- OSRIC 3 launched. I'm thinking of going for it, and seeing if I can't tempt some of my players into trying this version of AD&D.
- Speaking of AD&D, has anyone tried to feed the DMG into, say, ChatGPT and see if it can figure out how initiative works? I'm curious, but also lazy.
- I've been too busy for Battle Brothers. I am looking at trying some quality-of-life mods, like sped up overland movement and stopping on sighting enemy groups . . . but I've never done mods before so I'm putting that off until I have a little more time to unwind any damage I do if I mess up.
Showing posts with label retro clones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label retro clones. Show all posts
Friday, May 9, 2025
Friday, April 26, 2024
Random Thoughts & Links for 4/26/2024
A few links for a Friday.
- A look at Kara-Tur. I agree it feels a little uneven. But the maps are gorgeous and looking at them makes me really want to play a game there. I own the "trail map" of it, too, which is pretty awesome unfolded.
- Joseph Bloch has a Kickstarter for the 2nd edition of his Adventurers Dark & Deep system.
- I love the idea of a rule that makes killing down foes requires a roll to overcome natural reluctance. You can see it featured here in a game of Twilight: 2000 run by Wayne.
- Maybe game on Sunday . . . so far only one definite yes and a lot more definite nos. I'll run game for 2 players but solo . . . just not as fun anymore.
- Reflections on Psi-Wars. The experience there with ST matches mine - even in very high tech situations, ST is just useful to have, and at 10/level people still want it and buy it.
- A look at Kara-Tur. I agree it feels a little uneven. But the maps are gorgeous and looking at them makes me really want to play a game there. I own the "trail map" of it, too, which is pretty awesome unfolded.
- Joseph Bloch has a Kickstarter for the 2nd edition of his Adventurers Dark & Deep system.
- I love the idea of a rule that makes killing down foes requires a roll to overcome natural reluctance. You can see it featured here in a game of Twilight: 2000 run by Wayne.
- Maybe game on Sunday . . . so far only one definite yes and a lot more definite nos. I'll run game for 2 players but solo . . . just not as fun anymore.
- Reflections on Psi-Wars. The experience there with ST matches mine - even in very high tech situations, ST is just useful to have, and at 10/level people still want it and buy it.
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Castle of the Mad Archmage
Well, it's been like 9 years or something, so I suspect we're not going to play the B-Team in Castle of the Mad Archmage. So I went out and bought a copy.
It's a fun read, honestly. I recommend reading dungeons you've played through. I went and found the rhino I disbelieved in, a pit trap I fell down, a band of skeleton musicians we killed, and more. It's a fun little tour of the GM's side of the screen.
Overall, the dungeon is pretty old school funhouse, but with enough logic and sense to make it work. Much like Felltower, honestly - if you have a sufficiently thick layer of logical stuff on top for people to figure out, they'll put up with the occasional weird nonsense that is fun.
I'm pleased with the purchase and the readthrough. I won't run it - it's hard enough for me to make game time for Felltower - but I'm glad I got a physical copy on deep discount.
It's a fun read, honestly. I recommend reading dungeons you've played through. I went and found the rhino I disbelieved in, a pit trap I fell down, a band of skeleton musicians we killed, and more. It's a fun little tour of the GM's side of the screen.
Overall, the dungeon is pretty old school funhouse, but with enough logic and sense to make it work. Much like Felltower, honestly - if you have a sufficiently thick layer of logical stuff on top for people to figure out, they'll put up with the occasional weird nonsense that is fun.
I'm pleased with the purchase and the readthrough. I won't run it - it's hard enough for me to make game time for Felltower - but I'm glad I got a physical copy on deep discount.
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023
OSE Best Supporting Actors Kickstarter - funded!
I meant to post this the other day, but here we are, better late than never.
Doug's OSE Best Supporting Actors Kickstarter has funded! $20 for the PDF and quick-reference cards and the usual host of upgrades from there.
It still has 12 days to go as I post this, but if you're interested I'd say go pledge now rather than later so Doug doesn't pull his hair out with worry.
Doug's OSE Best Supporting Actors Kickstarter has funded! $20 for the PDF and quick-reference cards and the usual host of upgrades from there.
It still has 12 days to go as I post this, but if you're interested I'd say go pledge now rather than later so Doug doesn't pull his hair out with worry.
