Review: 5E Hardcore Mode & Mork Borg (Ep. 124)

[@wanderinghistorian]

"If you have low statistics, you're just going to have to live with them." How presumptuous of you to assume we will live.

[@swaghauler8334]

Add the caveat [as long as you live].

[@martinphillpot2010]

Briefly.

[@DanteTCW]

@@swaghauler8334 I prefer to see it and state it like Death herself: "You have to live with those stats for as long as everyone else does...a lifetime."

[@tommoblue2296]

just like real life

[@ClassicRollPlayer]

Jason LOVE your profile pic! Got a t-shirt with this on it!

[@olivermeloche2042]

I really like the dark absurdity of Mork Borg, what makes grim-dark settings playable is when they fully embrace how comedic and over the top everything is, just like five-torchs I'm glad you recommended this game.

[@goyasolidar]

That's the whole business model of Warhammer 40K.

[@MrFleem]

That skull hasn't eaten the giant d20 yet, but he's still trying!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Fleem Q Swipes I love that guy

[@cholesterol6703]

Reminds me of the talking skull in The Last Unicorn.

[@madmanvarietyshow9605]

Stay strong skeleton

[@fenixmeaney6170]

HONGRY BOI

[@alexvignolo7798]

We all admire his determination

[@BobWorldBuilder]

I’ve had my eye on Hanrkin’s hardcore mode for a while. Thanks for this great review!

[@cwesley2005]

Hey bob nice to see u here!

[@feliperemiere4571]

Hey Professor, I used to be one of those people that thought you were changing too much. I would say things like "BAH, it isn't even D&D anymore". Man, I was so wrong. I just finished watching through all your videos today (it took me a few days) and this was such a perfect end. Looking forward to checking out hardcore mode. Also just got five torched deep thanks to you. Thanks for all you do.

[@johnsmith3085]

I have players making the same remarks after pitching a change of pace and home brewing a new campaign during this pandemic. Just out of curiosity, what in particular changed your mind, friend?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thanks, Phillip. Glad you have you aboard.

[@feliperemiere4571]

I'm a DM as well (not a professor though) so I was able to slowly learn and through that my viewpoint was changed. I'm trying to pitch it to my players as a more immersive and creative play style. I tell them that it might suck and then we can always change it back. It seems to be working. I hope you have similar success.

[@garrettbradford4791]

I remember the very first-time professor dungeon master piqued my interest. It was in a video discussing all of the changes he made to vanilla 5e. Whilst I was passively listening a comment burst through the malaise of his voice, "Throw away the initiative system" he said. From that moment on, professor dungeon master has been my light in the darkness.

[@stevenyanis9051]

Have you started your Hardcore game yet?

[@ronniejdio9411]

Tough day. Tomorrow my state goes full quarantine. See 20 min dungeon craft. I smile

[@bonbondurjdr6553]

Stay healthy! Good luck!

[@swaghauler8334]

Which state? PA has been under lockdown for a couple of weeks.

[@Grimlore82]

In WA here and we are taking one step forward and two backwards.

[@michaelmorrissey5631]

Yes! Love this! I was hoping you’d review Mörk Borg! Spread the word! This and 5e Hardcore are a masterclass in simplicity that utterly outperform their page counts!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

That's a great line. I wish I had said that.

[@ebrim5013]

Yeah, I think Mörk Borg falls under the D&D-like of the OSR umbrella but it’s so wonderfully different and weird it’s still interesting. It’s a work of art in both its physical form and ideas for play and campaign.

[@magnaquam]

Oh wow. Two gems I’d have not known about unless this review existed. I must have both.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

You will not be disappointed.

[@razorchuckles]

And get 5TD too

[@russellharrell2747]

BURN THE BOOK Too late, it’s already burned into my soul.

[@swaghauler8334]

NO! It is my PRECIOUS!!!!

[@KevinPatrickJr]

I've run Mork Borg twice now. It's a really good time. There's a very active Discord with the authors as well.

[@wolfmanhcc]

"I don't do negative reviews. If I don't like something I won't review it." Just assume if it hasn't been reviewed yet, he doesn't like it.

