OSR Review: The Hero's Journey

[@TheJDough1]

James Spahn is one of the best game designers out there. Unfortunately he doesn't get the appropriate love he deserves. His work is stellar.

[@captcorajus]

Agreed 100%

[@ConkerKing]

Never change that intro tune dude :)

[@captcorajus]

It has proven popular so I have no intention of doing it! :)

[@duhg599]

Gotta say though, every time I hear that drum break intro I expect to hear “She’s a BRICK... House!”

[@captcorajus]

@@duhg599 Lol.. one day!

[@DnDOldGuard]

@@captcorajus It is iconic, and honestly I hum it now and then. Keep it up my dude!

[@ljmiller96]

I bought this from your recommendation. It really is something special!

[@RoDaGrier]

I ran a 3.5 D&D game that took place in the 5th Age of Middle Earth after the departure of the Rings. I think I may revive that campaign and use this system. The theme would be rooting out the last of the old evil and the departure of old magics.

[@johnmagowan6393]

Playing some of your videos while I work. Your spell casting voice just caught my attention... EPIC lol

[@captcorajus]

Lol.. that's my weak attempt to emulate Sean Connery. My players say it sounds more akin to Patrick Stewart.

[@johnmagowan6393]

@@captcorajus it's an empirically bad Connery, but it's definitely a Connery

[@RoDaGrier]

Mr. Spahn , along with Kevin Crawford (Sine Nomen games), and Jeffrey Talanian (ASSH) my favorite breaths of fresh air in an old hobby. Best new tricks for old dogs.

[@TheConfessor]

Jeff Talanian is one of my favorite people. He and I approach fantasy from opposite ends of the spectrum, but he's such a fun, charming guy to talk to.

[@TheConfessor]

Thanks so much for he in depth and kind review, Captain!

[@captcorajus]

My pleasure! You put a lot of heart and work into the game, and I just wanted to try and do what I could to give it the attention it deserves my friend.

[@BTsMusicChannel]

3:08 The hero's journey chart idea is rooted in the thinking of Joseph Campbell (as in "The Hero With A Thousand Faces" or "The Power of Myth' and other works) where he describes the generic myth and the hero's journey in phases. Campbell's cycle is rooted in 19th century Russian literary theorist Vladimir Propp's 'generic fairy tale.' Campbell's ideas are also heavily influenced by neo-Freudian psychologist Carl Jung's 'archetypes' concept. As the title suggests, this game seems to borrow heavily from these intellectual ideas about what makes a great story. I recommend that RPGers become familiar with the material I mentioned if they want to see theory behind fantasy genres in order to use it to understand using RPGs for storytelling better. This game seems like a good introduction to these concepts, especially if you want to have two clear sides of "good" and "evil" in diametric opposition within your setting. As a scholar, I am a bit appalled that Spahn either did not know of (which seems far-fetched to me, considering he has borrowed much of the language) or did not cite any of these things in his influences. As an RPGer, I am happy to see that he has an "Appendix N."

[@TheConfessor]

That is a very fair criticism in my lacking the inclusion of Campbell's work and is a grievous oversight on my part. It was so obvious that I didn't think to include it. Clearly a case of missing the forest for the trees.

[@BTsMusicChannel]

@@TheConfessor next edish :D

[@RobertoMicheri]

This game is terrific, I love the feel and the details in the rules.

[@andychandler1737]

I was on the Kickstarter and the books are absolutely luscious! Plus the design choice to keep the the pages formatted with one column was genius in their application to the digest sized physical manual and PDF. Man I would live to see Dragonlance or Elric/Stormbringer come to this system! It’s the perfect systemIc fit in my opinion. Also I think one of the reasons I adore this system, and as mentioned in the review, it’s the almost exact ideological opposite of my favorite fantasy game system Dungeon Crawl Classics. But I gotta get this one to the table for sure.

[@defnlife1683]

DCC is really fun, having this is a good alternative. They hit different portions of appendix N. Getting Hyperborea 3E wpuld probably cover all the appendix N bases.

[@WonderLure42]

Reminds me of Ryuutama actually.

[@fairytalejediftj7041]

Great review. Really makes me want to know more.

[@fairytalejediftj7041]

Quick question: are there mass combat rules?

[@captcorajus]

No.

[@fairytalejediftj7041]

@@captcorajus That's okay, I got it anyway. 😀

[@BK-cs4gv]

Looking forward to this!

