Sword and Sorcery Style - Tales of Argosa RPG First Look

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[@BanditsKeep]

Be sure to Check out the Tales of Argosa Playtest: preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/465681/Tales-of-Argosa-Public-Playtest and Sign up to be notified when the kickstart launches www.kickstarter.com/projects/lowfantasygaming/tales-of-argosa

[@thurianknight]

I've been GMing a Low Fantasy Gaming campaign since March 2021, so we're just coming up on 3 years now. The PCs are all around 8th level, and the campaign has been based around a Pathfinder (1e) super-dungeon called the Emerald Spire, but we have also done a number of side quests in my homebrew world to add some variety. I would absolutely commend this system to anyone looking for something new or different to try, as long as they are interested in that "low fantasy" genre.

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome!

[@shiwanabe]

I'll note that by default Pathfinder's world isn't what most would call 'low magic'. The system can definitely handle it, but it's not the default.

[@chadwickerman]

@@shiwanabe I believe he's just using the Emerald Spire mega dungeon not the whole Golarion setting. I agree that Golarion isn't low fantasy. It's a fun well constructed setting to use for a campaign setting if someone wants a higher fantasy world to play in.

[@JohnMakesFilm]

I will definitely be checking this out. By the way, the Luck system (and reducing each time you use it) is a core rule of the Fighting Fantasy and Advanced Fighting Fantasy game systems

[@BanditsKeep]

Nice! Thanks, I never played those books or the RPG - might have to give them a try!

[@NefariousKoel]

@@BanditsKeep Advanced Fighting Fantasy surprised me. Simpler mechanics & easy to house rule, yet is still a Skill-based RPG with a good amount of character options available. The combat being opposed rolls means there's no need for Initiative and, when using two different dice colors, you can resolve an exchange and the damage/armor effect, in one go, for the involved combatants each round. I got the AFF Deluxe print-on-demand from DriveThru awhile back. Definitely has the old-school 80s vibe going on, quite enjoyed. Ended up getting a few more splatbooks. Good stuff.

[@BanditsKeep]

@@NefariousKoel nice! I’ll add it to my wish list.

[@joshmccloskey570]

Omg! I'm beyond stoked someone else is promoting this badass RPG! Been enjoying this system since it's first edition

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome! I really love this system.

[@joshmccloskey570]

​@@BanditsKeep If you enjoy the game you should check out the Midlands setting book! Not only is it a awesome setting it has a ton of rad adventures as well!

[@Mr.RobotHead]

Very intriguing. I had heard of LFG before, but had not really looked into it. You've highlighted a lot of things in Tales of Argosa that I really like in an RPG.

[@BanditsKeep]

Cool, definitely check out the playtest doc and let me know what you think.

[@edwardbacchetta9092]

A lot of these mechanics are in the original low fantasy gaming book.

[@DeadMarsh]

Yea, I'll be backing this. Especially because I am also a solo player and the hexploration looks great.

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure, the hexploration alone for solo is worth it to me

[@seancarwardine8889]

I have been playing D&D since 1984. Three years ago, this LFG by Steve now has taken over and will not be returning to D&D. Can't wait for the Kickstarter. Also, he is an Australian, down the road from me.

[@BanditsKeep]

That’s awesome!

[@ajaxplunkett5115]

This game reminds me of Low Fantasy Gaming RPG 2nd ed. - especially the weapon on a 19 roll stuff and the random charts stuff --Interesting, they sort of use D&D 4e skill challenges as the " Montage " rule. Looks good though. -

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure - I basically is LFG 2e

[@ajaxplunkett5115]

I'm a knucklehead.- Just checked the credits- the same guy worked on both @@BanditsKeep

[@bromossunstarranger8706]

I loved Low Fantasy Gaming. This really looks even more solid, with core mechanics and well thought out supportive mechanics, too! There are so many great drama & narrative mechanics

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@davidmc8478]

I stumbled across Argosa and I am really I Impressed. As you say, it really hits the right balance (for me) of procedure vs simplicity. The hex crawl rules in particular I think hit the balance that everyone else seems to just miss. Combat adds just a little fun to avoid hours of “I hit, I miss”. And it’s straight forward enough that you can forget the extras and not harm the game

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@LukeInk]

Looks awesome! And as one of artists whose work is included in this book, it's so cool to watch this flip-through! Thanks for the video!

[@BanditsKeep]

That’s great! I love the art.

