Expand Your RPG Experience
Skills-Based BECMI
The Natural Evolution of the Rules Cyclopedia
What is Skills-Based BECMI?
It is the natural evolution of the classic game—a bridge spanning the gap between traditional dungeon crawling and deep, character-driven storytelling. This system represents the logical progression that began when TSR first expanded the world of Mystara through the Gazetteer Series, layering rich, specialized talents over the high-level mastery found in the Master Rules.
By moving beyond rigid archetypes and into a world of expanded skill options, we transform the character sheet into a canvas for identity. Players are no longer just “Fighters” or “Thieves”; they become specialized veterans with unique backgrounds, technical expertise, and roleplay-driven talents. This approach empowers both players and DMs to craft truly unique characters and NPCs whose capabilities are limited only by their ambition and training, making every hero in the campaign feel like a one-of-a-kind legend in the making.
The Great Ledger holds two archives. The Archive of Mystara applies these rules to the Known World — settings, factions, and lore reimagined through the Skills-Based BECMI lens. The Forge is where the rules themselves live, organized for deep reference.
What Changed from the Rules Cyclopedia
Chapter 1 Steps in Character Creation
Chapter 2 The Character Classes
- All Classes, One EXP Table, All 36 levels
Chapter 3 Spells and Spellcasting
- Added Cantrips
Chapter 4 Equipment
- Silver Standard, Making Gold Precious
Chapter 5 Other Character Abilities
- General Skills
- Class Skills
- Class Skill Training
- Weapon Mastery
- Martial Arts
- Regional Skills
- Motes
- Prayers
- Thief Skills
- Martial Skills
Chapter 6 Movement
Chapter 7 Encounters and Evasion
- Updated Encounter Tables
Chapter 8 Combat
Chapter 9 Mass Combat
Chapter 10 Experience
Chapter 11 Nonplayer Characters
Chapter 12 Stronghold and Dominions
- Added Domains
Chapter 13 Dungeon Master Procedures
Chapter 14 Monsters
- Updated all Monsters
Chapter 15 Immortals
Chapter 16 Treasure
- Added New Treasures
Chapter 17 Campaigning
Chapter 18 The Planes of Existence
- Balloon Theory
If you don’t own the Rules Cyclopedia or are new to the system, don’t let that stop you. We’ve written a concise chapter-by-chapter overview of everything you need — just enough to play, with links to go deeper when you’re ready.