[@martinteply1145]

Mash-up I want to try someday: Mörk Borg rules with the Symbaroum setting. Black Metal by way of Davokar.

[@jacobgrimm9475]

Wait? Your legal name isn't Professor DM? Have you considered legally changing your last name so your initials will at least be DM?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I've seriously thought about it.

[@zugesinddoof9885]

Professor DM is his real name... the other one is only his nick name.... :D

[@PhyreI3ird]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 As if the video itself wasn't enough on its own, that comment made my day man! x'D

[@goyasolidar]

Mork Borg sounds like an assimilated Robin Williams.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Goya Solidar this time, Resistance is Zany!

[@philurbaniak1811]

This is exactly where my mind went 😁👍

[@Cthu1hu]

I love your reviewing style. You show off the books and what makes each unique. Mork Borg is right up my alley and I never even knew it existed. Another great episode Professor!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thank you, Yoshira.

[@DisturbedByEchoes]

You’re review has sold me on “Mörk Borg”. It sounds like the perfect cocktail of old school Warhammer, D&D when I was a kid, a splash of DCC, a pinch of Lamentations of the Flame Princess, a dash of Howard n Lovecraft, and a healthy swig of Hankerin’s homebrewed RPG “sour mash” to chase it all down. Queue up the doom black metal playlist. I wanna roll some funny-lookin’ bones.

[@pedroluisperez3151]

The only channel that I actually wait for uploads. 😂

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thanks, Pedro. Pass it on.

[@eave01]

Me too!

[@bovrar2nd861]

You're not alone friend 🤝

[@MarkLewis...]

At 2:23 Artwork from an awesome Edgar Allan Poe illustrated book... NICE! P D/M: I'm a Runehammer/Hank fan, so I will be getting that when the world stops burning, but did you ever hear about or revue the Labyrinth DnD book/game? Was curious on that one?! Here's a link kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZm5fWVmpKqir5I

[@MrVulcanator]

I like that the goblins in Mörk Borg have the heads of goblin sharks.

[@JS-sy7ym]

I bought Mork Borg after watching this. And having read the PDF, I gotta say thanks for mentioning this book!

[@michaellegg1631]

Hardcore sounds great. You know some of the most fun games I've played have been dangerous. A player goes down and while another is trying to get to him ,a monster attacks and someone else has to cast a spell to stop the monster....e.t.c. So many spoiled players are missing serious fun because they have to be powerful

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yep.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

Michael Legg afraid to “lose” at a game of improv

[@michaellegg1631]

@@twilightgardenspresentatio6384 its awesome

[@bjulianlm]

I've been binge watching your channel in this quarantine sir. I like your style as much as Runne hammer dude. Every video I watch of you, I see the gray progression! Wisdom comes with a price. Finally subscribed.

[@darickmorrell96]

Fantastic video! Thank you for bringing me into the OSR with Five Torches Deep. My players love it and it’s all thanks to you. I’d love to see more of these reviews!

[@guillermocaliz2488]

I love the simplicity taken from ICRPG into 5E and Mork Borgs simplicity too. I try to implement simple mechanics into my home brew rules. Great job PDM!

[@ToddVance]

"Wait, we WEREN'T supposed to remove our helmet...s.... ack!!!"

[@bovrar2nd861]

LoL

[@Wallach_a]

I really like the idea of streamlining things while upping the difficulty. 👍🏻

[@benjaminalexander7028]

I just ran a session of Pirate Börg for the first time, and I’m absolutely going to switch my dark fantasy campaign to Mörk Borg now. I already go for the “so dark it’s funny” kind of vibe in my games, and I loved the system. Excited to make the switch

[@russellfishes]

Great show! Your shows are helping pass time during the stay at home order.

[@SpottedZebra107]

After your recommendation I just looked up Mörk Borg, fell in love, and purchased it! Thank you so much for introducing me to it.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

What's really cool is the back cover--how simply they explain the rules. Very elegant.

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

Prof D: what's the best Rules-lite RPG game you've ever used? Something that's about storyline and playing.

