Tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiasts, rejoice! The world of old-school roleplaying (OSR) continues to thrive, offering an incredible variety of games, modules, and tools for players who love exploring the classic feel of fantasy worlds with a modern twist. In this article, we delve into a treasure trove of TTRPG materials discussed in the video, breaking down highlights from ACKS (Adventurer Conqueror King System), OSE (Old-School Essentials), other OSR titles, and indie gems. Whether you're seeking sprawling mega-dungeons, tightly crafted modules, or inspiration for your own campaigns, this guide has something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the core themes, unique features, and standout qualities of the featured games and books.
Discovering the Joy of OSR and Indie TTRPGs
Old-school roleplaying games are rooted in the mechanics and spirit of early tabletop RPGs, offering players a mix of simplicity, creativity, and flexibility. These games often emphasize exploration, problem-solving, and collaborative storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned Game Master (GM) or a newcomer curious about diving into retro-inspired RPG systems, OSR and indie TTRPGs offer a wealth of options.
The video featured a passionate overview of seven standout books in the OSR and indie TTRPG space. Each entry brings its own flavor and creative spark to the hobby. Below, we’ll break these down into categories based on purpose, complexity, and gameplay focus.
1. ACKS (Adventurer Conqueror King System): A Modular OSR Powerhouse
ACKS is one of the most robust and detailed OSR systems available. With a focus on high-level play and campaign management, ACKS allows players to progress from adventurers to rulers of kingdoms, managing armies, domains, and trade networks. Two notable books covered in the video were:
The Sinister Stone of Sakkara (Axe 1)
This is a quintessential starting module for ACKS, designed to ease players and GMs into the system. Focused on levels 1–3, it provides a well-rounded introduction to dungeon crawling, exploration, and strategic domain management. Key features include:
- A fully fleshed-out starting settlement: Complete with NPCs, a garrison, and economic details.
- Hex-crawl exploration: Each 6-mile hex offers adventure hooks, random encounters, and opportunities for domain-building.
- Detailed dungeons: Packed with traps, monsters, treasure, and lore.
This module is perfect for new players or GMs looking to get a feel for ACKS’ unique mix of old-school simplicity and world-building depth.
Secrets of the Nether City (Axe 2)
If you’re looking for something more sprawling and ambitious, this "kilo-dungeon" builds on ACKS’ strengths with a massive underground city teeming with secrets. Highlights include:
- 20 interlocking areas: Each filled with traps, monsters, and ancient mysteries.
- New monsters, spells, and items: Expanding the ACKS toolkit with necromantic horrors and arcane wonders.
- Elven lore and necromancy themes: The city is tied to a lost elven civilization, perfect for fans of gothic fantasy.
2. OSE (Old-School Essentials): Perfect Simplicity for Classic Adventures
OSE continues to be a gold standard for rules-light OSR games, offering accessibility without sacrificing depth. One featured module stood out for its blend of ease and richness:
The Evils of Ilmire
This compact yet densely packed OSE adventure focuses on uncovering a sinister cult operating in a small, hex-crawl sandbox. Noteworthy features include:
- 19 hexes to explore: Each hides mysteries, encounters, mini-dungeons, and clues.
- Time-sensitive gameplay: A built-in calendar adds tension, as players must uncover the cult’s plot before it’s too late.
- Modularity: While designed for OSE, it can easily slot into any OSR system.
This adventure is ideal for players who enjoy tightly designed challenges that encourage creative problem-solving.
3. Barrowmaze: The Mega-Dungeon of Your Dreams
Barrowmaze is one of the most iconic OSR mega-dungeons, delivering an expansive, interconnected adventure filled with danger, treasure, and atmosphere. Key features include:
- A sprawling dungeon map: With multiple entrances, dead ends, and secrets to uncover.
- Randomized elements: Tools for creating unique barrow mounds and encounters each time you play.
- Grim, gothic aesthetic: Perfect for players who love eerie, atmospheric adventures.
Whether run as a long-term campaign or a sandbox one-shot, Barrowmaze is a must-have for OSR fans.
4. Tales of Argosa: Procedural Exploration Meets Creativity
The Lost Roads of Dol-Karok
This indie title offers a unique blend of procedural generation and structured gameplay. Set in the ruins of a dwarven city, players must navigate labyrinthine tunnels while uncovering secrets. Key elements include:
- Procedural dungeon crawling: Roll to determine terrain, encounters, and hazards.
- City-leveling mechanics: Rebuild the lost roads and create hubs of civilization underground.
- Creative freedom: While the book offers guidance, it leaves plenty of room for improvisation and customization.
This is a fantastic pick for GMs who enjoy collaborative world-building and emergent storytelling.
5. Ambition & Avarice 2: A Medium-Weight OSR Game with a Twist
Ambition & Avarice (A&A) sits comfortably between rules-light and heavy systems, offering depth without overwhelming complexity. It stands out for:
- Unique character classes: Brigands, cultists, and enchanters offer a morally ambiguous take on traditional archetypes.
- Flexible magic system: Emphasizing personal risk and creative spellcasting.
- Open-ended world-building: Encouraging GMs and players to collaborate on the setting.
A&A is a great middle ground for groups who want OSR grit with modern nuances.
6. Machine Gods of the Noxium Expanse
Described as "machine and sorcery", this book blends science fiction and fantasy in a richly imaginative setting. Its main draws include:
- Expansive lore: A unique world of robotic deities, arcane technologies, and forgotten ruins.
- Modular design: Easily adaptable to multiple systems beyond OSR.
This title is perfect for fans of science-fantasy who want to push the boundaries of traditional TTRPG genres.
Gaming Experiences and Community Insights
The video also highlighted the joys of TTRPG communities, from Discord games to in-person campaigns. A standout anecdote involved a chaotic game of Barrowstein, where a courtroom trial dissolved into absolute madness with summoned demons, dragons, and explosive chaos. This story underscores the unpredictable, collaborative storytelling that makes TTRPGs so special.
Additionally, the video touched on solo gaming as a viable way to enjoy these systems, particularly for players without access to regular groups. Tools like hex maps, procedural generation, and oracles make solo play engaging and rewarding.
Key Takeaways
- ACKS Offers Flexibility: From simple starter modules like Sinister Stone of Sakkara to sprawling campaigns like Secrets of the Nether City, ACKS allows players to engage with a range of complexities.
- OSE is Beginner-Friendly: Adventures like The Evils of Ilmire provide a perfect entry point to OSR gaming.
- Barrowmaze Delivers a Mega-Dungeon Like No Other: Its depth and atmosphere make it a staple for fans of classic dungeon crawls.
- Indie Games Thrive in Creativity: Titles like The Lost Roads of Dol-Karok and Machine Gods of the Noxium Expanse push genre boundaries.
- Ambition & Avarice Bridges the Gap: This medium-weight OSR system is ideal for players seeking a balance of classic mechanics and modern design.
- Community Enhances the Experience: Whether through solo play, Discord games, or in-person sessions, collaboration and creativity are at the heart of TTRPGs.
Conclusion
The world of OSR and indie TTRPGs offers a wealth of opportunities to explore, create, and immerse yourself in storytelling adventures. Whether you’re a fan of classic dungeon-crawling, expansive campaign management, or genre-bending experimentation, there’s something in this collection of books for you. Dive in, roll the dice, and let the adventures begin.
Source: "Looking at ACKS, OSE, OSR & Indie Books, 500!! Subs & Games I Played" - FOXXOF RPG, YouTube, Aug 14, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkvZeZ50_kk
