Basic Fantasy RPG vs Stars Without Number
Compare Basic Fantasy RPG and Stars Without Number side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, and more.
| Basic Fantasy RPG | Stars Without Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy | Sci-Fi |
| Tags | Classic Fantasy, Dungeon Crawl, Rules-Light, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting, Deadly, Exploration, Resource Management, Random Tables, CC-Licensed Rules | Sandbox, Exploration, Low-Prep, Faction Play, Tactical, Ascending AC, Vancian Casting |
| Core Mechanic | Roll d20 plus attack and ability modifiers to meet or beat ascending Armor Class. Saving throws use d20 against targets determined by class and level. | 2d6 + skill + attribute ≥ target for skills; d20 + modifiers for combat. OSR-inspired. |
| Dice | d20 | 2d6 / d20 |
| Complexity | Low | Medium |
| Availability | Free core rules | Free core rules |
| Runnability | 5 of 5 book tools | 5 of 5 book tools |
| License | Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International | Proprietary |
| Third-Party Publishing | Commercial publishing allowed — Creative Commons license | Not yet researched |
| Summary only, not legal advice. Check current terms before publishing. | ||
| Publisher | The Basic Fantasy Project | Sine Nomine Publishing |
| Year | 2023 | 2017 |
| Languages | English, Portuguese | English |
| Best For | Groups who want straightforward fantasy dungeon expeditions with lethal combat and careful management of supplies. | Sandbox sci-fi campaigns with comprehensive GM tools for faction turns, sector generation, and adventure creation. |
| Highlights | Separate race and class choices allow elves to combine spellcasting with fighting or thieving. Encounter reactions and morale let negotiation or retreat resolve threats without fighting to the death. Dungeon stocking and wilderness encounter tables help the GM prepare expeditions. | Free version is generous, comprehensive sandbox tools, faction system |
| Considerations | Characters normally die at zero hit points unless the GM adopts an optional survival rule. Racial ability requirements and class restrictions limit character combinations. Casting can be interrupted by an attack on the same initiative count even if it misses. | OSR combat can feel flat compared to modern tactical systems, B/X heritage means limited mechanical support for social or narrative play |