I could be wrong but I think that the last time I saw the
Dungeonslayers main rules they were in German only (?) but this definitely looks like English, unless I've swallowed a Babel Fish again....
Quickly looking through, it's definitely my kind of
pick up and play system. Dice and stat wise it probably sits somewhere on a graph between the old HeroQuest board game and D&D - perhaps comparable with QUERPS or Advanced Fighting Fighting where there's a simple core system plus skills and spells.
Design-wise, the stat symbol packed blocks look modern and easy to read - much like drawing an encounter card in a board game - it's quick reference for fast play.
It was Kelly Davis, in a blog post comment, who recently drew my attention back to Dungeonslayers. He lured me in, my saying that
my own tile designs would work well with the Dungeonslayer maps - and he is right! The designers of Dungeonslayers are fond of the blocky five foot thick walls between rooms - proper solid, no messing, dug out and flagged corridors. I feel I'm in good company here.
Interestingly, the blurb isn't peddling that stereotype of older gaming, where having simple rules means a
lack of characterisation or narrative
The rules of Dungeonslayers were designed to be very basic and simple on purpose, to bring the charming flair of old-school gaming back to life. ...
... Despite the rules’ lack of details or possibly because of this, player characters tend to evolve into highly individual personalities.
Yes! Thank you, Mr Kennig, you sing my kind of song :)
The rules are free to download, and yummy sounding pocket sized print version is also available to buy.
Downloads -Dungeonslayers main rules, adventures, etc http://www.dungeonslayers.com/?page_id=228
Rules in 6"x9" book form available to buy from
Chronicle City (£16.99GBP, $24.99USD)