Friday, March 24, 2023
Friday Links & Notes 3/24/2023
- DF Denizens: Thieves came out.
- I received my print copies of Castle of the Mad Archmage. I took advantage of that deep sale for DM's day. The printouts look nice - hardback main book, softcover illustration book and map book.
- Not much reading time this week but I read through about half of the DCC Lankhmar boxed set. It's good . . . but I'll see if I can't get a review up and discuss it more fully.
- I received my print copies of Castle of the Mad Archmage. I took advantage of that deep sale for DM's day. The printouts look nice - hardback main book, softcover illustration book and map book.
- Not much reading time this week but I read through about half of the DCC Lankhmar boxed set. It's good . . . but I'll see if I can't get a review up and discuss it more fully.
Friday, December 30, 2022
Friday's Links 12/30/22
Early post today, because a power outage took out my workplace and cut my day unfortunately short.
- I'm almost done with How to Defend Your Lair. I'll get a full review up - I think it's well worth it.
- I finished reading Slaying the Dragon. Not worth a full review. It's a readable, general audience overview of TSR from inception to the Wizards of the Coast takeover. It's not bad, but it's light on the deep details I'm interested in. Also, this may be accurate, but Peter Adkinson comes off pretty much like a Deus Ex Machina, swooping in and fixing everything with money and by being the best guy possible to everyone. I had no idea . . . but it felt a bit overly lauditory.
- I managed to finish my mapping and most of my monster input for our next Felltower session. Not all of it, but most of it. Enough to play through. Next game is 1/8.
- I have to take some time today and write my annual report of the blog and gaming. I'm looking forward to seeing how much we played this year.
- Here is a fun Labyrinth Lord character generator.
- This is grim game inspiration, but I watched The American Experience: The Battle of Chosin. Short version - US and Korean troops attacked by the Chinese in the dead of winter and have to fight their way out. Longer version - it starts out about battle, but mostly is about slogging through horrific cold during a retreat (for the US) and during an attack (the Chinese, while inadequately equipped for said cold.) It's game inspiration in that it is a good look at what terrible weather is like. If your game features bad weather and bad conditions but the weather and conditions are just a minor descriptive filip, I think you're potentially missing out. Of course, in a fantasy game, PCs will just cast Resist Cold and undo a lot, but at least make the conditions part of the adventure or I'd say just skip them in the first place.
- I'm almost done with How to Defend Your Lair. I'll get a full review up - I think it's well worth it.
- I finished reading Slaying the Dragon. Not worth a full review. It's a readable, general audience overview of TSR from inception to the Wizards of the Coast takeover. It's not bad, but it's light on the deep details I'm interested in. Also, this may be accurate, but Peter Adkinson comes off pretty much like a Deus Ex Machina, swooping in and fixing everything with money and by being the best guy possible to everyone. I had no idea . . . but it felt a bit overly lauditory.
- I managed to finish my mapping and most of my monster input for our next Felltower session. Not all of it, but most of it. Enough to play through. Next game is 1/8.
- I have to take some time today and write my annual report of the blog and gaming. I'm looking forward to seeing how much we played this year.
- Here is a fun Labyrinth Lord character generator.
- This is grim game inspiration, but I watched The American Experience: The Battle of Chosin. Short version - US and Korean troops attacked by the Chinese in the dead of winter and have to fight their way out. Longer version - it starts out about battle, but mostly is about slogging through horrific cold during a retreat (for the US) and during an attack (the Chinese, while inadequately equipped for said cold.) It's game inspiration in that it is a good look at what terrible weather is like. If your game features bad weather and bad conditions but the weather and conditions are just a minor descriptive filip, I think you're potentially missing out. Of course, in a fantasy game, PCs will just cast Resist Cold and undo a lot, but at least make the conditions part of the adventure or I'd say just skip them in the first place.
Monday, August 10, 2020
The Majestic Fantasy RPG Basic Rules Kickstarter
I need another ruleset like I need another hole in my head.*
That said, I backed this:
Rob is a good author, and I really liked two of his other works:
Review: Supplement VI The Majestic Wilderlands
Scourge of the Demon Wolf
His writing is clear, his rules decisions sound, and his ideas interesting and creative. Give it a look. I'll pay $8 to get and read his book when it comes out.
* That would have worked, if you hadn't stopped me.
