One thing not mentioned is that Moldvay rules (especially organized like in OSE), are perfects for hacking/modding/housrule. Do you want negative HP? No problem, add the rule. How about advantage/disadvantage? -No problem, add it. It's such a light system, that you can decorate it with whatever rules you want.
I think this is the key reason why B/X is the most popular version of D&D in the old school scene. It's the basic bones of D&D, presented in a clear fashion. You can layer on parts from other editions or of your own creation with ease.
My daughter wanted an illusionist elf. Easy I just said okay your elf can choose from the illusionist spell list instead of the magic user spell list from Advanced OSE rules.
Me too. Exhaustion is undervalued. I also did away with feats, exotic pc races, multiclassing and balanced encounters. Some skill checks should be made secretly by the dm instead of players. Divine casters should stick to alignment etc. All this helps but eventually 1st/2nd is just more memorable. Encounters and monster reactions turn into chases/pursuits and negotiations more often than into combat. I took the best of 5th ed -advantage, disadvantage and flexible spellcasting - and added it to 1st/2nd ed.
OSE is my single favorite retroclone out there on the market. It's clear, concise, and designed with active playability in mind. It's truly a work of are and the best incarnation of B/X to exist thus far, including the original B/X.
Good video! Thanks for the review. You may have tipped me to buy it. Sounds really solid. One correction. Elves are not at 1/2 level in Moldvay/Cook. It's true that they're 1/2 XP, but XP goes up exponentially for all characters. So, an Elf needs the same XP for 2nd level as a Fighter does for 3rd. If the Fighter were 6th level (32,000 XP), an Elf with the same XP would be 5th (also 32,000 XP). So, Elves lag roughly 1 level behind. A lot of us thought Elves were overpowered, for that reason. It is true that they cap at 10th level, but that's the only disadvantage that I can see. Several House Rules that might fix this: 1. Scrap Elf XP. Give them some other class's XP (maybe Dwarf). Declare that whatever level they are, they operate as a Fighter and a Magic User of 1/2 level each, rounded down. Don't let them even cast spells until 2nd Level (1/2 rounded down is 0, so they'd have to wait for 2). 2. Let them cast Druid spells instead, bringing Druid spells in from either BECMI or AD&D 1e. Let them use the Magic User casting chart for this. This always made more sense to me. 3. Bring in the rule from 2e that you can't cast spells while in armor. That makes it so that they can't run around in platemail casting fireballs and lightning bolts (which is what everyone I knew who played B/X complained about). They can wear armor, they just can't cast spells if they do. If they want to cast spells, they have to take the risk. 4. Eliminate the Magic User spell casting and have them use the Dwarf XP chart. They'd basically be a Fighter variant. Maybe even let them have d8 for HD if you do this. Or, maybe say they can cast 1 1st level spell once per day, to give them the sense of being magical by nature, but that's it. As for Magic Users being low powered, that didn't bother me when I played B/X, except for one thing. Magic Users in old school are basically just super move characters, particularly at low levels. 1st level Magic Users are almost worthless except for that 1 Sleep spell. I let them use Detect Magic, Read Magic, and an Analyze Magic skill, starting at 1st level, sort of like a Thief Ability. The idea is that Magic Users can always analyze magical everything (magic items, magic portals, magic traps, etc.) They're magic experts. I'll also throw in a familiar and maybe non-magical alchemy and astrology skills as well. That gives them neat things they can do at low levels. I might also just let them cast Cantrips on a skill roll like this as well (old-school Cantrips, not WotC ones... meaning that they're nigh-useless little, tiny things that they can try to do). I've been playing since 1982 and in all that time I've found that what players want most is to be able to contribute to the party. My main issue is not that Magic Users are underpowered (never use melee attacks... you'll die!), but rather that they can't contribute often enough. I actually like this solution even better than WotC's. 0th Level spells don't do it for me, but the idea that there are always some really basic things that Magic Users can do to help them contribute to the party in other ways than finally casting that 1 1st level spell. OSE sounds great, though, if it has more d20 System type stuff.
Having weaker characters means they'll try their best to stay out of combat and really fear the monsters. A weaker magic user class means that not many players will be inclined to play as a magic user, making magic rare and special. Elves taking longer to level up reflects the fact that they live long lives and can take their time, they don't need to be hasty and greedy as humans. This game is a great example of how rules can be used to create the tone and setting of the world.
This boxed set literally reminds me of the old 1e days when life was simpler and TPKs were more frequent. I wonder how people who have only played 5e would take having more simple (and less) rules...
I find all the singular 'they' pronouns and 'snake-persons' present in OSE ridiculous, but having said that I have to admit the game's layout and presentation is pure gold.
OSE (with or without the "Advanced" stuff) is the single best edition of D&D and nothing will change my mind about that. I wish Necrotic Gnome nothing but success going forward, not the least because the upcoming _Dolmenwood_ campaign setting will be fucking awesome.
I love when you go over old-school stuff and other games, it is criminal that you don't have more exposure because I try to incorporate the classic themes of older editions into 5e, your videos are invaluable and are such an inspiration
You might want to check out 'Low Fantasy Gaming' for a mix of 5e and OSR sensibilities. Seems to be somewhere in between, with a bit more sword & sorcery pulp feel.
OSE is one of the best, in terms of editing and layout, games ever published. Gavin Norman by himself does more than entire teams, like WotC or Paizo, to make the rules easy to understand and find. Having spells in their own book is great too. Just have the cleric and magic-user (not wizard) sit next to each other and hand them the book.
One advantage Norman has is he's dealing with a simpler rule set. So much has been layered on over the years and I really don't think it adds much. Hell, 5e doesn't even properly fix the issues I've had with D&D over the years. They did try to address things like AC only being increased by armor or the hyper abstract hit points. However, they did it by adding rules because they were prisoners to an existing rule set.
@@danmorgan3685 at the same time these are teams. Gavin is one man. The ruleset may be simpler, but WotC has, last I checked more than a few more employees than that. If you pick up any 5e book you'll see the layout is horrible. There's no thought given to page spreads, except in a few places, and certainly no one seemed to care about things like table usability.
Gavin is a brilliant organizational writer. More so, his passion for the original shines though. And his word craft is pure genius! It is efficient, engaging, and crystal clear.
Old School Essentials has the new consolidated 'Advanced' edition arriving soon, in physical form, from their last Kickstarter. Just FYI for those looking to pick it up. There was some delay due to a lag in printing of one item, but the KS is supposed to be delivered in the next couple months. So the new stuff should be available about that time or shortly afterward.
I am hoping the 5 book comes back into stock. I am not happy with the single volume. I find it a PITA to use because of how it opens and the smaller A5 form factor.
@@SamBalducci I'm going to end up with both, as I already have the 5 books + the 2 Advanced options )and my Advanced Tome is coming soon). The boxed set is pretty good, as you'll mainly just end up using a couple of them anyway. Hope they have all the options available!
@@SamBalducci - I was under the impression that the earlier set of 5 smaller books was also digest size. The upcoming new edition just combining them, along with the latter add-ons, into a pair of thicker (still digest sized) books. They had a KS option for just getting the new content in thinner books to match those earlier ones some people already own, and those are also digest (A5) size.
