"The original retro-clone, reborn for a new generation."
OSRIC 3.0 is a faithful restatement and reorganization of first-edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, fully rewritten for clarity and accessibility. It occupies a middle ground between rules-light OSR and modern complex RPGs, relying on the GM as referee while providing enough mechanical depth to hold together at high-level play. Free PDFs, third-party licensing, and compatibility with thousands of existing adventures.
Setting-agnostic. The implied world is pseudo-medieval early-1980s fantasy: ruined dungeons, ancient magic, fierce dragons, glittering treasure. A dangerous frontier where adventurers carve their names into legend or die forgotten in the dark.
Segment-Based Initiative
Combat rounds divided into 10 segments. Each side rolls 1d6 for initiative — the result is the segment when their actions resolve. Spell casting times, weapon speeds, and movement interact with this granular timeline.
Four Ability Generation Modes
From Hardest Mode (3d6 down the line) to Flexible Mode (4d6 drop lowest, arrange as desired). Age and racial modifiers apply, hard cap at 18.
Heroic Assault (Cleave)
Fighters who reduce a foe to 0 HP may immediately make an additional attack against an adjacent enemy. At higher levels this becomes multiple attacks per round.
Backstab & Thief Skills
Thieves use percentile skills for hide, move silently, pick locks, and find/remove traps. Backstab grants +4 to hit and multiplies damage dice. Clear rules for when it applies.
Open in Session Zero to let every player vote and see the results.