Shadowdark or Worlds w/o numbers?

TheHand · Dec 16, 2024

Hello!
So one of the groups I run games for is wanting to take a break from the usual 5e and try something more old school. Shadowdark seems to be the early frontrunner, but Worlds without Number also intrigues me. I'm thinking of adapting the good ol' Village of Hommlet for the adventure, which could blow up into the full Temple of EE experience if we're having enough fun with it.

I played the old editions back in the day, but I'm otherwise new to the OSR. Are there any insights, suggestions, or pitfalls you might share with me about Shadowdark or Worlds? And do you have some other game-engine recommendations I should look into?

Thanks!

darjr · Dec 16, 2024

Either!

But if Shadowdark is the front runner go with that.

Pointers?

Have monsters attack the light or light bearers. Like anyone with the the light spell.
Any new light started during a current light ends with that current light. It’s meta but it has worked for me.
Turn sequence can be broken out of as needed, especially during times of low tension.
During turn sequence let players know they can simply say “waiting for this other player” then they can do what they were waiting for the other player to do when it gets back to them.

Finally I think Shadowdark still works if you don’t always do turn by turn mode.

Whizbang Dustyboots · Dec 16, 2024

I have not played Worlds, but it's mostly praised for its world building, which isn't a consideration for you.

Shadowdark is great in that if you've ever played old editions OR you've played 5E, you will grasp Shadowdark almost immediately and any time you have to "fill in" a rule you don't want to look up in the moment, it'll be compatible.

TwoSix · Dec 16, 2024

As much as I love Worlds Without Number, if you're running classic old-school modules I think Shadowdark is almost certainly a better fit.

overgeeked · Dec 16, 2024

I'd agree with the consensus so far. Worlds is basically the book for world building. But I'd go with Shadowdark for the rules. If you're coming from 5E it will be much more familiar to you and your players. They're both great, of course. But system-wise, Shadowdark easily wins between those two.

TheHand · Dec 16, 2024

Yeah sounds like Shadowdark is the clear consensus here! Thanks for all the input!

Bill Zebub · Dec 17, 2024

Late to the game but Shadowdark gets my vote.

Jahydin · Dec 18, 2024

Grab the free versions of each! Both are practically complete games that have terrific tables that can be used with any system.

timbannock · Dec 23, 2024

Also late, also voting Shadowdark if for no other reason than because converting classic adventures is a breeze.

And indeed, you don't have to stick with torch-timers. I use classic turns with the event die from Knave and/or Errant and it works just fine. Only "tweak" you need to consider which, if any, of the Modes of Play you want to use that modify things like Luck tokens. Those often have some pretty far-ranging effects, more so than the brief text might lead you to believe.

ElminstersApprentice · Dec 23, 2024

Shadowdark is a good transition fro 5E because is shares a lot of DNA. I would go with that. And Hommlet is such a great 1st adventure. Perfect choice there.

Shadowdark or Worlds w/o numbers?

TheHand

Adventurer

darjr

I crit!

Whizbang Dustyboots

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TwoSix

Everyone's literal second-favorite poster

overgeeked

Dragonbane

TheHand

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Bill Zebub

“It’s probably Matt Mercer’s fault.”

Jahydin

Hero

timbannock

Hero

ElminstersApprentice

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