As is traditional with RPGs, I suppose I should finish the OSRIC rules with a few words of advice for the newer player and, particularly, for the newer GM. At this point, it’s traditional to remind players that the GM can change or ignore any rule whatsoever, as he or she sees fit or on a whim, with or without giving a reason—please consider yourself reminded. And the traditional advice to GMs is the same here too: Never follow a rule over a cliff.
Please do follow this advice, it’ll improve your game.
Having said that, I can go on to say the things I really wanted to say in the afterword. They are: First, play OSRIC fast. Part of the beauty of this system is, with a little knowledge and practice, you can run a battle between ten player characters with a dozen hirelings and henchmen and a handful of summoned monsters on one side, and thirty ogres with a shaman and two dozen worgs on the other, and you can resolve it in thirty minutes flat. It helps to roll dice in handfuls, but the big things that make that possible are the simplicity of the combat rules and morale. Don’t forget morale, it’s important—it’s for skipping over the boring bits. The moment it becomes obvious to intelligent monsters that they’ll lose a fight, they will run or surrender.
And this brings me to the second thing, which is, please do skip over the boring bits. Fudge things to make them faster. And if they can’t be fudged, then the GM and players should share jobs fairly—if the party’s using detailed encumbrance rules, then the GM shouldn’t have to do all the bean-counting. After all, the GM is busy doing GM-like things, such as drinking the beer that’s so vital to his or her concentration or laughing cruelly at the players’ latest mistake, and so has no time to do math.
The third thing is, in OSRIC generating a player character is fast. If you die, it’s a quick and easy job to roll a new character and get straight back into the action. Which means that dying isn’t so much of a pain in the neck as it might be with other systems.
Assume you will lose some player characters from time to time and plan accordingly. Once you’re past the first few levels, most players should accumulate a few henchmen who can replace their main character if the main character dies (or is petrified, disintegrated, converted to green slime, swallowed whole by some huge monster, falls into a sphere of annihilation, or… well, OSRIC’s a dangerous world, lots of things can happen).
If you die and fail your resurrection chance, deal with it with good grace. Sure—nobody likes to lose a character, but don’t take it too seriously. This is a game. In OSRIC, you aren’t entitled to be the hero. You might just get to be the hero, but don’t expect it as a right.
And there’s a fourth thing: Make sure everyone round the table gets a chance to have their say, but don’t tolerate dithering. If your GM asks you, “What do you do now?” then you’d better answer at once or expect to lose your opportunity.
The fifth and last thing is, your GM isn’t called a “storyteller” for a reason. He or she isn’t telling you a story with you cast as the protagonist. (If you want that, try one of White Wolf’s games.) The GM creates a world—you create a character who wants something. It’s up to you to go out and get it. Story is the result of the game, not a process within it.
Have fun!
— Stuart Marshall
Ability Score
Armour (Armor)
Character Class
Assassin
Cleric
Druid
Fighter
Illusionist
Magic User
Paladin
Ranger
Thief
Skills
Cleric Spell
Druid Spell
Dungeons
Personal And Miscellaneous Items
Random Dungeon Generation
Table 3: Special Room or Chamber
Table 8: Chamber or Room Contents
Table 10: Treasure Guards & Wards
Table 11: Treasure Hidden By or In
Encumbrance—Weight/Movement/Surprise
Experience Point Awards For Monsters Slain
Experience Points—Monster Level Conversion Chart
Hireling, Expert
Blacksmith—Weapon Type/Production Time
Sage
Chance of Knowing An Answer To A Question
Information Discovery Time And Cost
Weaponer—Weapon Type/Production Time
Hirelings And Henchmen
Loyalty of—Player Character Alignment
Illusionist Spell
Prismatic Spray—Colour (Color)/Effect
Magic User Spell
Contact Other Plane—Contradiction/Insanity
Find Familiar—Level/Familiar Type
Monster Summoning I—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning II—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning III—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning IV—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning V—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning VI—Monster Summoned
Monster Summoning VII—Monster Summoned
Polymorph Object—Subject/Duration
Polymorph Object—Duration Factor/Duration
Prismatic Sphere—Colour (color)/Effect/Negation
Reincarnation—Arcane Reincarnation
Teleport—Familiarity/On-Off Target/Mishap
Monsters
Witch Doctor Race/Maximum Level
Monsters, Attack And Saving Throw (Monster Equivalent Level)
Morale Check Modifiers, Table of Common
Random Encounters
NPC Parties
Demi-Humans and Multi-Class NPCs
Random Urban Encounters
Treasure
Armour (Armor) And Shield
Artifact
Book of Infinite Spells—Spell Level
Deck of Many Things—Type/Effect
Cursed Items
Intermittent Functioning Situation
Cursed Items
Magic, Miscellaneous
Carpet of Flying—Size/Capacity
Crystal Ball—Additional Abilities
Cube of Force—Attack Type/Charges
Deck of Illusions—Card/Creature
Horn of Valhalla—Type/Fighters
Ioun Stones—Color/Shape/Effect
Necklace of Fireballs—Type/Number
Robe of Useful Items—Item/Type
Sagacious Volume—Character Class
Strand of Prayer Beads—Type/Ability
Table II: Less Common Miscellaneous
Table III: Uncommon Miscellaneous
Potion
Rings
Ring of Telekinesis—Maximum Weight
Ring of Wizardry—Level(s) Doubled
Rod
Rod of Cancellation—Type Cancelled
Rod of Resurrection—Race/Class/Charges
Rods, Staves And Wands
Type/Number of Charges
Wand of Wonder—Wondrous Effect
Scroll
Ward of Elementals—Number/Type
Swords, Magic
Special Magical
Unusual
Weapons
Table 2: Properties, Miscellaneous
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This product uses the OSRIC™ System (Old School System Reference and Index Compilation™). The OSRIC system text may be found at http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric. The OSRIC text is copyright of Stuart Marshall. “OSRIC” and “Old School Reference and Index Compilation,” are trademarks of Matthew Finch and Stuart Marshall and may be used only in accordance with the OSRIC license. This product is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast.
