Greetings Everyone,
So I received my Old School Essentials Rules Tome core book in the mail and I have to say, I am happy with the purchase.
I am trying to get away from 5e and more towards OSR style games. I read the quick start and I liked what I saw so I bought the core book.
The book is digest size (which is OK), hardcover (which is very cool) and even has two ribbon bookmarks (which is awesome).
It's based on the B/X rules which I think are cool and the simplicity of the rules over something like 5e is really refreshing. That fact that there are not only OSE supplements but B/X supplements work with OSE as well means there is plenty of good material for years of play. Also, no money goes to WOTC.
I am going to be spending the next few days reading it and from what I have already seen, I am looking forward to running this.
This is the first game core book I have bought in awhile and I think it is 100% worth the money.
I presume you mean Tome, not Tomb. But yeah, it's pretty usable, even more so if you already know the B/X rules. And I love the handy digest-size.
Quote from: Persimmon on March 29, 2023, 04:59:14 PM
I presume you mean Tome, not Tomb. But yeah, it's pretty usable, even more so if you already know the B/X rules. And I love the handy digest-size.
Yes I did. Went back and corrected it. Typo on my part.
Yeah I am loving what I am seeing and the book is beautiful so I think it's going to be a lot of fun to run.
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
My only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
So naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
If you want some comparisons between similar systems, here is mine.
https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-glance-at-basic-d-bx-and-some-clones.html
I think my favorite rules might be LotFP (other than my own of course).
I agree OSE gets great grades in organization and looks, BFRPG for price.
DCC probably has the best adventures, and while the rules and looks are great, there are too many tables for me.
But I'm glad OSE got so popular, putting B/X near the top, where it should be.
As far as we're concerned, BFRPG is free for a reason. It's so dull that even the $5 price tag for physical products seems excessive at times. Not sure this counts as a compliment, but their often Monty Haul style adventures do feel like they were written by 14 year olds in 1984. Some might like that.
As for DCC, I feel much like Eric. I like the tone & feel and enjoy reading the adventures, but all the tables just bog it down too much in play. And I just hate the 3e saving throw categories. Either give me the classic five or trim it to one like S&W. I also dislike Luck mechanics/stats in general. To me luck is a built-in feature of the dice. We saw this over the weekend when our party had a very rough night resulting in 4 of the 9 PCs being unconscious at one point. Somehow they all survived, but by the end only 1 PC (mostly 3rd-4th level) still had over 10 HP so it was close to a TPK.
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
My only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
So naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
As for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
Yes, I am very happy with my purchase.
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PMMy only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
There is the old saying, you get what you pay for. Glad it works for you though.
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PMSo naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
I have looked at a lot of OSR games and so far OSE is the one I like best.
Quote from: Persimmon on March 29, 2023, 09:17:13 PM
As far as we're concerned, BFRPG is free for a reason. It's so dull that even the $5 price tag for physical products seems excessive at times. Not sure this counts as a compliment, but their often Monty Haul style adventures do feel like they were written by 14 year olds in 1984. Some might like that.
I have to agree. I played in a BFRPG game and it did feel like that and the rules were really too bare bones for me. But again, you get what you pay for.
Quote from: Persimmon on March 29, 2023, 09:17:13 PMAs for DCC, I feel much like Eric. I like the tone & feel and enjoy reading the adventures, but all the tables just bog it down too much in play. And I just hate the 3e saving throw categories. Either give me the classic five or trim it to one like S&W. I also dislike Luck mechanics/stats in general. To me luck is a built-in feature of the dice. We saw this over the weekend when our party had a very rough night resulting in 4 of the 9 PCs being unconscious at one point. Somehow they all survived, but by the end only 1 PC (mostly 3rd-4th level) still had over 10 HP so it was close to a TPK.
I played in a DCC game for awhile and there were just a few things that bothered me about it. Once the game ended I sold the book never to look back. Its just not ther game for me. And I think the whole level 0 funnel is just kind of stupid.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 29, 2023, 08:40:21 PM
If you want some comparisons between similar systems, here is mine.
https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-glance-at-basic-d-bx-and-some-clones.html
I will take a look at this.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 29, 2023, 08:40:21 PMI think my favorite rules might be LotFP (other than my own of course).
LOTFP seems a bit weird for me. But if it works for you.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 29, 2023, 08:40:21 PMI agree OSE gets great grades in organization and looks
I am pleased with my purchase
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 29, 2023, 08:40:21 PMDCC probably has the best adventures, and while the rules and looks are great, there are too many tables for me.
