- Official Rules
- General Game Rules
- Character Creation
- Character Creation Options
- Steps
- Roll Ability Scores
- Choose a Race
- Choose a Class (Basic)
- Choose a Class (Advanced)
- Adjust Ability Scores
- Note Ability Score Modifiers
- Ascending AC
- Note Saving Throws and Class Abilities
- Roll Hit Points
- Choose Alignment
- Note Known Languages
- Buy Equipment
- Note Armor Class
- Note Level and XP
- Secondary Skill
- Name Character
- Character Image
- Additional Details
- Reserved I
- Reserved II
- Character Creation Options
- ---
House Rules - Old
House Rules - Old
House Rules
Official Rules
Official Rules
The rules taken from the following books will be considered the default and will take precedence over conflicting rules from any other source, including official-D&D rulebooks:
The rules taken from the following books will be considered the default and will take precedence over conflicting rules from any other source, including official-D&D rulebooks:
- Old-School Essentials: Basic Rules - PDF $0
- Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Player's Rules Tome - PDF $10
- Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy Player's Tome - PDF $15
Other Options
General Game Rules
General Game Rules
Campaign ID
Campaign ID
Please use Campaign ID 918 to associate your character sheets to the campaign created for this game in the die roller.
Link to rolls made in the game:
Please use Campaign ID 918 to associate your character sheets to the campaign created for this game in the die roller.
Link to rolls made in the game:
Private Forums
Private Forums
Each player will have their own private forum which only the player, DM, and site admins will have access to view.
These private forums will contain:
Each player will have their own private forum which only the player, DM, and site admins will have access to view.
These private forums will contain:
- A general 'OOC: [Username]' topic to be used for any private chatter;
- An 'action' topic matching the corresponding action topic in the main public forum;
- Plus any private character details (e.g. alignment, possessions, character notes, etc...) withheld from the public character sheet.
Posting Rules
Posting Rate
The expected posting rate for this game will be largely character-driven, but expect updates at least once a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Meaningful Posts
I make every effort to leave the group with a decision to make or another situation at the end of each of my updates. Please attempt to make sure your updates reflect a specific action for your character to take that addresses that decision or situation, and is not just some vague statement that does not advance the action in some way.
Missing Posts
In order to keep up a consistent pace of play, any player not posting for their character before the DM submits their update stands to have their character NPC'd. Players can (and should) provide default actions for their characters, but the DM will always attempt to play the character intelligently and in a logical manner.
Excessive Absences
Any player consistently or frequently failing to meet the expected posting deadline risks being removed from the game. The DM will attempt to contact the missing player before taking any drastic measures.
The expected posting rate for this game will be largely character-driven, but expect updates at least once a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Meaningful Posts
I make every effort to leave the group with a decision to make or another situation at the end of each of my updates. Please attempt to make sure your updates reflect a specific action for your character to take that addresses that decision or situation, and is not just some vague statement that does not advance the action in some way.
Missing Posts
In order to keep up a consistent pace of play, any player not posting for their character before the DM submits their update stands to have their character NPC'd. Players can (and should) provide default actions for their characters, but the DM will always attempt to play the character intelligently and in a logical manner.
Excessive Absences
Any player consistently or frequently failing to meet the expected posting deadline risks being removed from the game. The DM will attempt to contact the missing player before taking any drastic measures.
Character Sheets
Character Sheets
Characters should be created and maintained using the character sheet functionality in the die roller (linked to Campaign ID 918). The 'Create a character' guide is helpful for those that are new or unfamiliar with the sheet, but, as always, feel free to ask any questions in the public forum and I (or someone) will help you out.
Private Details
Any private details about a character that a player doesn't want to share publicly can be withheld from this character sheet and shared in that player's private forum.
Characters should be created and maintained using the character sheet functionality in the die roller (linked to Campaign ID 918). The 'Create a character' guide is helpful for those that are new or unfamiliar with the sheet, but, as always, feel free to ask any questions in the public forum and I (or someone) will help you out.
Private Details
Any private details about a character that a player doesn't want to share publicly can be withheld from this character sheet and shared in that player's private forum.
Die Rolls
Die Roller
Only rolls made in the Unseen Servant die roller and linked to the campaign created for this game (Campaign ID: 918) will be accepted.
But, as always, feel free to ask any questions and I (or someone) will gladly provide assistance.
Initialization Roll
Only rolls made after this initialization roll by the DM will be considered:
Extra Rolls
Please create the following macro for your character(s) and include it with each action post:
Missing Rolls
Any required rolls not provided by the player will be generated by the DM.
Unused Rolls
Any rolls supplied but not used are considered spent and will not carry over or "bank" to the following round.