That said, I backed this:
Rob is a good author, and I really liked two of his other works:
Review: Supplement VI The Majestic Wilderlands
Scourge of the Demon Wolf
His writing is clear, his rules decisions sound, and his ideas interesting and creative. Give it a look. I'll pay $8 to get and read his book when it comes out.
* That would have worked, if you hadn't stopped me.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Bits I like from Various Retro-Clones & D&D systems
This is an answer to Rob Conley's question about what I like from the various D&D-based retro-clones and old-era D&D systems.
What I like about the systems I'd consider:
AD&D
- Power level. I like the HP levels. I have a strong dislike for d4 HP thieves and I like d10 fighters better than d8 fighters.
- Cleric spells. I like clerics getting spells at level 1, and bonuses for Wisdom are fine with me. I get why from a world-building standpoint the vast majority of clerics being level 1 and not getting spells makes PCs quickly become special . . . but I'd rather have them start with a spell.
- I like AC starting at 10, not 9 (but see below.)
- I like that 1 isn't always a miss and 20 isn't always a hit.
- Treasure Types that I have imprinted on my soul, so I don't have to go look them up when I read them.
AD&D Lankhmar
- I like the multi-classing approach of the Lankhmar supplement for AD&D for humans.
Advanced Labyrinth Lord
- a lot of the basic systems for exploration, opening doors, etc., hiring NPCs, etc. etc.
- Weapon weights.
- Encumbrance system seems actually workable.
Basic/Expert D&D (Moldvay)
- Morale. I love, love, love the morale system.
- Alignment. I like three-fold alignment. I could have gone with Good, Neutral, and Evil, too, but I think well of "You're on the side of order, the side of chaos, or you're on the sidelines." I think that's better than the nine-fold alignment system. It's easier to understand, it's clear you are picking a side, and you don't have to deal with the weirdness that comes from a party with a LG cleric, a CG ranger, a CN fighter, a N wizard. What does that even really mean? Endless words have been spent on defining what they are. Better you just choose a side, or to not have a side. (And potentially get shot by both of them.) LNC I think allows for more varied play, actually - GNE is tough because no one who chooses Good should be negotiating with Evil. But the forces of Law dealing with the forces of Chaos when that suits the results civilization needs . . . that's more plausible.
- The compact, two-books-do-it-all presentation.
- The reaction rolls/parlaying system.
Basic Fantasy
- Simplified stat bonus charts. It's just easier. I don't think you need to split bonuses. And I do like the idea that you get +1 to +3.
- Easy to use Attack Bonus system.
- free single book solution with cheap printed option.
S&W
- Single target saves. Modified by stat bonuses.
- free single book solution with printed option.
Stuff I'm neutral on in general:
- Ascending AC. I agree it's easier. I still understand AC 10 < 0 < -10 though, natively, without having to translate it.
- Multiclassing. I like the Lankhmar approach instead of dual-classing for humans, but I could live with a different one. It's easier if I didn't have to so I can use AD&D modules unchanged.
- Ability checks. I haven't really seen a system I love more than others. Lots of old D&D modules did roll-under on d20, which isn't bad. Target rolls on a d20+stat bonus would work, too, and I know some systems do that.
- Initiative. I'm actually okay with AD&D initiative as we play it, but I'd use another system.
Stuff I dislike:
- Race as class. This is a deal-breaker.
- Weird Saving Throw systems (AD&D).
- platinum pieces. I'd simplify treasure, for sure, to copper/silver/gold/gems/jewelry.
- SM/L damage splits. Just have weapons do one damage; too many monsters are much weaker because they're L and suffer extra damage from PC-popular weapons. We took two-handed swords because 3d6 vs. L sized creatures is just the boss.
- Crossbows being weaker than bows.
Some other systems have nice bits - ACKS and DCC for example - but they haven't really given me something I'd absolutely have to have in my own system. Grappling would be the system Doug and I made.
I suppose I could dedicate a huge whack of my like to make "Dungeon Fantastic Delving & Dragons" but I'm not really going to do that.
What I like about the systems I'd consider:
AD&D
- Power level. I like the HP levels. I have a strong dislike for d4 HP thieves and I like d10 fighters better than d8 fighters.
- Cleric spells. I like clerics getting spells at level 1, and bonuses for Wisdom are fine with me. I get why from a world-building standpoint the vast majority of clerics being level 1 and not getting spells makes PCs quickly become special . . . but I'd rather have them start with a spell.
