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Author Topic: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon  (Read 3809 times)

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #15 on: September 12, 2022, 10:09:26 AM »

Use 5e Basic, as noted. No contradictions. https://dnd.wizards.com/what-is-dnd/basic-rules
Print copy https://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-mearls/dd-5e-basic-set-combined-edition/paperback/product-15gke8w9.html?page=1&pageSize=4

5th edition is still over complicated and not as easy as the OSR editions.  I keep asking about OSR games, not sure why people direct me right back to 5th edition which I am already playing and me and my group are not liking.

If you want simpler than that, Swords & Wizardry http://www.swordsnwizardry.com/

I see it laid out across a webpage.  Do they have a .pdf version of the game?
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Palleon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2022, 10:25:18 AM »
5th edition is still over complicated and not as easy as the OSR editions.  I keep asking about OSR games, not sure why people direct me right back to 5th edition which I am already playing and me and my group are not liking.

It would help if you actually supported what it is you find too complicated and yet want an OSR version of.  In many ways 5E is more streamlined than B/X.  What is your actual objection other than its cool to hate 5E?  This would be helpful in suggesting other systems.

Swords & Wizardry used to be free at Frog God, but is moving back to Mythmere.  There's a PWYW on Drivethrough:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?manufacturers_id=2725
« Last Edit: September 12, 2022, 10:28:24 AM by Palleon »

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2022, 10:48:39 AM »

It would help if you actually supported what it is you find too complicated and yet want an OSR version of.  In many ways 5E is more streamlined than B/X.  What is your actual objection other than its cool to hate 5E?  This would be helpful in suggesting other systems.

Swords & Wizardry used to be free at Frog God, but is moving back to Mythmere.  There's a PWYW on Drivethrough:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?manufacturers_id=2725

I am asking about OSR games, I am not interesting in debating whether you agree with me about whether 5e is complicated or not.
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Palleon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #18 on: September 12, 2022, 10:50:43 AM »

It would help if you actually supported what it is you find too complicated and yet want an OSR version of.  In many ways 5E is more streamlined than B/X.  What is your actual objection other than its cool to hate 5E?  This would be helpful in suggesting other systems.

Swords & Wizardry used to be free at Frog God, but is moving back to Mythmere.  There's a PWYW on Drivethrough:
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/62346/Swords--Wizardry-Core-Rules?manufacturers_id=2725

I am asking about OSR games, I am not interesting in debating whether you agree with me about whether 5e is complicated or not.

I'm not asking for debate purposes.  I'm asking for preference purposes to save our time as well as yours.

VengerSatanis

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2022, 10:59:10 AM »
Ok So I am going to modify my initial post since I wasnt clear.

My group is currently playing D&D 5th edition, we have all of the books but we find the rules to be way over complicated.   Not only that, the rules conflict.  They say one thing in one book and something totally different for the same rule in another.

So I am looking for suggestions for OSR games that are fantasy like D&D 5th edition but aren't.  Games that are easier to play, less complicated and easier to learn the rules and without the nasty conflicts.

You've just perfectly described Crimson Dragon Slayer D20.  It's really short, and FREE: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303380/Crimson-Dragon-Slayer-D20-Revised

rkhigdon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #20 on: September 12, 2022, 11:06:57 AM »
I'd say "Into the Unknown" would be a great fit, with one caveat.  As written, the game only goes to level 10 with the understanding that there was going to be a companion book that covered the higher levels for all classes.  Unfortunately the author ran into a health issue that has significantly slowed (and maybe killed) the release of that book.

Slambo

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #21 on: September 12, 2022, 11:14:20 AM »

The free preview for Five Torches Deep (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/264584/Five-Torches-Deep) has on page 2 their approach to mixing OSR and 5e.

The whole ruleset is only 49 pages long. Summarising:
Characters - only go up to level 9, four races, four classes, 3 archetypes each, archetypes gain one feature from a list of 7 at levels 3 and 7.
Damage - dropping to 0 hp is likely to inflict permanent injuries.
Spellcasting - Has cantrips, but none are attacks; each class only has 5 spells per level, and levelled spells require a casting roll. Weaker than 5e.

I got it in a package with Highfane Deep, which is a somewhat longer setting cookbook for 5TD *
 - three replacement races
 - a "prestige class" for each of the four base classes; the two that are spellcasting have 3 additional spells per level
 - a few alternate archetype features for characters from the region

* "cookbook": it's a bunch of themes and ideas and random tables to build a setting with; there's not an actual map or concrete details. I actually had it open today because I do think the mountaineering rules can probably be yoinked my a regular 5e game if it runs tonight.

I downloaded 5 torches deep.  It looks good, however only being 9 levels is kind of concerning since that kind of limits the characters.  I am going to check it out though.

Imo 5 torches deep isn't really that good. The idea is cool, but the execution is a bit lacking. Like i like roll to cast, but the odds of horrible backlash is a lot higher than the chance of casting at all iirc.

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #22 on: September 12, 2022, 11:34:47 AM »

You've just perfectly described Crimson Dragon Slayer D20.  It's really short, and FREE: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303380/Crimson-Dragon-Slayer-D20-Revised

I will give it a look.  Thank you for the suggestion
Ghostninja

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2022, 11:38:42 AM »

Imo 5 torches deep isn't really that good. The idea is cool, but the execution is a bit lacking. Like i like roll to cast, but the odds of horrible backlash is a lot higher than the chance of casting at all iirc.

