OSRIC

OSR • d20 mechanics • 2–8 players + GM • Complete retroclone of AD&D 1e • 400+ pages • Free PDF available • Rules Lite Theme and Setting OSRIC transports players to the golden age of fantasy roleplaying—the late 1970s to early 1980s—when Advanced Dungeons & Dragons first defined the genre. The game embraces classic high-fantasy tropes: brave fighters in shining armor, cunning thieves lurking in shadowed alleys, learned magic-users poring over ancient tomes, and devout clerics calling upon divine powers.

Theme and Setting

The implied setting is one of dangerous wilderness punctuated by points of civilization, where ancient ruins hold forgotten treasures and terrible monsters guard secrets best left undisturbed. This is heroic fantasy in the tradition of Conan, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, and the early D&D aesthetic—gritty, perilous, and rewarding for the clever and prepared.

How Play Feels

OSRIC faithfully recreates the AD&D 1e experience with remarkable precision. Characters roll 3d6 for the classic six attributes (Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, Charisma) and choose from nine core classes: Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Magic-User, Illusionist, Thief, and Assassin.

What Makes It Distinct

Races include Human, Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Half-Elf, and Halfling—each with level limits and ability score requirements that reinforce the humanocentric default of the original game. The combat system uses descending Armor Class with d20 attack rolls modified by Strength or Dexterity bonuses.

Where It May Not Fit

You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support.