Thanks. I'll check out C&C as well.

I love me some Lamentations of the Flame Princess. If you run it with just the core rules, and not the new magic rules in Vaginas are Magic or the magic system and new playtest rules found in Eldritch Cock, it's perfectly clean and usable with AD&D content, as most TSR editions are very easy to use with each other. The weirder stuff in LotFP comes from the supplements/adventures mostly, although the magic list is short many of the more combat focused spells of AD&D. Adding in races from AD&D and removing the race classes from LotFP shouldn't be a problem at all. Adding in classes might get wonky, you'll have to do some mechanical work there. Also, if using LotFP rules, remember to not let AC of monsters get out of hand, as only Fighters gain bonuses to hit when going up in level, and only up to +10. Also, HP values are likely to be lower as no one uses the D10 hit die.

Quote from: Pat on December 29, 2021, 11:34:40 PM
Availability, cost, organization, and ethos. Most of the clones have free PDFs, and some have print versions at cost (like OSRIC). Also, some of the clones are better organized or written. That's particularly the case with OSRIC. While it's much drier and less interesting to read than the 1e DMG, it explains the rules in a much clearer fashion. Note they were replicating a ruleset that's very unclear in places. So they had to make judgment calls and interpretations. But since they were 1e purists, they tried to resolve those ambiguities in the way most in keeping with the intent and preferences of Gygax. Look up initiative and surprise, for instance. Other clones are more muddled (for instance, I prefer the originals over Labyrinth Lord). Also, some clones have a very distinct voice that appeals to certain consumers -- LotFP and S&W being the most mainstream examples.

As others have noted, it largely comes down to taste.  I can't stand OSRIC in any way, for example.  Ugly layout, bad organization, dry writing.  Labyrinth Lord is also kind of a mess from the layout and organizational standpoint.

Quote from: Jam The MF on December 30, 2021, 12:32:20 AM
There are a few 1E monsters missing from OSRIC, because they are considered to be proprietary intellectual property; but 95% of them are there.  Mind Flayers, Beholders, Displacer Beasts, etc. are missing from OSRIC.

A good reason for everyone playing the OSR clones to pick up a copy (if they can find it) of the good, old fashioned 1E Monster Manual. Since the rules are clones anyway, they should be able to use the original material just fine.

Quote from: Spinachcat on December 30, 2021, 03:49:50 AM
3) If I had a group who wanted to play AD&D, I would run Castles & Crusades as I feel its best achieved the goal of AD&D 3e and its incredibly easy to use if you want to run TSR settings or adventures.

I read half the players handbook last night.  This looks like the "golden ticket" I've been looking for - 1e AD&D but with some modern updates like ascending AC and attribute based saving throws but still usable with 1e content (thinking adventures here mainly like Against the Giants etc).  Thank you for the lead. 

Quote from: solomani on December 30, 2021, 07:31:34 PM

Quote from: Spinachcat on December 30, 2021, 03:49:50 AM
3) If I had a group who wanted to play AD&D, I would run Castles & Crusades as I feel its best achieved the goal of AD&D 3e and its incredibly easy to use if you want to run TSR settings or adventures.

I read half the players handbook last night.  This looks like the "golden ticket" I've been looking for - 1e AD&D but with some modern updates like ascending AC and attribute based saving throws but still usable with 1e content (thinking adventures here mainly like Against the Giants etc).  Thank you for the lead.

Have fun with it!  I'm running a C&C campaign using 1E modules based in the World of Greyhawk.  I just convert everything on the fly.  It's very easy to do. 

Will do! Need to finish off my 5e campaign first, though that's only a few sessions away IMO as the characters approach level 20.

(I also love they use slot encumbrance and their illusionist is thematically a sorcerer - very cool - I kind of regret not looking at C&C earlier now).

Quote from: solomani on December 31, 2021, 01:06:03 AM
Will do! Need to finish off my 5e campaign first, though that's only a few sessions away IMO as the characters approach level 20.

(I also love they use slot encumbrance and their illusionist is thematically a sorcerer - very cool - I kind of regret not looking at C&C earlier now).

Yeah, I realized C&C was the game for me when I saw how few house rules I needed for it.  Most of them are just preferences like adding criticals, fumbles, and a few tweaks in character creation.  Then I just bolt on stuff from other games, including character classes from Hyperborea, Oriental Adventures, etc.  Such a flexible system.

Same, the less I have to change the better.  Here is my list of 5e house rules I use, it starts to get to the point where I may as well play AD&D but was looking for something compatible but with modern design, so happy to have found it.  Glad I asked the question on this forum!

Edit: One thing I will change in C&C is the whole 12 vs 18 DC thing.  I think using advantage is better and quicker.  DM sets the DC - Strength 15 - players with a primary in Strength roll with advantage.  Everyone else just rolls.  Advantage, statistically, is equivalent to +5 so it's very close to the 12 vs 18 and I feel will flow better for my 5e players (or I will use a 1d6 which my PCs are also familiar with in terms of boons/banes).

Quote from: solomani on December 31, 2021, 07:11:25 PM
Same, the less I have to change the better.  Here is my list of 5e house rules I use, it starts to get to the point where I may as well play AD&D but was looking for something compatible but with modern design, so happy to have found it.  Glad I asked the question on this forum!

Reading your house rules, you're practically playing C&C already.  I think you'll find it to your liking.

Yeah, I try and keep it old school, my vampires even drain levels

It's funny, been playing with the same people since 5e came out but no way they would have played OSR/AD&D in 2014.  But as the sessions and campaigns have gone by the PCs, with little to no nudging from me (accept via house rules), have come to the realisation that the deadlier the monsters/game the more fun it is and things like unlimited resurrection and leveling candy (attribute bonus, feats, class skills that are multiplicative, d20 bounded target numbers on one-hand (good) vs PCs with +15 in attacks (bad)) - just doesn't make for as an enjoyable game.