- I like AC starting at 10, not 9 (but see below.)
- I like that 1 isn't always a miss and 20 isn't always a hit.
- Treasure Types that I have imprinted on my soul, so I don't have to go look them up when I read them.
AD&D Lankhmar
- I like the multi-classing approach of the Lankhmar supplement for AD&D for humans.
Advanced Labyrinth Lord
- a lot of the basic systems for exploration, opening doors, etc., hiring NPCs, etc. etc.
- Weapon weights.
- Encumbrance system seems actually workable.
Basic/Expert D&D (Moldvay)
- Morale. I love, love, love the morale system.
- Alignment. I like three-fold alignment. I could have gone with Good, Neutral, and Evil, too, but I think well of "You're on the side of order, the side of chaos, or you're on the sidelines." I think that's better than the nine-fold alignment system. It's easier to understand, it's clear you are picking a side, and you don't have to deal with the weirdness that comes from a party with a LG cleric, a CG ranger, a CN fighter, a N wizard. What does that even really mean? Endless words have been spent on defining what they are. Better you just choose a side, or to not have a side. (And potentially get shot by both of them.) LNC I think allows for more varied play, actually - GNE is tough because no one who chooses Good should be negotiating with Evil. But the forces of Law dealing with the forces of Chaos when that suits the results civilization needs . . . that's more plausible.
- The compact, two-books-do-it-all presentation.
- The reaction rolls/parlaying system.
Basic Fantasy
- Simplified stat bonus charts. It's just easier. I don't think you need to split bonuses. And I do like the idea that you get +1 to +3.
- Easy to use Attack Bonus system.
- free single book solution with cheap printed option.
S&W
- Single target saves. Modified by stat bonuses.
- free single book solution with printed option.
Stuff I'm neutral on in general:
- Ascending AC. I agree it's easier. I still understand AC 10 < 0 < -10 though, natively, without having to translate it.
- Multiclassing. I like the Lankhmar approach instead of dual-classing for humans, but I could live with a different one. It's easier if I didn't have to so I can use AD&D modules unchanged.
- Ability checks. I haven't really seen a system I love more than others. Lots of old D&D modules did roll-under on d20, which isn't bad. Target rolls on a d20+stat bonus would work, too, and I know some systems do that.
- Initiative. I'm actually okay with AD&D initiative as we play it, but I'd use another system.
Stuff I dislike:
- Race as class. This is a deal-breaker.
- Weird Saving Throw systems (AD&D).
- platinum pieces. I'd simplify treasure, for sure, to copper/silver/gold/gems/jewelry.
- SM/L damage splits. Just have weapons do one damage; too many monsters are much weaker because they're L and suffer extra damage from PC-popular weapons. We took two-handed swords because 3d6 vs. L sized creatures is just the boss.
- Crossbows being weaker than bows.
Some other systems have nice bits - ACKS and DCC for example - but they haven't really given me something I'd absolutely have to have in my own system. Grappling would be the system Doug and I made.
I suppose I could dedicate a huge whack of my like to make "Dungeon Fantastic Delving & Dragons" but I'm not really going to do that.
Friday, January 31, 2020
S&W Appreciation Day - I'm In
Erik Tenkar announced he'll be a hub for a three-day Swords & Wizardry Appreciation "day."
Swords & Wizardry Appreciation Day to Return in 2020
I'm planning on being in. Monsters, of course, are high on my list of to-do things here. Although I run AD&D when I run "old school" games, I really love the clean, fast, and enjoyable version of the game that is Swords & Wizardry Complete.
There is a Kickstarter for a new boxed set . . . but I don't need that. If I'm running it, I'm using S&W Complete and asking my players to download free copies or borrow my hardbacks.
Swords & Wizardry Appreciation Day to Return in 2020
I'm planning on being in. Monsters, of course, are high on my list of to-do things here. Although I run AD&D when I run "old school" games, I really love the clean, fast, and enjoyable version of the game that is Swords & Wizardry Complete.
There is a Kickstarter for a new boxed set . . . but I don't need that. If I'm running it, I'm using S&W Complete and asking my players to download free copies or borrow my hardbacks.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
OD&D Article
For folks who read my blog on mobile and don't see the blogroll, this popped up on it - an excellent article about OD&D.
