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M-Force

2023-05-22T21:21:41Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7: /* Setting */

{{skub}}

{{Game Infobox
|name = M-Force: Monster Hunting in the 21st Century
|picture = [[Image:M-ForceLogo.png‎|230px]]
|type = [[RPG]]
|publisher = Hex Games
|system = Modified QAGS
|authors = Leighton Connor
|year = 2002
}}

'''''M-Force: Monster Hunting in the 21st Century''''' is a monster hunting game set in modern times, where players assume the role of M-Force agents set to defend the world from everyday super-normal threats. It should not be mistaken for the [[Yu-Gi-Oh]] card ''M Force'', a range of over-priced watches, or the series of condoms available from Genomma Lab Internacional.

==System==
The system is a modified version of QAGS (the Quick Ass Game System), which is a generic system by the same people, because if there's anything the hobby needs more of it's all-purpose systems. It's standard fare rolling a d20 against target numbers, adding in regular stats as well as made-up ones, a la ''[[Risus]]''. A mechanic called Yum Yums represents a pool to draw on to re-roll, add successes, etc., but is pretty charming in that it is represented by sweets or other small edibles, which are fair game for a player to eat if they feel they're doing well and are peckish.

==Setting==
The world of ''M-Force'' is one where monsters have been lurking in the shadows since prehistoric times, the human populace crowding together for protection. The setting treats this with some depth, with history of monster hunting through the ages detailed, and something called the Hunt-Ray curve which describes the waxing and waning of monster-based phenomenon over time. (Not to be confused with [http://www.rayhunt.com/ Ray Hunt], who is "...here for the horse - to help him get a better deal").

The overall M-Force organisation is international in scope, and the act of monster hunting is treated as a necessary evil that is just a fact of life. Because the world of M-Force is part of a larger Hex Games Ficton (which includes almost-forgotten products like ''Galaxikhan Attacks!'') there are several other agencies detailed that have an interest in protecting the world from similar threats. And history about the organisation, and key people who have shaped it and the larger world. It could be argued there is in fact ''too much'' detail for what could be a simple monster bashing game, but it could equally be argued that there is no such thing as too much detail in [[RPG|role-playing games]].

An ongoing concern for M-Force is the War on Slugs, which was hastily launched when it was finally noticed that people were being infested with slug critters who took over their bodies, like in ''[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049366/ Invasion] [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077745/ of the Body Snatchers]'', the ''Go'auld'' in ''[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118480/ Stargate: SG-1]'', the ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' episode ''[http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Conspiracy_(episode) Conspiracy]'', the [http://futurama.wikia.com/wiki/Brain_Slug Brain Slugs] in ''Futurama'', and the [http://whitewolf.wikia.com/wiki/Souleaters derpy bit] in the ''Vampire: the Masquerade'' supplement ''Dirty Secrets of the Black Hand'' that suggested the Vicissitude Discipline is a malevolent disease, but is otherwise original.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:M-ForceRoleplaying.png|The sparse, bold cover of the first (and probably only) edition of the M-Force RPG book. So avant-garde, even for 2002.
Image:M-ForceRoleplayingBackCover.png|Back cover to the M-Force RPG book. Note, it covers all the bases needed for a monster-hunting RPG: gay Egon, Kylie Griffin in a thong, and a redhead.
Image:M-ForceRoleplaying2ndEdition1.jpg|Proposed artwork for a second Edition that is almost definitely not happening. Note, the bases are still covered, although Kylie is hiding her underwear for some reason.
Image:M-ForceRetardCondones.jpg|Condoms that are not the same thing as this game. Genuinely have the word "Retard" on them.
</gallery>

[[Category:Roleplaying]]

Stars Without Number

2023-05-22T19:34:31Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7: /* Supplements */

{{Game Infobox
|name = Stars Without Number
|picture = [[Image:Starswithoutnumber.jpg|200px]]
|type = [[RPG]]
|publisher = Sine Nomine
|system = D&D Retroclone
|authors = Kevin Crawford
|year = 2010 (Original Edition) <br /> 2017 (Revised Editon)
}}

''Stars Without Number'' is a Science Fiction based [[retroclone]] of B/X Dungeons And Dragons by way of Classic Traveller, created by Kevin Crawford. It's currently in its second edition, which revamps the game with a few more modern touches.

