Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Why I still enjoy the OSR

I was going through a bunch of my OSR books the other day.  Played around with converting (again!) my Family D&D night over to some unholy version of D&D Rules Cyclopedia and Basic Fantasy Role-Playing, but dropped that idea for some good reasons (if my kids are going to play D&D in other places then I should start them out with the rules that are most popular in their school). I do really like the idea of picking up a "Basic" game sometime.  I figure using the D&DRC and starting everyone out at 5th or 6th level is close to the experience they would have with D&D 4th Ed.

Don't get me wrong. I am really enjoying D&D 4, and yes it is entirely possible to have an "old school experience" with this game.  It is less (to me) about the rules and more about what you do with them.  Yeah I know there are plenty of people out there that will tell how "wrong" that is or I am, but who cares? I am having fun.

I was also reading over my Original Edition D&D books this past weekend.  They are fun to have and one day I will play that version again.   The White Box edition of Swords & Wizardry is getting a lot of noise out in OSR land now and that is cool.  Spellcraft & Swordplay though is still my favorite OSR book and that is not just because I am friends with Jason, but because it really works for me.  I like the "garage band" feel of it.

I hope the OSR does not loose any steam anytime soon.  It has been very cool watching this grow and prosper over the last year or so.  The messages boards and blog posts are still going strong so that is a good sign.  The books also keep going out and that is the best sign of all.

3 comments:

Michael S/Chgowiz said...

Tim, you are always welcome to come join my AD&D game at Mt. Prospect/Games Plus. :)

Timothy S. Brannan said...

That would be awesome really!!

When do you normally have it?

I am always down for some AD&D.

Michael S/Chgowiz said...

The campaign restarts it's 2nd season this Sunday at Games Plus. (Oh crap, I need to call them, thanks for reminding me!). At current, I think we have only 6 players, so I have two slots open. We'll be meeting from noon to 6.

Normally? That's up to the players. Ideally, we try every two weeks. I'm letting the players schedule the date/time (with DM veto/amendment rights reserved) ala Ben Robbin's West Marches style.

If you're really interested, drop me an email at chgowiz@gmail.com - I'll add you to the group's email list.