Agreed
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 29, 2023, 08:40:21 PMBut I'm glad OSE got so popular, putting B/X near the top, where it should be.
Yeah I like it. OSE has the options for ascending to use to replace Descending AC but I think I will try the descending AC first to see how it goes.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AM
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
Sounds interesting
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AMAs for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Interesting. You listed a couple I have never heard of. I will check them out.
I find people having strong opinions about different B/X based dungeon fantasy games to be a bit like people having strong opinions about burger king vs macdonalds.
This latest Shadowdark thing for example. It is as if Macdonalds raised a billion dollars in crowdfunding for a Big Mac with a slightly different kind of mustard.
Quote from: Marchand on March 30, 2023, 11:05:18 AM
I find people having strong opinions about different B/X based dungeon fantasy games to be a bit like people having strong opinions about burger king vs macdonalds.
This latest Shadowdark thing for example. It is as if Macdonalds raised a billion dollars in crowdfunding for a Big Mac with a slightly different kind of mustard.
That's very true.
For me it has everything to do with it not doing anything what I have already can't do. I dont care that the designer is a women, gay or any of that. For me, I just dont need it.
I have OSE and I am really happy with what I have.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AM
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
My only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
So naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
As for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Wait, are you referring to Dark Fantasy Basic? I hope so, it made my day. ;D
Well, even if you weren't, I'll be glad to discover a new OSR game...
In any case, if anyone else is curious, here is DFB, my B/X homage/neoclone:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/229046/Dark-Fantasy-Basic--Players-Guide?src=newest_recent&coverSizeTestPhase2=true&word-variants=true
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 30, 2023, 12:03:07 PM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AM
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
My only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
So naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
As for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Wait, are you referring to Dark Fantasy Basic? I hope so, it made my day. ;D
Well, even if you weren't, I'll be glad to discover a new OSR game...
In any case, if anyone else is curious, here is DFB, my B/X homage/neoclone:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/229046/Dark-Fantasy-Basic--Players-Guide?src=newest_recent&coverSizeTestPhase2=true&word-variants=true
Yep, Dark Fantasy Basic, forgot the full name, sorry.
There's also For Gold & Glory but I forget what edition it's a retroclone off.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 12:51:23 PM
There's also For Gold & Glory but I forget what edition it's a retroclone off.
I think it is 2e. I remember passing on that because I had a vault of 2e stuff at the time.
Quote from: GhostNinja on March 29, 2023, 04:34:06 PM
Greetings Everyone,
So I received my Old School Essentials Rules Tome core book in the mail and I have to say, I am happy with the purchase.
I am trying to get away from 5e and more towards OSR style games. I read the quick start and I liked what I saw so I bought the core book.
The book is digest size (which is OK), hardcover (which is very cool) and even has two ribbon bookmarks (which is awesome).
It's based on the B/X rules which I think are cool and the simplicity of the rules over something like 5e is really refreshing. That fact that there are not only OSE supplements but B/X supplements work with OSE as well means there is plenty of good material for years of play. Also, no money goes to WOTC.
I am going to be spending the next few days reading it and from what I have already seen, I am looking forward to running this.
This is the first game core book I have bought in awhile and I think it is 100% worth the money.
I also own it, and it is a dandy little all in one RPG option. If WOTC had any sense, they could have easily offered such themselves; and they would have had a moneymaker. But no, they would rather produce bland fantasy; in modern day Seattle.
Quote from: GhostNinja on March 30, 2023, 10:24:51 AM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AM
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
Sounds interesting
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AMAs for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Interesting. You listed a couple I have never heard of. I will check them out.
I meant Night Owl Workshop: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/6385/Night-Owl-Workshop (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/6385/Night-Owl-Workshop)
Pundit's games are a clusterfuck to find because the dude changes publishers, but his games are pretty good IMHO I still need to buy the Invisible College (short on disposable cash ATM): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=rpgpundit&page=1&sort=4a (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=rpgpundit&page=1&sort=4a)
White Box FMAG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/190631/White-Box--Fantastic-Medieval-Adventure-Game (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/190631/White-Box--Fantastic-Medieval-Adventure-Game)
Swords & Wizardry: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?src=also_purchased (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?src=also_purchased)
ANYTHING from Sine Nomine (His games have a no art free version in PDF): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3482/Sine-Nomine-Publishing (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3482/Sine-Nomine-Publishing)
Quote from: FingerRod on March 30, 2023, 12:53:35 PM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 12:51:23 PM
There's also For Gold & Glory but I forget what edition it's a retroclone off.