Only rolls made in the Unseen Servant die roller and linked to the campaign created for this game (Campaign ID: 918) will be accepted.
There is a detailed user's guide on how to use the die roller:
Also, user hedgeknight created a really helpful post on using the die roller which can be found here:
Also, user hedgeknight created a really helpful post on using the die roller which can be found here:
But, as always, feel free to ask any questions and I (or someone) will gladly provide assistance.
Initialization Roll
Only rolls made after this initialization roll by the DM will be considered:
Extra Rolls
Please create the following macro for your character(s) and include it with each action post:
macro
As Needed: [1d20], [1d6], [1d6]
As Needed: [1d20], [1d6], [1d6]
Missing Rolls
Any required rolls not provided by the player will be generated by the DM.
Unused Rolls
Any rolls supplied but not used are considered spent and will not carry over or "bank" to the following round.
Rounding
Rounding
Occasionally the rules ask you to round a result or value (e.g. saving throws). Unless instructed otherwise, all results will be rounded down.
Once the sum of any tracked fractions results in 1 (or more), the character's maximum hit point total is increased by 1, and any excess fractions continue to be tracked.[/indent]
Occasionally the rules ask you to round a result or value (e.g. saving throws). Unless instructed otherwise, all results will be rounded down.
For example, if you are asked to take half of 7, the result would be 3.
Once the sum of any tracked fractions results in 1 (or more), the character's maximum hit point total is increased by 1, and any excess fractions continue to be tracked.[/indent]
Maps
Map Scales
Unless specifically stated otherwise, assume the following map scales:
Encounter Maps
The only time a map is guaranteed to be supplied by the DM is during an encounter, for positioning purposes.
Overview Maps
If a complete overview map is desired, a player/s is/are more than welcome to assume the role of "The Mapper."
Character Positioning
Players are expected to communicate the desired positioning for their character, instead of the DM arbitrarily making that decision for them. This positioning may not be meaningful in every room, but there will be times when knowing where a character is, or what route they take, will be necessary.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, assume the following map scales:
- Indoor: 5-foot square
- Outdoor: 6-mile hex
Encounter Maps
The only time a map is guaranteed to be supplied by the DM is during an encounter, for positioning purposes.
Overview Maps
If a complete overview map is desired, a player/s is/are more than welcome to assume the role of "The Mapper."
Related: Mapper.
Character Positioning
Players are expected to communicate the desired positioning for their character, instead of the DM arbitrarily making that decision for them. This positioning may not be meaningful in every room, but there will be times when knowing where a character is, or what route they take, will be necessary.
- When a map is provided and your character is present on it, please provide a general indication of where your character will be at the end of their turn, and what route they took to reach that point.
* If no route details are provided, it will be assumed that a character takes a direct line to arrive at their destination.
- In the event no map is provided, these character positioning rules can be ignored.
Mapper
Mapper
One player -- The Mapper -- should create a map of the areas being explored, based on the referee’s descriptions.
Or more than one player.
This role is not a requirement, but the possibility of becoming lost becomes more significant without one.
In fact, expect maps to play a (significant) part of this game. Akin to a treasure. Possibly a currency. Something that the characters should want -- to find, and create, and protect.
Any maps created by a mapper will belong to that player's character. It will be a possession. It will be something that can get lost, or destroyed, or stolen. If lost or misplaced for any reason, that character (or the group) can no longer refer to or use that map.
One player -- The Mapper -- should create a map of the areas being explored, based on the referee’s descriptions.
Or more than one player.
This role is not a requirement, but the possibility of becoming lost becomes more significant without one.
In fact, expect maps to play a (significant) part of this game. Akin to a treasure. Possibly a currency. Something that the characters should want -- to find, and create, and protect.
Any maps created by a mapper will belong to that player's character. It will be a possession. It will be something that can get lost, or destroyed, or stolen. If lost or misplaced for any reason, that character (or the group) can no longer refer to or use that map.
Detail Tracking
Detail Tracking
Someone (or multiple someones) should feel free to create a new topic (or topics) in the main public forum for group accounting purposes (e.g. tracking and treasure won but not individually awarded, experience points, notes from any encounters, maps, etc...).
Someone (or multiple someones) should feel free to create a new topic (or topics) in the main public forum for group accounting purposes (e.g. tracking and treasure won but not individually awarded, experience points, notes from any encounters, maps, etc...).
Character Creation
Character Creation
Start by determining the character creation method you'd like to follow -- Basic or Advanced.
From the appropriate starting point, you should be able to follow the 'Next Steps' links at the bottom of each post to be taken to the next step in the process... following this process until the final step, Additional Details.
Start by determining the character creation method you'd like to follow -- Basic or Advanced.
