Easiest Fantasy Rule Set for a New GM?

My GM moved away and he is scared of technology. I love the group we have so I have decided to run the game myself on roll20. As a new GM, what are the easier fantasy rule sets to use?  I like what I have seen from Pathfinder, is that as easy as the rest? TIA Craig

I find that DnD 4E is easy, espically the combat.

What game system did you use before?

I hear really good things about BareBones Fantasy from DwD Studios, but I haven't read or played it personally.  It's going to be more rules light than Pathfinder or other new-school D&D systems. My choice in this situation would be to grab Swords and Wizardry (the Complete version is $10, the core rules are free).  I'd also consider running something like B/X D&D now that the pdfs are legally available again.

I have found that Dungeon World does a remarkable job preparing GMs to run a fantasy RPG.

I found that Labyrinth Lords by Goblinoid Games &lt;<a href="http://www.goblinoidgames.com&gt;&nbsp;was" rel="nofollow">http://www.goblinoidgames.com&gt;&nbsp;was</a> pretty easy and a free pdf download. Barebone Fantasy is also pretty easy to learn... I think it's about a $10 pdf download &lt; <a href="http://dwdstudios.com/barebones" rel="nofollow">http://dwdstudios.com/barebones</a> &gt;. The classic is D&amp;D basic/expert and it was designed for the new gm. It goes for about $5. &lt; <a href="http://www.dndclassics.com/product/110274/D%26D-Basic-Set-Rulebook-%28Basic%29?filters=0_0_44699" rel="nofollow">http://www.dndclassics.com/product/110274/D%26D-Basic-Set-Rulebook-%28Basic%29?filters=0_0_44699</a> &gt;.&nbsp;

Another easy and free system to look at is :&nbsp; Basic Fantasy Role Playing Game &nbsp;is a rules-light game system modeled on the classic RPG rules of the early 1980's. Though based loosely on the d20 SRD v3.5, Basic Fantasy RPG has been written largely from scratch to replicate the look, feel, and mechanics of the early RPG game systems. It is suitable for those who are fans of "old-school" game mechanics. Basic Fantasy RPG is simple enough for children in perhaps second or third grade to play, yet still has enough depth for adults as well.

Savage Worlds, easy, fast, genre-neutral.

Id say go for labyrinth Lord if you want free, or DnD basic for a $5 download. This is what I started with MANY years ago and just recently picked it up again. Plus this will help lead into 3.5, Pathfinder or 4th edition if you wanted to. DnD basic has a lot of adventures for download too that are great for&nbsp;beginners.

I'd add a vote for Savage Worlds&nbsp;

Have you tried Castle Falkenstein? It uses cards instead of dice which makes everything run smoother...!

William P. said: What game system did you use before? We played our own version made by our GM. It was based off of Expert DnD.&nbsp; Thanks for the replies, I am really surprised at how active and helpful this forum is! &nbsp;I will check out your suggestions today.&nbsp;

Balladeer said: I have found that Dungeon World does a remarkable job preparing GMs to run a fantasy RPG. Thats exactly my experience as well The rules are open source: <a href="http://book.dwgazetteer.com/" rel="nofollow">http://book.dwgazetteer.com/</a> and there is an awesome guide: <a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3269630/dwdotcom/eon-guide/Dungeon%20World%20Guide%20pdf%20version%201.2.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3269630/dwdotcom/eon-guide/Dungeon%20World%20Guide%20pdf%20version%201.2.pdf</a> Furthermore if you really like it you can get the shiny rules for 10$ on drivethrough.

Advanced fighting fantasy. No two ways about it, easiest system bar none.

Have you ever DMed before? If not, stick with what you have BEEN playing. No need to go Noob on two fronts at once.

What it gets down to is what would you use if you were face to face? &nbsp;Roll20 gives you tools, but the game is up to you

I'd say DnD 4e is really easy to learn, but DnD Next so far is I think even easier, and has a nicer balance between Combat and Roleplay, which also makes it a quick and easy so I suggest you check that out:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/dndnext.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.wizards.com/dnd/dndnext.aspx</a>