[@perplexingruins]

was bummed I missed the KS for this....hopefully late pledge happens soon! the supplements for LFG are amazing, and assuming this will get same great support.

[@BanditsKeep]

I’m sure it will, @pickpocketpress is great

[@DiegoMartinez-ri4yd]

Hello Daniel, thank you for the review of the book. What do you think of making an actual play of this game? Of course it is only a suggestion. I am thinking about playing something diferent, currently I dm for OSE but my group and I would welcome somethign new. Take care and continue the excellent work!

[@BanditsKeep]

I think it would be great for an actual play.

[@chadwickerman]

Another good looking game that I'd never get anyone to play. Lol Ah my burgeoning shelf of shame, filled with unplayed games.

[@BanditsKeep]

I feel you, so many awesome systems out there

[@justinsheets257]

This system looks awesome, love the GM Tools sections. Where did you find the physical Consult the Bones dice? Would love to use this in other systems.

[@BanditsKeep]

The creator sent them to me - I believe they will be available after the Kickstarter.

[@Finniganmydog]

Nothing says Sword & Sorcery like Artificers, Dwarves, Elves, and Halflings.

[@BanditsKeep]

Elric 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Dyrnwyn]

Thematically it doesn't really seem to have a firm footing and comes off as bland, because of stuff like that.

[@BanditsKeep]

@@Dyrnwyn not every game is for everyone but to say sword and sorcery doesn’t have elves etc is just incorrect

[@Finniganmydog]

@@BanditsKeep I knew that would come up, but the way they are presented in LFG is in the Tolkien style, I have LFG, great mechanics, but I am getting tired of games labelling themselves as S&S but refusing to fully lean into my favourite genre because having elves and dwarves makes it easier to sell.

[@BanditsKeep]

@@Finniganmydog hmmm, I don’t agree, but if you don’t want to play a game because it has elves that’s legit. I don’t see this game as even close to Tolkien in style of play and that gritty but powerful hero vibe is what I consider the root of S&S not any particular races. You got me thinking this is a great topic - what helps define various kinds of fantasy? Thanks!

[@Giantstomp]

Been a big fan of LFG for years. I've had the pleasure of playing with Stephen a number of times, and even streamed using his rules several years ago. Stephen is a great guy, and it makes me want to support his work all the more.

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome

[@johngillan4475]

Interesting game, thank you

[@BanditsKeep]

Thanks for watching

[@chrisragner3882]

Finally!!! Yes, a system I could really get into!!!

[@BanditsKeep]

It does look great

[@MrElliptific]

nice surprise. It looks good.

[@BanditsKeep]

I agree, can’t wait for the kickstarter

[@ryannilsson7955]

Great review. Thanks!

[@BanditsKeep]

Thanks for watching!

[@desenhoerpg]

Looks amazing.

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure!

[@GeneralTantzu]

I have been using LFG to GM a sandbox game (Players are seeking to steal a crown of a lich king to use it for their own ends) for like 2 years now, I always wanted easily accessible low fantasy rule set and it has hit the sweet spot.

[@BanditsKeep]

Nice!

[@whitleypedia]

I want to go to there😊

[@BanditsKeep]

Me too

[@KILOBify]

Absolutely love the way this game looks.

[@BanditsKeep]

Me too

[@whitleypedia]

This looks so cool

[@BanditsKeep]

I agree!

[@usapatriot4163]

Awesome! Look forward to this products release! Could you run a sample adventure for us to show us how the game plays?

[@usapatriot4163]

Do the dice and cards come with the game?

[@BanditsKeep]

That’s a good idea, the dice and cards as far as I know do not come with the game, but perhaps a bundle will be available when they do the kickstarter. Currently he creator does have a few actual plays on their channel - though I’ve only looked at the solo one. youtube.com/@pickpocketpressrpgvideos6655?si=6CHgx9orATo5IZqp

[@yagsipcc287]

Just launched today and I had it saved have to back it ha for sure cant wait :-)

[@BanditsKeep]

Yes! Very excited for this one

[@yagsipcc287]

@@BanditsKeep Same had my eye on it for 2 or 3 weeks. Also I like the degress of sucess alot of solo rules use it and back in the day 4th ed on my table to DM would also do this so would allow for more dramatic events sort of like overcoming a great challange when all seemed loss :-)

[@realdjungleskog]

Great overview, Daniel, thanks! This sounds like exactly what I've been searching for. Definitely backing the KS.

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome!