From the appropriate starting point, you should be able to follow the 'Next Steps' links at the bottom of each post to be taken to the next step in the process... following this process until the final step, Additional Details.
- Character Creation Options
- Steps
- Roll Ability Scores
- Choose a Race
- Choose a Class (Basic)
- Choose a Class (Advanced)
- Adjust Ability Scores
- Note Ability Score Modifiers
- Ascending AC
- Note Saving Throws and Class Abilities
- Roll Hit Points
- Choose Alignment
- Note Known Languages
- Buy Equipment
- Note Armor Class
- Note Level and XP
- Secondary Skill
- Name Character
- Character Image
- Additional Details
- Reserved I
- Reserved II
Character Creation Options
Character Creation Options
This game allows two methods of character creation, one in the style of the Basic/Expert game, and one in the style of the Advanced game.
Characters created using both methods are completely compatible and may freely adventure together.
Next Step: Choose your preferred generation method:
Return to: Character Creation.
This game allows two methods of character creation, one in the style of the Basic/Expert game, and one in the style of the Advanced game.
Characters created using both methods are completely compatible and may freely adventure together.
Next Step: Choose your preferred generation method:
Return to: Character Creation.
Basic Method
Basic Method
If you choose to use the Basic Method of character generation, you will skip step 2, Choose a Race.
In step 3, Choose a Class, if you select a traditional class, you will be human; if not, the race-as-class you selected will also be your race.
Next Step: 1. Roll Ability Scores.
Return to: Character Creation.
If you choose to use the Basic Method of character generation, you will skip step 2, Choose a Race.
In step 3, Choose a Class, if you select a traditional class, you will be human; if not, the race-as-class you selected will also be your race.
Next Step: 1. Roll Ability Scores.
Return to: Character Creation.
Advanced Method
Advanced Method
If you choose to use the Advanced Method of character generation, you will complete step 2, Choose a Race.
Then, in step 3, Choose a Class, you will select a class eligible to your chosen race, bearing in mind the minimum ability score requirements of some classes.
Next Step: 1. Roll Ability Scores.
Return to: Character Creation.
If you choose to use the Advanced Method of character generation, you will complete step 2, Choose a Race.
Then, in step 3, Choose a Class, you will select a class eligible to your chosen race, bearing in mind the minimum ability score requirements of some classes.
Next Step: 1. Roll Ability Scores.
Return to: Character Creation.
1. Roll Ability Scores
1. Roll Ability Scores
Ability Score Order
Your ability scores will be listed in the following order:
This is only worthy of mention since, beginning with 2e, the ability scores began being listed in a different order, grouping the physical and mental skills together:
Macro
Please use the following macro to generate your ability scores:
Either Direction
The order of these results will not change, but the list can be applied beginning in either direction -- starting with Strength or starting with Charisma.
Example
The following rolls --
-- could produce either of the following sets of results:
STR: 8
INT: 5
WIS: 14
DEX: 15
CON: 9
CHA: 14
or
STR: 14
INT: 9
WIS: 15
DEX: 14
CON: 5
CHA: 8
Related:
Next Step, if...
Return to: Character Creation.
Ability Score Order
Your ability scores will be listed in the following order:
This is only worthy of mention since, beginning with 2e, the ability scores began being listed in a different order, grouping the physical and mental skills together:
Macro
Please use the following macro to generate your ability scores:
[3d6], [3d6], [3d6], [3d6], [3d6], [3d6]
Either Direction
The order of these results will not change, but the list can be applied beginning in either direction -- starting with Strength or starting with Charisma.
Example
The following rolls --
8, 5, 14, 15, 9, 14
-- could produce either of the following sets of results:
STR: 8
INT: 5
WIS: 14
DEX: 15
CON: 9
CHA: 14
or
STR: 14
INT: 9
WIS: 15
DEX: 14
CON: 5
CHA: 8
Related:
Next Step, if...
- Advanced Method: 2. Choose a Race.
- Basic Method: 3. Choose a Class (Basic).
Return to: Character Creation.
Sub-Par Characters
Sub-Par Characters
The expectation is that characters will have lower ability scores.
Players can feel free to request a "Sub-Par Characters" exemption, but the request will only be considered in the most extreme situations (like "an 8 or less in every ability score).
Related:
Next Step, if...
Return to: Character Creation.
The expectation is that characters will have lower ability scores.
Players can feel free to request a "Sub-Par Characters" exemption, but the request will only be considered in the most extreme situations (like "an 8 or less in every ability score).
Related:
Next Step, if...
- Advanced Method: 2. Choose a Race.
- Basic Method: 3. Choose a Class (Basic).
Return to: Character Creation.