OSE is the backbone of my group's D&D ruleset. We've added a few 1e things with Advanced Fantasy, and few 5e things. So easy to pick up and play with kids.
@@markfaulkner8191 I did the Kickstarter for the newest version and we are now playing a megadungeon. Session zero was fine. 2/5 PCs died on first session. Excited to continue.
I really don't agree with this at all. It's an amazing *reference* book, nothing on the market comes close. But it really doesn't even attempt to teach you how to play. It refers the reader to OSR primers for that. I think this suits the books intent, but is objectively a weak point if you're not already an experienced GM/player. I would never direct someone to OSE for guides or tips on how to run a game.
That's exactly the one thing OSE doesn't do. It's almost perfect reference book which has basically no information how to actually run the game besides the dungeon/wilderness play sequences.
@@Fhuul those two things are very helpful, though maybe not worth the cost of the book? I'm reading through and am definitely feeling the lack of guidance as someone new to OSR, but those two rulesets are definitely getting picked up and put in my 5e games.
They're likely doing another Kickstarter at some point for that, but I just picked up the single volume time and a player's book for my players...not quite as cool, but still. Also looking forward to the advanced set!
Loved this review OSE looks better than anything we had in the 1980’s. We are not at zero hit points yet so let’s keep fighting 👍 You are a true hero good luck in your fight for good health 👍 may you be blessed with many years of good health 👍 Keep rolling 20🙏
One thing that I do when I run 5E is that if characters go to 0hp in a fight they are badly hurt and even if you healed to positive they cannot do anything until after a while of resting after the combat. Eliminates the down and up again that the eminent professor mentioned.
I agree about the layout etc but I must say with that comes the loss of flavor, I have both versions of OSE, I think they are great reference material, but I always pick up my original BX books to play. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I can say several places in OSE that I feel the wording is actually more confusing to new players - in condensing the rules there seems to have been an assumption that the players have some RPG background and really even some OSR background. So for my money I’d spend $5 to get the BX pdf to absorb the flavor of old school and then grab these beautiful books for quick reference. Great episode as always.
I never thought anyone could rival Matt coleville, but once I was through with all his, I kept coming back to your videos. I realized that he delves more into story, drama, and presentation, you tend to analyze gameplay mechanics and how they make a game feel. You guys are like two sides of a coin.
Love Matt's videos but he's kinda exhausting because he talks so fast. I keep wanting to ask him to slow down just a little bit. I always feel a bit mentally exhausted after each of his videos and it takes me a bit of time to absorb what he was talking about. Great point on the two sides of the same coin btw.
If you **really** want to see the opposite side of the coin from Prof DM, check out Guy Sclanders (How to be a great GM). He tries to keep things system agnostic, and focuses almost entirely on drama and story. He also relies heavily (a little too heavily, IMO) on rule 0. If the rules get in the way of the story he wants, he just ignores that rule. (This includes the rules regarding PC death.)
I follow Matt Colville and put one or two of his tips in my games, but the help of PDM has been far superior to me. I realized what kind of game I wanted to run after seeing one of the game streams of Colville and his crew, while his advice was great and exiting the gameplay, particularly combat was tedious. I saw one of the combats of his table and to be honest it was disappointing. His players with a bored expression in their faces describing the character actions at a really slow pace... boring. While thanks at the advice of PDM my combats are now fast, cinematic and full of danger, magic is dangerous and my player fight quick as lightning since I put timers in their turns, and the best part... they love it.
I fondly remember having countless characters die back in those days. Getting to lvl 5 or 6 was quite the achievement (all praise Redster Firebarben). I think once we had a high lvl magic-user npc (10?) That managed to resuscitate a cleric with the help of potions, spells, charms and divine intervention; all at great cost to the other players (sort of a mini adventure in itself). The cleric lost half his lvls and could never advance again but received other bonuses I think. (Well… it was 40 yrs ago…) Zero HP = Death is the natural order of things; I don’t think I could play “safe space” versions. All hail Deathbringer!! Oh, and maybe we’ll put out some kibble for the Professor…
It should be said that the "Advanced Fantasy" tomes are in production right now and they compile the extra advanced fantasy material into a dmg tome and a player tome along with the previous material so if you want to get this system id go with that option first. There is also talk about a new boxed set including all the material as well but i dont know much on that yet.
Yeah, this should be highlighted for those looking to get it. The new edition is supposed to be shipping out in the next couple months, and has all the later-released content consolidated.
I like the gold to XP rule - I imagine it represents players spending gold on training, researching spells, donating to their favorite temple, luxury items, or just carousing in the tavern. :-) Without this rule, you might have 5th level characters still sleeping in alleys & eating moldy bread so they can save all of their gold, which seems a bit silly. Do the OSE gold to XP rules allow players to earn XP no matter how they acquired the gold?
For those who don't know, the man behind OSE, Gavin Norman, is also behind one of the best settings out there, Dolmenwood. He has been releasing samples of the upcoming book on the Necrotic Gnome Patreon and y'all should check it out.
"Back in my day it was called B/X Essentials." < shakes +1 stick > Great review. Love Necrotic Gnome and everything Gavin has released. Looking forward to Dolmenwood!!
Thank you for reviewing this. I'm a huge fan of OSE. I'll be running a session Zero tomorrow. First time my group has gotten together in over a year. I discovered your channel at some point during the lock down. I appreciate it. You really helped to keep my gaming itch scratched.
I miss the Moldvay B/X rulebooks, and never (completely) forgave my mother for casually tossing them out...along with the original White Box D&D rules and who knows how many other books/supplements. 😟
Does OSE address how to resolve things like non-thieves attempting to hide or move silently? Or, more generally, how do old school games resolve actions modern games would use a skill system for?
Basic Fantasy Roleplaying is awesome as well, only costs 5 quid and the pdf is free! I'd encourage everyone to check it out and that price theres no excuse not to ;)
I would be very nostalgic for me to play something like this again. We had a Dwarven Cleric in our Party when we played the old version of D&D with the read book and the blue book in the star 90ies, but I don't know if it was something official or homebrew. I also think we had a Paladin or something like that. I played a halfling that died. After that I played another Halfling 🙂 I would prefer something more modern if I had to play a longer campaign. I never liked the xp system or the level caps on the non-humans.
I'm back playing D & D after many many years ago... I bought 5e and the essentials one as well... Will this work with 5e? Can this work with older modules as well? Also can you buy the old modules? Sorry for the silly questions...
Bleh. Didn't care for AD&D 2nd edition or earlier back in its day, don't care for OSR now. If I want an adventure RPG that gets to the point quicker than D&D 5e or Pathfinder where characters have levels, I'll stick to Savage Worlds as my go-to.
the level cap differences seem odd, you have races that can have 2-4 times the lifespan of humans (or whatever they set in this version) so it seems odd that the humans that have the shortest lifespan can level the highest..