[@krispalermo8133]

Encounter & equipment, .. My old shop used a lot of ability check rolls. Old saying goes full plate armor may stop swords and other weapon types but doesn't stop you from being push/shoved or tackle to the ground. So you have a round or two of Last One Standing of a pushing shoving contest of a game of Knock Down. It is a mini game encounter in its own right. Winner gets the full plate. In a low magic setting with little healing magic, a fall down back injury could keep a knight/heavy infantry from wearing the armor for prolong time. History of city sieges, armor was put to rotating shifts to fresh troops. When your arm can't support a shield then you hand wench a crossbow, your armor and shield was handed off to a fresh man in your unit. This normally only works with trust within knight/military orders or city defense guard as to not risk the person trying to get past the attacking ranks and fleeing from battle. Villages or cities that had a lot of wheel barrel delivers were stout sometimes mostly stocky men with a hell of a lot of endurance. They also double time as shield wall guards when their home location was attacked. They wore triple layer armor with a double thick shield and fought with a short military pick used to mostly trap the opponent weapon against their shields. The soldiers behind them stab with spears. Seen pictures and done test were two or four men work a long spear/pike like a police door ram. Since we can push nearly x5 our own weight you can have 1,000bls to 4,000bls/ 2tons of pressure onto a millimeter area. Even IF it doesn't punch through the chest armor and hits shield you have knock down effect. Arm joints popping was common injuries. Shield guard set their large shields onto the ground and slop them back angle to prevent solid contact hits.

[@BanditsKeep]

Nice!

[@Wiseblood2012]

It's the Royal Rumble. I love it.

[@krispalermo8133]

@@Wiseblood2012 My old shop was big on Monty Python and slap stick. So whenever someone fumbles a roll, we roll charisma/performance to see how funny it was. Such as losing footing on a Grease staircase, then roll for a bang knee or shine. And the DM after everyone laughing for 20minutes cause your PC failed multiple dexterity checks and end up looking like my PC was swimming flopping. Even the goblins and bandits failed their wisdom check and burst out laughing. Since, well we are a larp foam weapon club too, we all have seen what happen when at movement and overreach swing and end up slipping on grass and hitting the ground hard knocking the air out of you. You can even get concuss from the landing and feel dizzy for close to an hour with spiting stomach acid in your mouth. So our melee rolls also have a bunch of dexterity rolls which slows combat but adds drama. Multiple partial actions pre round, such as a War/battle cry roll charisma, then make a dexterity roll to move into attacking a target, then make attack roll etc. Roll under or roll high on d20, . example, .. a.) Player PC rolled charisma/intimidation Battle roar to shock the moral of the enemy shield wall. 1d6 results. 1.) You squeal like a child and everyone in ear range bust out laughing in a fit of giggles. Con/wis rolls are require to remain standing even in a life or death location due to loss of breath. 6.) You released such a sound of terror, your enemies and guard flee from you in terror leaving you alone open for arrow fire.

[@Wiseblood2012]

@@krispalermo8133 or whatever number we were on. Good stuff.

[@KeithGigliotti]

Thanks for the heads up and excellent review. Downloaded the preview materials and am hoping to read through them this weekend. :)

[@BanditsKeep]

Cool! Let me know what you think!

[@ravenshadowz2343]

This will supplement other RPGs that I run.

[@BanditsKeep]

Cool, I can definitely see that

[@Wiseblood2012]

I really like the things you went over here.

[@BanditsKeep]

Thanks!

[@Slit518]

The 2d20 Conan TTRPG by Modiphious Entertainment was good low fantasy. It was a roll under system, and had a great feel to it.

[@BanditsKeep]

Ah yes, I ran the quick start of that one, I believe it’s no longer available, right?

[@Slit518]

@@BanditsKeep , unfortunately. If you want any copies, Ebay or Amazon it would have to be. They were having mega great sales when I couldn't buy any due to not having money to being really ill, sometimes life be that way 🤣

[@BanditsKeep]

@@Slit518 bummer

[@JonathanHStone]

I love LFG, I recently used the module, "Gift of a Silent God", written for LFG, as a side quest that ended up turning into a major plot for our campaign, thanks to a couple of the magic items available in the module, which captured my players' imagination.

[@BanditsKeep]

Nice!

[@FatalDevotee1]

I want this just for all the great charts to use in other games.

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@johnmagowan6393]

I love Pick Pocket Press! This looks like an amazing offspring of Low Fantasy Gaming!