I looked at it on Drive Thru.  It looks interesting and I will look at it.  Not excited that it is split up in different books that have to buy in order to have the entire games.
Ghostninja

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #24 on: September 12, 2022, 11:39:53 AM »

Imo 5 torches deep isn't really that good. The idea is cool, but the execution is a bit lacking. Like i like roll to cast, but the odds of horrible backlash is a lot higher than the chance of casting at all iirc.

That's a game I am looking at.  I will keep an eye out for what you are talking about.
Ghostninja

estar

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #25 on: September 12, 2022, 11:50:15 AM »
I have downloaded the rules and I will take a look,  Thank You

I see it laid out across a webpage.  Do they have a .pdf version of the game?

Just as a note, my stuff is 100% compatible with Swords & Wizardry.

And RTF File for Swords & Wizardry Core can be downloaded from here.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sp3hv368bky58og/SWcore4.rtf?dl=0

Publisher's Web Site
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/2725/Mythmere-Games?page=1&sort=1a

While a PDF for Swords & Wizardry Complete isn't available at the moment. I do have a set of reference cards for sales
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/337548/Quick-Reference-Cards-for-Swords--Wizardry

If you buy the PDF you will have a lot of the player's info and can use the SRD wiki for the rest.

« Last Edit: September 12, 2022, 11:53:42 AM by estar »

Eric Diaz

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #26 on: September 12, 2022, 11:56:56 AM »
Finding the perfect mix between OSR is hard, but there are many options.

If you want 5e with some OSR feel, my favorite is Into the Unknown. My impressions:

https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2021/12/table-tools-booklets-and-into-unknown.html

Playing 5e with only the SRD rules (no feats, backgrounds or choice of subclasses) is good too.

If you want something closer to the OSR with some 5e feel, you could try my Dark Fantasy Basic:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/229046/Dark-Fantasy-Basic--Players-Guide

I'm currently playing something even CLOSER to the OSR: basically, B/X with fewer rules and more feats:

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/407233/Old-School-Feats-OSR?src=newest

There are also other options like LFG (awesome game), 5TD, etc. Depends on what you're looking for.
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ForgottenF

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #27 on: September 12, 2022, 12:46:53 PM »
Ok So I am going to modify my initial post since I wasnt clear.

My group is currently playing D&D 5th edition, we have all of the books but we find the rules to be way over complicated.   Not only that, the rules conflict.  They say one thing in one book and something totally different for the same rule in another.

So I am looking for suggestions for OSR games that are fantasy like D&D 5th edition but aren't.  Games that are easier to play, less complicated and easier to learn the rules and without the nasty conflicts.

Honestly, most OSR games are going to fit those criteria. It's largely a question of what level of complexity you do want. Do you want base 4 classes only, or more options? Do you want classes with unique features, or just an attack bonus and some saving throws? How do you feel about Race-as-Class? Do you want a skill system? Etc. etc. and so forth.

Personally, I think that most of the games you're going to get recommended if you just base your criteria on simplicity are going to be too simple. I tend to gravitate towards games that are more based on AD&D (such as Fantastic Heroes & Witchery, Low Fantasy Gaming, Hyperborea etc.), rather than ones based on OD&D or Basic (such as OSE, Lamentations, etc.) The latter are incredibly easy to DM, but I find them underwhelming as a player.

If you're willing to step outside of the D&D ruleset, I'll put in a recommendation for the game I'm currently running: Dragon Warriors. It's a class-based fantasy game with an extremely easy to learn ruleset: MP instead of spell preparation. Only two "saving throw"-like stats, simple action economy, quick combats, etc. The only qualifiers I'll put on it are that the setting is lower fantasy than the typical D&D one, and it's pretty low on race options.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/90926/Dragon-Warriors?term=serpent+king+games

Jam The MF

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #28 on: September 12, 2022, 02:54:22 PM »

Use 5e Basic, as noted. No contradictions. https://dnd.wizards.com/what-is-dnd/basic-rules
Print copy https://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-mearls/dd-5e-basic-set-combined-edition/paperback/product-15gke8w9.html?page=1&pageSize=4

5th edition is still over complicated and not as easy as the OSR editions.  I keep asking about OSR games, not sure why people direct me right back to 5th edition which I am already playing and me and my group are not liking.

If you want simpler than that, Swords & Wizardry http://www.swordsnwizardry.com/

I see it laid out across a webpage.  Do they have a .pdf version of the game?


Sorry the recommendations, circled back to 5E.   Swords & Wizardry is a great OSR ruleset.  One thing you will notice, is OD&D did not have a single universal resolution mechanic.  However, each PC only has to learn a single class.  I have White Box FMAG, which is a revision of Swords & Wizardry White Box, which was itself a revision of OD&D.  White Box sells for $5 in softcover, on Amazonk.
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Adam Csipke

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #29 on: September 13, 2022, 11:43:05 AM »
I'd say "Into the Unknown" would be a great fit, with one caveat.  As written, the game only goes to level 10 with the understanding that there was going to be a companion book that covered the higher levels for all classes.  Unfortunately the author ran into a health issue that has significantly slowed (and maybe killed) the release of that book.
Thanks for that update. I've been eagerly awaiting the next book, but that's explained the delay. Hope his health issues aren't too serious.
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