The Arcane World of Swords & Sorcery
Games of Your Imagination
The Castle Oldskull game books are idea-filled treasuries which supplement the original Fantasy Role-Playing Game (FRPG), which celebrates the classic storytelling genre known as Swords & Sorcery. In this shared world of dragons, wizards, and the imagination, you and your friends will each take up the role of an adventurer – a hero, antihero, or villain of your creation. These adventurers bond with brave companions, lead troops of mercenaries, explore dungeons, slay monsters, embrace ancient powers, and gather fabulous treasures from the depths of the harrowing Underworld.
How do you play? You simply choose your favored path. There are Basic, Expert, and Advanced tiers of tabletop game systems which you can choose from. Basic games welcome and gradually introduce you to an ever-wider realm of Expert options, while the deluxe Advanced game is filled with a lifetime’s worth of ongoing adventures. The games featured below stand highly recommended as Castle Oldskull compliant systems. Collect any or all of them and embrace your favorite! Many systems have free versions available. More elaborate editions offer lavish artwork, special features, and Limited Edition collector series too. The FRPG hobby can be as quick-playing or elaborate as you like. Do as you will, set your imagination free. And welcome!
Please note that Castle Oldskull is fully supportive of, yet unaffiliated with, the game companies featured hereafter.
Artwork by Ekaterinya Vladinakova
BASIC-TO-EXPERT TIER GAME SYSTEMS
I. Old-School Essentials
Old-School Essentials, designed by Gavin Norman and published by Necrotic Gnome, is an enthusiastically supported rules system. Old-School Essentials faithfully models the Basic / Expert (B/X) “blue and red book” version of the game, as edited by Tom Moldvay and Dave Cook, originally released in 1981.
The Classic Fantasy Rules Tome
II. Labyrinth Lord
Labyrinth Lord, designed by Daniel Proctor and published by Goblinoid Games, is an inspired recreation of the 1981 game which expands into the 1985 Advanced game via a supplementary companion.
Official Free Download Site for Labyrinth Lord and the Advanced Edition Companion
Advanced Labyrinth Lord in Print
III. Blueholme
Blueholme, designed by Michael Thomas and published by Dreamscape Design, is a faithful rendition of the 1977 “blue book” version of the game, as edited by John Eric Holmes, originally released in 1977. The Prentice Rules provide the Basic system, while the Journeymanne Rules provide additional Expert-level options.
IV. Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game
The Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game, designed by Chris Gonnerman and published via http://www.basicfantasy.org, offers one of the most affordable and accessible versions of the 1981 game. The author provides a wide selection of well-written supplements and adventure modules as well.
Official Free Download Site for Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game
Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game in Print
V. White Box Fantasy Adventure Game
The White Box Fantasy Medieval Adventure Game, designed by Charlie Mason and published by Seattle Hill Games, is a fine exemplar of Gygax and Arneson’s original 1974 FRPG. Games seeking an introduction for the earliest days of the Old School can begin their adventure here.
The Seattle Hill Games Website
VI. Iron Falcon
Iron Falcon, designed by Chris Gonnerman and published via http://www.basicfantasy.org, is similar to White Box and Basic Fantasy. However, Iron Falcon is focused on the Original game (1974) as enhanced by Supplement I (1975). For those who wish to model their fantasy game worlds after the original Lake Geneva Medieval Fantasy Campaign, this is the rules set of choice.
Official Free Download Site for Iron Falcon
ADVANCED TIER GAME SYSTEMS
VII. Adventures Dark & Deep
Adventures Dark & Deep, designed by Joseph Bloch and published by BRW Games, is a bold reimagining of E. Gary Gygax’s lost dream conceptualizing a Deluxe Advanced Second Edition of the world’s foremost Fantasy Role-Playing Game. The Adventures Dark & Deep system features oft-sought character classes such as the Jester, Mountebank, Mystic, and Savant.
The Adventures Dark & Deep Players Manual
VIII. OSRIC
OSRIC – the Old School Reference and Index Compilation – is designed by Stewart Marshall and Matt Finch and published by Black Blade Publishing. This is one of the elder statesmen of the Old School Renaissance movement, exemplifying the shared creative spirit of the original game’s fandom. OSRIC is an excellent vehicle for those who wish to learn how to design and publish their own OSR-compatible gaming supplements.
Journey Onward
There is always more to explore, more to unveil in the Unknown.
The Classic Dungeon Design Guide Trilogy
The Classic Dungeon Design Guide – Book I
Here There Be Monsters
The ultimate introduction to old school dungeon design
$4.99 fulfilled by DriveThruRPG
The Classic Dungeon Design Guide – Book II
Dungeon Design Mastery
A massive collection of random tables and idea generators
$4.99 fulfilled by DriveThruRPG
The Classic Dungeon Design Guide – Book III
The Labyrinth Lexicon
The world’s largest compendium of dungeon rooms
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