RPG Retro Reviews: Into the Borderlands| Rules Cyclopedia

Gazeteer #3: Rules Cyclopedia is now available for Print on Demand from DriverThruRPG! Also, let's take a look at "Into the Borderlands" from Goodman Games.
DriveThruRPG LINKS:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rules Cyclopedia: www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creature Catalog: www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Search of the Unknown: www.drivethrurpg.com/product/...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Into the Borderlands: goodman-games.com/store/produc...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Patreon Page: / captcorajus
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PayPal Tipjar: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facebook: Dungeons and Dragons RPG Reviews: / rpgre. .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
captcorajus on Twitter: / captcorajus

[@stratuvarious8547]

We are living in a golden age for tabletop RPG materieal, DriveThruRPG is a godsend. No more having to pay insane prices for old modules(unless you're dead set on getting an original copy).

[@jackhartford521]

I own Into the Borderlands, and am running a party through it right now. This is a great tome and the group is enjoying themselves quite nicely. It’s also great for me, because before this point, I had only DM’d once in my life, over 25 years ago. So to me, it’s introductory nature, translated quite well. If I could voice one thing about this that I believe is negative, it’s the 5E experience points system, handling this beautiful 1970s basic D & D module. The characters advance so quickly, that they outstrip the bad guys in the module. I have had to ramp up the bad guys they face, to make it more balanced. But what the party doesn’t know, won’t hurt them ;). I can be quite a nostalgic person, and I feel this module passes the torch very nicely, a definite must have!

[@demongustavditters7150]

That’s the issue w 5e. All power to the players. Nothing is dangerous unless they player is a complete fool. Which they rarely are. Osr systems fix this problem.

[@keithdonohue4631]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Cap Is Back !!!! I love it !!!!

[@redfeildre349]

Been a while! I also got my copies of Rules Cyclopedia and Into the Borderlands! Many RPG's have passed through my hands but the only one I regretted getting rid of was Rules Cyclopedia. The reprint was not perfect but I at least got mine on time without an Unearthed Arcana showing up at my door. Into the Borderlands was a bit late for me. I had to wait for second printing before it got shipped. Worth the wait! My favorite part of Into the Borderlands? The number 1 on the spine. :D I hope the next one is Palace of the Silver Princess - Orange vs. Green.

[@Cliffothebig]

Wow, I didn’t know the rules cylopedia was in such demand,I have five copies of it, all in great condition

[@captcorajus]

OSR. A lot of old school games came out emulating that book and renewed interest in it.

[@RichardBejtlich]

Your story about the Rules Cyclopedia misadventure was hilarious. 🤣

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

Great review! love your stuff!

[@maximpact24]

Johnny cool to see you also enjoy Captcorajus! He does awesome work :)

[@jmet1lv]

Holy shit Johnny millennium! I didn’t know you played trpgs!

[@dmchuck2575]

Great overviews of these excellent products. I have always loved B1, probably because it was, with the Holmes rules, my intro to D&D back in the early springtime of 1980.

[@midnightgreen8319]

I own two of the Goodman Games adventures reincarnated, this will be my third!

[@dr.winstonsmith]

Agreed, Darlene did some nice illustrations, and of course the gorgeous Greyhawk map.

[@captcorajus]

I've had mine in poster frames and wall mounted ever since I got my house 23 years ago.

[@Diabolik771]

When you enter In Search of the Unknown..., there is a magic mouth. I recorded myself reading it on the computer and tweaked it in Audacity to sound scary. Every time in or out when players walk passed, it goes off and I'd play that sound file. It became quite funny.

[@bromossunstarranger8706]

flawless VICTORY! spot on. I love this video, your style of RPG reviews is a definite Treasure to the RPG community. thank you so much for the work you do, your a Real Hero to the RPG hobby

[@captcorajus]

Awww, shucks. :D Thanks!

[@johnharvath7835]

Thank you for another perfect review Cap!! Ever think of making a DVD of your vids and selling them on your channel? Put me down for one if you do!

