jdrakeh
Front Range Warlock
Which is more expensive than all of the other options. Considerably more expensive than BFRPG or S&W Core. Just a few dollars more than ALL. But still more expensive.
OSR What OSR System for Barrowmaze?
- Thread starter jdrakeh
- Start date
Which is more expensive than all of the other options. Considerably more expensive than BFRPG or S&W Core. Just a few dollars more than ALL. But still more expensive.
100%, Shadowdark. It's absolutely perfect for Barrowmaze.
I'd probably buy the 5e version of Barrowmaze for SD, the stats in it are closer to SD stats than are LL stats.
TGryph
Explorer
Basic Fantasy. I too am nearing retirement and a fixed income, so free (or very low cost for hardcover rules) is amazing, which may also help your players get their own copy without braking the bank. Heck, for the $40 folks are talking about, yo could practically get 5 copies of the basic rulebook. It is very compatible with BX (in fact, I refer you to this post Barrowmaze + BFRPG - any tips? - Basic Fantasy RPG Forums. Add in all the free supplements, seems the logical choice to me.
Mannahnin
Scion of Murgen (He/Him)
My choice if I lost all my gaming stuff and had to start over at minimal cost would probably be OSE for free using the online SRD, and add a few house rules to tweak to my preference.
But Gus is right that any of these systems would work fine.
I think Gus is also dead-on that some kind of death save or other death mitigation rule is worthwhile, given that Barrowmaze is full of undead and so has fewer encounters to negotiate with and that you can make run away (via failed Morale checks) than the usual baseline.
But Gus is right that any of these systems would work fine.
I think Gus is also dead-on that some kind of death save or other death mitigation rule is worthwhile, given that Barrowmaze is full of undead and so has fewer encounters to negotiate with and that you can make run away (via failed Morale checks) than the usual baseline.
Shadowdark. If you're doing a lot of dungeoncrawling, it's the best. Plus the Modes allow you to dial up and down lethality and spellcasting however much (or little) you want.
To change things up, just replace the real-time torches with an Event Die from Knave 2nd Edition or Errant. This way you can do more "classic" style turn-counting most of the time, and save real-time torches for especially time-sensitive moments to ramp up the adrenaline.
To change things up, just replace the real-time torches with an Event Die from Knave 2nd Edition or Errant. This way you can do more "classic" style turn-counting most of the time, and save real-time torches for especially time-sensitive moments to ramp up the adrenaline.
SeveredFane
Villager
I am being trying out OSE for the last few days and it is my new system of choice. I have been playing S&W and Basic Fantasy in the past, and OSE is now being the best for me. Barrowmaze is being on our list to play in the new campaign next year and I am believe OSE will do great.
Mannahnin
Scion of Murgen (He/Him)
We used OSE for it when I played it online in 2020-2021-ish? The only adjustment I remember the DM needing to make was allowing us to sell magical treasures in town for cash value for xp, as the dungeon seemed a bit under-stocked with monetary treasure, but had lots of minor magic.
Whizbang Dustyboots
Gnometown Hero
Another vote for Shadowdark. The free quickstart rules can carry you a long, long way.
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www.thearcanelibrary.com
DriveThruRPG
www.drivethrurpg.com
Shadowdark RPG Quickstart Set (PDF)
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SeveredFane
Villager
Ah, yes. I am not being experienced enough in OSR to be recognizing that needing of that, so thanks to you for that as information!
Mannahnin
Scion of Murgen (He/Him)
You're welcome! The best guideline I've seen for low level advancement for OSE remains Tom Moldvay's advice in the back of 1981 B/X that if no one has hit 2nd level within 3-4 sessions, you're probably giving too little treasure.
The old school game I ran from 2020-2023 maintained a pace of about 3-4 sessions per level on average for the first couple of levels, then slowed a bit, then slowed even more after level 5. But by level 3 characters are a bit more durable and capable, and level 4 is a big one for most of the classes in terms of combat, saving throw, and spell advancements, so slowing after that is usually fine, because you're into the "sweet spot" in terms of levels for fun play.
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