[@Hdtjdjbszh]

Like just for a one shot or getting complete new players into it

[@Pastor.Jeff.Strong]

Dungeon World 🎯

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Dungeonworld is great. Tiny Dungeon may be even better. Tracy Hickman's XDM is REALLY rules light and I used it for 10 years.

[@swaghauler8334]

Basic Fantasy is a really good OSR BASIC D&D clone and its free to download to boot. Others have already suggested Dungeon World.

[@jasoncferrer]

Ultra rules-lite: “World of Dungeons”. It’s a mock 0-edition of Dungeon World presented in a 6 page pdf where 1 page is the character sheet and 2 pages are just names and the leveling up chart.

[@paulofrota3958]

Great video and great reviews! Thanks, Professor.

[@Shiyaku93]

I picked up Mork Borg this week, I was completely enamoured by the presentation and style, I can't wait to run my first game. Great video and reviews

[@pootieheadroflmao]

A wise artist always seeks negative criticism when trying to grow and get better. Negative criticism doesn't mean the review is bad, just critical of choices made by the artist.

[@freddaniel5099]

Awesome products and a very good video. Thanks for highlighting exactly the kind of games I like to run and play and wish more people were into!

[@petermolnar7578]

Amazing video, as always. Thanks for posting.

[@INCIESSE]

I've run a few sessions of Mork Borg and I gotta say its a hell of a lot of fun. The rules are just light enough that people start getting really creative usually in horrific or gruesome ways often willingly risking life and limb (literally). and the best part is the extra content that's on their site or in the zines adds things like more classes feats and other stuff so it can be as crunchy as you want to make it for those of us who love leaning hard into a certain character specialization.

[@GentD101]

Purchased both, this night! You have opened my eyes to a great many ways to take my game to the next level. As always,sir, THANK YOU :)

[@eliasr7279]

I really love how a lot of the descriptions in Mörk Borg are abbreviated. I've heard some complain about it. But to me it really is a feature as opposed to "lazy writing". A major setback to many games is when the DM reads up a description about a room you're in and just goes on and on for 5 minutes until they've described the exact number of cracks in the stone floor. And it happens easily because all of that extreme detail is already in the setting they're running. In my opinion, unnecessary amounts of detail is just plain intrusive. Mörk Borg's writing is skillfully done, it evokes the perfect sort of mood and atmosphere in a given situation without ever being long-winded. The players get the exact amount of information they need to paint the appropriate picture themselves in their own head. The most advanced super computer in the world, the human brain, with its own experiences and impressions gathered on its hard drive, can paint a very detailed and evocative picture with a single word. And yeah, it speeds up the game!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I concur.

[@baronvonswankenstein]

I’d had 5e Hardcore Mode come to my attention through various channels before I saw this review but I always had second-thoughts about it. The PDF preview just wasn’t enough. After getting a bit more detail here, I bought a print copy for myself and a PDF for my friend. I’m glad I did. I’d always wished that 5e was a simpler grittier game that felt more like old school D&D and Hardcore Mode really trims the fat and gives one the tools to do just that. I can’t wait to try them in my old school Ravenloft game.

[@FablesD20]

Great review! And congrats on the upgrades- great work Patrons!

[@N0KKENWAITS]

I've played a few MorkBorg sessions and I must say, DAMN GOOD STUFF.

[@davemills7717]

nice selections. There is actually a newer version of 5eHardcore available for download with over 30 pgs

[@bonbondurjdr6553]

8:08 I found that the CR thing was good but not too great... however, I am thinking that mixing it with the way FTD does monsters would add some variations which would make it great! :D

[@RPG_Bliss]

Really like the Reviews Prof!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

More to come!

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

Mork Borg is great - super rules-lite, but heavy on atmosphere and flavor. I've even used it as the inspiration to create new doom metal music (which seems a bit "meta", now that I think about it ... )

[@TabletopsandTentacles]

Ooooh - I am super into both of these - thanks for bringing them to my attention!

[@keegansullivan1571]

I'm rather curious how the professor feels about Mage the Ascension and trying to Integrate, not the system, the concept in D&D. Where philosophical outlooks determine magic and now you have schools of magic/philosophy littering your fantasy world.

