charlie_epsilon

My regular #DND group hasn't met in a few months, and it's unclear if/when we will in the future. Given the direction WotC is taking 5e, I've been inspired to look into #OSR systems as a possible alternative.

Old-School Essentials is very appealing, but it doesn't look like I can buy the books until after Q1 2023. I'm looking for something that I can play with my kids, so it should be fast paced and without a mountain of rules to wade through, but with interesting character creation options.

Dec 20, 2022 at 5:11amWeb
Show threadcharlie_epsilonDec 20, 2022

I'm primarily interested in a system I can buy physical books for, so that takes a lot of things off the table unfortunately.

So, beginner friendly, ages 11-16+, robust character options, and physically available somewhere to purchase.

Show threadDM_GoldDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon unfortunately if you want robust character options you'll most likely have to wade through some rules! For something very very similar to 5e I highly recommend Pathfinder 2e. If you want something more free flow try out any of the systems by Red Hat Games. FATE is pretty fun and allows for many character options.
Show threadcharlie_epsilonDec 20, 2022

@DMGold I do own some Pathfinder 1e books (Core, GM guide, Advanced Player/Race/Class), so I suppose I could grab some bestiaries and see how they like that.

I'll check out FATE, thanks for the recommendation!

Show threadRichardDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon @DMGold There's a #FATE #Freeport companion too for a very #DnD type game
Show threadVoronDec 26, 2022
@charlie_epsilon Forbidden lands by Freeleague
Show threadYUMDMDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon You should be able to buy the PDFs of OSE to see you through.
Show threadDuncanWatsonDec 20, 2022

@charlie_epsilon I also dislike what one DnD is doing. But I played in 1980. There is a lot of stuff I don't like about D&D then.

I have been going on the path of changing 5e to suite my needs. Plus it allows me to avoid certain gygaxisms

Show threadFrank RafaelsenDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon I know you said that you are looking for physical books, but you should still go to #DriveThruRPG and pick up the free pdf versions of #Godbound, #StarsWithoutNumbers and #WorldsWithoutNumber by #SineNomine publishing. The free versions are all complete #osr based games, and have robust character creation without being too crunchy. All are state of the art games that also are available in print if it turns out that they are what you are looking for.
Show threadcharlie_epsilonDec 20, 2022
@mammutfrank I will definitely check those out, thanks!
Show threadFrank RafaelsenDec 20, 2022

@charlie_epsilon if you haven't looked into these games before, you are in for a treat. Godbound is one of my all time favorite games and Sine Nomine is good people. About as far from WoTC as you'll get.

Enjoy!

Show threadLuis RoigDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon I think Cairn (https://cairnrpg.com/) or Knave (https://questingbeast.itch.io/knave) are what you are looking for. But honestly, there are a myriad OSR games in itch just as good.
Home

Cairn
Show threadLuis RoigDec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon Also, spanish OSR "Vieja Escuela" has an english translation here: http://viejaescuela.nogarung.com/vieja-escuela-the-role-playing-game/
Vieja Escuela: the role-playing game | VIEJA ESCUELA

Show threadharvey1966Dec 20, 2022
@charlie_epsilon earnestly curious…what direction is 5e going that is undesirable?
Show threadcharlie_epsilonDec 20, 2022

@harvey1966

I suppose undesirable will be highly subjective, but for me, this doesn't bode well:

https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/roleplaying-game/news/dungeons-and-dragons-under-monetised-says-executives

I want to play games made with love, by gamers, for gamers. I don't want to engage with companies that are only interested in "monetizing" players the way video game publishers like Epic Games or Electronic Arts do. It sucks the life out of the hobby for me.

Dungeons & Dragons executives think “the brand is really under monetised”

Dungeons & Dragons' owners think the brand is "really under monetised" and have a plan to fix that in the future.

Dicebreaker
Show threadharvey1966Dec 21, 2022
@charlie_epsilon that is concerning.
Show threadcharlie_epsilonDec 21, 2022
@harvey1966 I’m sure 5e will remain the standard, and I’m not dumping my books or anything. It’s nice to have choices, and I’m really hoping that WotC continues supporting the Open Game License in the future.
Show threadharvey1966Dec 21, 2022
@charlie_epsilon I play in and love long-running 5e and 1st Ed campaigns. I hope reason prevails. Obviously, writers, artists and designers getting paid is good. But there are gross ways to wreck the hobby.
Show threadKittDec 21, 2022

@charlie_epsilon I'm surprised no one has yet mentioned Basic Fantasy Role-playing https://www.basicfantasy.org/ which is available as a PDF for free and at cost (currently $5.50) from Amazon.

It has lots of supplements and adventures at similar prices or free in PDF.

It's really the same game as OSE, not quite as pretty a package.

Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game

Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game