[@theobstinategentleman4094]

Hey man, I love your videos. You always find a way to bring something different to the table.

[@captcorajus]

Thanks brother I really try!

[@drewwill6497]

I love the Despair rules and particularly the armor rules. I think as characters get higher in level we have a tendency to forget the shear terror of a dragon or demon. No matter how many hit points you have something that large should make more of an impact. This game has brought a great new perspective and seems well worth checking out. Thanks for sharing Cap!

[@captcorajus]

You got it. I'm glad that I communicated that in my video well enough, because that's exactly it. Even at Max level, you'll be cringing in your boots when a dragon shows up!!

[@SirMillz]

Classic styled RPG at its finest!

[@Turambar29]

It really is a fantastic book, I can't wait to run a game with it!

[@Thos1001]

Excellent review. This game is a true gem- a work of beauty.

[@captcorajus]

I agree!!

[@darthjoel6357]

Ty for the review of this game! I love hearing of games I’m not familiar with or never heard of. 😊

[@RobertoMicheri]

After reading this game, and as I'm rereading Dragonlance, this would be my system to run Krynn.

[@Turambar29]

What a neat idea!

[@TheConfessor]

Dragonlance is one of the inspirations!

[@RobertoMicheri]

@@TheConfessor you keep making great games, thank you!!!

[@RoDaGrier]

I signed on off my phone just to say that. I have been working on such a game since I got my PDF of this from the Kickstarter.

[@TheConfessor]

@@RoDaGrier Yeah, Dragonlance and that world's view of Wizards had a huge impact on THJ. I hate how in most fantasy RPGs the general reaction to a Wizard is a very "ho hum, it's another magic-user" reaction. In Dragonlance, when a Wizard walks in the room everyone stops and is like "Oh crap, it's a WIZARD!" THAT is how most normal people SHOULD react to Wizard. Magic should be awe-inspiring.

[@chrisfulton1689]

I originally backed this on Kickstarter, got the rulebook in print and everything else in pdf, and then ended up getting pretty much everything on pdf in print. Missed one or two things you mentioned in several re-readings of the rules, but hey, human here. As far as the Rover, it was the first character I rolled up to play. I actually think it will be a great character to play. It's a character type not really used in RPGs, especially considering it's used as a Yeoman type character. How can one not want to play Samwise as an ankle-biter? LOL Love the review. Been looking for a real review of the game, and you, Sir, have nailed it.

[@captcorajus]

Why thank you so much!

[@Johnny_Nitro]

Hello Cap! Great video very comprehensive and fair. I love the way armor and shields reduce damage and how spells have 3 available effects. While I can see the thrust of what this rule set is trying to accomplish, it's DNA is so apparent that the work feels derivative of Tolkien rather than a homage. I have no interest in this particular product, but your vids are always a highlight. Keep up the good work!

[@captcorajus]

The line between the two is a thin one. The question is, does it allow for other styles of fiction. It most definitely does. So I feel it falls most definitely into the homage camp rather than derivative.

[@richmcgee434]

Seems like it could easily be used for a less Tolkein-ish setting if desired, especially using the supplements that are out for it and maybe leaving out some of what's in the core (for ex, dropping halflings).

[@LukeMasouras]

This looks great! I have not seen this before. Thank you for the review. Yet another set of books I will have to get.

[@toahordika6]

You successfully convinced me to buy a copy of the book. This RPG really captures what I want an RPG to be better than any other one I've seen before. I'm thinking of using the old MERP modules to run a middle earth game with it. I would just ban magic users, but otherwise everything is perfect for middle earth. It even has rulers for skinchangers and ents (I would love to play an ent character).

[@captcorajus]

It would be perfect for that! Absolutely. Spahn really brought some new ideas to the hobby with the way he laid things out there, and breaking the mold on what an "OSR" could be. Thanks for the kind words.

[@TheConfessor]

Many of the classic MERP modules could easily be adapted to THJ.

[@vaele723]

Great video as always! Loved the 1st edition, but I'm not too sure if I like the paraphrased terms. Though it definitely makes it more thematic.

[@RoDaGrier]

As last month (July 2020) was the 30 year anniversary of the Ravenloft campaign setting, I have been shopping around for good systems for horror. I think I can use a variation on the Despair mechanic in this to some good use. Also rewriting the classes as Gothic Horror Archetypes, and Races as appropriate Lineages are both good ideas. Ravenloft cries out for a more narrative system, and this is a useful one.