I think it is 2e. I remember passing on that because I had a vault of 2e stuff at the time.
Thanks, I think you're correct.
Quote from: Jam The MF on March 30, 2023, 12:57:31 PM
I also own it, and it is a dandy little all in one RPG option. If WOTC had any sense, they could have easily offered such themselves; and they would have had a moneymaker. But no, they would rather produce bland fantasy; in modern day Seattle.
Yep, you are right.
I think Doctor Game Master said one thing that is true, games like Shadowdark and OSE and OSR games like that have the feeling of danger where with 5e the characters are super powered and there are so many ways to get out of dying that there is no real sense of danger. I have felt that the entire time I have run 5e and that's why a game like OSE and other OSR products. Dungeons are gritty and dangerous and there is a high chance characters wont survive.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:04:24 PM
I meant Night Owl Workshop: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/6385/Night-Owl-Workshop (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/6385/Night-Owl-Workshop)
Pundit's games are a clusterfuck to find because the dude changes publishers, but his games are pretty good IMHO I still need to buy the Invisible College (short on disposable cash ATM): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=rpgpundit&page=1&sort=4a (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse.php?keywords=rpgpundit&page=1&sort=4a)
White Box FMAG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/190631/White-Box--Fantastic-Medieval-Adventure-Game (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/190631/White-Box--Fantastic-Medieval-Adventure-Game)
Swords & Wizardry: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?src=also_purchased (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?src=also_purchased)
ANYTHING from Sine Nomine (His games have a no art free version in PDF): https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3482/Sine-Nomine-Publishing (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/3482/Sine-Nomine-Publishing)
Thank you for the links. I will check them out tonight.
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:05:48 PM
Quote from: FingerRod on March 30, 2023, 12:53:35 PM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 12:51:23 PM
There's also For Gold & Glory but I forget what edition it's a retroclone off.
I think it is 2e. I remember passing on that because I had a vault of 2e stuff at the time.
Thanks, I think you're correct.
He is.
Can anyone suggest any good OSE/ B/X supplements I should get?
Quote from: GhostNinja on March 30, 2023, 06:36:10 PM
Can anyone suggest any good OSE/ B/X supplements I should get?
Here are a couple of mine FWIW:
Old School Feats - it kinda replaces and expands the classes in OSE advanced.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/407233/Old-School-Feats-OSR?src=newest
Alternate Magic - spell points, corruption, chaotic magic, blood magic, new classes, cantrips, rituals, etc.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/397412/Alternate-Magic-OSR
Also, if you're into equipment, try the The Basic Fantasy Equipment Emporium, it is free.
https://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 12:51:23 PM
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 30, 2023, 12:03:07 PM
Quote from: GeekyBugle on March 30, 2023, 01:43:47 AM
Quote from: weirdguy564 on March 29, 2023, 06:46:17 PM
I eventually bought the PDFs as well. I now get why it's so popular.
My only caveat was that I was able to get Basic Fantasy RPG for just $5. That's hard to beat as well.
So naturally I had to go find even more OSR games to compare. Now I'm probably the owner of damn near all of them that I'm not sure which one to recommend, but it still seems like a race between those two games. OSE for content, and BFRPG for being free.
S&W White Box and it's offspring White Box FMAG and descendants are also free on PDF, a much better game IMHO than BFRPG.
As for my favourite OSR ruleset, I would go with WBFMAG, followed by Dark Fantasy (for the classic fantasy), Arrows of Indra, L&D for a different take, Owl Workshop Games great products for other genres.
Wait, are you referring to Dark Fantasy Basic? I hope so, it made my day. ;D
Well, even if you weren't, I'll be glad to discover a new OSR game...
In any case, if anyone else is curious, here is DFB, my B/X homage/neoclone:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/229046/Dark-Fantasy-Basic--Players-Guide?src=newest_recent&coverSizeTestPhase2=true&word-variants=true
Yep, Dark Fantasy Basic, forgot the full name, sorry.
There's also For Gold & Glory but I forget what edition it's a retroclone off.
Thanks man, I'm glad you like it!
FG&G is a 2e retroclone IIRC.
I've had it for a while, too, and I really like it. For me, OSR is on a spectrum; on one end, games that are as close to the original as possible (OSE, OSRIIC, For Gold and Glory), and on the other end, games that take old school ideas and make something original with them (Lamentations, DCC, Hyperborea).
