days after being printed so I should get it some time next month so until then I am broke but still trying to support the New Graet King of Pendragon Greg Stafford the new Earl of Stafford lol ;)