Anyone doing a martial arts supplement?

[Dredj]

I was just wondering if anyone is going to do something like GURPS martial arts supplement for BRP?

[Tywyll]

I'd buy it if they did.

[GianniVacca]

Well, Martial Arts are covered in my Chinese rolegame. Contrary to what most games seem to have done (a further skill that gives you bonuses if you roll both under the combat skill AND the martial arts skill), the way I've managed it is that some special skills are taught only if you're part of a martial arts school -- not much unlike the original RuneQuest cults after all.

There are a few more subtelties, but in a nutshell that's how I've managed it.

[Jack Tar]

I've been very happy that BRP martial arts is handled so simply, so I personally can't see any reason why someone would want all that bloated crunch like GURPS Martial Arts. Just my opinion, but it seems to me that to go that way is to depart from the BRP ethos (simple, rules-light, rules in the background). I'd rather see a supplement with no rules, but which gives background on martial arts and lots of descriptions that a GM can use to paint the picture.

[AikiGhost]

Originally Posted by Jack Tar

I've been very happy that BRP martial arts is handled so simply, so I personally can't see any reason why someone would want all that bloated crunch like GURPS Martial Arts.

I agree. Now a wuxia themed setting would be something else entirely. But I guess it would have to have some Chi (Ki) style powers and/or other mechanisms for making PCs and major NPCs a bit more "Over the top".

[The Last Conformist]

I like the Stormbringer way where martial arts are just a high Brawl skill.

[Tywyll]

I disagree that adding special mechanics for MA would lead to 'rules bloat' or be any more complicated than a magic system. If you can remember what your cult spells do, I don't see how hard it would be to remember a few mods relevant to your particular MA.

The reason I'd like to see it is that I don't think a single skill encompasses the wide variety of possible MA, either in a realistic or wuxia style setting. I'll grant that the normal MA skill (2d3 damage vs the brawl) works in most modern settings wherein MA is simply a slight advantage. But if you want to run a game around the concept, or where it figures prominently, the lack of options could be a killer for some gamers.

Also, some MA are simply better at doing things than others. Grappling someone is not just about your STR versus theirs on the POT chart, it should also take into account your technique (which at least in Elric! is not done, and that's the latest BRP game I have... its even worse in MRQ wherein its entirely based on skill and doesn't really take into account the difference in str between the two combatants).

Anyway, that's just me.

[Jack Tar]

I fully take your point Tywyll. I was viewing it from my eyes only. Whereas, I agree, if you were running a campaign centred around MAs, then the basic BRP rules would be greatly lacking. Thus, it would make a great supplement; martial arts rules (hopefully still simple and elegant) + MA-specific campaign advice &/or background.

[PK Games]

I think most martial arts can be done as is with BRP. Want great grappling skills? But super strength with limitation "Grappling only", want to run on trees like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? Buy limited flight, or super leap (or whatever equivalent is in BRP, dont have book right in front of me).

And so forth. Chi powers/ki powers are just variations of spells and or super powers with the emphasis being inner strength and discipline.

Heck you could even buy points of armour, state that its only against hadn to hand attacks and represents your super ability to parry, block and dodge.

Its all in how you describe your bonuses and limitations placed on skills, powers and abilities.

Later.

[Jason Durall]

Originally Posted by PK Games

want to run on trees like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? Buy limited flight, or super leap (or whatever equivalent is in BRP, dont have book right in front of me).

It's already in there as Super Movement (Lightfoot).