== How Does It Play? ==
If you've played D&D, you know. D20 dice rolls for combat resolution, with 1e using Descending AC and 2e using Ascending. Characters have skills like Traveller, which are resolved on rolls of 2d6.

There are <strike>three</strike>four classes: Warrior (fight stuff, turn failed attack or dodge rolls into successes), Experts (double skill points, turn failed skill rolls into successes), Psychics (use psychic powers), and Adventurers (pick two of the above, dip into their skillset). Combat is highly lethal, thanks to low HP upgrades and high powered weapons. This is backed by one change from the classic formula: Shock Damage, which evens the odds for melee characters by making sure that even on a "miss" they inflict damage if the enemy isn't wearing sufficient armor. This means a swarm of mutant hicks with sharp sticks is just as deadly as a bounty hunter with a plasma repeater if you let them close in. So don't do that. PCs can make a "Snap Attack" in the middle of an enemy turn if they haven't gone yet, but it gives you a pretty big penalty to-hit.

Beyond that, the game's simple. Crawford wants you to be able to translate your B/X stuff into this and replace the orcs with space pigs, liches with crazy AIs, et cetera.

Like many of Crawford's books, there's more random tables than you may know what to do with. This is a very good thing, since it's optimized for sandbox campaigns.

== What's the Story? ==
The year is 3200. Humanity used to rule the stars, but then the Scream happened and all interstellar travel got wiped. But it's back now, and the universe needs <strike>Rogue Traders</strike>Free Merchants to travel places, search for pre-tech, connect with lost worlds and exploit them, and anything else.

The setting is intentionally big and vague to act as a sandbox for players who want to live out their Han Solo/Malcolm Reynolds/John Crichton fantasies.

== Difference Between Original and Revised ==
Armor Class in OG is Descending, with a base Armor Class of 9. Revised switched over to Ascending Armor Class.

Class Differences
* Experts: OG can reroll skill check once per in-game hour. Revised can reroll skill checks once per scene.
* Psychics: Psi-points have been renamed Effort. Revised psychic has a d6 hp vs OG d4. Psychic disciplines in OG max at 5, Revised maxes out at 4 but has more abilities that unlock as you level up the skill.
* Warriors: OG can reroll combat checks once per combat and has d8 HP per level. Revised can reroll once per scene and has d6+2 HP (averaging higher hit points)

OG has 44 skills, with each different weapon, technology level, and vehicle type having it's own skill. Revised has 25, with similar skills such as ''Combat (Energy)'', ''Combat (Ballistic)'', ''Combat (Gunnery)'' being combined into ''Shoot'', while also removing skills like Artist which are unlikely to come up in regular play.

Revised introduced Shock damage, a way of buffing melee combat in a game where most characters will have access to assault rifles. Essentially, when attacking with melee weapons against enemies with insufficient Armor Class, the weapons still deal the lowest possible damage to the enemy (so a "Miss" with a 1d4 damage Knife would deal 1 damage, plus attribute modifiers)

== Free Version vs Paid Version ==
The paid version of the game adds a number of modifiers for GMs to play with, including but not limited to
* Transhumanist campaigns, wherein player characters can easily change "shells", including dealing with the alienation that comes from being in a body that isn't your own.
* Magic, including three new classes (or rather, three classes that act as stand-ins for magic-users from other systems). The Arcanist is a generalist. The Magister is a specialist. The Adept is a framework for importing specialized classes like the Cleric, Paladin, or Elf into the game.
* Heroic Campaigns, which changes the gritty combat into something more akin to Crawford's Godbound. PCs take less damage, while NPCs drop like flies.
* The True AI class, for all your players who want to play the equivalent of a lich
* Mechs, for when you want to have access to 20 tons of awesome

== Supplements ==
Various supplements have been released for the system which acts as GM tools and advice for running various types of sci-fi games. While most were released for the original edition, they are still mostly compatible with the revised edition.

Revised Edition Releases
* Distant Lights: Space Villages/Outposts!
* Codex of the Black Sun: Space Magic!
* Persons of Interest: Interesting People!
Original Edition Releases
* Skyward Steel: Space Naval Stuff!
* Suns of Gold: Making Money! in space.
* Starvation Cheap: Land Wars! not in space.
* Darkness Visible: Space Espionage!
* Polychrome: Cyberpunk! not in space.
* Engines of Babylon: Custom Vehicles and System Ships!
* Relics of the Lost: Alien Artifacts!
* Sixteen Stars: Interesting Places!
There's also a lot of free mini-supplements on DriveThruRPG.

