I started with and do understand THAC0, but have found it easier when teaching new players to use ascending AC. It is just more intuitive and makes more sense to people. So, I now use ascending AC in all my games, no matter what flavor of fantasy I'm running.
My game of choice! Would love a video on tips for storing coin. My character is too poor for cool stuff like houses, but the coins are too heavy to lug around for long periods
Clutch rolls! That was awesome. You have great production and video set up too :) This was sweet to see, there are a lot of good ideas being used here.
Right!? Thank You! We’re still pretty low budget here but we’re learning and having fun! We’ll be doing a “funnel” roll for some other characters on this weeks behind the DM screen video. Probability of topping those rolls? Slim to none!
Right? I reached into the d6 bag of holding and those were the first 3 red dice that came out! I’m going to set them aside. They have performed well and shall be rewarded!
I was looking into purchasing the advanced players book. So this was very helpful in making my decision. Fun fact I rolled up a human Magic-User with St 5, In 14, Wi 8i, Dx 11, Co 8, Ch 15. A scrawny wizard whose all thumbs, but has a silver tongue!
I use AD&D's other Method options from the DMG - re roll 4d6 drop the lowest method and the roll of the dice according to OSE Advanced implementation can lead to a LESSENING of optional choices in character creation if you use just 3d6
Right!? I’m very impressed with OSE thus far. Another selling point? I’m busting out a 43 year old module to run to this weekend. 100% compatible, no conversion necessary. Thanks for checking out the video!
I've just rolled up the characters from the 80's cartoon for an OSE one shot after my 5e game finished in a TPK. If they like the game its going to be OSE from then on. If not back to 5E. I have DMed BECMI 2E 3E 4E ( oh heck ) 5E My 1st foray was Keep on the Borderlands. My favourite scenarios are Saga of the Shadowlords, Nights Dark Terror and Red Arrow Black Shield.
Awesome! Very interested to hear how it all turns out. I’m running Keep on The Borderlands tonight. 100% compatible and zero conversion necessary for OSE. Also interested in your perspective on DMing the various versions. Which ones are your favorite to DM?
@@EpicSolo To many peoples horror I prefer 5E. No it doesn't have to be too superhero, there are so many negatives I hear and see from other youtubers comments sections, but at the end of the day use the rules as you see fit. I despise the OD&D dwarf elf halfling race/class, I despise level drain and loss of xp mechanic and don't get me started on oh hey I'm Grumbar the dwarf and I fail to detect a dwarven secret door in Rockhome crap lol. Yes Vancian magic is crap but 5e Vancian magic is a bit too much. Alignment language ugh WTF nah discarded, as if you forget a language when changing Alignment. Every system has issues that people like/dislike those are mine for older editions. My players keep coming back they talk about my games at work with their non gaming friends, I must be doing something right.
I'm not sure if I missed the explanation somewhere, but why did you decide to change from 5th Edition to OSE? Why not keep Malfak in 5E, and do a different series with a new character in OSE? Not that it's an issue, just curious as to the change/decision. Still really enjoying the videos either way.
To be honest we NEVER assigned ability scores from top to bottom back in the 80s. Never ever because I sure as hell never wanted to play a spell caster. And by the second or third character we switched to 4d6 drop lowest. I never understood this need to play a weak, stupid and clumsy character. Still, there is something deeply satisfying about looking back even if I prefer the more modern take on D&D. Actually I think the Adventures in Middle-Earth for 5e is my favorite "edition" of DND - no spell castes.
Excellent video, with a massive like and sub. Super new to OSE, However I do have a quick query? The Prime Requisite number needed for classes and races-what is the minimum number needed? So for the likes of Acrobat, requirements are none, but the prime req is DEX (but what number is required for Dex?)
For Prime Requisite, there is no minimum requirement. The Prime Requisite is utilized for XP bonuses. (p.20-21, OSEAFPT) Each character class has one or more prime requisites-ability scores of special importance to that class’ function. A character’s score in their prime requisites affects how quickly they gain XP. ▶ XP modifier: Applied to all XP awarded to characters with a single prime requisite. The modifiers for classes with multiple prime requisites are noted in the class description. Certain classes may have "Requirements," in the form of minimum ability scores, which are different than the Prime Requisite.