[@tomyoung9834]

I’d never heard of the Bork book, but now....I think I need it!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It's a lot of fun.

[@Donaldsangry]

Picked up 5e Hardcore Mode while watching

[@Calcifernus]

Awesome content, thank you so much sir! Love from Portugal

[@cwesley2005]

I love the upper hand rule!

[@swaghauler8334]

How are you holding up Professor?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Very well. I'm healthy and I'm cranking out DC videos twice a week now.

[@bonbondurjdr6553]

We appreciate that, good sir! Keep up the great work and stay healthy!

[@everthingtotal8798]

Thank you for the Review series. I appreciate that you bring attention to the games that have the real gold nuggets. The grimdark element puts a certain freedom back into games; a freedom that when lost comes at too high a price. I like to create games that can simultaneously have both the highest peaks of poetic beauty and heroism, as well as the lowest valleys of the black hearted and brutal. I might consider the Witcher or even GOT such creations. The emphasis of simple mechanics in the Review is so inspiring! I have put my foot down; if a game scene is AT ALL in jeopardy of losing any of its power because of a mechanic--then to hell with the mechanic. Simplicity reigns. May your Zen painting be the gateway to that which is both present and eternal.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

TODOS INSPIRED thank you

[@vincentpendragon6724]

Thank you Professor. Especially during these times. Look forward to your vids. Helps raises my spirits atm. 🇦🇺👍

[@danbrauch4174]

Because of your review of Mork borg Prof. I ordered myself a copy. Thanks!

[@dangerdelw]

Can't wait to buy both of these! As far as your eventual publication goes... I think you should do your own thing. I got started in d&d with 5e, but I'm slowly starting to learn that it won't last forever. Perhaps it would be beneficial to include a section on modifying your system to fit others. That way it can hit the 5e crowd, but have some longevity as well!

[@MatthewWardprofile]

Mork Borg is so up my alley. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[@mrgunn2726]

Good review, I am on the fence about Mork Borg. However, I did also grab copies of 5 Torches Deep and ICRPG Master Edition.

[@adamjchafe]

Yes! Picked up Hardcore mode the day it came out. Excellent product! I wish it had come out before I started running Curse of Strahd.

[@MisBUG]

Watching this video again, because it is the reason why I started playing MÖRK BORG... probably also the reason why today I'm developing the official videogame version of it called MÖRK BORG Heresy Supreme and trying to get it funded on Kickstarter alongside Johan Nohr and Pelle Nilsson. So thank you Professor DM, you inspired one of the most incredible adventures :) BTW if you want to check some art we'll be happy to show you ;)

[@pakkanen7]

I ran a hardcore oneshot just to test out these rules and this was the takeaway: + Grit your teeth is cool as it gives an alternate use for hit dice. + Roll to cast spells are cool because they create chaos. + Agreed group initiative works really well with big groups of enemies. + The injured state is cool as it can suddenly turn the tides and force the players to reasses the situation. However I think its confusing to only remove attribute bonus and not proficiency. + Skilled/Unskilled is great as it means extra proficiencies carry more weight - Zymer's candle is cumbersome as having to document everything before laying down a candle slows down the game. It also kinda defeats the purpose of hardcore mode. - Spells like fireball and lightning bolt are way too potent at 3rd level as -10 hp kills you instantly. So even if you make the save a 9hp (average) wizard would almost always die. - The monster creating rules are simple but don't create challenging monsters. CR is already a flawed system and making it so that all stats are based on CR creates easier enemies. I started the players out at 3rd level with a fighter, rogue and wizard without any magical items. After the game I asked the players and they felt that it didn't really feel much different from normal 5e. The only one that was in constant fear of death was the 9hp wizard who could randomly die from full hp. Im not sure if I my encounters were too easy or my players just too crafty. It was fun as always and I will definitely borrow some of the rules for my next campaign! Thank you for the great review and bringing this product to light professor!

[@KimKhan]

Having grown up with Swedish RPG's, Mörk Borg feels very familiar but also fresh at the same time. The dungeon room lay-out you praised so much felt pretty basic to me, and then I had to double-check and compare modern DnD with the Swedish games I know (Drakar och Demoner, Mutant, etc), and indeed that is common in the Swedish designs. Nice to see this stuff included in your reviews!