== Links ==
*[[Retroclone]]
*[[Traveller]]

{{Retroclones}}
[[Category:Old school]]

Cepheus Engine

2023-05-22T19:17:43Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

{{Stub}}
The '''Cepheus Engine''' is a [[retroclone]] based off of Classic ''[[Traveller]]''. Basically the same system, but strips out anything from the Third Imperium setting, making it easier to apply the system to new settings. Currently the version published by Samardan Press is the "official" version, but companies like Moon Toad Publishing and Stellagamma Publishing have made their own takes on the rules.

Has inspired various alternate settings, most notably ''Hostile'' by Zozer Games, a setting based off of 70s/80s sci-fi horror movies like ''Alien'' and ''Outland''.
==Links==
* [https://www.orffenspace.com/cepheus-srd/introduction.html Free Basic SRD]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]

Cepheus Engine

2023-05-22T19:12:04Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

The '''Cepheus Engine''' is a [[retroclone]] based off of Classic ''[[Traveller]]''. Basically the same system, but strips out anything from the Third Imperium setting, making it easier to apply the system to new settings. Currently the version published by Samardan Press is the "official" version, but companies like Moon Toad Publishing and Stellagamma Publishing have made their own takes on the rules.

Has inspired various alternate settings, most notably ''Hostile'' by Zozer Games, a setting based off of 70s/80s sci-fi horror movies like ''Alien'' and ''Outland''.
==Links==
* [https://www.orffenspace.com/cepheus-srd/introduction.html Free Basic SRD]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]

Cepheus Engine

2023-05-22T19:11:55Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

The '''Cepheus Engine''' is a [[retroclone]] based off of Classic ''[[Traveller]]''. Basically the same system, but strips out anything from the Third Imperium setting, making it easier to apply the system to new settings. Currently the version published by Samardan Press is the "official" version, but companies like Moon Toad Publishing and Stellagamma Publishing have made their own takes on the rules.

Has inspired various alternate settings, most notably ''Hostile'' by Zozer Games, a setting based off of 70s/80s sci-fi horror movies like ''Alien'' and ''Outland''.

==Links==
* [https://www.orffenspace.com/cepheus-srd/introduction.html Free Basic SRD]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]

Retroclone

2023-05-22T19:11:38Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

A '''retroclone''' (commonly referred to as '''OSRs''', short for "Old School Renaissance games") is a knock-off of an older gaming system, for those [[grognard]]s with grey in their [[neckbeards]] that mumble about how things were better "back in my day." However, as everyone grognarded to basically the [[Dungeons_&_Dragons#Original_Dungeons_&_Dragons|same]] [[Advanced_Dungeons_&_Dragons|systems]], most retroclones are pretty similar, with neckbeards arguing which one is the truest experience (when the real answer [[skub|is none of them are]]).

Nevertheless, given the sheer quantity of retroclones out there, it can be helpful to define broad categories.
* "True OSR" games usually stick as closely as possible to the emulated system. The goal here is not to bring anything new to the table but to provide a more convenient way to play old modules or write new ones, usually by clarifying the old rules, having a more modern layout, etc. [[Old School Essentials]] is a prime example of this, being as close as possible to B/X but with an actually readable layout.
* "Pseudo-OSR" games DO bring something new to the table, whether by re-balancing classes, introducing new rules, etc. They are still widely compatible with old modules, but it usually requires some conversion (switching to ascending AC for example). [[Lamentations of the Flame Princess]] is a good example, being based on B/X but with a lot of tweaks.
* Then there's everything else. There's a lot of games out there that try to emulate the feeling of OSR without being retroclones, in the sense that they are not based (or only loosely based) on an existing game. You may hear the term "False OSR", "OSA" (Old School Adjacent), NuSR, etc.

