"The ENNIE award-winning retro-clone of the original fantasy roleplaying game."
Swords & Wizardry Complete Revised is the definitive edition of the ENNIE award-winning retro-clone of original D&D (1974–1978). Matt Finch distilled all the early supplements into one cohesive 144-page rulebook: nine classes, five ancestries, ~200 spells, 160+ monsters, and procedures for dungeon and wilderness play. The rulings-over-rules philosophy that defined the OSR movement.
Setting-agnostic. The implied world is classic pulp sword-and-sorcery in the tradition of Howard, Leiber, and Vance — medieval fantasy with crumbling dungeons, ancient mysteries, and the war of Law vs. Chaos. Supports everything from gritty low-fantasy to gonzo sci-fantasy with androids and Martians.
Single Saving Throw
Instead of five traditional saving throw categories, S&W uses one unified saving throw based on class and level. Simple and elegant.
Ascending & Descending AC
Every monster and rule includes both ascending and descending AC. Seamless compatibility with classic and modern adventures alike.
Four Initiative Systems
The book includes four distinct initiative options — from standard d6 group roll to DEX-rank and activity-point systems from Eldritch Wizardry.
Rulings over Rules
The rules deliberately leave gaps for the Referee to fill. Quick rulings over rulebook lookup. Polymorph Self: 63 words — trust the GM.
Open in Session Zero to let every player vote and see the results.