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15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Reference Document copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
OSRIC copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall, adapting material prepared by Matthew J. Finch, based on the System Reference Document, inspired by the works of E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, and many others.
The following material was adapted back to the 1e system from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc: Aerial Servant from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Al-Mi&srquo;Raj from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by Roger Musson, Amphisbaena from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Axe Beak from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Aurumvorax from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Babbler from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by Jeremy Goodwin and Ian McDowell, Bat, Mobat from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Beetle, Boring from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Beetle, Watch from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Beetle Rhinoceros from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Blindheim from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Roger Musson, Brownie from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Carbuncle from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Albie Fiore, Caryatid Column from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Jean Wells, Caterwaul from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Albie Fiore, Coffer Corpse from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Simon Eaton, Crabman from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Erica Balsey based on original material by Ian Livingstone, Crypt Thing from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Roger Musson, Dakon from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Ian McDowell, Dark Creeper from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Rik Shepard, Dark Stalker from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Simon Muth, Alu- from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Cambion from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Disenchanter from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Roger Musson, Dracolisk from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Executioner’s Hood from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Eye of the Deep from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Flind from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Fly, from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Gargoyle from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Gorgimera from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Groaning Spirit from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Jackalwere from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Leech, from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Leprechaun from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Lurker Above from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Mongrelman from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Necrophidius from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Simon Tilbrook, Nereid from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Nilbog from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Roger Musson, Phantom from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Harold Johnson and Tom Moldvay, Piercer from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Poltergeist from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Lew Pulsipher, Quickling from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Rot Grub from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc authors Scott Greene and Clark Peterson based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Shedu from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Skeleton Warrior from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Nigel Morgan, Slithering Tracker from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Slug, from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Sprite from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Squealer from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Stunjelly from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Tick, from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Trapper from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material be E. Gary Gygax, Troll, Ice from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Russell Cole, Troll, Two Headed from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Oliver Charles McDonald, Vilstrak from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Volt from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Jonathon Jones, Vulchling from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Yellow Musk Creeper from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Albie Fiore, Yellow Musk Zombie from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by Albie Fiore, Yeti from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Green based on original material by E. Gary Gygax, Zombie, Juju from the Tome of Horrors copyright 2002 by Necromancer Games, Inc author Scott Greene based on original material by E. Gary Gygax.
OSRIC Chapter I copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall. OSRIC Chapter II copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall. OSRIC Chapter III copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall, Trent Foster, James Boney and Vincent Frugé. OSRIC Chapter IV copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall, Trent Foster, James Boney and Vincent Frugé. OSRIC Chapter V copyright 2007-08 by Stuart Marshall, Chris Hopkins, James Boney, Robert Ross, Jeremy Goehring, Mike Davison, Daniel Proctor, B. Scot Hoover, Chris Cain, Bill Silvey, Floyd Canaday, Vincent Frugé and Matthew James Stanham. OSRIC Chapter VI copyright 2007-08 by Stuart Marshall, Daniel Proctor and Vincent Frugé. OSRIC appendices copyright 2006-08 by Stuart Marshall and James D. Kramer.
Usherwood Adventures, Usherwood Publishing and the Usherwood Publishing logo are copyright James D. Kramer design services.
End of License
Designation of Product Identity and Open Game Content:
The terms “OSRIC,” “OSRIC,” and “O.S.R.I.C.” are Product Identity and trademarks; all artwork and formatting is Product Identity. The Variable Point Rule is Product Identity. Aside from the previous two sentences, Chapters I, II and III of this work are Open Game Content. Chapters IV, V and VI are Product Identity to the extent permitted under the OGL and to the extent such material is subject to copyright, except for any text language derived from the SRD or the Tome of Horrors, which is Open Game Content.