[@olschoolgamer1869]

I know at one time there was an issue with the scan of the Cyclopedia, which kept me from ordering the print on demand before. I will now order on your recommendation. Thank you for the review and glad to see you posting a video, please keep up the good work.

[@captcorajus]

Yeah, i heard that myself. All I can say is my pint copy turned out great, and the PDF is very nice.

[@kurtoogle4576]

I've still got my Rules Cyclopedia! Also, thanks for the Into the Borderlands review - very, very curious.

[@christopherb7024]

LOL! I've been watching your videos here and there for several months now and just got to this one. Imagine my amusement when I got to 12:12 and saw my color KotB map. :D I'm amazed at how that thing has made its way around the internet! Anyway, fun stuff - keep up the good work!

[@captcorajus]

That was amazing work! Thank you. I can't tell you how many times i've used that map.

[@cb-nz]

Stumbled across this and whadda ya know, your Unearthed Arcana is sitting happily on my shelf in New Zealand behind me

[@vivaldi0]

Great review! Look forward to more. I have every 1st 2nd 3rd edition Modules and books, so I always enjoy watching these first and then go to the books to read.

[@mvm207]

I am a huge fan of Goodman Game products including Into the Borderlands. Fantastic review as always. Please keep them coming. The story about the Cyclopedia was great.

[@straysod]

Great as always well worth the wait.. you really should be paid for the promotion of these modules

[@captcorajus]

Thank you. My videos are monetized... lol. Its not a lot of money though.

[@COMICBOOKJEDI1]

Hey Capt. I am sorry to hear about all the drama that you had to go through just to get a copy of Rulescyclopedea but you got it in the end anyway . Good video keep the old school D&D goodness comin...thanx

[@masonknight6194]

Thanks cap. Love your videos, brings back good memories. Keep up the great work👍

[@willmistretta]

That arcana is HELLA unearthed now!

[@tinfoilhat6343]

I had the same double unearthed arcana problem, but being in Australia, it stretched out over 4 months. Happy with the product and service in the end. Your great video series really stirred my nostalgia berries and i have since bought a complete set of first edition hardcover rule books and a number of modules. Really appreciate your work.

[@captcorajus]

That's great! I love hearing that something I did inspired someone to get into RPGs, and old school gaming! I really appreciate the comment. Thanks!

[@maxwellpatten9227]

Love your videos! Thank you so much! Would love your take on other OSRs gaming systems and adventures! Keep up the amazing work!

[@thedocklighter]

For anyone getting the Rules Compendium, be aware the rules do not come with errata correcting the errors, inconsistencies, oversights, and omissions that are in the original printing. You'll have to go to the Internet to download these.

[@Sonicracer100]

Always a treat when you upload!

[@HowtoRPG]

I really look forward to your videos. Fantastic review!

[@Ratstail91]

Lol Draven Swiftbow ended up with two copies of Unearthed Arcana when ordering the cyclopedia too. Luckily for me, I didn't. I actually bought my cyclopedia with money I earned from selling a game I made. I can point to it and say "I earned that!", which I can't do with much else.

[@finnquix6440]

Captain, your videos are always so informative and entertaining! I would love to hear your own implementations of OSR for your home adventure design - like the way in which you'd theme your dungeons, create your traps and plot hooks, challenge your players, and so forth. So kind of like a lecture, if you will, :P Along the lines of your views on creating an Old School Dungeon Module. I was born in the 90s, so I didn't even realise there was an Old School until I found your videos. Super excited for your Nyarlathotep review too! :D

[@captcorajus]