==For Your Reading Pleasure==
[[File:Map_of_OSR.png|800px|thumb|right|A guide to how OSR any given game is, [[Skub|allegedly]]]]

===True OSR===
* ''Adventurer Conquerer King'': Based on the [[Dungeons_&_Dragons#Basic_Dungeons_&_Dragons|1981 B/X set]], with a few changes, such as using a [[Dice#d20|d20]] for most rolls, adding a proficiency system, and doing 'race-and-class-as-class', which means that each race has several different classes to choose from (instead of the single 'elf' or dwarf' race in B/X). It also expands on the dominion management and stronghold building part of the game, with some other options such as trading. Supplements add systems for wars and battles, many more classes, and a custom class building system. Published by Autarch.
* ''Blueholme'': ''Blueholme'' is a knock-off of the 1977 Holmes basic edition of ''D&D'' (aka the weird one), with the base version ''Prentice Rules'' only covering play at levels 1-3. Expanded ''Journeymanne Rules'' bring the game up to level 20. Published by Dreamscape Design
* ''[[Old School Essentials]]'': It's B/X, sticking as close as possible to the original rules, but with modern editing for easy reading. Was originally released as "B/X Essentials", but changed to its current name in April 2019. The books are divided by subject for ease of use (or to get you to buy five books instead of one, your choice), or as a one-volume book. Published by [https://necroticgnome.com/collections/old-school-essentials Necrotic Gnome]. A free version of the rules and misc comments on them is [https://necroticgnome.com/collections/free-downloads available here].
* ''Dark Dungeons'': The knock-off of the [[Dungeons_&_Dragons#D&D_Rules_Cyclopedia|Rules Cyclopedia]] with a few differences. Published by Gratis Games.
** ''Darker Dungeons'' is a reorganized re-release, which makes a number of changes to the base ''Dark Dungeons'' game (including swapping the mechanics of the [[elf]] and [[wizard]] and adding [[firearm|pistols]] as standard equipment)
** Now rereleased as ''Dark Dungeons X'', a halfway point between Dark and Darker, on the grounds that you can just buy a Rules Cyclopedia nowadays anyway.
* ''[[Labyrinth Lord]]'': The knock-off of the 1981 B/X or orange/blue books of D&D (levels 1-14). Published by Goblinoid Games. Settings include-
** ''Advanced Edition Companion/Advanced Labyrinth Lords'': 1e AD&D rule options and add-ons.
** ''Apes Victorious'': Just straight up Planet of the Apes
** ''Mutant Future'': It's [[Gamma World]]
** ''[[Starships & Spacemen]]'': [[Star Trek]]-inspired space adventures
** ''Realms of Crawling Chaos'': Brings [[Lovecraft]] and friends into ''Labyrinth Lord''.
** ''Red Tide'': Fantasy [[China]] leads the rest of the world to Fantasy Australia to escape Fantasy Cthulhu, where they proceed to dispossess Maori Orcs. Made by the same guy who did [[Stars Without Number]].
* ''[[OSRIC]]'': ''Old School Reference & Index Companion'' is a [[/tg/ gets shit done|/tg/-made]] attempt to better 1e AD&D. Published by Knights-N-Knaves
* ''[[Swords & Wizardry]]'': A streamlining of the [[Dungeons & Dragons|White Box]], including all supplements. Published by Frog God Games.
** ''White Star'': ''Swords & Wizardry'' '''IN SPAAAAAAACE'''. Uses race-as-class. Leans heavily on Star Wars, with Star Knights and Void Knights, Aristocrats, Hotshots, et cetera.

===Pseudo-OSR===
* ''[[Basic Fantasy RPG]]'': A knock-off of the 1981 B/X set but adds a few modern touches (races separate from classes, ascending AC, several rules clarifications). It is available for free off of [http://www.basicfantasy.org its main website]. Published by Chris Gonnerman
** ''Iron Falcon'': Created because the creator of ''Basic Fantasy'' was told ''BF'' wasn’t OSR enough. Based on Original ''D&D''. Uses descending AC.
* ''[[Beyond the Wall and Other Adventures|Beyond the Wall]]'': An OSR game with a focus on being able to play with little to no prep, though it's perfectly playable in a more traditional way. Character creation is done "Apocalypse Engine" style, with pre-existing "playbooks" which are flavored through random tables. Published by Flatland Games.
* ''[[Lamentations of the Flame Princess]]'' - A B/X clone with ascending armor class and gore porn. Uses race-as-class, a [[d6]] system for skill rolls, and replaces the [[thief]] with the Specialist, who uses a pseudo-3e skill system to allow them to act as thieves or rangers or historians. Has consistent releases of ungameable modules designed by Old Testament save or die [[GM]]s, with an extra layer of pretentiousness. Published by Lamentations of the Flame Princess, because they're good at naming things.