Ha. I pre-date THACO, rely on the actuary tables in the DMG. I really like OSE - you should consider reviewing some of Gavin's modules - Hole in the Oak, Winter's Daughter, etc. He is taking similar principles re: streamlining and clarity and applying them to modules. They are super fast and easy to run as a DM and have tons of cool stuff for players.
It seems clear and concise. I like it but I am not so sure my players will like it. This seems like a good way to get someone into the game without having to be overwhelmed by all of the options 5e gives. I am sure my players would complain about the lack of options but I would argue all of the extra options you get in 5e are primarily cosmetic modifications that mostly gives the illusion of utility benefits and what utility benefits there may be are not often used effectively since when the characters have so many different features the players tend to not use them all because they forget or just focus on specific ones.
I started on B/X like you, and have been playing Basic Fantasy which is pretty much B/X with ascending AC. OSE sounds great to me. I hope the new package attracts some younger gamers to see what old-school was all about, and they come to understand that the answer to a problem isn't always on your character sheet.
I agree. Gavin said, in some podcast episode I listened to, that he played Labyrinth Lord before designing his B/X Essentials retroclone. Both LL and OSE are great systems.
Hey Professor DM, I've been binging your channel a lot lately. You've helped me change the way I think about DnD, and have me eager to start running games again. I've noticed you've mentioned Darkest Dungeon a few times as I've watched your videos. It's one of my favorite games of all time, and I'd love to hear more about it from the perspective of a seasoned DM like yourself. Thanks for all the great advice and tutorials!
I really love the idea of a “just the facts” formatted rule book. Although flavor text is fun during an initial read through, when gaming I mostly need to quickly look up charts or double check stats. It makes me wish all RPGs offered shortened books as an option. The art is still cool and a must have though!
Old school DnD, TSR days, was far superior. I will check out this Old School Essentials, looks good. About done with 5E. It is too fantastical and for me, not that much fun. OSR with Prof. DM's 10 tips to Grimdark I believe I may have a winner.
In a very short time I've come to love OSR games, but as someone who grew up with 3.0, 3.5, and Pathfinder 1st edition, games like OSE and AD&D were strange and kind of intimidating to me because of how *different* it is. That said, after watching this video I'm now a lot more interested in trying out or running OSE, but I'd definitely want a physical copy as opposed to PDFs after seeing how they're laid out.
OSE is my jam. I’ve spent a lot of the last nearly two years trying to find “my game”, with OSE, I have. Easy as that. I think most people’s OSE games are different at the table and that’s fantastic, it’s an excellent base.
Literally got OSE yesterday after being inspired by you to design a deadlier, more old school style campaign. Now my favourite D&D TH-camr is doing a review on said game! Thanks PDM for all that you do (and you too Deathbringer)
Actually, I only recently discovered, Rogue probably isn't a euphemism. Although I'm sure they went that way to be a little more PC with the class title, but reading through my print copy of the Rules Cyclopedia (I decided what the heck and bought it P.O.D. recently since I couldn't have it 30 years ago when I asked my mom for it), high level Thief characters that opt not to found a guild (in similar fashion to the way most classes are given choices at high levels to go down a land-owning path or wandering path, and oftentimes other options) are called Rogues.
COMMUNITY: I may have dreamt of this, but Does PDM have a video on how to adapt literature to D&D? If you haven't made a video on this topic, could you? I think that would be great for the game, and for education.
Also check out Old School Essentials' "Advanced Fantasy" line of books recently released. They contain adaptations of AD&D 1e classes, monsters, treasures. They include the option to have race and class. They include Druids and Illusionists. If you want to play B/X D&D but want a.tad bit more, I highly recommend the Advanced Fantasy books. Think of it as 1e Lite. (Although it isn't AD&D, it's B/X with some AD&D options). With Advanced Fantasy you could play any classic module from 1st edition with ease. (Like T1-4 the Temple of Elemental Evil.)
Actually, when the elf is on 3rd level most of the party will be on 4th, though the thief may be on 5th a lot of that time. I run BECMI, but without all the optional rules from the later sets and basically keep it close to a BX model and style of play; I like the idea of OSE.
Thanks professor. I got my copy recently on Runehammers recommendation. Glad I did, but yeah, thieves skills annoy me. Ran a session, new and old players, and it was fun. Lack of class abilities made them very creative (and very cautious).
Picked up the 5 books in PDF, then the Rules Tome in hardcopy .. now waiting on fulfillment from the last KS - guess one could say I like this set of rules.
The B/X rules, and thus OSE, are so close to AD&D that it's easy to mix and match modules using either system. Look for the Advanced Fantasy OSE books coming soon. Same B/X core, but it will add most of the familiar 1E race and class options.
4:39 That is inaccurate. MU have 1 spell per level up to 6th level. After that, it increases. For example, at 7th level they have 8 spells, at 8th level they have 10, and at 9th level they have 12, etc.
I really hate race as class. its dumb. dwarves are so darn lawful in literature, it makes total sense that they would have organized religion. Also why does every elf have to be a fighter mage type dude? doesnt make any sense. that being said i am interested in this rules set and will buy it just because I really love the art and style of story telling that it would generate.
Try Basic Fantasy as a rule set then. It goes up to level 20 and lets you pick a class along with race. The rules aren’t the layout masterpiece of OSE, but are good and the pdf is free to boot.
A friend of mine recently gifted me the single volume version of OSE. It was a very interesting read, and for those who do not have access to the Holmes/Moldvay/Mentzer editions of D&D, this is a more than adequate substitute. In fact I would highly recommend it to those folks. I, however, will stick with the originals since I still have them from when I was a kid and see nothing in OSE that is a significant improvement on them. I would add that at least in the volume I have, the AC's are still in the descending format. The ascending format is offered as an optional rule and both AC's are listed for the monsters in the book. Both AC's are also offered when it comes to the characters' armor as well. There are a number of other optional rules included, that will be familiar to older players. As for the books themselves, they are well done. The bindings are solid. The single volume edition I have has two silk bookmarks in it which are very handy, and as Dan pointed out, there is a lot of old school feeling artwork throughout.