I played perhaps a top 3 session of all time last night using Old-School Essentials. As a player and a GM that has spent time and played every version of the game, I can tell you that B/X and various retro clones like OSE are hands down my favorite editions of the game to play and run.
@@EpicSolo Sounds great! I have very little experience under my belt as a GM. I've been running Pathfinder 2e and Mausritter for my players, which has been an awesome intro to TTRPGs, specially Mausritter since it's very easy to learn the core rules, that are basically the ones from Into the Odd. I've become increasingly interested in retroclones lately, and right after this video I started watching your Swords & Wizardry character creation video. Since then I can't decide which one to pick up first, both OSE and S&W seem appealing to me. May I ask which one would you recommend as a starter retroclone? Or the main differences between both systems?
Sorry for the delayed response! By now, I’m hoping you have purchased both OSE & S&W. That being said, if I had to pick a personal favorite, it would be OSE Advanced. It is my absolute favorite fantasy role playing game. It also has a great community with a lot of Indie 3rd party support, modules, supplements, etc. The presentation of OSE is the best in the hobby and it does well to aid both new players and referees. S&W is an amazing game but more of an acquired taste. It lends itself better to those that wish to customize and tinker on the framework of OD&D and enjoy that original Arneson D&D experience. They are for the most part, compatible, yet there are definitely distinct differences. I enjoy both immensely and you really couldn’t go wrong with either.
Constitution modifier bonus to HP. Malfak has a Constitution score of 14 which gives him a +1 bonus to HP at each level. At level 1, he rolled a 1d4 for 3+1=4 HP. At level 2, he rolled a 1d4 for 4+1=5 HP. So at second level he has a total of 9 HP.
@@EpicSolo - Yes, the character will have 9 hit points, but you do not enter 9 into the base hit points box. The base hit points are 7. The constitution modifier for this character is +1 PER hit die. For 2 hit dice you would enter +2 in for the constitution modifier. This is not very clear in the OSE books, but in Moldvay Basic D&D the page labeled "Bonuses and Penalties Due to Abilities" clearly states "+1 points per hit die." IMO this is why Constitution is one of the best values to have be high. A +3 modifier per die for a Constitution of 18 is going to equal a much better chance of survival.
Excellent video. I am now subscribed. Every time I roll 3d6 my stats are abyssmal. It is strange how an elf can become an 11th level MU, and a human can go up to 14th level, but the poor half-elf can only reach level 8 as a Magic-User. I love OSE, Basic and Advanced, but I’m gonna have to houserule some stuff for my players. Like if you are a demi-human and only have one class, you can get to level 14, just like a human. But if you multi class, then you must abide by the level limits. Also, if you choose a race-class (like Elf, or Gnome, etc) then your character is an archetype of that race and the level limit applies. I hope you continue to talk about OSE, and Moldvay/Cook B/X.
Thank You! Our table plays “advanced” OSE and does not adhere to class/race level restrictions. Although the channel is currently focusing on featuring Swords & Wizardry for the upcoming 3 part mini series, Season 3 of EpicSolo will feature OSE advanced. There will be a whole lot of OSE-B/X related content on the channel in the following months and I don’t see that changing because it is an absolutely elegant and robust rules lite fantasy TTRPG that works brilliantly for SoloRPGs.