[@TheConfessor]

I'm a HUGE fan of Ravenloft and hope to do a Ravenloft-y style game using the THJ2e chassis one day.

[@joshjered6462]

Just ordered the hardcover. Super stoked!

[@toahordika6]

Can you do a video comparing all the different retroclones, as well as just straight up AD&D and BECMI? I am looking to try a retroclone, but idk which one to try.

[@Tony-dh7mz]

You can tell Mr Spahn, you just made a sale, Looks perfect for the hobbit, Always fun to watch your videos Cappy :)

[@captcorajus]

Awesome! Glad to hear.

[@mrgodliak]

This sounds interesting! Thanks for the video

[@skronberger]

Great Review! Looks like an interesting game.

[@ronniabati8550]

Please do a review of Forbidden Lands RPG by Fria Ligan

[@Zotob1975]

Love this game

[@toddbutcher1784]

This is really neat. I recently purchased Adventures in Middle-Earth for 5E hoping to run a more low fantasy game soon. I like this a bit more as it fits with my OSR sensibilities a bit more. I do hope some monster conversion or even just some advice is produced by the author.

[@captcorajus]

I AGREE 100% I have a tone of AIME stuff, but I now think I'd rather do this one. Conversion isn't that hard if you're familiar with OSR games. Just consider the Despair rating as the monsters CR and you've got it.

[@toddbutcher1784]

Oh cool. I didn't consider that. Thanks!

[@TheConfessor]

@@toddbutcher1784 I worked on AiME too, so I'm glad you like both it and THJ!

[@toddbutcher1784]

@@TheConfessor Wow! Nice! I love the journey and downtime stuff in AIME. Thinking about combining them with this.

[@TheConfessor]

@@toddbutcher1784 What's funny is that my primary contributions to AiME came from material converted to it from The One Ring RPG. Most of my work there was in writing geographical fluff and a few descriptions for some of the Cultures. I did almost no actual rules work on AIME or TOR - except for a few monsters and hazards.

[@misterbplays]

After watching this video, I had to go buy the pdf. :D

[@TheConfessor]

Thank you!

[@Gruoldfar]

Sold!

[@michaelhill6453]

This game was based on S&W White Box rather than Swords and Wizardry. Good review.

[@richmcgee434]

Interesting, hadn't seen a review of this before, although the creator's a familiar name. Sounds like the "Weal" attribute is closer to what some games call Luck than anything traditional to D&D. Good thing in my book - I think more games should include some mechanical representation of good fortune and plot armor for the character, if nothing else to make up for the appalling die rolls of some players. The Errant Human lineage sounds like a nod to (say) Donaldson's Thomas Covenant, Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame, and Pratt's Shea stories (to name just a few) but will probably make many people think "isekai" these days. I wonder if you have the option to have gotten to fantasy-land after being run over by a truck? :) Nice to see the game differentiate between ease of being hit and resistance to damage. Always liked the old Mystara rules you showed off there. Multiple-option spellcasting seems like a clever middle ground between traditionally limited memorization and wide-open sorcery-style cast what you want mechanics. Looks like you bought it as POD. How was the printing and binding quality?

[@captcorajus]

Absolutely agree with everything you said there. I loved the Thomas Coveant stories and yeah, you hit the nail on the head with what the errant human is, which I feel is a pretty cool option for a character background. The spellcasting system is really cool as well, and certainly allows for flexibility as you suggest.

[@Turambar29]

Narnia also comes to mind for errant human! My POD came in excellent quality!

[@TheConfessor]

Narnia and Guardians of the Flame were definitely influences!

[@richmcgee434]

@@TheConfessor Always been vaguely surprised that Guardians of the Flame hasn't had an RPG or at least a setting book, but after his untimely death and the series left unfinished it doesn't seem likely to happen. I certainly wouldn't want to be the one to bother his wife about getting a license, either - losing him so young and so suddenly must have been utterly horrible for her.

[@Turambar29]

@@TheConfessor I've never heard of guardians. I'll have to check it out! Thanks for the amazing books, I'm a KS backer.

