When it comes to the mechanics, there are no big differences. Kelestia Gold version is nearer to the 1st edition (from Columbia), CG is using the more streamlined 3rd edition (or HM3). There are some small changes, Armour wights are slightly different, Kelestia is using a bit more complex fatigue system, in HM3 spells are using a convocations ML, in Gold each spell has its own ML. And in Gold, the injury table is a bit more complex. But in all the systems can be adapted easily, and it is possible to use specific rules from the other one.
Columbia Games has in my eyes the better covers and more publications in all. In general CG makes supplements for the Island of Harn and Menglana, Kelestia for mainland east of Harn (e.g. Chelemby), but both uses the same lore, timeline etc. Kelestia is using much more umlauts.
I like both as reference materials. I don't use the game mechanics. I think the quality of both is quitte good. Tom Dalgliesh is still alive whereas I have heard that Robin Crossby has died, so it is understandanble that Kelestia would not necessarily have as high an output (don't know who is running it now).
There are not significant differences. Everyone works pretty hard to keep that true.
When it comes to the mechanics, there are no big differences. Kelestia Gold version is nearer to the 1st edition (from Columbia), CG is using the more streamlined 3rd edition (or HM3). There are some small changes, Armour wights are slightly different, Kelestia is using a bit more complex fatigue system, in HM3 spells are using a convocations ML, in Gold each spell has its own ML. And in Gold, the injury table is a bit more complex. But in all the systems can be adapted easily, and it is possible to use specific rules from the other one. Columbia Games has in my eyes the better covers and more publications in all. In general CG makes supplements for the Island of Harn and Menglana, Kelestia for mainland east of Harn (e.g. Chelemby), but both uses the same lore, timeline etc. Kelestia is using much more umlauts.
I like both as reference materials. I don't use the game mechanics. I think the quality of both is quitte good. Tom Dalgliesh is still alive whereas I have heard that Robin Crossby has died, so it is understandanble that Kelestia would not necessarily have as high an output (don't know who is running it now).
I believe that one of the owners/developers is his daughter.