OSR stands for "Old School Renaissance." It is an umbrella term encompassing pre-D&D 3.0 versions of Dungeons & Dragons. The various older editions are closely related enough that an answer for one is often applicable to other editions.
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Overview of D&D retro-clones
I'm getting more and more interested in the D&D retro-clones. I keep seeing various names thrown around, like Labyrinth Lords, Swords and Wizardry, Lycanthropes &… something else starting with ...
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What defines the “old school renaissance”?
I'm aware that the old school renaissance (OSR) is all about hearkening back to old versions of D&D and the play styles of the 70's and 80's, but what characteristics really define this movement? ...
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Why can't a Cleric use a sling?
So by the book 1st Edition AD&D, clerics can't use a sling.
Other than game balance (it essentially means that other than the odd thrown hammer clerics have no ranged weapon ability which further ...
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How do you powergame 1st Edition AD&D?
1st Edition Dungeons and Dragons gives its players a few strategic options during character creation, many of which are restricted by randomly generated attributes. With this in mind, what are some ...
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In early D&D, why would chainmail ever be preferred over plate armor?
In early D&D, both chainmail and plate armor were considered metal armor, and to slow the wearer to 60' per turn. Chainmail cost 40gp, and plate armor 60gp. Their encumbrance was 400 or 500 coins ...
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of oldschool D&D combat initiative?
Old D&D and D&D3E/4E treat initiative and combat order differently like so:
D&D 3.5 / 4E: All participants roll individual initiative, once only at the start of combat. Each player takes ...
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Pitfalls of using the optional 'XP for Gold' rule in a Basic D&D Retro Clone game?
Basic Fantasy (a Basic D&D Retro Clone) has the XP for Gold optional rule: 1 GP of coin or treasure returned to a safe place rewards the party with 1 XP. This is in addition to normal XP rewards. ...
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How can the GM go diceless in classic D&D?
For those unfamiliar with the concept semi-diceless gaming is only having the players roll the dice. It's used in Cinematic Unisystem and the old (and now free) game Legendary Lives.
I'd like to ...
