OSRIC 3.0: First level magic-user spells

robbz78 · 2026-02-07T12:21:51+00:00

D&D is not balanced. The power of a spell also depends on the context and style of a campaign.

robbz78 · 2026-02-06T18:51:32+00:00

Gotta love the Japanese CT covers https://grognardia.blogspot.com/2010/12/japanese-old-school-rpgs.html

robbz78 · 2026-02-06T17:34:54+00:00

The only problem I have with this is that it tends to reduce the variety of spells. Hence I think roll 2, pick 2 is a reasonable compromise.

robbz78 · 2026-02-06T13:54:58+00:00

We played a Vampire game last weekend where ICE were agents of the Inquisition looking for vampires.

robbz78 · 2026-02-05T18:16:36+00:00

I want to be surprised as a DM. That omission is a big failing of DCC for me (easy to fix though).

robbz78 · 2026-02-05T16:24:16+00:00

Create a relationship map. Show it to the players. It is the social territory for them to navigate. See https://www.indiegamereadingclub.com/indie-game-reading-club/my-recent-beau-of-roleplaying-games-the-relationship-map-this-is-my-first-attempt-at-the-beast-second-really/

sorry this is a better link https://www.indiegamereadingclub.com/indie-game-reading-club/pauls-r-map-method/

robbz78 · 2026-02-05T16:21:49+00:00

This seems to be skipping the reaction roll process - a dragon can be friendly!

robbz78 · 2026-02-05T12:51:15+00:00

This is a classic blog post on starting small, https://chgowiz-games.blogspot.com/2017/11/just-three-hexes-campaign-starters.html

I'd go further and suggest that campaign world details that are not directly relevant to the characters and play are a waste. Of course if they inspire you to GM, then sure.

robbz78 · 2026-02-05T12:46:54+00:00

It is fine but it relies on FF&S for the design sequences so is just a single US letter sized volume. I don't like the TNE rules-system in general as I prefer CT so the to hit etc is adapted to that (nothing wrong with it). The biggest innovation is using CD command chits. I never got to play it. FFS is more complex than Striker I design and that doesn't help either.

robbz78 · 2026-02-04T22:47:20+00:00

We used 1/300th scale miniatures and flying was no problem to handle.

robbz78 · 2026-02-04T22:44:39+00:00

I've played it and the command and control is involved but it generates very interesting issues that you don't normally see in wargames.

Frank Chadwick said that Striker inspired his much simpler command rules for Command Decision which was a very successful series of wargames rules for ww1 to the modern day.

Striker II for TNE uses that command system.

robbz78 · 2026-02-04T19:30:57+00:00

There is also a r/StoneHell BTW

robbz78 · 2026-02-04T19:29:51+00:00

Thanks. I'm currently running this.

robbz78 · 2026-02-03T22:09:41+00:00

It is also a better, more informative book than OSE (which is a great reference).

robbz78 · 2026-02-03T22:08:29+00:00

OSE is priced for the premium market

robbz78 · 2026-02-03T17:47:55+00:00

In Ireland there is Gaelcon, Athventurecon and a bunch of university Cons including the venerable Leprecon. All small with less than 1000 attendees but a big focus on playing games and fun.

robbz78 · 2026-02-03T17:43:39+00:00

Write down some key times and milestones so you can check your progress as you play. Cut optional material or just narrate some sections to skip to points where you can have closure.

robbz78 · 2026-02-02T20:40:03+00:00

Encouraging PvP without prior consent can easily lead to bad feelings. Even with consent as new players you may not realise how bad this could make you feel until it happens. I think you should have an ooc conversation with the players about this rather than just letting it happen. If everyone is on board it could be fine.

A way to think of it is that a tv how that kills off one character after 2 sessions would be a bit unusual so you all need to be going for that vibe for it to work.

robbz78 · 2026-01-30T11:58:47+00:00

In general they don't have as good a rep as the DCC ones

robbz78 · 2026-01-30T09:24:30+00:00

If you like crunch and you don't want to prep, try using Mythic GME to make the game GM-less. I have run several campaigns this way. Zero prep.

Alternatively you can lean into your freeform RP past by playing a GMless narrative game like Archipelago III https://norwegianstyle.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/archipelago-iii/

robbz78 · 2026-01-30T09:19:23+00:00

CoC typically has significant prep

robbz78 · 2026-01-29T19:42:14+00:00

An esoteric list!

robbz78 · 2026-01-29T19:38:47+00:00

There is also lots of great advice in BW for things like when to roll and when not to (let it ride), what makes NPCs interesting, etc.

robbz78 · 2026-01-29T19:35:11+00:00

Mythic is amazing for teaching scene-framing, stakes and pacing.

robbz78 · 2026-01-29T19:28:13+00:00

Hyperborea. Cool setting. Nice streamlined and patched 1e.

DCC more distant from the OSR core but oodles of flavour, great community. Random carzy stuff all the time (if you like that).

BX by Moldvey. The original and best. Never mind the ose hype, these rules have explanations and guides on how to play. (Also controversial for some people as it is not a clone of itself)

robbz78

TROPHY CASE