Hi Professor, Your Aussie mate here! (Was out of internet 'range' for all of April - now playing catch-up.... 😲) As a player who cut his teeth on first edition (3d6 per ability, no swapping etc) I love the look of the Old School Essentials. 👍😃 Maybe newer Players will appreciate later versions of the game on seeing the OSE...... I live in hope. 😉 M 🦘🏏😎
@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Ah, mate, that's awesome!! I hope it's not just people of my age buying it. Ha ha ha ha Gee, might there be an OSE-based video game in the pipeline, I wonder? 🤔
My favourite death saves system is the one from Pathfinder 2nd edition. I can understand the appeal of dying on 0 hit points, but I'm personally not a fan of it. While on the other hand the way 5th edition D&D handles it is dumb and practically makes a player invincible. PF2e finds a nice middle route (if you like a tiny bit of crunch, but tbf it sounds more intimidating than it really is). When you reach 0 HP you become unconscious and gain the Dying condition, this condition starts with a value of 1 and has a max value of 4. Each turn you make a saving throw and if you succeed the value is decreased by 1, if you fail it increases by 1. If the value reaches 4, your character is dead and if it reaches 0 you are stabilized but still unconscious. On top of that, the DC of the saving throw is 10 + dying value, so the more you fail, the tougher the check becomes. But now for the real kicker, and the thing that stops it turning into revive spam like D&D5e. When you succeed and become Unconscious or if you get healed and get up again, you gain the Wounded 1 condition (and this number increases by 1 each time you get downed). The next time you die you don't start at Dying 1 but at Dying 1 + wounded value. And the wounded value is not something that can be easily reduced. Couple that with pf2e 4 degrees of success and dying is something you really want to avoid. Three examples: 1. John the fighter get's knocked out and becomes Unconscious with the Dying 1 condition. On his turn he makes a Recovery Check with a DC of 11 and he rolls a 12, resulting in a failure. On his next turn he now has a DC of 12 on his Recovery check, John is a lucky guy and rolls 13, decreasing his Dying value back down to 11. On his third turn his Recovery Check DC would one again equal 11, but Sarah the Cleric steps in with a Heal spells and restores him back to positive hit points, ending the Unconscious and Dying condition and bringing John back into the fight. However, John now has the Wounded 1 condition, and this can not be removed without extensive care OUT OF COMBAT. John is not having the best day of his life and on the next turn get's hit by a critical hit, once again bring him down to 0HP, this time he gains the Unconscious condition and he starts at Dying 2 (1 + Wounded 1). On his turn John needs to make a a DC 12 Recovery check but alas, he rolls a 2. Duo to PF2e's 4 degrees of success, this counts as a critical failure and increases his Dying value by 2 instead of 1, bringing it up to 4, instantly killing John the Fighter. 2. Jeremy the Rogue is also not having that good a day. He got downed, but before he had to roll for a Recovery Check, Sarah the Cleric had already revived him, bringing him back into action with Wounded 1. Alas, on his next turn he once again gets downed, but much like the last time Sarah is there to bring him back to live, increasing his Wounded condition to 2 by doing so. Jeremy didn't learn his lesson yet and once again engages the big bad Orc, who once again kills him. But once again Sarah is there to heal him (aka Healing Word Spam in D&D). Being Wounded 3 Jeremy finally realizes he needs to be more careful and decided to try and run away from the battle, sadly for him, the Archer in the back isn't letting that happens and shoots him, once again bringing him down to 0HP. Rather than going unconscious, Jeremy just dies instantly this time because his Dying value upon reaching 0HP was 4 (1 + Wounded 3). 3. Jack the Barbarian wants to avenge both of his battle companions John and Jeremy and storms the big bad Orc in charge, only to get taken down by a Goblin backstabbing before he gets there. The Orc is next and decides to make an example of Jack and attacks him while he is unconscious on the ground, critically striking him and increasing his Dying value by 2. On Jacks turn he needs to make a DC 13 Recovery Check, but alas he rolls a 12, bringing his Dying value to 4 and permanently killing him. 4. Only Sarah the Cleric remains with a bunch of Orcs and Goblins, healing is not going to help her bring her friends back to life this time. In short, 0 HP doesn't outright kill you but it starts a downwards spiral that will kill you soon if you don't get your shit together. It doesn't punish you for a single crit, but it does enforce you to play safe because Death really isn't that far away.
This or a slight simplification of this is a good compromise for 5e, I think. I want to try OSE for a short adventure or 1 shot and see what my players think, but this is what I will be using in 5e going forward.
“Rogue” is not a euphemism, it is a broad description of a player skillset wherein one option is to play a thief as a subclass and profession. A Rogue can also be a lawful good, rapier-wielding noble; a chaotic good acrobat; a neutral swashbuckler; an evil spell-casting trickster, etc. a “thief” subclass still exists in the game.
@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 - I am impressed to learn that mothers in 1980 overlooked the obvious Satanism going on in the suburban basement, and instead drew the line at roleplaying a thief. 😉
One thing not mentioned is that Moldvay rules (especially organized like in OSE), are perfects for hacking/modding/housrule. Do you want negative HP? No problem, add the rule. How about advantage/disadvantage? -No problem, add it. It's such a light system, that you can decorate it with whatever rules you want.
I think this is the key reason why B/X is the most popular version of D&D in the old school scene. It's the basic bones of D&D, presented in a clear fashion. You can layer on parts from other editions or of your own creation with ease.
My daughter wanted an illusionist elf. Easy I just said okay your elf can choose from the illusionist spell list instead of the magic user spell list from Advanced OSE rules.
Agreed! I find it easy to cherry pick ideas from other games and use them in BX. With a game like 5e which is systemically broken, not so much.
You are correct! That comment is perfect. If I had money, I’d hire you to write for the show.
@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Thanks Prof, you flatter me! I think your hot takes are perfect as-is. We need more kick-in-the-door, unapologetic opinion these days.
When I ran 5e before moving over to OSE I used to apply a level of exhaustion at 0hp. That really starts to add up!
I'm doing the same right now. I also made long rests 24 hours, really inspires them to not throw themselves at enemies until they win.
Me too. Exhaustion is undervalued.
I also did away with feats, exotic pc races, multiclassing and balanced encounters. Some skill checks should be made secretly by the dm instead of players. Divine casters should stick to alignment etc.
All this helps but eventually 1st/2nd is just more memorable. Encounters and monster reactions turn into chases/pursuits and negotiations more often than into combat.
I took the best of 5th ed -advantage, disadvantage and flexible spellcasting - and added it to 1st/2nd ed.
That can become a drag rather than simply rolling a new character and joining the party.
OSE is my single favorite retroclone out there on the market. It's clear, concise, and designed with active playability in mind. It's truly a work of are and the best incarnation of B/X to exist thus far, including the original B/X.
Good video! Thanks for the review. You may have tipped me to buy it. Sounds really solid.
One correction. Elves are not at 1/2 level in Moldvay/Cook. It's true that they're 1/2 XP, but XP goes up exponentially for all characters. So, an Elf needs the same XP for 2nd level as a Fighter does for 3rd. If the Fighter were 6th level (32,000 XP), an Elf with the same XP would be 5th (also 32,000 XP). So, Elves lag roughly 1 level behind. A lot of us thought Elves were overpowered, for that reason. It is true that they cap at 10th level, but that's the only disadvantage that I can see.
Several House Rules that might fix this:
1. Scrap Elf XP. Give them some other class's XP (maybe Dwarf). Declare that whatever level they are, they operate as a Fighter and a Magic User of 1/2 level each, rounded down. Don't let them even cast spells until 2nd Level (1/2 rounded down is 0, so they'd have to wait for 2).
2. Let them cast Druid spells instead, bringing Druid spells in from either BECMI or AD&D 1e. Let them use the Magic User casting chart for this. This always made more sense to me.
3. Bring in the rule from 2e that you can't cast spells while in armor. That makes it so that they can't run around in platemail casting fireballs and lightning bolts (which is what everyone I knew who played B/X complained about). They can wear armor, they just can't cast spells if they do. If they want to cast spells, they have to take the risk.
