"What D&D type system works for zombies?" Topic

A friend is looking to possibly do some D&D but is looking more for fighting/decision point type-action rather than heavier on the role playing negotiations and character interaction etc. I thought (modern)Zombies might fit the bill. Any ideas on a game similar-ish to D&D 4, or a D20 system that would be rich, but quick to learn? Any suggestions appreciated!

I know ther are several D20 zombie expansions, but I have only ever played 4E and I can't say that it's suitable for quick combat actions, even though it IS very granular. With one small skirmish taking up over one hour, it's probably not what you are looking for.

There are a bunch of zombie RPGs.
The one that pops to mind is All Flesh Must Be Eaten allflesh.com

But if I were going to do it I'd use Call of Cthulhu… using the modern rules and just drop the mythos stuff, leave the zombies. It's nice and brutal the way the zombie apocalypse oughtta be. Relatively fast and simple too.

But also, what about THW's All Things Zombie? Not exactly an RPG but most of the THW games I've seen have some similar elements.

Occult wars should work well.

Why not just use D&D if that is what you are familiar with? You don't have to use the role play part of any set of rules. Just use the D&D combat system and however much of the role play aspect as you like.

If you want a different set of rules I would suggest "Fear and Faith" by Ganesha games. It is quick play, easy to learn, and only needs a few figures per side.

Ditto on Call of Cthulhu unless you want more over the top action. Then you should go with the full Basic Role Playing (BRP) from Chaosium. It covers the COC rules but has several "bolt ons" that allow for more cinematic action.

Either way you end up with a solid system to track sanity…which is a big part of the Zombie movie genre.

Mind you this is a percentile based system so it is easy to grasp.

The thing with D&D is that if you keep the XP/Levels aspect the PCs will quickly outlevel the zombie threat. Unless you create harder biting zombie types to keep up with them.
I guess you could turn of the experience system though, I don't see it as very much in the feel of the genre anyway.

The True20 modern system may fit the bill. It follows the general d20 guidelines but is class lite and replaces hit points with a wound system.

There is also a concept for all d20 called E6 where characters quit advancing at level 6 and thereafter only pick up feats. This caps the no limit number escalation of normal D&D but still gives the players a degree of advancement.

Thank you. I do see the problem with the level advancement you mention with D&D. I will look into some of the other systems listed.

I like the E6 idea that CoryfromMissoula mentioned. I've never heard of that.
One thing that always bugged me about D&D was the constant increase in power levels. I figured any mortal man should be outmatched by a pack of wild dogs… but D&D scales past that pretty fast.
It leads to things like how, in World of Warcraft, you head into a new zone and there are lvl 90 farmers and sheep (yeah, don't mess with those sheep!).

Turning off the stat inflation at 6th level would go a long way to killing off my objections… though I wonder how many other players would agree to it?
That smaller improvement arc WOULD match a lot of what you see in zombie movies… where survivors have to learn fast, toughen up, or else get eaten… but even then, nobody is really safe against the hordes of flesh-eaters.

I think any edition will do if you start at level 1 and disallow clerics and paladins. For an added challenge, disallow magic-users as well.

OK, I'm back and impatient. If you can't figure out how to adapt rules, then maybe you should just play checkers!!!

OK, I'm back

Wherever you were it obviously wasn't Charm School.

Not that I should be pointing fingers…

2nd edition d and d

I'm good with 2nd Ed. I still play it.