Wanted to share a rule from Swords & Wizardry regarding “unarmed combat” and grappling that is very well done: UNARMED COMBAT Grappling (or overbearing) an opponent is resolved as follows: The attackers (or attacker) make individual to-hit rolls. The grapple is resolved among those who hit: Each combatant rolls 1d6 per hit die. If the sum of the dice of all the attackers is higher than the defender’s total, the hapless defender is completely pinned and can be killed in the next round unless help arrives or the victim manages to break loose before the knife falls. If the sums are exactly equal, everyone is struggling, and none of them can attack with a weapon. If the defender wins, the attackers are beaten back and stunned. They remain stunned for a number of rounds equal to the number of points by which the defender beat them. For example, if five orcs attempt to overwhelm a 5th-level Fighter, each orc rolls to hit. Let us assume that two of them succeed on the to-hit roll. The orcs roll a total of 2d6 (each orc has 1HD), and the Fighter rolls 5d6 (the Fighter has 5HD). The orcs get a total of 10, and the Fighter gets a total of 15. Each orc is tossed aside and stunned for five rounds. Fistfights can be resolved by assuming that a fist does 1 point of damage, and that there is a 50% chance per hit that the damage is subdual damage (see Subdual Damage above). All Strength bonuses to damage are considered subdual damage only. A word to the wise: Tavern brawls are more efficiently conducted with chairs than with fists.
THAC0 is easy. Roll d20 + modifiers + target's AC if result is equal or greater than your THAC0 you hit. Or since base THAC0 is 19 do it this way. d20 + modifiers + BAB+ target's AC = or > 19 is a hit. It is not hard and I am no longer into ACC.
I’ve set a precedent where I answer rhetorical questions and comments with logic on this channel. Let the tradition continue. The reason this video is 30 minutes is because I enjoy teaching and talking about this amazing game. We’re not just creating a character, we’re discussing the process and options available during the process. While the character creation process can take 5 minutes, it rarely does and most experienced referees and players are aware of this. Why? Because often we are thinking about other people, especially new players and how they may synthesize data so they are not only able to create a character, but so that they may better understand the process. In my experience, it takes closer to 15 minutes to create a new character for OSE Advanced at the table for a new player. I know this because I’m lucky enough to do this quite often. Tell you what. I hope this comment inspires you to create a shorter, more comprehensive video for OSE character creation and I encourage you to share it here in a reply to this comment if and when you do. And you have my guarantee that I will watch the entire video without feeling compelled to comment. Happy gaming! *Edit It just occurred to me that it is highly probable that your comment was made without even watching the video! As if you found the video, looked at the length, thought of a “funny” comment, and then took the time to type out that hilarious comment so that we could all have a good laugh thus making the world a better place. Thank you for making the world a better place with your funny comment.
@@EpicSolo yes, the comment was meant to be ironic and no, I haven't watched the video. But hopefully my snarky comment should boost the algorithm to get more people to watch the channel. Keep up the good work.
WTF on those rolls. Please tell me this video is rigged for educational purposes or I'm gonna be upset that I've never managed to get more than four rolls above a 9. I've yet to roll a character that isn't heavily nerfed in at least one category.
Yeah, no. This was rolled hard and it was absolutely an Epic character roll. 3d6 is the epitome of rolling hard! Currently, my games use "Method 1" from the AD&D 1e DMG Method 1: All scores are recorded and arranged in the order the player desires. 4d6 are rolled, and the lowest die (or one of the lower) is discarded.
I started with and do understand THAC0, but have found it easier when teaching new players to use ascending AC. It is just more intuitive and makes more sense to people. So, I now use ascending AC in all my games, no matter what flavor of fantasy I'm running.
My game of choice! Would love a video on tips for storing coin. My character is too poor for cool stuff like houses, but the coins are too heavy to lug around for long periods
Always good to see some B/X or OSE action in UA-camland :)
I am envious of those rolls.
Those old red Chessex have been delegated the esteemed honor of being exclusive 3d6 down the line dice from here on out!
@@EpicSolo seriously.
Clutch rolls! That was awesome. You have great production and video set up too :)
This was sweet to see, there are a lot of good ideas being used here.
Right!? Thank You! We’re still pretty low budget here but we’re learning and having fun! We’ll be doing a “funnel” roll for some other characters on this weeks behind the DM screen video. Probability of topping those rolls? Slim to none!
Those rolls are AMAZING for 3d6... I want those dice!