4. Eliminate the Magic User spell casting and have them use the Dwarf XP chart. They'd basically be a Fighter variant. Maybe even let them have d8 for HD if you do this. Or, maybe say they can cast 1 1st level spell once per day, to give them the sense of being magical by nature, but that's it.
As for Magic Users being low powered, that didn't bother me when I played B/X, except for one thing. Magic Users in old school are basically just super move characters, particularly at low levels. 1st level Magic Users are almost worthless except for that 1 Sleep spell. I let them use Detect Magic, Read Magic, and an Analyze Magic skill, starting at 1st level, sort of like a Thief Ability. The idea is that Magic Users can always analyze magical everything (magic items, magic portals, magic traps, etc.) They're magic experts. I'll also throw in a familiar and maybe non-magical alchemy and astrology skills as well. That gives them neat things they can do at low levels. I might also just let them cast Cantrips on a skill roll like this as well (old-school Cantrips, not WotC ones... meaning that they're nigh-useless little, tiny things that they can try to do).
I've been playing since 1982 and in all that time I've found that what players want most is to be able to contribute to the party. My main issue is not that Magic Users are underpowered (never use melee attacks... you'll die!), but rather that they can't contribute often enough. I actually like this solution even better than WotC's. 0th Level spells don't do it for me, but the idea that there are always some really basic things that Magic Users can do to help them contribute to the party in other ways than finally casting that 1 1st level spell.
OSE sounds great, though, if it has more d20 System type stuff.
Having weaker characters means they'll try their best to stay out of combat and really fear the monsters. A weaker magic user class means that not many players will be inclined to play as a magic user, making magic rare and special. Elves taking longer to level up reflects the fact that they live long lives and can take their time, they don't need to be hasty and greedy as humans. This game is a great example of how rules can be used to create the tone and setting of the world.
This boxed set literally reminds me of the old 1e days when life was simpler and TPKs were more frequent. I wonder how people who have only played 5e would take having more simple (and less) rules...
Great Video! I miss the old school art.
Any version that doesn't have feats is a good version.
I find all the singular 'they' pronouns and 'snake-persons' present in OSE ridiculous, but having said that I have to admit the game's layout and presentation is pure gold.
"DEATHBRINGER HERE. EXPECT A GO-FUND ME SOON TO GET ME OFF THIS RIDICULOUS HEXAGON BASE. STAY TUNED"
OSE (with or without the "Advanced" stuff) is the single best edition of D&D and nothing will change my mind about that. I wish Necrotic Gnome nothing but success going forward, not the least because the upcoming _Dolmenwood_ campaign setting will be fucking awesome.
I am so looking forward to the Dolmenwood Kickstarter when it hits. Hopped on that Patreon as soon as I knew about it.
I love when you go over old-school stuff and other games, it is criminal that you don't have more exposure because I try to incorporate the classic themes of older editions into 5e, your videos are invaluable and are such an inspiration
Thanks, Zach. You can give me exposure by sharing. Thanks for the kind words!
You might want to check out 'Low Fantasy Gaming' for a mix of 5e and OSR sensibilities. Seems to be somewhere in between, with a bit more sword & sorcery pulp feel.
OSE is one of the best, in terms of editing and layout, games ever published. Gavin Norman by himself does more than entire teams, like WotC or Paizo, to make the rules easy to understand and find. Having spells in their own book is great too. Just have the cleric and magic-user (not wizard) sit next to each other and hand them the book.
One advantage Norman has is he's dealing with a simpler rule set. So much has been layered on over the years and I really don't think it adds much. Hell, 5e doesn't even properly fix the issues I've had with D&D over the years. They did try to address things like AC only being increased by armor or the hyper abstract hit points. However, they did it by adding rules because they were prisoners to an existing rule set.
@@danmorgan3685 at the same time these are teams. Gavin is one man. The ruleset may be simpler, but WotC has, last I checked more than a few more employees than that. If you pick up any 5e book you'll see the layout is horrible. There's no thought given to page spreads, except in a few places, and certainly no one seemed to care about things like table usability.
Mr. Norman has done a perfect job here, for sure.
Gavin is a brilliant organizational writer. More so, his passion for the original shines though. And his word craft is pure genius! It is efficient, engaging, and crystal clear.
Old School Essentials has the new consolidated 'Advanced' edition arriving soon, in physical form, from their last Kickstarter. Just FYI for those looking to pick it up.
There was some delay due to a lag in printing of one item, but the KS is supposed to be delivered in the next couple months. So the new stuff should be available about that time or shortly afterward.
Can't wait for my delivery!
@@dsan05 Me too. Glad to be using the PDFs already from backing the KS but really want my physical books.
I am hoping the 5 book comes back into stock. I am not happy with the single volume. I find it a PITA to use because of how it opens and the smaller A5 form factor.
@@SamBalducci I'm going to end up with both, as I already have the 5 books + the 2 Advanced options )and my Advanced Tome is coming soon). The boxed set is pretty good, as you'll mainly just end up using a couple of them anyway. Hope they have all the options available!
@@SamBalducci - I was under the impression that the earlier set of 5 smaller books was also digest size. The upcoming new edition just combining them, along with the latter add-ons, into a pair of thicker (still digest sized) books. They had a KS option for just getting the new content in thinner books to match those earlier ones some people already own, and those are also digest (A5) size.
Love the cover: that wizard riding the rainbow with an apathetic expression saying "I do this all the time, I give no fuck"
still play B/X never bought another rulebook again. Its the most malleable rules there are
OSE is the backbone of my group's D&D ruleset. We've added a few 1e things with Advanced Fantasy, and few 5e things. So easy to pick up and play with kids.
Ugh, PDM.... you should really get a commission for all the stuff you’ve pushed me to buy. Thanks! :)
You will not regret it.
Same. Lol
@@markfaulkner8191 I did the Kickstarter for the newest version and we are now playing a megadungeon. Session zero was fine. 2/5 PCs died on first session. Excited to continue.
Ain’t no school like old school!
Great review, Professor....
True that.
This is the epitome of a RPG book. The layout is a OCD's dream. Every game company should use this as a template on how to.
Old School Renaissance!
I ran MacDeath last weekend for a charity game, and it went well!
Awesome!
I don't know if you have, but I would love to see a review by you of the rules set "Labyrinth Lord" by By Daniel Proctor published by Goblinoid Games.
Even if you don't run OSE, grabbing that book and reading it will help you become a better Dungeon Master.
I really don't agree with this at all. It's an amazing *reference* book, nothing on the market comes close.
But it really doesn't even attempt to teach you how to play. It refers the reader to OSR primers for that. I think this suits the books intent, but is objectively a weak point if you're not already an experienced GM/player. I would never direct someone to OSE for guides or tips on how to run a game.
That's exactly the one thing OSE doesn't do. It's almost perfect reference book which has basically no information how to actually run the game besides the dungeon/wilderness play sequences.
@@Fhuul those two things are very helpful, though maybe not worth the cost of the book? I'm reading through and am definitely feeling the lack of guidance as someone new to OSR, but those two rulesets are definitely getting picked up and put in my 5e games.
