Okay, can someone tell me the differences (and you opinions) between the 13 episode RoLW set and the 27 episode one? Read somewhere that they're completely different, but was looking for some more info for the anime-inexperienced here (aka me). 
Okay.. one is an OVA series, and one was for TV...
The OVA is the first story in the novels, centering around Parn et al... it was changed somewhat, so I hear anyway, but is basically the same storyline except for the ending.
The TV series, Chronicles of the Heroic Knight, for the most part has the original cast in supporting roles, making way for new ones. Obviously, this one is longer, so there is more room for expansion, as well as the ability to stay absolutely true to the original stories. I never actually got to see the end of this series though... unfortunately. Only up to episode 23 (I think).
The first third of the TV series focuses around Parn's party, and retells the story in the OVA, but with the ending written in the novels.
Ren
The OVA is the first story in the novels, centering around Parn et al... it was changed somewhat, so I hear anyway, but is basically the same storyline except for the ending.
The TV series, Chronicles of the Heroic Knight, for the most part has the original cast in supporting roles, making way for new ones. Obviously, this one is longer, so there is more room for expansion, as well as the ability to stay absolutely true to the original stories. I never actually got to see the end of this series though... unfortunately. Only up to episode 23 (I think).
The first third of the TV series focuses around Parn's party, and retells the story in the OVA, but with the ending written in the novels.
Ren
