TheRPGSite

Tell us what it is, and why you like it.

Also; why do you still like the OSR better?

I like Cairn and Black Sword Hack. Both are classless. Both can function easily with a human-centric setting since little or nothing is said about a character's species/race/ancestry. Backgrounds are important but players can freely choose some of their abilities. This puts magic within the reach of any character who would risk it. Whiles some may debate whether this is a bug or feature, both games are very rules-light. Magic spells are generally described without numerical stats in one sentence each (for Cairn) or two sentences each (for Black Sword Hack).

One could certainly argue that BSH is OSR, which makes it difficult to answer your second question. My OSR go-to is Swords & Wizardry which is more traditional. I do prefer the more complete spell descriptions.

I'm a bigger fan of "OSR-adjacent" games like Dragon Warriors, Warlock!, Barbarians of Lemuria, etc. than I am of strict OSR games.

I end up playing more OSR games because they're just easy. Easy to run; easy to play, and most importantly easy to find people who want to play them.

As far as non OSR related stuff. I liked WFRP 4th edition, and would quite like to try Rogue Trader and the Age of Sigmar rpg they put out. Call of Cthulhu 7th edition looks good, but every game I get into dies within one session, so maybe it's cursed.

I liked 3.5, so presumably would like Pathfinder 1. Pathfinder 2 and 5e I have avoided up until now, but it's getting so difficult to find games that I'm considering breaking that rule.

Heaps of them.
Savage Worlds, Hero System, GURPS, Traveller, Call of Cthulhu, Space Opera, Almost all FGU RPGs. One of my top faves is Barbarians of Lemuria. So many.

Hundreds, but I stick to OSR stuff because my time is limited so I prefer simplicity + familiarity.

BoL looks great, Mythras, lots of horror RPGs I'v e played in the past (CoC, UA, Kult, etc.), Star Wars d6, etc.

(Some of these are very old despite not being OSR... cannot think of anything newer than Dungeon World. Hyperborea and Argosa are still OSR... Maybe I buy Dragonbane in the current sale).

Even 5e was good for a while - best support in the business, since when they mess up things (which happens often) there is someone 3rd party to fix stuff so you can actually run the modules.

Pundit's own Star Adventurer

Chanbara (Japanese themed)

Dungeons and Delvers Dice Pool (doesn't use the D20, instead uses a scale of 1D4 thru 1D12, one for a stat, one for a skill, and probably one or more for class abilities, keep the best two).

Basic Fantasy.  It's just old D&D, but ascending armor class, and races and classes are separate. It's also free!

Old Swords Reign.  Old school D&D with a couple of 5E bits.  And is free. 

Quote from: ForgottenF on July 20, 2024, 01:52:12 PMI liked WFRP 4th edition, and would quite like to try Rogue Trader and the Age of Sigmar rpg they put out.

Rogue Trader was by FFG and is out of print, while the other two games you mention are from Cubicle 7 and current. Cubicle 7 does have Imperium Maledictum where you can play characters from a Rogue Trader dynasty (among many other options) and is very much a mechanical descendant of Rogue Trader and Dark Heresy (but it is not exactly the same system). OTOH, they also have a higher-powered cinematic game in Wrath & Glory that allows you to play Rogue Traders too.

You can still get the Cubicle 7 Rogue Trader rpg and WHRP 4e on DTRPG in pdf format.

i went with BDP or block dodge parry which is a Knave hack from Crain

Quote from: yosemitemike on July 21, 2024, 07:03:45 AMYou can still get the Cubicle 7 Rogue Trader rpg and WHRP 4e on DTRPG in pdf format.

True, but it's worth noting that it's FFG's Rogue Trader game simply being sold by C7. OTOH, Cubicle 7 did themselves develop & release WFRP 4e.

My only point is that we are talking about new/modern and FFG's Rogue Trader is about 15 years old whereas the two C7 titles I mentioned are both < 5 years old.

For modern games I do like Cypher. I think it is a good system for a group with more casual than hardcore players. I specifically like it's "{NAME} is a {ADJECTIVE}{NOUN} who {VERBS}" system of character creation. It uses classes and levels (the leveling is very Savage Worlds like) which also helps with casual players.