===Others===
* ''[[Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea]]'': ''AS&SH'' is an [[Advanced_Dungeons_&_Dragons#AD&D_1st_Edition|''AD&D'' 1e]] OSR game which is, as the name suggests, inspired by the [[Conan the Barbarian|works of Robert E Howard]] and co. Its big twist is the large amounts of subclasses to the usual [[Fighter]]/Magic-User/[[Cleric]]/[[Rogue]] array, meaning parties can quickly differentiate themselves... which is necessary, because there are no demi-humans. The "races" are all based on races of men from old Conan stories: Kimmerians, Picts, [[Viking]]s, Stygians, et cetera. Published by North Wind Adventures
* ''[[The Black Hack]]'': First edition retroclone that use roll-under mechanics for everything. Add some unique ideas like the Usage Die to the mix.
* ''[[Castles & Crusades]]'': An AD&D 1e by way of D20. Its big change is the addition of "Prime" attributes, which give a base chance of 12 versus non prime attributes base chance of 18, meaning characters are more specialized. Published by Troll Lord Games
* ''[[Dark Places & Demogorgons]]'': A retroclone ripping off the Netflix series ''Stranger Things'', based on older ''D&D'' (which was featured in the show as a sort of meta-commentary). Set in modern times in a small 1980's Kentucky town, you play as high school students who must get to the bottom of the nefarious goings-on in their community that the adults seem oblivious to. Features numerous (paid, natch) supplements for your Teen Wolf, Ghost busting, UFO Hunters, et cetera experiences. Published by Bloat Games
* ''[[Dungeon Crawl Classics]]'': An [[OGL]] based work which uses Race-As-Class mechanics and high lethality to give the feeling of OSR play without sacrificing modern conveniences... right up until it ruins that by trying to make you buy a bunch of [[dice]] you will probably never use for anything else ever (seriously... d5? d7! d14 AND d16!! d30!!!). Best to just use a simulated dice roller, though that kind of sticks a knife in that coveted OSR experience. Published by Goodman Games
** ''Mutant Crawl Classics'': DCC, but you're a scavenger in a horrific irradiated futue. And probably part animal.
* ''Esoteric Enterprises'': [[Lamentations of the Flame Princess|LotFP]]-style B/X, but as modern day [[Cthulhu Mythos]]/[[World of Darkness]]. Play as a member of the criminal underworld dipping their toes into the supernatural. Uses WP&WS's Flesh-&-Grit system, and tables for playing as a [[vampire]], [[werewolf]], [[ghost]] or other creature of the night if the usual classes aren't your style. Written by Emmy Allen and Published by Dying Stylishly Games.
* ''Exemplars & Eidolans'': The test run for ''Godbound''. Play as an epic Fighter, Rogue, or Sorcerer. Also comes with a commentary laden version which teaches would-be game designers on best practices for editing an RPG book, especially formatting. Published by Sine Nomine Publishing
* ''Five Torches Deep'': A mashup of OD&D and 5e. Character race only effects stat distribution, with elves, dwarves, and halflings starting with 13 in their prime requisite. Has an extensive SUPPLY system to smooth the tracking of equipment. Published by Sigil Stone Publishing
* ''Godbound'': ''D&D'' meets ''[[Exalted]]''. Comes with rules for converting OSR or ''D&D'' adventures so your godling can fight a hoard of orcs barehanded, bring a follower back to life, or grow themself back from their own severed arm. Uses keywords instead of traditional classes, with players starting with three that define their abilities. [http://drivethrurpg.com/product/185959/Godbound-Free-Edition Features a free version on DriveThruRPG]. Published by Sine Nomine Publishing
