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Author Topic: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon  (Read 3805 times)

GhostNinja

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Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« on: September 11, 2022, 07:02:54 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.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2022, 08:35:34 AM by GhostNinja »
Ghostninja

Jam The MF

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2022, 07:13:29 PM »
So, my group discusses the game on our Discord server, and we are talking about how the 5e rules are so contradictory and well, way over complicated.

So I am interested in finding an OSR game that is like D&D 5th edition but not as complicated and isn't over packed with options.

Any suggestions?


The D&D 5E free Basic Rules cover the Core 4 Classes up to 5th Level, with fewer options.  That sounds like what you are describing?  You can even get them in print, on Lulu.
Let the Dice, Decide the Outcome.  Accept the Results.

ForgottenF

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2022, 08:36:51 PM »
My first thought was of Low Fantasy Gaming. It has what I would regard as 5e-esque class design (class abilities gained as you level up and a degree of customization in the class progression), short rests, skill proficiencies, backgrounds and a generally more "modern" style of presentation than most OSR games, but is still a much simpler game than 5e.

As far as options go, it's 9 classes (only two being magic users), 5 races, and no subclasses.

I don't know much about the game, but I believe 5 Torches Deep was marketed as a sort of OSR-ified 5e, as well.

Palleon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2022, 10:16:36 PM »
The D&D 5E free Basic Rules cover the Core 4 Classes up to 5th Level, with fewer options.  That sounds like what you are describing?  You can even get them in print, on Lulu.

This!  The free PDF for 5E is roughly analogous to a Basic & Expert set.  Only the Tolkien races, 4 core classes, and rules to 20th level.

Jaeger

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2022, 10:26:04 PM »
Into the unknown is a “OSR’d” distillation of the 5e rules. Purposefully dialing it back into a B/X style format.

Plus it. Is not that expensive, so there is that.
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estar

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2022, 10:38:30 PM »
Any suggestions?
Perhaps my Majestic Fantasy RPG

Free Rules
https://www.batintheattic.com/downloads/MW%20Majestic%20Fantasy%20Basic%20RPG%20Rev%2010.pdf

Free downloads
https://batintheattic.blogspot.com/p/stuff-in-attic.html

Paid Rules
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/337515/The-Majestic-Fantasy-RPG-Basic-Rules

So what sets it apart? Basically. I run campaigns where players have the opportunity to trash my setting. Make their mark. So I detail things that characters can do other than combat and spellcasting. The system is 100% compatible with Swords & Wizardry and 90% compatible with OSE. Next year I will be releasing the full system.

The spellcasting system and combat rules reflect options that reflect my experience with medieval reenactments and running RPGs with more detailed combat systems. However, through over a decade of playtesting, I pared it down to fit with the general complexity of the classic editions. For example, you can do maneuvers and stunts with a successful to-hit roll and forgoing a damage roll. But the target will get a save.

Various details of over four decades worth of campaigns in my fantasy RPGs campaigns in the same setting are found thoughout the rules. But like the combat rules, they are applied with a light touch keeping in the spirit of the classic editions.

Also I try to explain or highlight certain details with Rob's Notes to make kitbashing stuff with other clones and classic editions easier.

Hope this helps.

Jam The MF

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2022, 02:24:01 AM »
The D&D 5E free Basic Rules cover the Core 4 Classes up to 5th Level, with fewer options.  That sounds like what you are describing?  You can even get them in print, on Lulu.

This!  The free PDF for 5E is roughly analogous to a Basic & Expert set.  Only the Tolkien races, 4 core classes, and rules to 20th level.


If it's true that the free basic rules go to level 20, then that makes it a more attractive option; if you want to run games into higher levels.
Let the Dice, Decide the Outcome.  Accept the Results.

Naburimannu

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2022, 03:20:26 AM »
I don't know much about the game, but I believe 5 Torches Deep was marketed as a sort of OSR-ified 5e, as well.

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.

