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Shadowdark vs Old School Essentials

Started by weirdguy564, February 01, 2025, 07:38:22 PM

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RNGm

#15
February 03, 2025, 03:48:57 PM
Which OSR product/system is the one that stripped down 3.x to a B/X level of complexity?

RNGm

#17
February 03, 2025, 04:36:54 PM
Quote from: estar on February 03, 2025, 04:23:30 PM
Quote from: RNGm on February 03, 2025, 03:48:57 PMWhich OSR product/system is the one that stripped down 3.x to a B/X level of complexity?
Blood & Treasure

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/189591/blood-treasure-2nd-edition-rulebook

Thanks.  I went back and tried to find where I got the idea from this weekend in the first place and luckily found it on the first page of the search results.   Would Castles and Crusades fit that bill as this site claims?   I genuinely have no idea as I have zero experience with the ruleset including not even skimming the actual rules myself and haven't followed this blog either so don't know how reliable/accurate their takes are on the subject matter.

https://unsoundmethodsblog.wordpress.com/2023/03/12/twenty-osr-systems-reviewed/

"C&C, published in 2004, is not a retroclone, but an OSR OGL game. It is 3E D&D, but stripped back to remove feats, skill points, prestige classes, etc to create a version of AD&D, but using the unified d20 die mechanic. I'm looking at the 7th printing pdf. "

Brad

#18
February 03, 2025, 05:02:47 PM
Quote from: RNGm on February 03, 2025, 04:36:54 PMWould Castles and Crusades fit that bill as this site claims?

As much as there are things I dislike or would change about C&C rules-wise, in play it's AD&D. One of those situations where pontificating about rules and how things are handled has no real bearing on what happens when you play the game.

The PDF of the PHB is free, too.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/105322/free-castles-crusades-players-handbook-7th-printing
It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.

RNGm

#19
February 03, 2025, 05:25:21 PM
Quote from: Brad on February 03, 2025, 05:02:47 PM
Quote from: RNGm on February 03, 2025, 04:36:54 PMWould Castles and Crusades fit that bill as this site claims?

As much as there are things I dislike or would change about C&C rules-wise, in play it's AD&D. One of those situations where pontificating about rules and how things are handled has no real bearing on what happens when you play the game.

The PDF of the PHB is free, too.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/105322/free-castles-crusades-players-handbook-7th-printing

Thanks!  I'll take a look.

Shteve

#20
February 03, 2025, 05:41:00 PM
Quote from: Brad on February 03, 2025, 05:02:47 PM
Quote from: RNGm on February 03, 2025, 04:36:54 PMWould Castles and Crusades fit that bill as this site claims?

As much as there are things I dislike or would change about C&C rules-wise, in play it's AD&D. One of those situations where pontificating about rules and how things are handled has no real bearing on what happens when you play the game.

The PDF of the PHB is free, too.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/105322/free-castles-crusades-players-handbook-7th-printing

I just got this a couple days ago and have been looking at it. It's been a very long time since I played AD&D, but it looks similar, but some of the concepts really don't ring a bell for me. My main group plays online and the VTT support looks limited (though it does exist), so I'm not sure we'll every actually try it.
Running: D&D 5e, PF2e, Dragonbane
Playing: D&D 5e

Blog: https://gypsywagon.com

Eric Diaz

#21
February 03, 2025, 07:27:35 PM Last Edit: February 03, 2025, 07:31:37 PM by Eric Diaz
OSE has better free content and better compatibility.

OSE is B/X, not BX plus AD&D. OSEA is that... kinda. Mostly B/X, some AD&D-inspired bits.

Now, SD has some interesting rules. But I don't find them interesting enough when compared to various other neoclones.

Anyway, there are lots of games to choose from. Hyperborea is cool, Argosa is great, B&T 2e looks awesome, TBH has that minimalist charm, FH&W that gonzo awesomeness, BFRPG endless free adventures and supplements, LotFP some actual improvements over B/X spells, etc.

Which is the best one? My own, of course. ;)

With lots of house rules. ;P
Chaos Factory Books  - Dark fantasy RPGs and more!

Methods & Madness - my  D&D 5e / Old School / Game design blog.

weirdguy564

#22
February 03, 2025, 07:46:22 PM
Quote from: Acres Wild on February 03, 2025, 01:16:00 PMI prefer OSE with a few house rules. The keeping track of torches thing is boring for me. Not a fan of heavy inventory style games and OSE is easy to teach, run and play.

I agree.  The torch timer thing is silly.  I wouldn't use that part of the rules.  Or, should I say I consider that optional. 
I'm glad for you if you like the top selling game of the genre.  Me, I like the road less travelled, and will be the player asking we try a game you've never heard of.

weirdguy564

#23
February 03, 2025, 07:48:43 PM
Quote from: estar on February 03, 2025, 04:23:30 PM
Quote from: RNGm on February 03, 2025, 03:48:57 PMWhich OSR product/system is the one that stripped down 3.x to a B/X level of complexity?
Blood & Treasure

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/189591/blood-treasure-2nd-edition-rulebook

The what now?   Interesting.  I've never heard of that one.  Thanks!
I'm glad for you if you like the top selling game of the genre.  Me, I like the road less travelled, and will be the player asking we try a game you've never heard of.
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