* ''Knave'': A toolkit from Questing Beast, featuring a leveless magic system that uses gear for spell knowledge. Publishing by Questing Beast.
* ''Machinations of the Space Princess'' is ''LotFP'' but '''IN SPAAAAAAACE''', complete with the partially naked monster woman on the cover. Uses a ''Lamentations'' style d6 skill system, separates the "Looks" stat from Charisma for a total of seven stats, and adds a wealth mechanic where characters without points in the Lifestyle skill will start new adventures penniless, having assumed to have gambled it away or spent it on their ship, thus incentivising players to be quick with their gold. Published by Post Mortem Studios
* ''The Nightmares Underneath'' - An eclectic mix of AD&D 2e with mechanics borrowed from every other edition OD&D to 5e from the writer of the Metamorphica. The vaguely Islamic setting features adventurers of the Land of Dreams fending off incursions from the Land of Nightmares, allowing strange and distorted dungeons that seem like something out of a Goya or Escher painting. Fighters are very good in this one because they never miss, with "hits" dealing double damage. Published by Red Box Vancouver
* ''Silent Legions'': 80's synthwave [[Call of Cthulhu]]-esque Lovecraftian Horror. Geared more towards creating you own mythos instead of using an existing one. Descending AC, keywords instead of classes like ''Godbound'' (albeit at a more conventional power level). Published by Sine Nomine
* [[Stars Without Number]]: ''D&D'' '''IN SPAAAAAAAACE'''. Uses 2d6s for skill tests. Brags that you can take any module from ''OD&D'' to ''AD&D'' and with 20 minutes work convert it, which you will need to do because the game doesn't expect you to stay in one place for too long. Second edition adds ascending armor class. [http://drivethrurpg.com/product/230009/Stars-Without-Number-Revised-Edition-Free-Version Free, abridged version on DriveThruRPG]. Published by Sine Nomine
** ''Other Dust'': ''SWN'''s post-apocalyptic counterpart, and cross-compatible with ''SWN'' 1e. Numerous tables for generating your wasteland. Descending AC.
** ''Spears of the Dawn'': African fantasy game based on the ''SWN'' ruleset. Setting deftly avoids being bunga-bunga land without going in the opposite direction and pushing the "we wuz kangz n shiet" meme in your face. Written by the same guy who made ''SWN'' after people told him that an OSR game set in fantasy Africa would never sell.
** ''Wolves of God'': Set in post-Roman England and using the ''SWN Revised'' ruleset. Currently on Kickstarter til November 8th, 2019.
** ''Worlds Without Number'': ''SWN'''s fantasy counterpart. ''Other Dust'' [[Numenera|a million years in the future, with magic based on ancient technology]], using the ''SWN Revised'' rules.
* ''Wolf-Packs & Winter Snow'': This is ''LotFP'' adapted for a stone-age setting. Less [[grimdark]] grindcore stuff, more wilderness survival. Magicians record their spells in cave-paintings instead of spellbooks, while the cleric-equivalent gets unreliable spells based on how much attention their god is paying. Uses race-as-class, with Neanderthals and Morlocks instead of Dwarves and Elves. Uses Flesh-&-Grit, where Grit can be easily recovered through a simple ten minute rest and acts as traditional HP and Flesh is gained slowly and recovered slowly. Written by Emmy Allen and Published by Dying Stylishly Games