I have a very basic formula that I use to create my stories.... which are really just rules of 'good practice' that I've developed over the years. 1. Starting a campaign: I will tell the players that the game will be about exploration and adventure. The campaign setting.... Greyhawk, Forgotten Realms, etc. Character design must follow a few basic rules: Able to interact and visit primarily human dominated towns and cities, be physically able to traverse dungeons and cavernn settings, be willing to work with the group (even if reluctantly). How might your character be connected to one or more of the other player characters, and the town in general? 2. Adventure Development I will have on hand for the first game session 1 town, with a basic map, and perhaps some NPCs set up, I'll even name a couple, especially if they are connected to one of the adventures. I will have 3 relatively fleshed out scenarios ready to go. Example: Pirates have been raiding local shipping, There's an old wizard tower not too far from town said to be haunted, and a caravan to the north was attacked. A few survivors made it back and mentioned 'the iron ring'. These will be introduced casually during the first session. The players then decide what they want to explore, and I develop that plot accordingly. 3. Running the Campaign I'm constantly introducing new NPCs as the players go and do. I keep copious notes on each. Usually, just name, profession and a very brief sentence or two on what happened when the NPC met the PCs. I have no set desires or 'vision' as to how things are going to go. The story is dictated by three factors: The choices of the players, The desires of the NPCs, and the interaction between the two. I totally have conversations in my head, imagining how NPCs will react to the actions of the PCs. When I'm out of ideas, I'll return to my notes, looking over NPCs and think about what they've been doing and how that might intersect with the PCs, and that's where new/ continuing threads develop. Doing it this way... even I don't really know 'what's going to happen'. I'm frequently as surprised as the PCs to the outcomes, which is a lot of fun for me, as I'm literally exploring the world with my players. Its stunningly mind unleashing. Hope this helps. Thanks!

[@finnquix6440]

captcorajus Thank you so much! I shall be sure to make a go of it - like a kind of free-form sandbox.

[@mattnerdy7236]

Hey Captcorajus... Im so glad you finally got a correct copy. Keep the other book its free Capt. Didn't know they remastered keep on the borderlands. In search of the unknown is one of greatest module ever(for first time player and dm). Special Announcement coming you say, cant wait! Thank you sir for your hard work and have a great day.

[@MrRourk]

Rahasia is a great module as well.

[@batuempedu2050]

Your reviews are always spot on and your voice may be dorky but it is always entertaining and addictive.

[@RadekG]

Ha ha ha.. I guess I was lucky.. or in Europe. I ordered Rules Cyclopedia as soon as I saw it on Drivethru PoD and got it right first try and in super short time. :D Great product.

[@Talwyn22]

Thanks for uploading another video. What an amazing debacle you had to go through to get your copy of the rules cyclopedia. The KotBL looks like a great resource however I don't think I'll be buying it as I don't play 5th ed and don't really want to invest the $ in moving from 2nd ed to do so. The Rules Cyclopedia though does look like worth getting. Anyhow, look forward to your next installment :)

[@whitesue1ish]

super-fantastic video!

[@bartholomewr.6024]

This looks amazing!

[@markhumphries6020]

Alright! Another video to enjoy! I'd love to see you run a game if you were ever thinking of that.

[@guapounggoy]

Always glad to see a new video from you. I'm currently on a Cyberpunk 2020 kick and I picked up a print on demand copy of one of their supplements as good or better than I've ever seen a copy in person.I live overseas and their print fee + postage was very reasonable. I'm going to use the service more often as books that I want become available. I'm just not all that fond of PDFs. As to Goodman Games, I just received Mutant Crawl Classics and some related modules. It is an excellent game that they've put together. If a little on the easy side for very experienced players. I had a saga similar to yours in getting it, but once I did, I was very impressed. All the current modules were given to me in print form as a make good, and I'm glad for it. I think Goodman Games is one of the best companies around right now.

[@DocEonChannel]

I found the 5e conversions of B1 and B2 a mixed bag. Some additions are very useful, others I discarded. But I suppose that was inevitable.

[@sunsin1592]

Are you familiar with Forbidden Caverns of Archaia by Greg Gillespie? It's like Keep on the Borderlands on steroids.

[@paceautosales-auburn5130]

He's back! Yessssssssssssssssssssss

[@kurgon1976]

dig it. I went to DM's guild but no old school TSR products like Gamma World and Star Frontiers.. also no 1st edition Dark Sun. :(

[@Arnsteel634]

um. dark sun never came out until 2nd edition.