Agreed, OSE Is a fantastic product. Good luck getting a copy of that boxed set though haha.
They're likely doing another Kickstarter at some point for that, but I just picked up the single volume time and a player's book for my players...not quite as cool, but still. Also looking forward to the advanced set!
Waiting for them sell the box version again.
Btw Professor... all items you wear are +5 not +1 😊
Loved this review OSE looks better than anything we had in the 1980’s. We are not at zero hit points yet so let’s keep fighting 👍
You are a true hero good luck in your fight for good health 👍
may you be blessed with many years of good health 👍
Keep rolling 20🙏
One thing that I do when I run 5E is that if characters go to 0hp in a fight they are badly hurt and even if you healed to positive they cannot do anything until after a while of resting after the combat. Eliminates the down and up again that the eminent professor mentioned.
Seems reasonable and far more realistic.
Ooph, hope the rules are easier to understand than they are to buy…
Have you done a video on Dungeon Crawl Classics yet.
I agree about the layout etc but I must say with that comes the loss of flavor, I have both versions of OSE, I think they are great reference material, but I always pick up my original BX books to play. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I can say several places in OSE that I feel the wording is actually more confusing to new players - in condensing the rules there seems to have been an assumption that the players have some RPG background and really even some OSR background. So for my money I’d spend $5 to get the BX pdf to absorb the flavor of old school and then grab these beautiful books for quick reference. Great episode as always.
This has become my favorite game book ever!
I never thought anyone could rival Matt coleville, but once I was through with all his, I kept coming back to your videos.
I realized that he delves more into story, drama, and presentation, you tend to analyze gameplay mechanics and how they make a game feel.
You guys are like two sides of a coin.
Love Matt's videos but he's kinda exhausting because he talks so fast. I keep wanting to ask him to slow down just a little bit. I always feel a bit mentally exhausted after each of his videos and it takes me a bit of time to absorb what he was talking about. Great point on the two sides of the same coin btw.
If you **really** want to see the opposite side of the coin from Prof DM, check out Guy Sclanders (How to be a great GM).
He tries to keep things system agnostic, and focuses almost entirely on drama and story. He also relies heavily (a little too heavily, IMO) on rule 0. If the rules get in the way of the story he wants, he just ignores that rule. (This includes the rules regarding PC death.)
I follow Matt Colville and put one or two of his tips in my games, but the help of PDM has been far superior to me. I realized what kind of game I wanted to run after seeing one of the game streams of Colville and his crew, while his advice was great and exiting the gameplay, particularly combat was tedious. I saw one of the combats of his table and to be honest it was disappointing. His players with a bored expression in their faces describing the character actions at a really slow pace... boring. While thanks at the advice of PDM my combats are now fast, cinematic and full of danger, magic is dangerous and my player fight quick as lightning since I put timers in their turns, and the best part... they love it.
Never been a huge fan of Matt. Professor is my jam though.
@@Acmegamer lol, I listen to him at 2 X speed as find ppl talk so slow 🤣
I fondly remember having countless characters die back in those days. Getting to lvl 5 or 6 was quite the achievement (all praise Redster Firebarben). I think once we had a high lvl magic-user npc (10?) That managed to resuscitate a cleric with the help of potions, spells, charms and divine intervention; all at great cost to the other players (sort of a mini adventure in itself). The cleric lost half his lvls and could never advance again but received other bonuses I think. (Well… it was 40 yrs ago…)
Zero HP = Death is the natural order of things; I don’t think I could play “safe space” versions. All hail Deathbringer!! Oh, and maybe we’ll put out some kibble for the Professor…
It should be said that the "Advanced Fantasy" tomes are in production right now and they compile the extra advanced fantasy material into a dmg tome and a player tome along with the previous material so if you want to get this system id go with that option first. There is also talk about a new boxed set including all the material as well but i dont know much on that yet.
Yeah, this should be highlighted for those looking to get it. The new edition is supposed to be shipping out in the next couple months, and has all the later-released content consolidated.
I like the gold to XP rule - I imagine it represents players spending gold on training, researching spells, donating to their favorite temple, luxury items, or just carousing in the tavern. :-) Without this rule, you might have 5th level characters still sleeping in alleys & eating moldy bread so they can save all of their gold, which seems a bit silly.
Do the OSE gold to XP rules allow players to earn XP no matter how they acquired the gold?
Supported the Advanced Rules Kickstarter and proud to get my name in the proof-reader section
For those who don't know, the man behind OSE, Gavin Norman, is also behind one of the best settings out there, Dolmenwood. He has been releasing samples of the upcoming book on the Necrotic Gnome Patreon and y'all should check it out.
Just hopped on there recently. Very much looking forward to the Kickstarter whenever it happens!
"Back in my day it was called B/X Essentials." < shakes +1 stick >
Great review. Love Necrotic Gnome and everything Gavin has released. Looking forward to Dolmenwood!!
A hello from Curitiba, Brazil!
Thank you for reviewing this. I'm a huge fan of OSE. I'll be running a session Zero tomorrow. First time my group has gotten together in over a year.
I discovered your channel at some point during the lock down. I appreciate it. You really helped to keep my gaming itch scratched.
what I find cool looking back is that Bladesinger in 5e is an Elven subclass and back in OSRs Elves were just all bladesingers
Had to watch this twice to absorb the info , thank you , this is on the birthday list.
I miss the Moldvay B/X rulebooks, and never (completely) forgave my mother for casually tossing them out...along with the original White Box D&D rules and who knows how many other books/supplements. 😟
This and lotfp are my way to go oldschool.
I like LOTFP skll system for rogues. I use that instead.
Does OSE address how to resolve things like non-thieves attempting to hide or move silently? Or, more generally, how do old school games resolve actions modern games would use a skill system for?
I have this question too. I would ask on r/osr .
Algorithms for the algorthim god! Comments for the comment throne!!
Basic Fantasy Roleplaying is awesome as well, only costs 5 quid and the pdf is free! I'd encourage everyone to check it out and that price theres no excuse not to ;)
I do enjoy Basic Fantasy but the separation of race and class bothers me. It essentially becomes four classes and some window dressing.
I have to check it out for sure.
As a old school D&D Player since 1981 it seems like the games have become political correct with the current times
I would be very nostalgic for me to play something like this again. We had a Dwarven Cleric in our Party when we played the old version of D&D with the read book and the blue book in the star 90ies, but I don't know if it was something official or homebrew. I also think we had a Paladin or something like that. I played a halfling that died. After that I played another Halfling 🙂
I would prefer something more modern if I had to play a longer campaign. I never liked the xp system or the level caps on the non-humans.
I'm back playing D & D after many many years ago... I bought 5e and the essentials one as well... Will this work with 5e? Can this work with older modules as well? Also can you buy the old modules? Sorry for the silly questions...
Bleh. Didn't care for AD&D 2nd edition or earlier back in its day, don't care for OSR now. If I want an adventure RPG that gets to the point quicker than D&D 5e or Pathfinder where characters have levels, I'll stick to Savage Worlds as my go-to.
the level cap differences seem odd, you have races that can have 2-4 times the lifespan of humans (or whatever they set in this version) so it seems odd that the humans that have the shortest lifespan can level the highest..