I like OSE because, at the end of the day, it's just BX, with some clarifications and a nice presentation.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 30, 2023, 08:46:28 PM
Here are a couple of mine FWIW:
Old School Feats - it kinda replaces and expands the classes in OSE advanced.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/407233/Old-School-Feats-OSR?src=newest
Alternate Magic - spell points, corruption, chaotic magic, blood magic, new classes, cantrips, rituals, etc.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/397412/Alternate-Magic-OSR
Also, if you're into equipment, try the The Basic Fantasy Equipment Emporium, it is free.
https://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html
Great thanks. I will check them out ;D
Quote from: Tasty_Wind on March 31, 2023, 07:59:40 AM
I've had it for a while, too, and I really like it. For me, OSR is on a spectrum; on one end, games that are as close to the original as possible (OSE, OSRIIC, For Gold and Glory), and on the other end, games that take old school ideas and make something original with them (Lamentations, DCC, Hyperborea).
I like OSE because, at the end of the day, it's just BX, with some clarifications and a nice presentation.
I agree. I knew about the OSR and watched it over the last couple of years, but never really gave it much mind.
But as I grew annoyed at some of the weirdness in 5e and WOTC started their crap, I really started to become more and more interested in the OSR.
I agree with you about OSE. I looked at many different OSR products and OSE is the one that really seemed the closest to what I am looking for. Is it perfect? No, but no game is.
Does anyone know anything about the adventure "Secret of the Black Crag"?
It looks pretty good and there seems to be a lot of great gaming in it and I was thinking about using it as the first adventure I run with OSE.
Quote from: GhostNinja on March 31, 2023, 12:44:02 PM
Does anyone know anything about the adventure "Secret of the Black Crag"?
It looks pretty good and there seems to be a lot of great gaming in it and I was thinking about using it as the first adventure I run with OSE.
Late to the party, but at least all the beer isn't gone yet.
I have no experience with that adventure, but I will say The Hole in the Oak is really good for something that came out so recently. OSE is literally B/X reformatted, so anything D&D published before 1980 needs zero modification, and older stuff would just need some cleric spells adjusted. Or you could ignore that part if you want and let the NPC clerics be tougher that expected.
The Incandescent Grottoes is pretty interesting...much more whimsical than the typical fare, but worth it for a change of pace.
There is a reason OSE has been so successful. It is about as perfect an expression of Basic as is possible. Like a box of rocks that have been highly polished into perfectly smooth gems. It even keeps the right quirks and improves in the right places.
Though I still just can't get past race-as-class. So I prefer Advanced OSE.
Quote from: Thor's Nads on March 31, 2023, 07:26:35 PM
There is a reason OSE has been so successful. It is about as perfect an expression of Basic as is possible. Like a box of rocks that have been highly polished into perfectly smooth gems. It even keeps the right quirks and improves in the right places.
Though I still just can't get past race-as-class. So I prefer Advanced OSE.
For me, it's the opposite. Even with OSE Advanced, we just use the racial classes. Because sometimes we want that elegant simplicity. If I want to separate race & class, I'll play Swords & Wizardry or Castles & Crusades. But to each their own.
I think my objection to OSE, despite finding B/X my favorite D&D, is not even attempting to fix the small errors in the original - such as 12 garlic costing the same as plate, or the cleric spell progression. But, again, I appreciate the fact that its popularity lifts all B/X clones as everything is compatible.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 31, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
I think my objection to OSE, despite finding B/X my favorite D&D, is not even attempting to fix the small errors in the original - such as 12 garlic costing the same as plate, or the cleric spell progression. But, again, I appreciate the fact that its popularity lifts all B/X clones as everything is compatible.
Source: https://dcc.newberry.org/?p=14381 (https://dcc.newberry.org/?p=14381)
Quote
By the late Middle Ages, thousands of tons of the most common spices were imported into Europe annually through Venice. The value of these spices was approximately the value of a yearly supply of grain for 1.5 million people. In fifteenth-century England, a pound of pepper cost more than two days' wages by a skilled London craftsman. A pound of cloves cost nearly five days' wages, while a pound a saffron cost one month's wages. You can see the cost of pepper in this selection from d'Anghiera's The decades of the newe worlde or west Indía. Don't get bogged down by specific monetary values in this description of pepper; observe the long list of tariffs merchants had to pay all along trade routes. Importing spices was very expensive, pushing both prices and profits up. Prices varied throughout Europe and fluctuated over time, but the general idea remained the same: spices were a very expensive ingredient in medieval Europe.