===Non-D&D Retroclones===
* [[Cepheus Engine]]: Classic ''[[Traveller]]'', without anything from the Third Imperium. Notable for the various alternate settings it's inspiried.
* ''[[Spooktacular]]'': Another "make money selling your house rules as a new game" retroclone, except this one is a ripoff of ''[[Ghostbusters RPG]]'' instead of ''Dungeons & Dragons''. Published by Yaruki Zero Games
* ''[[Zweihander]]'': Another non-''D&D'' retroclone, this time based on the much-loved second edition of ''[[Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay]]''. Published by Grim & Perilous Studios.

==Adventures and Dungeons==
Because your lazy GMs can't just keep running Keep on the Borderlands forever, here is a selection of suitable retroclone content:
* Anomalous Subsurface Environment (System Neutral): THE Gonzo megadungeon/setting book. Martian elves, so many mad scientist wizards, tables upon tables packed with detail, and a dungeon with hundreds of rooms waiting for you.
* Barrowmaze (''Labyrinth Lord''): A series of interconnected tombs on the Barrow Moor chock full of vermin and undead.
* Fever Swamp (''Lamentations of the Flame Princess''): A hexcrawl through a horrific, plague-filled swamp, with all that entails. Candle stealing ghost children, a psychic crocodile, a wandering horde of skeletons, and a god monster deep beneath the fetid water.
* [[The Gardens of Ynn]] (System Neutral): - A randomly generated pointcrawl through the lands of the Sidhe. Delightfully weird in a Narnia sort of way.
* The Hyqueous Vaults (''OSRIC''): An anniversary dungeon for ''OSRIC'', built by the community. A classic venture into a dungeon, with a river flowing through it's heart which adds a lot of strategic depth to how the players go through
* Maze of the Blue Medusa (System Neutral): Players are hired to steal a magic painting, probably getting trapped within, get wrapped up in the strange politics of the dozens of weirdos imprisoned there.
* Stonehell (Labyrinth Lord): Monsters have taken up refuge in an ancient prison, but what horrible secrets could lie below? One of the first OSR megadungeons.
* Tomb of the Iron God (''Swords & Wizardry''): An abandoned monastery to a God of the Dead. His servants, turned to iron by some unknown curse, littering the halls. A crapload of loot. What more could you want?
* Tomb of the Serpent Kings (System Neutral): A (frequently shilled) starter dungeon for OSR play. The dungeon itself opens up from a single corridor to a sprawling multi-route complex with skeleton snakemen, goblin spawning pools, and horrific mutations galore.
* [[Tower of the Stargazer]] (''Lamentations of the Flame Princess''): The "introductory" adventure of ''Lamentations'', featuring a Wizard's Tower... stuffed to the brim with save-or-die bullshit.
*[[World of the Lost]] (''Lamentations of the Flame Princess''): A large hexcrawl set in in Africa with players dealing with crazed cultists, sentient slimes, pteradactyl-people and more.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Basic_fantasy_cover.jpg
Image:Blueholme.jpg
Image:Dark_dungeons.jpg
Image:Castles%26crusades_cover.jpg
Image:Godbound_cover.jpg
Image:Labyrinth_lord.jpg
Image:Lamentations_of_the_flame_princess_cover.jpg
Image:Osric.jpg
Image:Starswithoutnumber.jpg
Image:Snw_rule_cover.jpg
</gallery>

==See Also==
*[[Old School Roleplaying]]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Dungeons & Dragons]]
[[Category:Old school]]

Template:Retroclones

2023-05-22T19:09:55Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

<noinclude>A template to list and organize the retroclones. Even if the pages don't exist, having them listed is possibly a good thing, can lead people to go look for any of those. Might need to reorganize the distribution, or just list everything in a single cell.</noinclude>
{{Bottom nav
| name = Retroclones
| listclass = hlist
| title = [[Retroclone]]s
| style = border:1px solid #aaa; width:100%; margin:auto; clear:both; font-size:88%; text-align:center; padding:1px;
| titlestyle = text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em; background:#ccccff;
| abovestyle = text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em; background:#ccccff;
| belowstyle = text-align:center; font-weight:bold; padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em; background:#ccccff;
| groupstyle = white-space:nowrap; text-align:right; font-weight:bold; padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em; background:#ccccff;
| liststyle = border-color:#fdfdfd;
| evenstyle = background:#f7f7f7;
| oddstyle = background:transparent;
| group1 = [[Dungeons and Dragons|D&D]] Based
| list1 = [[Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea]]{{,}}[[Basic Fantasy RPG]]{{,}}[[Beyond the Wall and Other Adventures|Beyond the Wall]]{{,}}[[Blueholme]]{{,}}[[Castles and Crusades]]{{,}}[[Dark Dungeons (RPG)|Dark Dungeons]]{{,}}[[Dark Places & Demogorgons]]{{,}}[[Dungeon Crawl Classics]]{{,}}[[Godbound]]{{,}}[[Labyrinth Lord]]{{,}}[[OSRIC]]{{,}}[[Old School Essentials]]{{,}}[[Swords & Wizardry]]{{,}}[[Stars Without Number]]{{,}}[[The Black Hack]]{{,}}[[The Nightmares Underneath]]{{,}}[[Worlds Without Number]]
| group2 = LotFP & Adaptations
| list2 = [[Esoteric Enterprises]]{{,}}[[Lamentations of the Flame Princess]]{{,}}[[Machinations of the Space Princess]]{{,}}[[Wolf-Packs & Winter Snow]]
| group3 = Other
| list3 = [[Cepheus Engine]] (Classic Traveller){{,}}[[Spooktacular]] (Ghostbusters){{,}}[[Zweihander]] (WFRP2e)
}}[[Category:Roleplaying]][[Category:Retroclones]]

Cepheus Engine

2023-05-22T19:08:52Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7: Created Page

'''Cepheus Engine''' is a [[retroclone]] based off of Classic ''[[Traveller]]''. Basically the same system, but strips out anything from the Third Imperium setting, making it easier to apply the system to new settings. Currently the version published by Samardan Press is the "official" version, but companies like Moon Toad Publishing and Stellagamma Publishing have made their own takes on the rules.