OSE is indeed pretty, if you can get your hands on it, but I've got 40 years of muscle memory with B/X ... that makes Moldvay more efficient for me!
Ha. I pre-date THACO, rely on the actuary tables in the DMG. I really like OSE - you should consider reviewing some of Gavin's modules - Hole in the Oak, Winter's Daughter, etc. He is taking similar principles re: streamlining and clarity and applying them to modules. They are super fast and easy to run as a DM and have tons of cool stuff for players.
Same here. Page 74 of my copy of the DMG is super ratty because I was constantly turning to it for hit tables.
Kinda disappointed you didn’t do the fantasy flight’s Star Wars role playing game for may the 4th
It seems clear and concise. I like it but I am not so sure my players will like it. This seems like a good way to get someone into the game without having to be overwhelmed by all of the options 5e gives. I am sure my players would complain about the lack of options but I would argue all of the extra options you get in 5e are primarily cosmetic modifications that mostly gives the illusion of utility benefits and what utility benefits there may be are not often used effectively since when the characters have so many different features the players tend to not use them all because they forget or just focus on specific ones.
I really, really need to buy this game. Thanks for the review.
People secretly love old school because it naturally screens the whiney babbies, edgelords, and cheesemongers.
I started on B/X like you, and have been playing Basic Fantasy which is pretty much B/X with ascending AC. OSE sounds great to me. I hope the new package attracts some younger gamers to see what old-school was all about, and they come to understand that the answer to a problem isn't always on your character sheet.
Outstading episode but it makes me a bit sad for Labyrinth Lord (the OTHER BX clone).
I agree. Gavin said, in some podcast episode I listened to, that he played Labyrinth Lord before designing his B/X Essentials retroclone. Both LL and OSE are great systems.
Going to disagree with almost all of this. But PDM still gets a like and a watch from me.
Hey Professor DM, I've been binging your channel a lot lately. You've helped me change the way I think about DnD, and have me eager to start running games again. I've noticed you've mentioned Darkest Dungeon a few times as I've watched your videos. It's one of my favorite games of all time, and I'd love to hear more about it from the perspective of a seasoned DM like yourself. Thanks for all the great advice and tutorials!
I really love the idea of a “just the facts” formatted rule book. Although flavor text is fun during an initial read through, when gaming I mostly need to quickly look up charts or double check stats. It makes me wish all RPGs offered shortened books as an option. The art is still cool and a must have though!
Old school DnD, TSR days, was far superior. I will check out this Old School Essentials, looks good. About done with 5E. It is too fantastical and for me, not that much fun. OSR with Prof. DM's 10 tips to Grimdark I believe I may have a winner.
In a very short time I've come to love OSR games, but as someone who grew up with 3.0, 3.5, and Pathfinder 1st edition, games like OSE and AD&D were strange and kind of intimidating to me because of how *different* it is. That said, after watching this video I'm now a lot more interested in trying out or running OSE, but I'd definitely want a physical copy as opposed to PDFs after seeing how they're laid out.
OSE books are beautiful bound and written. The rules are so clear.
I think this is an awesome video about OSR content. Great stuff ^^
Thank you!
Hey Professor did you ever play the 80's Middle-Earth roleplaying game aka Merp?
6:08 Are those eyeballs in a vat; or the tentacles of a pet octopoid?
OSE is my jam. I’ve spent a lot of the last nearly two years trying to find “my game”, with OSE, I have. Easy as that. I think most people’s OSE games are different at the table and that’s fantastic, it’s an excellent base.
Literally got OSE yesterday after being inspired by you to design a deadlier, more old school style campaign. Now my favourite D&D TH-camr is doing a review on said game! Thanks PDM for all that you do (and you too Deathbringer)
OSE is the definitive D&D edition. All the other editions feels like eating chocolate with the wrapping still on.
Since experience requirements usually double every level, I would expect the elf to lag about 1 1/2 levels on the average, not three levels. No? Yes?
I have no group to play this with and yet I want to buy it
Spotted OSE...like! But White Box...perhaps even more!
NOTHING is "difficult" about THAC0. It's the simplest of math. I mean even in America people can do that, right?!
@@ArtClubSuperstaridk where you are. They aren’t where I live.
Actually, I only recently discovered, Rogue probably isn't a euphemism. Although I'm sure they went that way to be a little more PC with the class title, but reading through my print copy of the Rules Cyclopedia (I decided what the heck and bought it P.O.D. recently since I couldn't have it 30 years ago when I asked my mom for it), high level Thief characters that opt not to found a guild (in similar fashion to the way most classes are given choices at high levels to go down a land-owning path or wandering path, and oftentimes other options) are called Rogues.
COMMUNITY:
I may have dreamt of this, but
Does PDM have a video on how to adapt literature to D&D?
If you haven't made a video on this topic, could you? I think that would be great for the game, and for education.
th-cam.com/video/q_uOIGyn24M/w-d-xo.html
Also check out Old School Essentials' "Advanced Fantasy" line of books recently released. They contain adaptations of AD&D 1e classes, monsters, treasures. They include the option to have race and class. They include Druids and Illusionists. If you want to play B/X D&D but want a.tad bit more, I highly recommend the Advanced Fantasy books. Think of it as 1e Lite. (Although it isn't AD&D, it's B/X with some AD&D options). With Advanced Fantasy you could play any classic module from 1st edition with ease. (Like T1-4 the Temple of Elemental Evil.)
I hope to see more reviews and playthroughs of a new game system I love called D100 Dungeon by Martin Knight!
It's on my "to read" list.
Actually, when the elf is on 3rd level most of the party will be on 4th, though the thief may be on 5th a lot of that time. I run BECMI, but without all the optional rules from the later sets and basically keep it close to a BX model and style of play; I like the idea of OSE.
Have you checked out the Advanced Old School Essentials that introduces some of the classic classes from AD&D? Curious if that is worth a look
Have you tried Swords and Wizardry by Frog God Games? I got it years ago with Reaper Bones...
No. I've heard of it. Have to check it out.
Thanks professor. I got my copy recently on Runehammers recommendation. Glad I did, but yeah, thieves skills annoy me. Ran a session, new and old players, and it was fun. Lack of class abilities made them very creative (and very cautious).
Picked up the 5 books in PDF, then the Rules Tome in hardcopy .. now waiting on fulfillment from the last KS - guess one could say I like this set of rules.
Definitely a different kind of playstyle from 5e. Can't say if I like it or not without trying it first.
Great review! Makes me wanna buy it (sold out already omg!)
Is it compatible with AD&D and all the classic modules out there?
The B/X rules, and thus OSE, are so close to AD&D that it's easy to mix and match modules using either system. Look for the Advanced Fantasy OSE books coming soon. Same B/X core, but it will add most of the familiar 1E race and class options.
Mrs. PDM needs a new pair of shoes. Feeding the Algorithm for both of you Prof.
Thanks. I'll tell her.