Please note how Garlic isn't included, this is because Garlic, onion and other foods were known in Europe since the ancient Romans/Greeks.
Lets take the best paid skilled craftsman, the Chief Armourer, his daily wage would be 10.55 pence (on a 7 day week, supposing he was paid even the day he didn't work if such a thing was happening back then)
https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/resource/medieval-prices-and-wages/ (https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/resource/medieval-prices-and-wages/)
In the 15th century a decent set of Milanese plate armor would set you back between 4 to 6 oxen 13 shillings 1.25 pence each.
http://medieval.ucdavis.edu/120D/Money.html (http://medieval.ucdavis.edu/120D/Money.html)
Quote from: Brad on March 31, 2023, 01:24:23 PM
Late to the party, but at least all the beer isn't gone yet.
I have no experience with that adventure, but I will say The Hole in the Oak is really good for something that came out so recently. OSE is literally B/X reformatted, so anything D&D published before 1980 needs zero modification, and older stuff would just need some cleric spells adjusted. Or you could ignore that part if you want and let the NPC clerics be tougher that expected.
The Incandescent Grottoes is pretty interesting...much more whimsical than the typical fare, but worth it for a change of pace.
I looked at this adventures and they look great. Not to mention I can get them in print (I do not use .pdfs) so I can use them at the table.
Thank you for the suggestions
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 31, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
I think my objection to OSE, despite finding B/X my favorite D&D, is not even attempting to fix the small errors in the original - such as 12 garlic costing the same as plate, or the cleric spell progression. But, again, I appreciate the fact that its popularity lifts all B/X clones as everything is compatible.
Considering that garlic is a known weapon against some powerful undead, that can be used as a cause=effect of the prices of certain items. Who wants to eat their ammo when Count Chocula is rumored to live in that creepy old castle in the Transgendered mountains?
Quote from: weirdguy564 on April 02, 2023, 06:10:48 PM
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 31, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
I think my objection to OSE, despite finding B/X my favorite D&D, is not even attempting to fix the small errors in the original - such as 12 garlic costing the same as plate, or the cleric spell progression. But, again, I appreciate the fact that its popularity lifts all B/X clones as everything is compatible.
Considering that garlic is a known weapon against some powerful undead, that can be used as a cause=effect of the prices of certain items. Who wants to eat their ammo when Count Chocula is rumored to live in that creepy old castle in the Transgendered mountains?
It is more likely a typo. But they wouldn't change it regardless, and there will always be a rationalization for everything if you're looking for one - from the useless "slow" tag in weapons, to the odd cleric progression (fixed in both AD&D and BECMI), to the absurd prices/weight of weapons and armor.
It is my favorite D&D, but I think it is odd to say there is nothing to improve. IMMV.
EDIT: even if garlic was useful enough to cost almost half a pound of gold, blacksmiths would grow garlic instead of making armors, due to reduced cost. Lots of vampires do not mean garlic is rare - on the contrary, it'd be everywhere, especially at this cost.
Quote from: Eric Diaz on April 02, 2023, 07:10:17 PM
Quote from: weirdguy564 on April 02, 2023, 06:10:48 PM
Quote from: Eric Diaz on March 31, 2023, 09:07:20 PM
I think my objection to OSE, despite finding B/X my favorite D&D, is not even attempting to fix the small errors in the original - such as 12 garlic costing the same as plate, or the cleric spell progression. But, again, I appreciate the fact that its popularity lifts all B/X clones as everything is compatible.
Considering that garlic is a known weapon against some powerful undead, that can be used as a cause=effect of the prices of certain items. Who wants to eat their ammo when Count Chocula is rumored to live in that creepy old castle in the Transgendered mountains?
It is more likely a typo. But they wouldn't change it regardless, and there will always be a rationalization for everything if you're looking for one - from the useless "slow" tag in weapons, to the odd cleric progression (fixed in both AD&D and BECMI), to the absurd prices/weight of weapons and armor.
It is my favorite D&D, but I think it is odd to say there is nothing to improve. IMMV.
EDIT: even if garlic was useful enough to cost almost half a pound of gold, blacksmiths would grow garlic instead of making armors, due to reduced cost. Lots of vampires do not mean garlic is rare - on the contrary, it'd be everywhere, especially at this cost.
Una cabeza de ajo (or whatever you English speakers call it) has at least 12 cloves, that's 12 new garlic plants, if I plant all then I have 12 X 12 = 144 garlic heads. I can sell half and still have enough to plant 72 which means 72 X 12 = 864 next time. IF I again sell half and plant the other half I get 432 to plant 432 X 12... You catch my drift.