It's weakness is the cyphers (buffs/items) of its name are sometimes are hard to translate out of its Numenera origins, but the genre books have helped with that. Also, a gamemaster will need to cull the available descriptors (adjective) and focus (verb) list.

Finally, the difficulty being multiplied by 3 to get the D20 target seems to be just an attempt to keep it D20 based. Using the difficulty straight against a D6 gives similar odds.

For fantasy games I'm still running good old Basic Fantasy.

For Modern games I've got my own classless OSR game system I'm playtesting called  Be Not Afraid, heavily inspired by Hunter: The Reckoning (1999) and The Invisible College.

While not running a game of it, I still have a sweet spot for Mutants & Masterminds third edition.

Index Card RPG (ICRPG) by Runehammer Games

Quote from: Vidgrip on July 20, 2024, 12:56:55 PMI like Cairn and Black Sword Hack. Both are classless. Both can function easily with a human-centric setting since little or nothing is said about a character's species/race/ancestry. Backgrounds are important but players can freely choose some of their abilities. This puts magic within the reach of any character who would risk it. Whiles some may debate whether this is a bug or feature, both games are very rules-light. Magic spells are generally described without numerical stats in one sentence each (for Cairn) or two sentences each (for Black Sword Hack).

One could certainly argue that BSH is OSR, which makes it difficult to answer your second question. My OSR go-to is Swords & Wizardry which is more traditional. I do prefer the more complete spell descriptions.

Black Sword Hack, seems interesting.  No classes, roll under ability scores, etc.

The One Ring 2e (my favourite non-OSR game)

Call of Cthulhu

Savage Worlds (Lankhmar specifically)

Traveller

Warlock!

Does Savage Worlds count? I liked what i played of it.

Quote from: Slambo on July 22, 2024, 10:54:22 PMDoes Savage Worlds count? I liked what i played of it.

Sure, it counts. 

What's the working definition for "New" or "Modern"?


I really liked 13th Age when it came out. No idea why the company didn't market it properly and extensively. It really combined ideas from the OSR and 4e extremely well.

I was quite excited about Cy_Borg until I learned the company was drooling retarded commies and my money went back into my wallet.

Best money I've spent recently is the CRUSADERS superhero rpg and it quite possibly will end my need for future supers games.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/400193

No idea why Crusaders hasn't become popular yet.

I'm always open to "the next kewl thing", but nothing this year has jumped out and grabbed my attention.

My preference for OSR games is that I want rules light, fast combat and a game that's easy to modify for my own campaigns.

And when I say OSR, I'm including games that use D20s, D100s or 2D6 for mechanics.

Pocket Fantasy is another free game.  It's also very rules lite.

That being said, it's not missing much for being that small.

At its core it is based on 1D6 skill checks vs target number 2-6 set by the GM, while combat attacks are opposed roll, with the margin of success being the damage.  Aka I attack with my wizard and roll my 1D6-2 wimpy fighting skill, get a 4 reduced to 2, and the orc rolled 1D6-1, getting a 5 reduced to 4.  I do no damage. 

Rolling up a character is a misnomer. You don't roll anything.  You just pick a race and a class. That's it. 

It's super simple.  We have even played it with my six year old son on car trips using dice roller app on my phone.   

Quote from: Spinachcat on July 23, 2024, 04:39:45 AMWhat's the working definition for "New" or "Modern"?


I really liked 13th Age when it came out. No idea why the company didn't market it properly and extensively. It really combined ideas from the OSR and 4e extremely well.

I was quite excited about Cy_Borg until I learned the company was drooling retarded commies and my money went back into my wallet.

Best money I've spent recently is the CRUSADERS superhero rpg and it quite possibly will end my need for future supers games.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/400193

No idea why Crusaders hasn't become popular yet.

I'm always open to "the next kewl thing", but nothing this year has jumped out and grabbed my attention.

My preference for OSR games is that I want rules light, fast combat and a game that's easy to modify for my own campaigns.

And when I say OSR, I'm including games that use D20s, D100s or 2D6 for mechanics.

13th Age is definitely a modern RPG, being a blend of D&D 3rd and 4th editions.  Modern, as compared to the OSR movement.