Right? I reached into the d6 bag of holding and those were the first 3 red dice that came out! I’m going to set them aside. They have performed well and shall be rewarded!
I was looking into purchasing the advanced players book. So this was very helpful in making my decision. Fun fact I rolled up a human Magic-User with St 5, In 14, Wi 8i, Dx 11, Co 8, Ch 15. A scrawny wizard whose all thumbs, but has a silver tongue!
I had fun just watching those rolls.
Great rolls. And your editing is top notch.
I use AD&D's other Method options from the DMG - re roll 4d6 drop the lowest method and the roll of the dice according to OSE Advanced implementation can lead to a LESSENING of optional choices in character creation if you use just 3d6
This takes me back! Fun video. 👍
Right!? I’m very impressed with OSE thus far. Another selling point? I’m busting out a 43 year old module to run to this weekend. 100% compatible, no conversion necessary. Thanks for checking out the video!
Thank you for this experience.
You're welcome. Thank You for watching.
Great video. This is saved for whenever I get some new OSE players :)
So glad to hear that! I was hoping it may be helpful for those coming from a modern D&D/5e character creation perspective. Thank You!
Good vibes worked!
I've just rolled up the characters from the 80's cartoon for an OSE one shot after my 5e game finished in a TPK. If they like the game its going to be OSE from then on. If not back to 5E. I have DMed BECMI 2E 3E 4E ( oh heck ) 5E My 1st foray was Keep on the Borderlands. My favourite scenarios are Saga of the Shadowlords, Nights Dark Terror and Red Arrow Black Shield.
Awesome! Very interested to hear how it all turns out. I’m running Keep on The Borderlands tonight. 100% compatible and zero conversion necessary for OSE. Also interested in your perspective on DMing the various versions. Which ones are your favorite to DM?
@@EpicSolo To many peoples horror I prefer 5E. No it doesn't have to be too superhero, there are so many negatives I hear and see from other youtubers comments sections, but at the end of the day use the rules as you see fit. I despise the OD&D dwarf elf halfling race/class, I despise level drain and loss of xp mechanic and don't get me started on oh hey I'm Grumbar the dwarf and I fail to detect a dwarven secret door in Rockhome crap lol. Yes Vancian magic is crap but 5e Vancian magic is a bit too much. Alignment language ugh WTF nah discarded, as if you forget a language when changing Alignment. Every system has issues that people like/dislike those are mine for older editions. My players keep coming back they talk about my games at work with their non gaming friends, I must be doing something right.
I'm not sure if I missed the explanation somewhere, but why did you decide to change from 5th Edition to OSE? Why not keep Malfak in 5E, and do a different series with a new character in OSE? Not that it's an issue, just curious as to the change/decision. Still really enjoying the videos either way.
To be honest we NEVER assigned ability scores from top to bottom back in the 80s. Never ever because I sure as hell never wanted to play a spell caster. And by the second or third character we switched to 4d6 drop lowest. I never understood this need to play a weak, stupid and clumsy character. Still, there is something deeply satisfying about looking back even if I prefer the more modern take on D&D. Actually I think the Adventures in Middle-Earth for 5e is my favorite "edition" of DND - no spell castes.
Excellent video, with a massive like and sub. Super new to OSE, However I do have a quick query? The Prime Requisite number needed for classes and races-what is the minimum number needed? So for the likes of Acrobat, requirements are none, but the prime req is DEX (but what number is required for Dex?)
For Prime Requisite, there is no minimum requirement. The Prime Requisite is utilized for XP bonuses.
(p.20-21, OSEAFPT)
Each character class has one or more
prime requisites-ability scores of special
importance to that class’ function. A
character’s score in their prime requisites
affects how quickly they gain XP.
▶ XP modifier: Applied to all XP
awarded to characters with a single prime
requisite. The modifiers for classes with
multiple prime requisites are noted in the
class description.
Certain classes may have "Requirements," in the form of minimum ability scores, which are different than the Prime Requisite.
Great video! And awesome Magic User! Don't get cocky and have him die in the first dungeon!