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure, they are great

[@johnmagowan6393]

@@BanditsKeep My Dungeon23 (now 24) is a raid on a massive Casino using Lowlife 2090

[@elfbait3774]

I've been a fan of LFG since its earliest days. This isa great development and i am happy to see the author leaning into it and creating a game that ties more into its setting. We have plenty of generic fantasy games out there and we need more like this.

[@BanditsKeep]

I agree

[@LetharionKane]

Tales of Argosa is built upon Low Fantasy Gaming, which is my go-to D20 based system. I have had the opportunity to both run and play in long campaigns and the experience was fantastic on both sides of the screen. The best part is the "comfort food" system paired with a magnificent GM toolbox for emergent play. Every roll on a chart adds depth and opportunity to the tale, without giving anyone a headache trying to remember a rule. I have seen it handle Sword and Sorcery (Conan & Primeval Thule) and Epic Fantasy (Barrowmaze and a west marches campaign based on the Trilemma Adventures) equally well. Everything is modular, so if you don't like something then just don't use it. Very easy to house rule. both my gaming groups will be on board for the Kickstarter for sure.

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome, thanks for the first hand report. I look forward to running this soon

[@qsviewsrpgs4571]

This looks great to me, I know for sure that I'm going to give it a shot. I know some like to stick with what they already know, and that's cool, however, I like to learn about new systems and experience new settings. Rule-light, Rules Robust, it's all good to me as long as the stories are great, the narration is top-notch and most importantly, everyone at the table is having a blast.

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@gommechops]

Ive spent way too much this year already but this looks so good. Good layout with those alternating coloured bands and good art go a long way. The content looks really nicely done too.

[@BanditsKeep]

I hear you! Pick up the playtest at least, it’s free.

[@gommechops]

@@BanditsKeep Oh don't worry I did and it is very polished

[@gianlucaguidotto8920]

This game looks dope!

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@joshuaward5498]

Thanks for reviewing/spotlighting this. Love LFG and looking forward to backing this when it’s live.

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure

[@solomani5959]

Some great ideas here.

[@BanditsKeep]

I think so too!

[@thadgray3701]

This looks great! Thanks for showcasing it.

[@BanditsKeep]

No problem!

[@matthew_thefallen]

The luck mechanic sounds like the one in Call of Cthulhu, which i like a lot! Gotta keep an eye on this game, this is my dream TTRPG as a big fan of Sword and Sorcery!

[@BanditsKeep]

For sure! It’s currently live on Kickstarter, take a look and see if it might be right for you

[@Diggilicious]

It looks fantastic. Going to back for sure.

[@BanditsKeep]

Awesome, I’m looking forward to this one

[@bobsavage3317]

☮

[@BanditsKeep]

☮️

[@Dyrnwyn]

The DM tools are pretty cool. There are a few things from this system I'd steal for my own games, but there's not enough here to interest me in the whole thing.

[@BanditsKeep]

Grab the playtest and give those things a shot. In the end my at table game is basically a bunch of systems combined.

[@raff3486]

Damn, YT didnt notify me of this video...😢

[@BanditsKeep]

It was hiding 😊

[@shockerck4465]

I have both Low Fantasy Rpg books from Pickpocket press. I dont see anything different in this book. The half skorn is basically a hal-orc. A lot of the art even looks the same .

[@BanditsKeep]

The art is mostly place holders - if you grab the playtest doc it will tell you what is new, maybe not enough if you have the latest one. I’d be curious to compare once it’s complete though.

[@shockerck4465]

​@@BanditsKeepI like Low Fantasy RPG books, don't get me wrong. I'm interested in seeing what they do to better the game. There seem to be a lot of OSR books lately 200-300 pages. Dragonslayer, Shadowdark, etc. It will have to be good to get my cash I really liked the Artificer tho.

[@scottmorgan5212]

Montage was a skill challenge in 4e

[@BanditsKeep]

Cool

[@wbbartlett]

So the artificer class can have guns and chainsaws? And the world still has the D&D menagerie of races? Very sword & sorcery. Conan was always shooting halflings in the face.

[@BanditsKeep]

Conan is just one example of the genre - FAFHRD AND THE GRAY MOUSER - the characters for which the term was coined had aliens and spacecrafts in some stories

[@wbbartlett]

@@BanditsKeep True, but did Fafhrd or Mouser go around gunning people down while making grenades to take down the species of Middle-Earth? It's D&D Tolkien fantasy pretending otherwise :D