Quote from: Man at Arms on July 22, 2024, 05:26:36 PM

Quote from: Vidgrip on July 20, 2024, 12:56:55 PMI like Cairn and Black Sword Hack. Both are classless. Both can function easily with a human-centric setting since little or nothing is said about a character's species/race/ancestry. Backgrounds are important but players can freely choose some of their abilities. This puts magic within the reach of any character who would risk it. Whiles some may debate whether this is a bug or feature, both games are very rules-light. Magic spells are generally described without numerical stats in one sentence each (for Cairn) or two sentences each (for Black Sword Hack).

One could certainly argue that BSH is OSR, which makes it difficult to answer your second question. My OSR go-to is Swords & Wizardry which is more traditional. I do prefer the more complete spell descriptions.

Black Sword Hack, seems interesting.  No classes, roll under ability scores, etc.

The same author did another game called "Fleaux!" (he's French), which is possibly a better investment depending on what you want. It's meant to be a Black Hack take on Warhammer Fantasy RPG, so still classless with the role-under system, but it has different attributes, rules for playing races, a slightly more involved background and talent system.

I own both, and I think they're good games, but I have to say they bumped me a bit as value propositions. Both books are under 100 pages of smaller format (A6 for BSH I think; not sure what Fleaux! is in), with very generous margins and spacing. The core system doesn't really require much page count, but they have very few spells, items, backgrounds, etc. (the kind of thing you want more of to provide variety to a campaign). Current hardcopy prices are around $20 and $40 respectively, which isn't too bad, but I think with how feature-lite most Black Hack game books are, you really want to buy several games and combine them to have the material to run a long campaign.

Not really.

I like the new BRP, but it's essentially from the 70s so I don't even know if that counts.

Shadowdark by Arcane Library.  All the feel of 1e's grim and gritty dungeon crawlling goodness with simplicity of 5e-lite mechanics.

Quote from: Festus on July 22, 2024, 02:55:14 PMIndex Card RPG (ICRPG) by Runehammer Games

+1, I also like this system a lot.

very flexible, keeps the action fast, light rules and mechanics, clever and open world designs
easy prep and setup.

I've recently heard about a game called Nimble 5E on Backerkit. The author is asking for $5000, and has $119,000 with 24 days left to go as of this writing.

Nimble 5E website (https://www.nimble5e.com/)

It is apparently meant to be a streamlined, faster version of 5E.

The main features it's changing are this.

Attacks are made with your weapon damage dice roll, no d20 needed.  Rolling a 1 damage is a miss.  Rolling max damage can explode.  This makes small weapons crit and miss more, while big weapons more consistent because they crit and miss less often. 

Every level gives your character something useful.  There are no dead levels. 

I haven't looked into it a whole lot, but big YouTube guys like Bob the World Builder have.  That is how I found out about the game.

And this just came out. 

True-D6 Printed Edition. 

True-D6 on DT-RPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481292/true-d6-printed-edition)

This game uses a simple concept of roll equal or under your stat of 1-4.    This also is your damage.  Armor reduces damage. 

Spells and other special moves are skill checks.  Again, roll equal or under a stat to pull it off.  Most restrict the usage after any failed roll, or some to once per day. 

There are also solo play rules included. 

For moder rules with an old school feel, I like TLG's Castle & Crusade. Fairly simple rules - 2 target numbers dependeing on your prime attribute, modified by attribute bonus (or negative) and if a class skill your level. It is VERY easy to rul almost all old 1e-2e adventures with it. And the best is that it is easily house rule able ! I am a habitual tinkerer with my games and nothing I have added to or taken out breask the rules.

For non-D&D games. I LOVE Traveller for sci fi (space sci fi of different science fantasy v hard science, and Cyberpunk type games), and Call of Cthluhu for modern / investigation games. CoC can be very flexiable if you cut out (or tone down) the mind melting Lovecraft horror -I tend to more Poe or Gothic in my games. I haven't tried it, but I'd bet you can play a CoC or Delta Green game that is 100% spy or something like that with NO horror elements.

I've always wanted to run / play Rune Quest / Mythras. Since it is so close to CoC I don't think I'd have a huge learning curve for it. To bad there is only so much time a week to do game stuff ...

The Discord group I game with is getting ready to start an Against the Dark Master game and it brings back great memories from the good ole days playing MERP !

Castles and Crusades is most like AD&D, with modern features like ascending armor class. 

I think the only commercial games out right now that use 5E bits are Shadow Dark and Olde Swords Reign. 

Shadow Dark is notable for being very popular, uses random tables to determine what you get for leveling up, and spell casting is a skill check that can backfire in hilarious or deadly ways. 

Olde Swords Reign is free, has four classes that are customizable enough that you don't need the other classic classes like Paladin or Necromancer. The existing customizations can recreate those other classes.  The game also uses a blanket Proficiency Bonus for situations where your character is good, like a warrior trying to save vs exhaustion or a halfling saving vs magic, or a cleric attacking with a mace. 

I personally like Olde Swords Reign.  Since it's free, just check it out anyways.  What do you have to lose?

There has been an update for True-D6. 

The printable, hard copy version is now available. 

DTRPG link to True-D6 (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481292/true-d6-printed-edition)

Currently enjoying Fabula Ultima.

I've been mostly doing pickup games.  The best RPG for a pickup game is Pocket Fantasy.

It's a rules lite game that is free. 

It uses 1D6 for combat and skill checks, and stats are just hit points and your combat D6 modifier (-2, -1, 0). 

You don't roll up a character.  Essentially each class has a stat they're known for, so you can roll skill checks twice, aka rolling with advantage.

It's a great game that I'll recommend to everyone to at least give it a look.  It's free after all. 

Quote from: weirdguy564 on July 29, 2024, 11:03:38 PMAnd this just came out. 

True-D6 Printed Edition. 

True-D6 on DT-RPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481292/true-d6-printed-edition)

This game uses a simple concept of roll equal or under your stat of 1-4.    This also is your damage.  Armor reduces damage. 

Spells and other special moves are skill checks.  Again, roll equal or under a stat to pull it off.  Most restrict the usage after any failed roll, or some to once per day. 

There are also solo play rules included. 

I bought it and also agree it's a pretty nice little package.  Looks decent for solo and group play.  Thinking of using it in a one-shot with my group to see if they feel like using it for a while.

If you go to the publisher's page on Drive-Thru, he has a notepad .txt file of the same rules for a dollar: the whole system in a simple, portable format.  I've been using Sublime to spin though it.  Cool idea: wish more designers would consider it as I have no use for imagery in my rulebooks and other clutter.

<edit sp>

Quote from: rocksfalleverybodydies on August 12, 2024, 11:42:13 PM

Quote from: weirdguy564 on July 29, 2024, 11:03:38 PMAnd this just came out. 

True-D6 Printed Edition. 

True-D6 on DT-RPG (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481292/true-d6-printed-edition)

This game uses a simple concept of roll equal or under your stat of 1-4.    This also is your damage.  Armor reduces damage. 

Spells and other special moves are skill checks.  Again, roll equal or under a stat to pull it off.  Most restrict the usage after any failed roll, or some to once per day. 

There are also solo play rules included. 

I bought it and also agree it's a pretty nice little package.  Looks decent for solo and group play.  Thinking of using it in a one-shot with my group to see if they feel like using it for a while.

If you go to the publisher's page on Drive-Thru, he has a notepad .txt file of the same rules for a dollar: the whole system in a simple, portable format.  I've been using Sublime to spin though it.  Cool idea: wish more designers would consider it as I have no use for imagery in my rulebooks and other clutter.

<edit sp>

For one shots, I love Stellagamma's Quantum 2d6 systems. We play tested Barbaric! 2nd Ed to a wonderful TPK. It supported the Conan book style play really well - awesome crits based on weapon type, awesome magic - slow and dangerous on both ends. And quick and simple chargen that still creates unique characters.

The backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

I ran a massive campaign with Sword of Cepheus.  It worked really well at my table.  I think it's a solid choice for a fantasy game.

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

Quote from: Skullking on August 14, 2024, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

I can't think of any S&S fiction where that's the case. Maybe the Elric stories? I think people start getting mutated at the end when chaos almost takes over the earth, but it's not the norm. I guess Warhammer Fantasy popularized the trope, but I have no idea why so many games think it's a good idea to include it.

Quote from: ForgottenF on August 14, 2024, 09:20:51 AM

Quote from: Skullking on August 14, 2024, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

I can't think of any S&S fiction where that's the case. Maybe the Elric stories? I think people start getting mutated at the end when chaos almost takes over the earth, but it's not the norm. I guess Warhammer Fantasy popularized the trope, but I have no idea why so many games think it's a good idea to include it.

I think some people just want the wizards to pay for being OP at higher levels. "Ballance", and all that.

I prefer weaker wizards combined with warriors who get a list of customizations and combat techniques that resemble spells.

Aka a wizard gets a spell to confuse an enemy (-3 to hit), while a warrior can pick a head-butt move that can stun an enemy (-3 to hit).

But, if the wizard can nuke an entire castle full of bandits in one spell, that pisses off the "useless" warriors. 

Quote from: ForgottenF on August 14, 2024, 09:20:51 AM

Quote from: Skullking on August 14, 2024, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

I can't think of any S&S fiction where that's the case. Maybe the Elric stories? I think people start getting mutated at the end when chaos almost takes over the earth, but it's not the norm. I guess Warhammer Fantasy popularized the trope, but I have no idea why so many games think it's a good idea to include it.

Under the current version of WFRP, magic use gives you changes that are consistent with the Wind of Magic that you channel. This means a Jade wizard might have flowers growing out of her hair or a Bright wizard's breath may smell of smoke. Tentacles would be for users of Chaos magics.

Quote from: Skullking on August 14, 2024, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

It's not any S&S that I've read.  The only thing close is Sheelba and Ningaugble in Lankhmar and they're more extraplanar/alien beings than traditional wizards.

The idea that magic is "evil" or occult is definitely S&S (within reason; even Conan sometimes allies, albeit temporarily, with sorcerers) but the idea it mutates you seems like some Warhammer nonsense that somehow got accepted as the default as a way to "balance" magic.  DCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMIt's not any S&S that I've read.  The only thing close is Sheelba and Ningaugble in Lankhmar and they're more extraplanar/alien beings than traditional wizards.

I thought of Sheelba and Ningauble as well, but yeah it seems like they're probably just like that. I was trying to remember if there's other cases in the Leiber stuff of wizards getting morphed by their magic. There's a big ice wizard villain whose name escapes me, but I don't think he's human either. I think there are a bunch of wizards described in Lords of Quallmar, but IIRC they're pretty human.

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

Yeah I get that people want to make meddling with occult powers risky, but if degrading into sludge is inevitable, I have a hard time buying that people would choose to become wizards. This is one of the few places where I think a sanity system is actually better. Long exposure to the occult separating you from your humanity on a psychological level is more interesting to me.

The Quarmall story does feature some wizards getting changed, one into sludge.  But that's because of magical curses they are casting against each other.

I think "magic corrupts" gets implemented as "wizard gets mutated" because it is an easy way to mechanically enforce not using it very much.  It is a lazy option that doesn't fit most settings, though.  Not the first RPG mechanic to be a mismatch with setting.

Quote from: ForgottenF on August 14, 2024, 01:08:33 PMif degrading into sludge is inevitable, I have a hard time buying that people would choose to become wizards

Perhaps they don't become wizard's (entirely) by choice? Maybe they are the suicide bombers/Russian infantry of the setting instead. Or, if everyone in the setting likely dies fast, young, and terribly, then perhaps at least going out flinging a few spells would be seen as a real option?

Quote from: Man at Arms on July 20, 2024, 01:11:25 AMTell us what it is, and why you like it.

Also; why do you still like the OSR better?

Mutants & Masterminds is nice. Better than Champions.

At the moment, Barbarians of Lemuria is right there with the RC.

Everywhen killed GURPS.

And I'm gonna finally admit Star Wars 5e slams the original Star Wars the RPG.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/f3/62/c5f362440c98d7be79530c1a587a2b2f.gif)

Quote from: Skullking on August 14, 2024, 07:11:25 AM

Quote from: zircher on August 13, 2024, 12:54:21 PMThe backer draft for Sword of Cepheus 2nd edition just popped up, so I'll have to give that a read and see where that fits in my to-play queue.  (SoC has 2d6 Traveller style mechanics in a swords and sorcery setting.)

Unfortunately it is another RPG that thinks sorcery should turn you into a tentacled monstrosity which isn't really Howardian S&S at all.

Yes there are ways of making overuse of magic detrimental to the wizard without falling back on corruption and mutations.

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

Quote from: Theory of Games on August 14, 2024, 04:54:47 PMAnd I'm gonna finally admit Star Wars 5e slams the original Star Wars the RPG.

Bold words, sir. Bold words indeed!

I don't think I've played Star Wars 5E (is that the one with funny dice?) but SW Saga Edition replaced d6 for us.

Ordering base delta zero on ye heretics rfn.

Quote from: Man at Arms on July 20, 2024, 01:11:25 AMTell us what it is, and why you like it.

Also; why do you still like the OSR better?

Here is a more direct answer this time.

I'll stick to games that have six stats, combat is 1D20 vs armor class, and magic still uses spell slots. 

With that criteria my answer will be an RPG that keeps it simple, but also has character customization to keep warriors interesting, races and classes are separate, and ascending armor class because it's just better than descending AC. 

Also, a few bits of 5E.  Things like weapon and armor traits, and spell cantrips.   Nothing extreme, nor lots of them. 

And I'm a cheap bastard, so why not a free game? 

It's called Olde Swords Reign. 

Google drive link from official OSR site  (https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1OyDASjG8Xf_PCJUjXHdDtIO1sWveZaKx?usp=sharing)

Check it out.  It's free after all.

Quote from: Ruprecht on August 14, 2024, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

This is the ethos of DCC when it comes to a spellcaster's career:

Quote from: Aglondir on August 14, 2024, 11:21:40 PM

Quote from: Theory of Games on August 14, 2024, 04:54:47 PMAnd I'm gonna finally admit Star Wars 5e slams the original Star Wars the RPG.

Bold words, sir. Bold words indeed!

I don't think I've played Star Wars 5E (is that the one with funny dice?) but SW Saga Edition replaced d6 for us.

SW5e is DnD5e-based. d20 so it plays very fast and the rules cover Jedi, blaster fights and ship-to-ship combat better than the other rpgs trying to do Star Wars.

Quote from: Theory of Games on August 17, 2024, 08:34:40 AM

Quote from: Aglondir on August 14, 2024, 11:21:40 PM

Quote from: Theory of Games on August 14, 2024, 04:54:47 PMAnd I'm gonna finally admit Star Wars 5e slams the original Star Wars the RPG.

Bold words, sir. Bold words indeed!

I don't think I've played Star Wars 5E (is that the one with funny dice?) but SW Saga Edition replaced d6 for us.

SW5e is DnD5e-based. d20 so it plays very fast and the rules cover Jedi, blaster fights and ship-to-ship combat better than the other rpgs trying to do Star Wars.

I did not know about this! Will check it out.

Quote from: Skullking on August 17, 2024, 07:16:39 AM

Quote from: Ruprecht on August 14, 2024, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

This is the ethos of DCC when it comes to a spellcaster's career:

Yes, just as Crom intended!!!


It is the eventual fate, of Arcane casters in DCC.  Magic is too weird, dangerous, and powerful; for an Arcane caster, to live footloose and fancy free.  There are consequences.

Quote from: Man at Arms on August 18, 2024, 09:21:43 AM

Quote from: Skullking on August 17, 2024, 07:16:39 AM

Quote from: Ruprecht on August 14, 2024, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

This is the ethos of DCC when it comes to a spellcaster's career:

Yes, just as Crom intended!!!


It is the eventual fate, of Arcane casters in DCC.  Magic is too weird, dangerous, and powerful; for an Arcane caster, to live footloose and fancy free.  There are consequences.

Not remotely as Crom intended. Certainly not what Set intended. As noted by others, more Warhammer than S&S.
Pelias' eyes didn't melt out of their sockets, or his hands turn into a crab claw when he animated the corpse of the dead guard Shukeli.

Quote from: Man at Arms on August 18, 2024, 09:21:43 AM

Quote from: Skullking on August 17, 2024, 07:16:39 AM

Quote from: Ruprecht on August 14, 2024, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

This is the ethos of DCC when it comes to a spellcaster's career:

Yes, just as Crom intended!!!


It is the eventual fate, of Arcane casters in DCC.  Magic is too weird, dangerous, and powerful; for an Arcane caster, to live footloose and fancy free.  There are consequences.

Yeah except no sword & sorcery novel actually has that happen.  The closest equivalent of that MIGHT be Ningauble and Sheelba in Lankhmar and they are more alien beings than just wizards.  Which is why I think, for all the talk Goodman does about Appendix N he never read anything there since the DCC designs are so nonsensical compared to what they claim to be trying to emulate.  not one thing I've seen in that game actually follows how any sword & sorcery story I've read has been.

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 19, 2024, 04:41:28 PM

Quote from: Man at Arms on August 18, 2024, 09:21:43 AM

Quote from: Skullking on August 17, 2024, 07:16:39 AM

Quote from: Ruprecht on August 14, 2024, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 14, 2024, 11:33:45 AMDCC RPG had the stupidest version I've seen, where basically every time you cast a spell you roll to see what bad thing might happen, ranging from a mutation to "Someone you know dies".  EVERY TIME YOU CAST A SPELL.  Absolute stupidity.

I think that only happens when you fumble a spellcasting roll and the fumbles depend upon the spell so a light spell fumble is probably minor things while summon C'Thulu might turn you into sludge. I'm not 100% certain as I have the pdf but haven't played the game as its overly complicated for my tastes.

This is the ethos of DCC when it comes to a spellcaster's career:

Yes, just as Crom intended!!!


It is the eventual fate, of Arcane casters in DCC.  Magic is too weird, dangerous, and powerful; for an Arcane caster, to live footloose and fancy free.  There are consequences.

Yeah except no sword & sorcery novel actually has that happen.  The closest equivalent of that MIGHT be Ningauble and Sheelba in Lankhmar and they are more alien beings than just wizards.  Which is why I think, for all the talk Goodman does about Appendix N he never read anything there since the DCC designs are so nonsensical compared to what they claim to be trying to emulate.  not one thing I've seen in that game actually follows how any sword & sorcery story I've read has been.

Very true, that it is nothing like LotR.  It is strange, for sure.  Very different.

To have critical magical skill failures inflict permanent disabilities on the caster is a matter of personal choice.  Some like that stuff, but not everyone.

I'm not a fan of dangerous magic.  It feels like revenge for high level OP wizards rather than better game design where they would not be OP.

At any rate, that's a different discussion.  We are here to show off OSR games we like better than official D&D.

My list has been these.

1.  Palladium Fantasy 1st Edition
2.  Basic Fantasy
3.  Olde Swords Reign
4.  Pocket Fantasy
5.  Dungeons and Delvers: Dice Pool Edition
6.  Star Adventurer (Star Wars style game)
7.  Chanbara (fantasy in Japan)

2, 3, and 4 are all free as well.

Quote from: weirdguy564 on August 19, 2024, 06:28:13 PMTo have critical magical skill failures inflict permanent disabilities on the caster is a matter of personal choice.  Some like that stuff, but not everyone.

I'm not a fan of dangerous magic.  It feels like revenge for high level OP wizards rather than better game design where they would not be OP.

At any rate, that's a different discussion.  We are here to show off OSR games we like better than official D&D.

My list has been these.

1.  Palladium Fantasy 1st Edition
2.  Basic Fantasy
3.  Olde Swords Reign
4.  Pocket Fantasy
5.  Dungeons and Delvers: Dice Pool Edition
6.  Star Adventurer (Star Wars style game)
7.  Chanbara (fantasy in Japan)

2, 3, and 4 are all free as well.

Ive heard a bit about Chanbara before, how's it play

Quote from: Nobleshield on August 19, 2024, 04:41:28 PMYeah except no sword & sorcery novel actually has that happen.  The closest equivalent of that MIGHT be Ningauble and Sheelba in Lankhmar and they are more alien beings than just wizards.  Which is why I think, for all the talk Goodman does about Appendix N he never read anything there since the DCC designs are so nonsensical compared to what they claim to be trying to emulate.  not one thing I've seen in that game actually follows how any sword & sorcery story I've read has been.

That's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

Quote from: Zalman on August 20, 2024, 05:54:44 AM

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

I also recall it happening in some Clark Ashton Smith stories, the Double Shadow comes to mind and iirc he's in Appendix N too.

Edit: Nvm apparently Clark Ashton Smith isnt in Appendix N

Quote from: Slambo on August 20, 2024, 08:55:11 AM

Quote from: Zalman on August 20, 2024, 05:54:44 AM

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

I also recall it happening in some Clark Ashton Smith stories, the Double Shadow comes to mind and iirc he's in Appendix N too.

Edit: Nvm apparently Clark Ashton Smith isnt in Appendix N

But he is included in the inspirational reading section of B/X.

Quote from: Exploderwizard on August 20, 2024, 09:03:56 AM

Quote from: Slambo on August 20, 2024, 08:55:11 AM

Quote from: Zalman on August 20, 2024, 05:54:44 AM

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

I also recall it happening in some Clark Ashton Smith stories, the Double Shadow comes to mind and iirc he's in Appendix N too.

Edit: Nvm apparently Clark Ashton Smith isnt in Appendix N

But he is included in the inspirational reading section of B/X.

I knew i found him in some Inspirational Reading section, thought I was having a Mandela Effect moment for a while there.

Quote from: Zalman on August 20, 2024, 05:54:44 AM

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

Physical change in Lovecraft is most often a result of either devolution due to circumstances (The Rats in the Walls, The Beast in the Cave), or getting freaky with something you shouldn't have (The Shadow Over Innsmouth, The Dunwich Horror). A person is cursed to turn into a monster in The Curse of Yig (which he co-wrote with another author), and the Color Out of Space appears to have mutative properties on plants and animals, but usually the punishment people get for meddling with the occult is just going nuts.

Quote from: Slambo on August 20, 2024, 08:55:11 AMI also recall it happening in some Clark Ashton Smith stories, the Double Shadow comes to mind and iirc he's in Appendix N too.

I'll have to go back to that one. I had no memory of it happening in any of the Smith tales I've read.

While I don't at all like the mutation trope in games, I am quite curious where it originates from. I think Brad hit the nail on the head earlier when he mentioned science fiction. Fundamentally, the logic of it is treating magic as if it produces radiation the way nuclear energy does. That approach goes back to at least The Color of Magic in 1983, but pretty much everything in the Color of Magic is a pastiche of something from an earlier fantasy story. Poul Anderson mentions normal radiation being produced by a magical effect in Three Hearts, Three Lions, so I wouldn't be surprised if the idea starts there.

Quote from: ForgottenF on August 20, 2024, 07:32:28 PM

Quote from: Zalman on August 20, 2024, 05:54:44 AM

Quote from: Brad on August 19, 2024, 09:35:58 PMThat's probably because Appendix N is Gary Gygax's inspiration for D&D and thus influenced every other RPG design in existence. Most RPGs bear no resemblance to any S&S novel I've ever read, either, and D&D has more in common with science fiction and pulp than what we'd consider fantasy. Eldritch horrors corrupting magicians is right out of those creepy tales books; seems like it'd fit right in that move Creepshow or something. It also makes for an interesting and fun game, so there's that aspect...there's zero need for everything in a game to have some literary basis.

Yeah, physical corruption as a result of messing with occult matters is a recurring theme in Lovecraft as well, who also appears in Appendix N.

Physical change in Lovecraft is most often a result of either devolution due to circumstances (The Rats in the Walls, The Beast in the Cave), or getting freaking with something you shouldn't have (The Shadow Over Innsmouth, The Dunwich Horror). A person is cursed to turn into a monster in The Curse of Yig (which he co-wrote with another author), and the Color Out of Space appears to have mutative properties on plants and animals, but usually the punishment people get for meddling with the occult is just going nuts.

Quote from: Slambo on August 20, 2024, 08:55:11 AMI also recall it happening in some Clark Ashton Smith stories, the Double Shadow comes to mind and iirc he's in Appendix N too.

I'll have to go back to that one. I had no memory of it happening in any of the Smith tales I've read.

While I don't at all like the mutation trope in games, I am quite curious where it originates from. I think Brad hit the nail on the head earlier when he mentioned science fiction. Fundamentally, the logic of it is treating magic as if it produces radiation the way nuclear energy does. That approach goes back to at least The Color of Magic in 1983, but pretty much everything in the Color of Magic is a pastiche of something from an earlier fantasy story. Poul Anderson mentions normal radiation being produced by a magical effect in Three Hearts, Three Lions, so I wouldn't be surprised if the idea starts there.

Iirc the Double Shadow is a Poseidonis story which is feel like is some of his lesser known works. I was listening to a reading of it while on a long drive.

To be fair, the wizard in this story was working with magic he didnt fully understand that iirc was originally scribed for serpent men to use.