Great video, really had a blast watching the character creation process. Hopefully I can convince my players so we can try out OSE
I played perhaps a top 3 session of all time last night using Old-School Essentials. As a player and a GM that has spent time and played every version of the game, I can tell you that B/X and various retro clones like OSE are hands down my favorite editions of the game to play and run.
@@EpicSolo Sounds great! I have very little experience under my belt as a GM. I've been running Pathfinder 2e and Mausritter for my players, which has been an awesome intro to TTRPGs, specially Mausritter since it's very easy to learn the core rules, that are basically the ones from Into the Odd.
I've become increasingly interested in retroclones lately, and right after this video I started watching your Swords & Wizardry character creation video. Since then I can't decide which one to pick up first, both OSE and S&W seem appealing to me.
May I ask which one would you recommend as a starter retroclone? Or the main differences between both systems?
Sorry for the delayed response! By now, I’m hoping you have purchased both OSE & S&W. That being said, if I had to pick a personal favorite, it would be OSE Advanced. It is my absolute favorite fantasy role playing game. It also has a great community with a lot of
Indie 3rd party support, modules, supplements, etc. The presentation of OSE is the best in the hobby and it does well to aid both new players and referees. S&W is an amazing game but more of an acquired taste. It lends itself better to those that wish to customize and tinker on the framework of OD&D and enjoy that original Arneson D&D experience. They are for the most part, compatible, yet there are definitely distinct differences. I enjoy both immensely and you really couldn’t go wrong with either.
My bet is that Balfak the Dentist is the favored child of the family.
You know it! I’m just going to call it now. It has become canon! 🤣
At Level 1 Malfak had 3 HP. The Hit Die of Level 2 was a 4. Why he had 9 HP noted on the sheet? Am I missing something?
Constitution modifier bonus to HP. Malfak has a Constitution score of 14 which gives him a +1 bonus to HP at each level. At level 1, he rolled a 1d4 for 3+1=4 HP. At level 2, he rolled a 1d4 for 4+1=5 HP. So at second level he has a total of 9 HP.
@@EpicSolo ah ok!!! Thanks for the elaboration. I didn’t thought a CON modifier would apply every level advancement with the Hit Die.
@@EpicSolo - Yes, the character will have 9 hit points, but you do not enter 9 into the base hit points box. The base hit points are 7. The constitution modifier for this character is +1 PER hit die. For 2 hit dice you would enter +2 in for the constitution modifier. This is not very clear in the OSE books, but in Moldvay Basic D&D the page labeled "Bonuses and Penalties Due to Abilities" clearly states "+1 points per hit die." IMO this is why Constitution is one of the best values to have be high. A +3 modifier per die for a Constitution of 18 is going to equal a much better chance of survival.
Excellent video. I am now subscribed.
Every time I roll 3d6 my stats are abyssmal.
It is strange how an elf can become an 11th level MU, and a human can go up to 14th level, but the poor half-elf can only reach level 8 as a Magic-User.
I love OSE, Basic and Advanced, but I’m gonna have to houserule some stuff for my players. Like if you are a demi-human and only have one class, you can get to level 14, just like a human. But if you multi class, then you must abide by the level limits.
Also, if you choose a race-class (like Elf, or Gnome, etc) then your character is an archetype of that race and the level limit applies.
I hope you continue to talk about OSE, and Moldvay/Cook B/X.
Thank You! Our table plays “advanced” OSE and does not adhere to class/race level restrictions. Although the channel is currently focusing on featuring Swords & Wizardry for the upcoming 3 part mini series, Season 3 of EpicSolo will feature OSE advanced. There will be a whole lot of OSE-B/X related content on the channel in the following months and I don’t see that changing because it is an absolutely elegant and robust rules lite fantasy TTRPG that works brilliantly for SoloRPGs.