It makes exactly zero sense especially since it was fixed later IIRC in AD&D2e Aurora's Catalogue and Forgotten Realms. So it would make perfect sense to have fixed it in OSE.
Any other suggestions for resources or adventures for OSE?
I am trying to get prepared for running the game and I want to be well versed before I start.
Quote from: GhostNinja on March 29, 2023, 04:34:06 PM
Greetings Everyone,
So I received my Old School Essentials Rules Tome core book in the mail and I have to say, I am happy with the purchase.
I am trying to get away from 5e and more towards OSR style games. I read the quick start and I liked what I saw so I bought the core book.
The book is digest size (which is OK), hardcover (which is very cool) and even has two ribbon bookmarks (which is awesome).
It's based on the B/X rules which I think are cool and the simplicity of the rules over something like 5e is really refreshing. That fact that there are not only OSE supplements but B/X supplements work with OSE as well means there is plenty of good material for years of play. Also, no money goes to WOTC.
I am going to be spending the next few days reading it and from what I have already seen, I am looking forward to running this.
This is the first game core book I have bought in awhile and I think it is 100% worth the money.
Spent a bit over $100 for the three hardbacks a few weeks ago, was initially surprised at how small they were when they arrived, but am in no way disappointed. Top-notch presentation and the best organization and formatting I have seen in an OSR set. Will be a breeze to find what you need, when you need it. Great books, will likely be my go-to starter game if I ever get motivated to bring a group together.
Quote from: Valhuen on April 03, 2023, 05:39:09 PM
Spent a bit over $100 for the three hardbacks a few weeks ago, was initially surprised at how small they were when they arrived, but am in no way disappointed. Top-notch presentation and the best organization and formatting I have seen in an OSR set. Will be a breeze to find what you need, when you need it. Great books, will likely be my go-to starter game if I ever get motivated to bring a group together.
I want to purchase the Advance Players and Referee (Or DM) books as well. Just reading the rules tome inspires me to want to run a game because I can tell just from the rules it will bring back the magic of the old days of D&D (I started with the red box). D&D hasn't been like that for me in a long time.
I'll throw in a plug for the Adventurer Conqueror King RPG line of books.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered)
It's an OSR clone of B/X with a big focus on the Middle of the old BECMI sets being the Conquering and Kingdom setup, management and expansion part. All set in a Late Bronze Age/Dark Ages setting. It's excellent stuff and I highly recommend looking into it.
The line also has several Adventures, Player Options and setting Sourcebooks. PLUS there will be a Kickstarter later this year (no official launch date for the KS yet) for an ACKS II ('Imperial Iteration') so kinda a 2nd edition according to the publisher but more an updated core rules book with much of the great content that's been published in the 'Axioms' zine suppliments.
Quote from: HMWHC on April 12, 2023, 01:16:43 PM
I'll throw in a plug for the Adventurer Conqueror King RPG line of books.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered)
I will take a look at it. Thank You
Quote from: HMWHC on April 12, 2023, 01:16:43 PM
I'll throw in a plug for the Adventurer Conqueror King RPG line of books.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/99123/Adventurer-Conqueror-King-System?src=hottest_filtered)
It's an OSR clone of B/X with a big focus on the Middle of the old BECMI sets being the Conquering and Kingdom setup, management and expansion part. All set in a Late Bronze Age/Dark Ages setting. It's excellent stuff and I highly recommend looking into it.
The line also has several Adventures, Player Options and setting Sourcebooks. PLUS there will be a Kickstarter later this year (no official launch date for the KS yet) for an ACKS II ('Imperial Iteration') so kinda a 2nd edition according to the publisher but more an updated core rules book with much of the great content that's been published in the 'Axioms' zine suppliments.
What I wish they would do is put out a massive core book with all (or at least most) of the character classes in one place. Having them scattered across a half a dozen books is annoying. I also have no interest in their convoluted create your own class mechanics. Give me a bunch of cool classes with implied setting info built in and I'm golden.
Quote from: Persimmon on April 12, 2023, 06:27:57 PM
What I wish they would do is put out a massive core book with all (or at least most) of the character classes in one place. Having them scattered across a half a dozen books is annoying. I also have no interest in their convoluted create your own class mechanics. Give me a bunch of cool classes with implied setting info built in and I'm golden.
That would be the second edition that is in the works now. I think it got pushed back a bit because of reworking to avoid WotC's latest shenanigans.