[@steventurner6902]

At 2:50 minutes into the video, I teleported myself over to DriveThruRPG and bought the book. Thank you for the review and the tip. Cheers!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

You're welcome! They're both terrific.

[@steventurner6902]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Heh, heh, I went back and bought the Mork Borg as well. I'm enjoying reading then right now :)

[@stantron5000]

Thanks so much for introducing me to Hardcore Mode. It has changed the way I approach DMing forever. So good. I'm going through Tyranny of Dragons and trying to adapt it to this hack and Man oh man, what a fun exercise. Been pretty cooped up in quarantine, but I have been reaching out like crazy to start a new campaign. Hope you're well. Thank you for your service!

[@Xion_Toshiro]

Mörk Borg sounds so metal.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yep. It is.

[@kendo5862]

Well done on a mention!

[@aaron527]

Oh ny God, I am getting Mork Borg, even if I never run it. The book design is brilliant and everything seems so on-brand, they deserve my support.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

That's how I felt.

[@RPG_Bliss]

Mork borg is the kinda game I’d like to be a player in. Not suited for me to dm with my family, but totally metal! 🤘

[@Critical_Pixel]

Hey all! You can also subscribe to Runehammer's Patreon and get access to the full and updated 5E Hardcore Rules and so much more for only one dollar! Pretty much anything that Runehammer has made outside of the official ICRPG rule-sets are on his patreon for the lowest tier. Even if you plan to only subscribe for one month, I'm sure you will be tempted to keep that sub for the crazy amount of releases that Hankerin puts out regularly. Including a really cool podcast to keep you busy while we wait for more Dungeon Craft and Drunkens & Dragons videos. You should check it out!

[@johncollins7555]

Thank you professor. I shared the link w two of my gaming groups. I also just bought Mort Borg from the publisher.

[@TheSalem777]

Thanks for enlighten our games Professor DM!, Great review and game systems! I clicked "5EHC-Mode" link and immediately bought it . Now Im looking forward to get two copies of Mok Borg! One to keep and one to burn it and recite a doom metal prayer if all the PC's die!

[@nicholasaadland8550]

Love both of these books! I am very excited that i own them both in little hardcovers. You can get away with 5E Hardcore mode in pdf, but trust me you want Mork Borg as a physical copy because it is so gnarly.

[@bobtown500]

Nice reviews Prof. I think i will check out both items. Thx

[@zan917]

Wow. I can actually imagine after spending a couple months playing Mork Bork, rolling the 7th 1 and going out in the yard after dark to watch the book burn. That would be so crazy.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I would definitely do it, just to say I did it. It would be an episode of DungoenCraft.

[@joseacevedo8314]

Just ordered Mork Borg. Looks beautifully made and very sinister. Thanks for the recomendation! I have always liked the player rolls their attacks and then rolls defense. Takes the DM screen out of combat.

[@NefariousKoel]

I also recommend checking out 'Low Fantasy Gaming Deluxe' RPG if you want a grittier D&D-derived game. It has some concepts like the Professor's, plus other similar adjustments.

[@MichaelDBruce]

I bought Mork Borg at release. But I am definitely going to check out 5E hardcore. I've run all my Dnd games with low hit points, to promote tactics and such. This sounds like what I've been looking for...

[@limeyinlimbo]

One thing that’s obvious is perhaps how 5e Hardcore can be utilized with WotC adventures. What I am keen to learn more about, and see evidence of, is people adopting Mörk Borg’s system to some of the D&D content, an example being Curse of Strahd or Tomb of Annihilation.

[@Goshin65]

Excellent point about 5e Hardcore Mode, that players who want to play "by the book", you can show them a book! And MorkBorg is really intriguing, I want to try it. If I had to run 5e, I'd use either Hardcore Mode or 5TD.

[@jasonmabry8526]

Prof, Mörk Borg has a new kickstarter for a supplement starting on April 15th. Check it out!