Wanted to share a rule from Swords & Wizardry regarding “unarmed combat” and grappling that is very well done:
UNARMED COMBAT
Grappling (or overbearing) an opponent is resolved as follows: The attackers (or attacker) make individual to-hit rolls. The grapple is resolved among those who hit: Each combatant rolls 1d6 per hit die. If the sum of the dice of all the attackers is higher than the defender’s total, the hapless defender is completely pinned and can be killed in the next round unless help arrives or the victim manages to break loose before the knife falls. If the sums are exactly equal, everyone is struggling, and none of them can attack with a weapon. If the defender wins, the attackers are beaten
back and stunned. They remain stunned for a number of rounds equal to the number of points by which the defender beat them. For example, if five orcs attempt to overwhelm a 5th-level Fighter, each orc rolls to hit. Let us assume that two of them succeed on the to-hit roll. The orcs roll a total of 2d6 (each orc has 1HD), and the Fighter rolls 5d6 (the Fighter has 5HD). The orcs get a total of 10, and the Fighter gets a total of 15. Each orc is tossed aside and stunned for five rounds.
Fistfights can be resolved by assuming that a fist does 1 point of damage, and that there is a 50% chance per hit that the damage
is subdual damage (see Subdual Damage above). All Strength bonuses to damage are considered subdual damage only. A word to the wise: Tavern brawls are more efficiently conducted with chairs than with fists.
I can roll no higher than 8 on Con no matter how many times I play....I'm destined to die before level 2
THAC0 is easy. Roll d20 + modifiers + target's AC if result is equal or greater than your THAC0 you hit. Or since base THAC0 is 19 do it this way.
d20 + modifiers + BAB+ target's AC = or > 19 is a hit.
It is not hard and I am no longer into ACC.
Who the hell says TACO?! We always say THACO. Pronounce the Th
The same people who ask questions on Reddit like “should I allow my players to roll in the open?” 🤣 perhaps…
The great magic-user, Malifaq Nova Scotia!
"Promosm"
Haha! Yeeeeass!
It takes maybe 5 minutes to make a character in ose. Why is this video 30 mins? Lol
I’ve set a precedent where I answer rhetorical questions and comments with logic on this channel. Let the tradition continue. The reason this video is 30 minutes is because I enjoy teaching and talking about this amazing game. We’re not just creating a character, we’re discussing the process and options available during the process. While the character creation process can take 5 minutes, it rarely does and most experienced referees and players are aware of this. Why? Because often we are thinking about other people, especially new players and how they may synthesize data so they are not only able to create a character, but so that they may better understand the process. In my experience, it takes closer to 15 minutes to create a new character for OSE Advanced at the table for a new player. I know this because I’m lucky enough to do this quite often. Tell you what. I hope this comment inspires you to create a shorter, more comprehensive video for OSE character creation and I encourage you to share it here in a reply to this comment if and when you do. And you have my guarantee that I will watch the entire video without feeling compelled to comment. Happy gaming!
*Edit
It just occurred to me that it is highly probable that your comment was made without even watching the video! As if you found the video, looked at the length, thought of a “funny” comment, and then took the time to type out that hilarious comment so that we could all have a good laugh thus making the world a better place. Thank you for making the world a better place with your funny comment.
@@EpicSolo yes, the comment was meant to be ironic and no, I haven't watched the video. But hopefully my snarky comment should boost the algorithm to get more people to watch the channel. Keep up the good work.
@@bholl6546 I like it!
WTF on those rolls. Please tell me this video is rigged for educational purposes or I'm gonna be upset that I've never managed to get more than four rolls above a 9. I've yet to roll a character that isn't heavily nerfed in at least one category.
The dice giveth, and the dice taketh away.
Yeah, no. This was rolled hard and it was absolutely an Epic character roll.
3d6 is the epitome of rolling hard!
Currently, my games use "Method 1" from the AD&D 1e DMG
Method 1: All scores are recorded and arranged in the order the player desires. 4d6 are rolled, and the lowest die (or one of the lower) is discarded.
I came up on a heathen AD&D group. We pro ounced it /thāko/.
That's how my group of friends as a kid always pronounced it too