[@frankm6546]

I’m new to ttrpgs and have only played a few games of 5e. With the ogl stuff I just bought the pathfinder 2e beginner box, but someone recommended this game to me too and your video is super interesting. As a baby GM and new ttrpger, do you think this game is too advanced for me?

[@captcorajus]

No, the game mechanics are super easy and simple. Very easy to learn and play, the only question is, is this style of game apealing to you? If it is, then go for it!

[@frankm6546]

@@captcorajus I don’t really know I haven’t played enough to know! I will say that whenever I get excited about rpgs it’s to play in a world of epic fantasy like Narnia or Middle Earth, and the flavor just sounds so good with this.

[@captcorajus]

@@frankm6546 The good news this isn't an expensive game to purchase. At the very least its interesting to read! I say go for it.

[@Leftylives]

That's a cool idea with the spells. What if you wanted to create new spells though? It would be hard to match the other spells it seems due to the poetic nature of them.. I would assume different creatures would have completely different spells related to their "Lineage" For example, a goblin casting prim and proper made for humans spells would seem off.

[@captcorajus]

They'd work essentiall the same, but they'd have gobliny evil names. :)n

[@TheConfessor]

@@captcorajus Instead of "Stand Against the Adversary," you call it "Bring the Wretched to their Knees." "Blazing Bolt of Certainty" could be "Inevitable Doom of the Foolish Foe," etc, etc, etc.

[@Leftylives]

@@TheConfessor What about creating new homebrew spells? I'm a fan of creativity.

[@TheConfessor]

@@Leftylives Do what I did! Make 'em up! Spells are designed around a unified theme and given a title as such, then given three effects. I wrote the game, sure - but its your players and your table.

[@Leftylives]

@@TheConfessor Here is a funny spell I made for fun for 5e. It's a social distancing spell, HAHA! www.dandwiki.com/wiki/6_Feet_Back,_ALRIGHT!_(Social_Distancing)_(5e_Spell)

[@DavidLovins67]

I love your channel.

[@lastsonofkrypton3918]

Looks terrific but I feel the price is prohibitive.

[@jh1859]

Can't beat that Disney-school of illustration, eh?

[@michaelhill6453]

It's a good take on the LotR style. The artwork is magnificent. Character attributes play almost no part which is a disappointment.

[@TheConfessor]

Admittedly, unless you make regular use of ability checks the actual Attributes play little role in the game, with the modifiers taking center stage. Might has an impact on encumbrance and Attributes (and in turn the modifiers) can increase as you level and through the discovery of heirlooms - but it is a totally fair criticism.

[@michaelhill6453]

@@TheConfessor Thanks for the feedback James.

[@patrickbarnes9874]

I was enticed into getting this for the same reasons mentioned at the beginning of this review. Its point of view and emphasis on heroic myth really drew me in. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with the game's mechanics as the reviewer in this video was. I found it to be a tweaked D&D with some of the names changed. The game mechanics don't support the mythic journey style of play that the game promises. The mechanics are little different than any other kick the door down and loot all the stuff inside D&D clone. I give the game concept and ideas a 5/5, but can't give the game mechanics more than a 2/5. I was very disappointed that the game rules didn't support the grand concept.

[@captainnolan5062]

Much of the game comes from Swords and Wizardry white box. It is not what I would call "entirely the creation of James M. Spahn," as you say at 1:50. I also disagree with your assessment of the value. Perhaps your receipt of the game for free colored your rating here. If you had laid out $39.99 plus tax and shipping for the hardcover, and another $24.99 for the companion ($64.98 plus tax and shipping, for two smallish books) you might not rate it so highly in the value category. All of the material could have been put into the Hero's Journey book, and that would definitely have made it a better value.

[@captcorajus]

Maybe you're new to the channel? My evaluation of value had nothing to do with my being GIVEN the rulesbook. I suggest that given the digest size of the rules that the soft cover is the better choice. So $34.99. My Value evaluation comes from comparison to the cost of other games, and what THJ brings to the table in regards to innovation. and the fact its a complete game. Further, while the game originally began as a deviation of Swords and Wizardry, in its current form its essentially a whole different game.

[@sunsin1592]

Adding "modern mechanics" is never an improvement. Easy pass on this one but thanks for the review.

[@captcorajus]

You're welcome!!

[@matthewkirkhart2401]

That’s unfortunate, this is one of the best OSRs out there, especially in terms of bringing something new to the table. It’s really a wonderful game.