Games based on Into the Odd, if that’s the right phrase

[jian]

I’ve seen and read a lot of these recently, and it’s interesting how modular and modifiable they are. But as I said in the title, I’m not sure that’s the right phrase or description.

What I mean are games like DURF, Cairn 1E, or Kala Mandala, which have an OSR like design but similar simple principles such as:

• No classes
• Relatively few stats (3-4)
• Equipment slots (10+) that define your current capabilities, with spells taking up slots

Here are some example links (all free):

Cairn - First Edition by Yochai Gal

An adventure game about characters exploring a dark, mysterious Wood.

yochaigal.itch.io

DURF by Emiel Boven

An adventure game for brave adventurers

emielboven.itch.io

Kala Mandala Playbook by Centaur Games

Rules-lite, shoes-lite, flavour-heavy TTRPG. Southeast Asian fantasy. Flavours include cloves, gingers, and pepper.

heycentaur.itch.io

They aren’t all identical - Cairn and KM share long lists of random spells, DURF has non-random damage, and so on.

I do think they’re an interesting design to build off, and I’m wondering about doing a JRPG riff. Has anyone else noticed these? What do you think of them?

 

[Fenris-77]

Into the Odd is a wonderful game. I'd completely recommend using it to base any project on if you like it.

 

[Theory of Games]

I'd check out FUDGE first. It's the matrix of most of the "Indie" and "Minimalist" ttrpgs.

What's Fudge?

Grey Ghost Press, Inc. - publishers of the Fudge customizable roleplaying game, the Deryni Adventure Game, and more!

www.fudgerpg.com

 

[jian]

I'd check out FUDGE first. It's the matrix of most of the "Indie" and "Minimalist" ttrpgs.

What's Fudge?

Grey Ghost Press, Inc. - publishers of the Fudge customizable roleplaying game, the Deryni Adventure Game, and more!

www.fudgerpg.com

I know Fudge well and it’s a good basis for Fate and similar games with player-created attributes such as Risus or Cartoon Action Hour, but it doesn’t really look much like the games I’ve mentioned.

 

[Fenris-77]

Into the Odd is a redesign and re-presentation of OD&D, so not much like Fudge or Fate at all.

 

[Theory of Games]

I know Fudge well and it’s a good basis for Fate and similar games with player-created attributes such as Risus or Cartoon Action Hour, but it doesn’t really look much like the games I’ve mentioned.

That's interesting. