This was my favorite thread on the old r/OSR. So is your favorite system/systems?
I’ll start:
Basic Fantasy - BF gets overlooked a lot because the print books are sold at cost so I think it ends up being a lot of peoples introduction to OSR, but I keep coming back to it. The modules are really well written.
Old School Essentials - Just got the Rules Tome and I love it, though I haven’t had the change to dig into a game with it yet.
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Labyrinth Lord. https://goblinoidgames.com/
Just want B/X? Labyrinth Lord
Want AD&D-ish? Labyrinth Lord + the Advanced Edition Companion. (Druids, Monks, Paladins, Illusionists, Gnomes, Half-Orcs, Half-Elves, Rangers, and Assassins, oh my!)
Want Gamma World? Mutant Future.
Want Planet of the Apes? Apes Victorious.
Want GW + AD&D? **Labyrinth Lord **+ the Advanced Edition Companion + Mutant Future.
Want Full-Knuckle Gonzo? Labyrinth Lord + the Advanced Edition Companion + Mutant Future + Apes Victorious.
Is it as pretty as OSE? Nope. But you can download all of those titles without art for free. If you want art, you do have to pay. * They all work with each other.*
Labyrinth Lord introduced me to the concept of OSR back in 2009 or so and will always be special for that reason.
For players that want crunch: AD&D 1e (if they can’t get the books, then OSRIC is the AD&D retroclone).
For when I want to make a setting and need D&D rules: OD&D - the original 3 books. I need little else. If folks need a PDF, the Swords & Wizardry White Box 3rd printing is free and handy.
For when I want to make a setting and need sci-fi rules: Classic Traveller - I’d use the original 3 little black books from 1977, but anything from the classic era (1977-1985, pre Mongoose) works. If folks need a PDF, the CT “facsimile” is the 1981 version with errata applied.
TSR: Rules Cyclopedia.
OSR: Cy_Borg.My first dip was with DCC. I love the books and the ambiance it goes for, but I found that at the table, the heavy use of random tables to get results for spells, crits, fumbles, and so on requires a lot of buy in from the players (and a lot of printed material). If all the players are into it, I’m sure it’s amazing.
So later on I bought Old-School Essentials and that’s what I’m currently running and I love it. It’s dead simple, easy to run, and even if combat can appear a bit stale, the XP for gold mechanics and the reaction rolls tend to de-emphasize combat a lot. And that’s great because as a GM, I much prefer my players “solving” a situation through parlay and / or Charm Person (which lead to me roleplaying NPCs more) than killing everything in sight.
Im getting into DCC and i hate that there seems to be only two types of scenarios : gonzo and more gonzo. I modify every system i play, so the base rules are what they are… Id just like to see some published scenarios that are more down to earth. Please note, i dont begrudge people who want that! I love it that its there for them. Just wish there were more that took the foot off the gas a bit.
Lots of warts, but AD&D 1st edition is still my favorite.
Honestly not a bad choice. I remember when I was a kid, those books were already pretty old and were very cheap. (early 90s) I wish I had collected more of them.
Hyperborea (Described to me as effective AD&D 1e but refined) is my first, so it’s all I know. That said, I’m really enjoying pouring through it. My players for my Delta Green game are very excited to play too, but none of them have played OSR before either, so part of me worries they’re in for a rough time with how deadly combat is.
We’ll find out soon!
Embrace the bloodshed! I hope it goes well!