Has inspired various alternate settings, most notably ''Hostile'' by Zozer Games, a setting based off of 70s/80s sci-fi horror movies like ''Alien'' and ''Outland''.

==Links==
* [https://www.orffenspace.com/cepheus-srd/introduction.html Free Basic SRD]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]

Old School Essentials

2023-05-22T18:44:12Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

<gallery>

</gallery>
{{Game Infobox
|name = Old School Essentials
|picture = [[File:old_school_essentials_rules_tome_cover.webp|250px|thumb|center]]
|type = [[RPG]]
|publisher = [[Necrotic Gnome]]
|authors = [[Gavin Norman]]
|year = 2017 (BX Essentials) <br />2020 (Old School Essentials)
}}
{{Topquote|Is it me, or is that place we were just in awfully familiar...?
|Sonic the Hedgehog experiencing déjà vu, Sonic Generations}}

Originally Published as BX essentials, Old School essentials is a remake of Basic/Expert Dungeons and Dragons sets (Hereafter referred to as BX D&D). It prizes itself on fidelity and clarity of organization. It even has a whole appendix dedicated just to what changes they made from the original in order to make things clearer or more usable.

As of 2021 it comes in two varieties: Classic Fantasy, based on the B/X line, and Advanced Fantasy, which expands on Classic Fantasy with elements from [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]].

Honestly it's a pretty straightforward pitch. Also, it has some very nice art.

== External Links ==

[https://oldschoolessentials.necroticgnome.com/srd/index.php/Main_Page]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]

Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea

2023-05-22T18:43:31Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

{{Stub}}
'''Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea''' is an [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Sword & Sorcery]] [[Retroclone]] published by ''North Wind Adventures''. It takes a lot of inspiration from [[Robert Howard]], [[H.P. Lovecraft]], and [[Clark Ashton Smith]]. Currently on its third edition, which was renamed '''Hyperborea'''.

Notable for mostly sticking to the [[Fighter]]/[[Thief]]/[[Wizard]]/[[Cleric]] classes but giving each a bunch of subclasses to allow for parties to differentiate themselves. Which is good, because humans are the '''only''' playable race, with cultures based on the old Conan stories: Kimmerians, Picts, Stygians, etc.

{{Retroclones}}

Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea

2023-05-22T18:43:12Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

{{Stub}}
'''Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea''' is an [[Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Sword & Sorcery]] [[Retroclone]] published by ''North Wind Adventures''. It takes a lot of inspiration from [[Robert Howard]], [[H. P. Lovecraft]], and [[Clark Ashton Smith]]. Currently on its third edition, which was renamed '''Hyperborea'''.

Notable for mostly sticking to the [[Fighter]]/[[Thief]]/[[Wizard]]/[[Cleric]] classes but giving each a bunch of subclasses to allow for parties to differentiate themselves. Which is good, because humans are the '''only''' playable race, with cultures based on the old Conan stories: Kimmerians, Picts, Stygians, etc.

{{Retroclones}}

Old School Essentials

2023-05-22T18:36:40Z

2600:4040:7E74:5500:4D51:F5E8:F02A:CEC7:

<gallery>

</gallery>
{{Game Infobox
|name = Old School Essentials
|picture = [[File:old_school_essentials_rules_tome_cover.webp|250px|thumb|center]]
|type = [[RPG]]
|publisher = [[Necrotic Gnome]]
|authors = [[Gavin Norman]]
|year = 2017 (BX Essentials) <br />2020 (Old School Essentials)
}}
{{Topquote|Is it me, or is that place we were just in awfully familiar...?
|Sonic the Hedgehog experiencing déjà vu, Sonic Generations}}

Originally Published as BX essentials, Old School essentials is a remake of Basic/Expert Dungeons and Dragons sets (Hereafter referred to as BX D&D). It prizes itself on fidelity and clarity of organization. It even has a whole appendix dedicated just to what changes they made from the original in order to make things clearer or more usable.

As of 2021 it comes in two varieties: Classic Fantasy, based on the B/X line, and Advanced Fantasy, which expands on Classic Fantasy with elements from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.

Honestly it's a pretty straightforward pitch. Also, it has some very nice art.

== External Links ==

[https://oldschoolessentials.necroticgnome.com/srd/index.php/Main_Page]

{{Retroclones}}

[[Category:Old school]][[Category:Roleplaying]]