[@mikrogamis721]

I was never able to find this when it came out.

[@captcorajus]

I remember picking it up at Walden books the day it was released. Man I miss that place.

[@mikrogamis721]

@@captcorajus Oh God! I remember Walden books! They never had anything I wanted over on this coast.

[@johncartwright9580]

Hey Cap are you going to do an Original Adventures Reincarnated The Isle of Dread review as well?

[@captcorajus]

I'd like to. Right now, getting the thing is not in the budget unfortunately, so it will have to wait.

[@johnbe8505]

i really miss you

[@SirMillz]

Is this redone in 5e? Wish someone would do an omnibus of these mods in original editions. However, I do understand how it goes and money or profit is king. Thanks for another excellent review. I love all your material.

[@paulsimpson3113]

Awesome review, i'm almost going to buy into the borderlands (now you've tempted me with the rules cyclapedia too 🙄) can you tell me are the monster encounters full stat boxes in the text or the usual mm page111 sort of thing? I know it saves room but it just wastes time at the table in my opinion.

[@MrRourk]

Review Castle Amberville next. One of the best.

[@x.davidwilliams83]

Huzzah,, oh what joy!

[@RadekG]

Are you aware that B1-B9 in Search of Adventure is also available as PoD? It is great compilation places in Mystara setting of Basic modules. I also ordered it and can't wait to run all of them.

[@raymondlugo9960]

You know it's not complete? For example, only the B1 map from that module is included? Only the Caves are included from B2...

[@fja3924]

Will you review Goodman games other OAR books, such as the Isle of Dread and Expedition to the Barrier Peaks?

[@captcorajus]

I have Isle of Dread. The books are a bit expensive, but I've already done classic reviews of both of those modules for the channel already. Certainly something to consider.

[@thankukorea]

If you run "Into the Borderlands" online Im in or even gencon 2019 ;)

[@darkwielder2088]

What's the monster on the front of the cover? Just curious.

[@russellharrell2747]

I always disliked the way the rules cyclopaedia extended the thieves skills out to 36 levels so that they don’t get reasonably good numbers until well past name level. At least the demihumans got optional advancement rules in order to keep with with the ridiculously powerful humans at the Master levels. Otherwise it was such a good book, so much was included that you could do anything with it. I’d love a 5th edition version, all inclusive rule book.

[@captcorajus]

I personally found the "36 levels" an issue all together. No need for that level of progression. Why 36 levels? The game is based on a d20, anything past 20th level is rather silly to me IMHO, but i do love the book for all the reasons you said.

[@theobstinategentleman4094]

@@captcorajus I know I'm really late to this one. Unfortunately I didn't discover your channel until recently.thieves skills I always let my 1st level thief abilities start at level 3 or 4. As for the levels, I always thought of the breakdown like this 1 to 10 regular adventurers, 10 to 20 kings of the land or epic heroes, 20 to 36 immortals adventuring through the cosmos battling other immortals and making changes to the know world and If the players decide to settle down and then they can't get Beyond 20th level.

[@Kamikaze.Hamster]

Shut up and take my money!!! *drool*

[@Kamikaze.Hamster]

Wish I could find a place in Australia that's selling it though... $210 from Italy on eBay?? Nope...

[@fulminatus6241]

Is into the boarderlands no longer available? Can't find it on DM's Guild.

[@captcorajus]

Its only available in print here: goodman-games.com/store/product/original-adventures-reincarnated-1-into-the-borderlands/

[@fulminatus6241]

Thank you. I was starting to get discouraged.

[@borzak101]

The narration as a mystery drama kills the entire thing.

[@davidjarkeld2333]

I don't get why you think Roman numerals are hard and unwieldy.

[@captcorajus]

because they are? By the time you get to XXXVII the amount space dedicated to just writing out the number can take up most of the room? Seems easier to just say 37?