In which I play OSRIC for 30 years

So. Gearing up for a new campaign. Definitely a 1e thing, but I think I'm going to run OSRIC again.

Partly because I anticipate again having players new to old school D&D and want them to be able to download a free copy of the rules.

Also, the last OSRIC campaign I ran made me realize something.

While many folks write about their early 1e experiences as being a mash-up of B/X & AD&D, this wasn't my experience at all. No one in my gaming group, or any of the groups I knew of, played B/X. Or, even owned the boxed sets. It was 1e all the way.

We played the game pretty much by the book. I've always used segments and casting times. Weapon damage vs. L opponents. MR based on the caster being 11th level.

We didn't use weapon vs. ac or weapon speed. I imagine that probably was due to the influence of elder gamers who had disappeared into the halls of Valhalla, long before I met my initial gaming buddies. Don't really know for sure

When I look back on it, aside from houeruled individual initiative and lifting limits on single-classed demi's, the game I've played for 30 years looks a hell of a lot like OSRIC!

This Week's Conan Pic

A scene by Fabian, from Queen of the Black Coast:

"Over all brooded a silence as sinister as that of a sleeping serpent. Belit posed picturesquely among the ruins, the vibrant life in her lithe figure contrasting strangely with the desolation and decay about her. The sun flamed up slowly, sullenly, above the jungle, flooding the towers with a dull gold that left shadows lurking beneath the tottering walls. Belit pointed to a slim round tower that reeled on its rotting base. A broad expanse of cracked, grass-grown slabs led up to it, flanked by fallen columns, and before it stood a massive altar. Belit went swiftly along the ancient floor and stood before it."

R. E. Howard - Queen of the Black Coast

You can read the full text of Queen of the Black Coast, here.

The Guide to Glorantha Kickstarter

Link to KS Page

For the KS wary:

"The book is designed, written, and ready to go. All we need to get it over the finish line and into your hands are funds for printing the main book, the Argan Argar color atlas, and also the 11 x 17 inch poster map set."

I've never been into Glorantha, but a high production, system neutral, definitive edition of the setting is something that's peaking my interest.

Pacesetter Games & Simulations Cataclysm at the Acaeum Kickstarter

Bill Barsh of Pacesetter Games & Simulations has set up his first Kickstarter - Cataclysm at the Acaeum - A 1e/OSRIC Megadungeon box set that is also available in a Swords & Wizardry version. 

http://kck.st/SuSBmr

The initial goal has been met, with 27 days left to get in on the backing.

"Cataclysm at the Acaeum is a megadungeon boxed set that is compatible with the First Edition game (as well as the OSRIC system). This boxed set will include four 36-page adventure books (each containing 4-6 scenarios), three 32-page adventure books (large scale adventure), 24+ cardstock maps and a poster map of the acaeum complex. There will also be a separate book detailing all significant NPCs, New Monsters and New Magic Items. When complete, this will be the largest boxed set produced for the First Edition game!

"UPDATE: I have recieved more than a few requests to create a Swords & Wizardry option. Therefore, all backers will have the option to choose either a First Edition version or a Swords & Wizardry version. For those who want both, you can pledge an additonal $55 (you save $10) on any addition boxed set purchases."

I Apologize in Advance for this Political Post

Paid for by the Committee to Reduce Hypocrisy in Government

The Blockbuster Movie We've All Been Waiting For!!!

Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness
On SyFy November 10th

http://www.syfy.com/movies/dungeons_dragons_the_book_of_vile_darkness

A Pleasant Surprise in ICv2's latest Top 5 RPG's Bestsellers List!

From the ICv2 Website:

Top 5 Roleplaying Games – Summer 2012
	Title	Publisher
1	Pathfinder	Paizo Publishing
2	Dungeons & Dragons	Wizards of the Coast
3	Dark Heresy/Rogue Trader/Deathwatch	Fantasy Flight Games
4	Dragon Age	Green Ronin Publishing
5	Dungeon Crawl Classics	Goodman Games

No surprise that Paizo is still holding the #1 spot. WotC, FFG & Green Ronin are to be expected on the list, as well.

But breaking into the fifth position is none other than Goodman Games with the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG!

With the game already in its second printing and new modules being released every month, DCC is making its presence felt in the RPG world. I'm rather pleased to see an unabashedly old school game, doing so well!

The image on the left, is for the soon to be released alternate cover printing. Goodman is currently taking pre-orders for this one!

As you can see, Hugh of the Red and White Striped 70's pants, has met his end!

And speaking of DCC, if you haven't checked out CRAWL!, you're missing an awesome zine!