The third playtest draft of Microlite75 is now available. Changes for this draft are mainly in the optional rules section. Major additions to the optional rules include: Advantages and Disadvantages, Character Goals and Traits, Armor for all classes, and Psionics. Some spells had descriptions added or slightly modified. Some types were corrected throughout the book. A new section on Old School Play was added.

The major — and most time consuming — addition is rules for psionics. The system from 0e is hard to understand and even harder to actually use. Coming up with a set of simple rules that worked, felt mechanically and stylistically different from magic (as 0e psionics did), could be added to any character without unbalancing the game too much was a major pain. The current rules lack psionic combat. I haven’t yet decided if I will try to add this in a future playtest edition. I’ve used psionics in my Empire of Arn campaigns since 1976 and psionic combats have been rare as hen’s teeth. Your comments on this issue will strongly influence my decision.

What’s planned for Playtest version 0.4? There will definitely be some minor changes to combat based on my current playtest campaign. The optional rules for combat maneuvers may get a complete overhaul. I will probably add more advantages, disadvantages, and psionic abilities. A full equipment list will be added for those who prefer to buy exactly what they want instead of using the quick packs. Some type of non-clerical healing will be added (probably some type of herbalism). The section on hirelings will be expanded.

Spells may get rearranged in alphabetical order. While I personally prefer the old way of alphabetical with class and level, switching to alphabetical would mean that some long high level spell descriptions would not have to be duplicated. One of my players has asked for some of the useful spells used in Harry Potter books (like Obliviate). I may add a few with the names filed off.

The “Science Fantasy” section will be completely rewritten. New monsters may get added.

However, that’s for the future. Today, you can download your free copy of Microlite75 Playtest Version 0.3 from Mediafire: http://www.mediafire.com/?mtnlw0xrqh2. It’s a 400K PDF with about 27 pages of rules, spells, and monsters (plus a cover sheet).