Meet the Original Dungeons & Dragons diehards still playing by '70s rules
Meet the Original Dungeons & Dragons diehards still playing by '70s rules
Saturday, May 25, 2019
OSRIC Wiki
Thanks to Rob Conley at Bat in the Attic for posting a link to this:
OSRIC Wiki
I've perused bits of OSRIC, although I generally just go back to the early gaming books of my life, the AD&D hardbacks. Still, OSRIC is a good resource for checking out what AD&D contains and for better explanations of the rules AD&D purports to explain itself. This just makes that OSRIC referral that much easier.
OSRIC Wiki
I've perused bits of OSRIC, although I generally just go back to the early gaming books of my life, the AD&D hardbacks. Still, OSRIC is a good resource for checking out what AD&D contains and for better explanations of the rules AD&D purports to explain itself. This just makes that OSRIC referral that much easier.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
DCC Lankhmar Poster Map
This is the Lankhmar wall map I always wanted:
So when this comes out, I may have to see about getting a copy of that map somehow. I don't need a cloth one, really, paper will do.
So when this comes out, I may have to see about getting a copy of that map somehow. I don't need a cloth one, really, paper will do.
Friday, January 4, 2019
Advanced Labyrinth Lord arrived - take two
I received my replacement ALL book this week, for the dented book that I received.
It's pristine, it's beautiful. No scratches, no bashed-up corners, no damage at all.
Thanks to DriveThruRPG for promptly replacing the book with a pristine copy in only a week.
It's pristine, it's beautiful. No scratches, no bashed-up corners, no damage at all.
Thanks to DriveThruRPG for promptly replacing the book with a pristine copy in only a week.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
ALL - Denty, update
Yesterday I complained about my arrived-dented Advanced Labyrinth Lord book.
I contacted DriveThru RPG about this, and they've put in a replacement order for me.
So, hurrah! That was prompt and makes me happy. Hopefully the next one will come with the same cover and no dents.
I contacted DriveThru RPG about this, and they've put in a replacement order for me.
So, hurrah! That was prompt and makes me happy. Hopefully the next one will come with the same cover and no dents.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Advanced Labyrinth Lord arrived - denty
(Update!)
I received my brand-new copy of Advanced Labyrinth Lord, hurrah!
But it arrived with dented corners. GRRR.
I'm going to complain to DriveThruRPG about this. This should not be acceptable - a print-on-demand book with dented corners? It's not even brand new and mint condition when it's printed out for me?
Bleh.
That leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I don't mind dented books, if either I dented them or I bought them used. I expected new, here.
I received my brand-new copy of Advanced Labyrinth Lord, hurrah!
But it arrived with dented corners. GRRR.
I'm going to complain to DriveThruRPG about this. This should not be acceptable - a print-on-demand book with dented corners? It's not even brand new and mint condition when it's printed out for me?
Bleh.
That leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I don't mind dented books, if either I dented them or I bought them used. I expected new, here.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Advanced Labyrinth Lord PDF
So backers got the Advanced Labyrinth Lord PDF today. Well, maybe before today, but I got it today.
For the hardback, I went with this cover:
I felt that was the most clearly awesome one.
It's nice to have LL and the Advanced Edition Companion in one volume. I am not sure I will ever run the game, but I do like it and I like browsing it.
For the hardback, I went with this cover:
I felt that was the most clearly awesome one.
It's nice to have LL and the Advanced Edition Companion in one volume. I am not sure I will ever run the game, but I do like it and I like browsing it.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Last couple hours of Advanced Labyrinth Lord
Last couple of hours on this Kickstarter. If you like Labyrinth Lord (basically, a B/X D&D derivative) and Advanced Edition Companion (a B/X derivative version of AD&D, basically), this is a one-book compilation of both books.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Kickstarter Ending Soon: Advanced Labyrinth Lord
Less than 72 hours to go in this one that I backed:
I figured I'd post it and make sure no one missed it who is interested.
I figured I'd post it and make sure no one missed it who is interested.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Advanced Labyrinth Lord
I backed this:
It would be nice to have a one-book LL that combines both the basic rules with all of the Advanced Edition Companion rules in one volume.
It would be nice to have a one-book LL that combines both the basic rules with all of the Advanced Edition Companion rules in one volume.
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