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2022, 08:29:47 AM »

The D&D 5E free Basic Rules cover the Core 4 Classes up to 5th Level, with fewer options.  That sounds like what you are describing?  You can even get them in print, on Lulu.

We all have the 5th edition books.  The rules are just over complicated and conflict.  A rule can say one thing here and another there.  We are looking for a more simplified way of gaming where the rules are know, rarely have to be looked at and we spend more time playing then looking up or arguing about rules.
Ghostninja

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2022, 08:32:06 AM »
My first thought was of Low Fantasy Gaming. It has what I would regard as 5e-esque class design (class abilities gained as you level up and a degree of customization in the class progression), short rests, skill proficiencies, backgrounds and a generally more "modern" style of presentation than most OSR games, but is still a much simpler game than 5e.

As far as options go, it's 9 classes (only two being magic users), 5 races, and no subclasses.

I don't know much about the game, but I believe 5 Torches Deep was marketed as a sort of OSR-ified 5e, as well.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I will check it out.
Ghostninja

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2022, 08:36:39 AM »

This!  The free PDF for 5E is roughly analogous to a Basic & Expert set.  Only the Tolkien races, 4 core classes, and rules to 20th level.

Please reread my initial post.  I have updated it so its more clear what I am looking for.  I have 5e, its too over complicated with the rules and they conflict.  I want something simpler.
Ghostninja

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2022, 08:42:32 AM »

Perhaps my Majestic Fantasy RPG

Free Rules
https://www.batintheattic.com/downloads/MW%20Majestic%20Fantasy%20Basic%20RPG%20Rev%2010.pdf

Free downloads
https://batintheattic.blogspot.com/p/stuff-in-attic.html

Paid Rules
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/337515/The-Majestic-Fantasy-RPG-Basic-Rules

So what sets it apart? Basically. I run campaigns where players have the opportunity to trash my setting. Make their mark. So I detail things that characters can do other than combat and spellcasting. The system is 100% compatible with Swords & Wizardry and 90% compatible with OSE. Next year I will be releasing the full system.

The spellcasting system and combat rules reflect options that reflect my experience with medieval reenactments and running RPGs with more detailed combat systems. However, through over a decade of playtesting, I pared it down to fit with the general complexity of the classic editions. For example, you can do maneuvers and stunts with a successful to-hit roll and forgoing a damage roll. But the target will get a save.

Various details of over four decades worth of campaigns in my fantasy RPGs campaigns in the same setting are found thoughout the rules. But like the combat rules, they are applied with a light touch keeping in the spirit of the classic editions.

Also I try to explain or highlight certain details with Rob's Notes to make kitbashing stuff with other clones and classic editions easier.

Hope this helps.
[/quote]


I have downloaded the rules and I will take a look,  Thank You
Ghostninja

Palleon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2022, 08:44:41 AM »

This!  The free PDF for 5E is roughly analogous to a Basic & Expert set.  Only the Tolkien races, 4 core classes, and rules to 20th level.

Please reread my initial post.  I have updated it so its more clear what I am looking for.  I have 5e, its too over complicated with the rules and they conflict.  I want something simpler.

Provide examples of where the Basic Rules PDF are in conflict please.  I can see that happening when you include the PHB, DMG, and all the splat books.

GhostNinja

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #13 on: September 12, 2022, 08:45:14 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.
Ghostninja

S'mon

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Re: Great OSR Fantasy Game that is close to D&D 5th Editon
« Reply #14 on: September 12, 2022, 10:03:17 AM »

The D&D 5E free Basic Rules cover the Core 4 Classes up to 5th Level, with fewer options.  That sounds like what you are describing?  You can even get them in print, on Lulu.

We all have the 5th edition books.  The rules are just over complicated and conflict.  A rule can say one thing here and another there.  We are looking for a more simplified way of gaming where the rules are know, rarely have to be looked at and we spend more time playing then looking up or arguing about rules.

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

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