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Old 12-22-2017, 12:33 PM   #1
Shostak
 
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Default Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

Your local librarian asks you to choose three RPGs for the collection. Which three do you recommend, and why?
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Old 12-22-2017, 12:56 PM   #2
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

I would suggest GURPS 3rd edition basic set. It has the advantage of being a single book that only requires pencil, paper and 3 easy to find D6 to play. For dead simple mechanics maybe Advanced Fighting Fantasy, again it only uses D6. I cant really think of anything that suits any better than its competitors for the third slot.
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Old 12-22-2017, 01:15 PM   #3
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

I like the idea of sticking to single-volume books and d6's.

I'd choose: The Traveller Book, the Champions 4e hardcover, and Mini Six.
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Old 12-22-2017, 02:42 PM   #4
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

I would suggest

Call of cthulhu
WEG Star War
DFRPG

3 different style of play,
3 games that can be played with just the core set
and the first two are rules light and can be played with just the character sheets and a few notes, once the book have been brought back to the library.

Last edited by Celjabba; 12-23-2017 at 12:14 PM.
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Old 12-22-2017, 02:59 PM   #5
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

It would be hard to set up a RPG selection without some form of D&D, it's market dominance almost requires it, so the the three Core D&D 5E books. To catch the Super Heroes boom, maybe Champions, and then a generalist system like GURPS 3E. If you want to combine some stuff, maybe Champions and the HERO system, and then the current Star Wars RPG to draw interest, or maybe something like FATE or World of Darkness for the different narrative structure.
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Old 12-22-2017, 03:38 PM   #6
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

Trail of Cthulhu, because it is a popular, relatively rules-light version of the classic and venerable Call of Cthulhu--one of the oldies--and it uses the ubiquitous d6. It admirably fills the horror and investigation niche. Gamers who love it will find Pelgrane has amply supported it.

Traveller has weathered the test of time, and represents the space genre pretty well. I might replace this with a good version of a Star Wars game, if only because the brand recognition could bring in a lot of players, but I don't have any experience with the Star Wars games and thus can't recommend one. I'd go with Mongoose's new Traveller Core Book, because it is current.

GURPS Basic Set 4th ed., because GURPS rocks and want to spread the love. GURPS has lasted decades. The Basic Set has everything one needs to play in just about any genre, but its built-in magic system lets this game fill the fantasy niche. (If GURPS Dungeon Fantasy RPG were hardcover, I'd recommend that, but I think many libraries would have an issue with the binding.) 4th edition is current and well supported, and all the 3e books are relatively easy to use for 4th.

One might ask, "Why not include D&D?" and it would be a good question. Part of my reason to not include it is that D&D books are easily found in bookstores, which means they are relatively accessible and thus not necessarily as valuable to patrons. Another is that it requires special dice, which are common enough among established gamers, are not as easily found as are d6.
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Old 12-22-2017, 06:24 PM   #7
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

I wouldn't choose any old edition of anything that has a new edition, unless there was an attempt at a complete collection (generally libraries don't purposefully look for obsolete editions of books as new acquisitions).
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Old 12-22-2017, 09:09 PM   #8
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

Are these intended for the reference section, or to circulate?
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Old 12-23-2017, 06:03 AM   #9
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jackson View Post
Are these intended for the reference section, or to circulate?
I suspect most librarians would put RPG books into their circulating collection.
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Old 12-23-2017, 12:11 PM   #10
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Default Re: Which 3 RPGs for Library Collection?

I'd go for 3 very different systems:
WEG d6 system (all 4 current corebooks)
D&D 5E
Cortex Plus

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shostak View Post
I suspect most librarians would put RPG books into their circulating collection.
The Anchorage Municipal Library had issues with that - they were lost frequently.
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