[@vesperschake6241]

Also worth mentioning Mörk Borg is a dope art piece even if you don't get a chance to play it I'd certainly like a copy on my shelf .

[@CaseyVHunter]

I bought Hardcore Mode weeks ago when I first heard of it. Absolutely worth it! My game is now basically a combination of Hardcore and FTD, with some of my own ideas thrown in. Hardcore may not have been one, but if the good Professor and Runehammer actually did a collab on something it would be epic!

[@mikegould6590]

I like the Mork Borg tables. Even if I didn't use the system, I'd totally use the tables for a Shadowfell campaign.

[@MrSturlin]

Love your review style, as always. Immediately bought a copy of 5e Hardcore. While Mork Borg sounds awesome, it's too dark for my current audience, so I'll file it away in the Christmas wishlist for now.

[@sielasekys]

Professor DM, I love the Shadow Of The Demon Lord System. I was partly inspired to play it because of your videos, however, I don't really hear you reference it very much and I was wondering if it falls in the list of the ones that you don't like very much and thus do not review it? :) perhaps you could share your opinion on this system? Would much appreciate your time :) Thanks!

[@coolwinevibes]

Hey professor! I've been following you for a while and you've kinda become my guru. I started playing dnd a year ago and am dm-ing every other week for the past 6 months. I found 5e pretty bloated from the start and through you and quest beast I learned of osr and other methods that resonate more. I've spent quite a few on your recommendations and even duplicated your dungeon terrain. Anyhow.. I'm now looking at the Cypher RPG system. It's different in some regards but in many ways super simple and accessible. Can rly recommend it! Just wanted to share this. I may check out your patreon soon just because you helped me open my eyes. Thanks and keep at it! Hope the current situation isn't too bad for you and yours. Kind regards, a regular lurker from the Netherlands

[@humanphillips3091]

What a dark gritty almost ridiculous setting . Its so amzing and metal .

[@trashymctrash5175]

After listening to about 20 of this guys videos I finally figured out why he sounds so familiar. Old mate had the same voice of Kevin O'Leary

[@sebastianstark8517]

Both of these sound interesting, but 5E hardcore mode appeals more to me. Just really like how Hankerin distills things down to a fun, playable system that has tension. Thanks again, prof!

[@dustinsmith2021]

I add constitution bonus whether it’s plus or minus.

[@aaronvillareal8684]

Morkborg is also an album by a band called Gnoll

[@johannohr9693]

Sure is--it was made as the official dungeon synth soundtrack for the game, and was released as part of the MÖRK BORG Kickstarter.

[@aaronvillareal8684]

I just learned this myself, awesome!

[@RoninCatholic]

"I am an inveterate insect eater. I _understand_ the songs of the insects and worms; I eat them to make them shut up."

[@liamcage7208]

I have one of those guys at my table; if it didn't come out of a book then it isn't real and balanced. You can do almost anything as long as their is a book of some kind to show him. On the other hand if it is in a book, including one that I am not supporting at the table, he believes its canon and must be allowed to "play the game it was meant to be played". I put up with him because he's a really good player and makes most sessions fun. He saves his grips for in between sessions.

[@blitzthekraken9832]

"Lab Coats and Play Testing" LOL! You should do a Reality Versus Fiction video. How does it go, "once you learn the rules, you can break them." And usually, that is where all good reads, games, and music resides --- People that learned the rules, and then broke them. Going to pick up a copy of 5E Hardcore. Good Stuff!

[@admiralsnackbar2811]

I came up with a hardcore deathsave roll a few weeks ago. Works almost the same as 5e except you roll 3d20 as soon as you drop to zero, possibly even a 4th die for the suspenseful tie breaker.

[@biffstrong1079]

"The Tortured Pixie" I'm pretty sure I stopped there for a beer and caught amoebic dysentery that kept at me for the est of the year.

[@israelmorales4249]

Wait, what!? The Professor has a name....is like when i discover my dad has a name.....Long life to Dan Defazio

[@lukehartley9044]

Thanks for the review, I just picked up hardcore.

[@prohet-econo]

5ehc sounds like my table rules. I'm going to snag this!