4:39 That is inaccurate. MU have 1 spell per level up to 6th level. After that, it increases.
For example, at 7th level they have 8 spells, at 8th level they have 10, and at 9th level they have 12, etc.
You are correct. Thanks!
I really hate race as class. its dumb. dwarves are so darn lawful in literature, it makes total sense that they would have organized religion. Also why does every elf have to be a fighter mage type dude? doesnt make any sense. that being said i am interested in this rules set and will buy it just because I really love the art and style of story telling that it would generate.
Try Basic Fantasy as a rule set then. It goes up to level 20 and lets you pick a class along with race. The rules aren’t the layout masterpiece of OSE, but are good and the pdf is free to boot.
I'm bringing a party from 5E to OSE and I'm really glad they have so many great optinal rules to make that transition easier.
OSE is great and I wish I encountered it sooner!
A friend of mine recently gifted me the single volume version of OSE. It was a very interesting read, and for those who do not have access to the Holmes/Moldvay/Mentzer editions of D&D, this is a more than adequate substitute. In fact I would highly recommend it to those folks. I, however, will stick with the originals since I still have them from when I was a kid and see nothing in OSE that is a significant improvement on them.
I would add that at least in the volume I have, the AC's are still in the descending format. The ascending format is offered as an optional rule and both AC's are listed for the monsters in the book. Both AC's are also offered when it comes to the characters' armor as well. There are a number of other optional rules included, that will be familiar to older players.
As for the books themselves, they are well done. The bindings are solid. The single volume edition I have has two silk bookmarks in it which are very handy, and as Dan pointed out, there is a lot of old school feeling artwork throughout.
I need to get this. The book looks beautiful.
I'd love to see some of these OSR systems compared head-to-head in a video.
I've been looking forward to this review for a while now!
Hi Professor, Your Aussie mate here! (Was out of internet 'range' for all of April - now playing catch-up.... 😲)
As a player who cut his teeth on first edition (3d6 per ability, no swapping etc) I love the look of the Old School Essentials. 👍😃
Maybe newer Players will appreciate later versions of the game on seeing the OSE...... I live in hope. 😉
M 🦘🏏😎
I think players are finding it. This version just sold out! (one can still purchase the rules tome version).
@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Ah, mate, that's awesome!!
I hope it's not just people of my age buying it. Ha ha ha ha
Gee, might there be an OSE-based video game in the pipeline, I wonder? 🤔
Huge fan of the modern OSR
My favourite death saves system is the one from Pathfinder 2nd edition.
I can understand the appeal of dying on 0 hit points, but I'm personally not a fan of it. While on the other hand the way 5th edition D&D handles it is dumb and practically makes a player invincible. PF2e finds a nice middle route (if you like a tiny bit of crunch, but tbf it sounds more intimidating than it really is).
When you reach 0 HP you become unconscious and gain the Dying condition, this condition starts with a value of 1 and has a max value of 4. Each turn you make a saving throw and if you succeed the value is decreased by 1, if you fail it increases by 1. If the value reaches 4, your character is dead and if it reaches 0 you are stabilized but still unconscious. On top of that, the DC of the saving throw is 10 + dying value, so the more you fail, the tougher the check becomes.
But now for the real kicker, and the thing that stops it turning into revive spam like D&D5e. When you succeed and become Unconscious or if you get healed and get up again, you gain the Wounded 1 condition (and this number increases by 1 each time you get downed). The next time you die you don't start at Dying 1 but at Dying 1 + wounded value. And the wounded value is not something that can be easily reduced. Couple that with pf2e 4 degrees of success and dying is something you really want to avoid.
Three examples:
1. John the fighter get's knocked out and becomes Unconscious with the Dying 1 condition. On his turn he makes a Recovery Check with a DC of 11 and he rolls a 12, resulting in a failure. On his next turn he now has a DC of 12 on his Recovery check, John is a lucky guy and rolls 13, decreasing his Dying value back down to 11. On his third turn his Recovery Check DC would one again equal 11, but Sarah the Cleric steps in with a Heal spells and restores him back to positive hit points, ending the Unconscious and Dying condition and bringing John back into the fight. However, John now has the Wounded 1 condition, and this can not be removed without extensive care OUT OF COMBAT. John is not having the best day of his life and on the next turn get's hit by a critical hit, once again bring him down to 0HP, this time he gains the Unconscious condition and he starts at Dying 2 (1 + Wounded 1). On his turn John needs to make a a DC 12 Recovery check but alas, he rolls a 2. Duo to PF2e's 4 degrees of success, this counts as a critical failure and increases his Dying value by 2 instead of 1, bringing it up to 4, instantly killing John the Fighter.
2. Jeremy the Rogue is also not having that good a day. He got downed, but before he had to roll for a Recovery Check, Sarah the Cleric had already revived him, bringing him back into action with Wounded 1. Alas, on his next turn he once again gets downed, but much like the last time Sarah is there to bring him back to live, increasing his Wounded condition to 2 by doing so. Jeremy didn't learn his lesson yet and once again engages the big bad Orc, who once again kills him. But once again Sarah is there to heal him (aka Healing Word Spam in D&D). Being Wounded 3 Jeremy finally realizes he needs to be more careful and decided to try and run away from the battle, sadly for him, the Archer in the back isn't letting that happens and shoots him, once again bringing him down to 0HP. Rather than going unconscious, Jeremy just dies instantly this time because his Dying value upon reaching 0HP was 4 (1 + Wounded 3).
3. Jack the Barbarian wants to avenge both of his battle companions John and Jeremy and storms the big bad Orc in charge, only to get taken down by a Goblin backstabbing before he gets there. The Orc is next and decides to make an example of Jack and attacks him while he is unconscious on the ground, critically striking him and increasing his Dying value by 2. On Jacks turn he needs to make a DC 13 Recovery Check, but alas he rolls a 12, bringing his Dying value to 4 and permanently killing him.
4. Only Sarah the Cleric remains with a bunch of Orcs and Goblins, healing is not going to help her bring her friends back to life this time.
In short, 0 HP doesn't outright kill you but it starts a downwards spiral that will kill you soon if you don't get your shit together. It doesn't punish you for a single crit, but it does enforce you to play safe because Death really isn't that far away.
Thank you for taking the time to compose this response. I think people will find it helpful. Cheers!
This or a slight simplification of this is a good compromise for 5e, I think. I want to try OSE for a short adventure or 1 shot and see what my players think, but this is what I will be using in 5e going forward.
“Rogue” is not a euphemism, it is a broad description of a player skillset wherein one option is to play a thief as a subclass and profession. A Rogue can also be a lawful good, rapier-wielding noble; a chaotic good acrobat; a neutral swashbuckler; an evil spell-casting trickster, etc. a “thief” subclass still exists in the game.
Thanks for writing. I know what "rogue" means now. But it started because mothers complained. I know because I wrote for the 2nd ed.
@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 - I am impressed to learn that mothers in 1980 overlooked the obvious Satanism going on in the suburban basement, and instead drew the line at roleplaying a thief. 😉
Algorithm! Nom, nom, nom, nom...