The Black Hack (2nd Edition) Fantasy; Rules Lite; Old-School Renaissance (OSR); Quick-Play; Low Prep

At‑a‑glance: OSR lineage (rulings‑over‑rules) • d20 roll‑under abilities • 3–5 + GM • Low prep • Rules‑lite • 2–3h sessions

Theme and Setting

TBH2e is setting‑agnostic, tuned for fast fantasy adventure from gritty dungeons to weird wilderness. Its tone leans lethal and pragmatic, rewarding caution, creativity, and problem‑solving over character optimization. The book includes classic monsters, traps, and tools that favor emergent play.

Core Mechanics and Rules

- Tests: Players roll a d20 under an ability score to succeed. Opposition generally modifies the roll via Advantage/Disadvantage rather than piling on math. - Classless characters: Roles emerge from equipment and choices, not classes. - Armor-as-soak: Armor reduces incoming damage, streamlining resolution and making gear choices matter. - Usage dice: Resources (torches, rations, ammo) use a “deplete on check” die that steps down on a failure, keeping bookkeeping light yet tense. - Spells and risk: Magic is potent but risky; many tables lean into OSR‑style consequences and caution. Together these keep turns fast, with the GM focusing on fictional positioning and consequences instead of rule lookups.

What Makes It Unique

TBH2e doubles down on speed: roll‑under, player‑facing tests; minimal modifiers; arbitration over subsystems; and equipment‑defined roles. It’s remarkably hackable—easy to reskin, graft procedures onto, or slot existing OSR modules into. The included bestiary and generators expand the original’s 30‑page core with practical tools that reduce prep without sacrificing texture.

Target Audience and Player Experience

Perfect for new players, one‑shots, and tables that value quick decisions and dangerous exploration. Veterans of B/X and modern OSR will feel at home. If you prefer crunchy builds, advance planning, or tactical grids, TBH2e may feel sparse—by design. If you like rulings, creative problem‑solving, and fast consequences, it sings.

Use at the Table

- Drop‑in compatibility with classic modules (minimal conversion). - Excellent for convention slots and open tables. - Shines with clear procedures: time/turns, light, encumbrance, and reaction/morale. - Works great for heists, delves, and travel where resource pressure matters. Overall, The Black Hack 2e is a lean, decisive system that keeps the fiction moving and the GM’s rulings front‑and‑center.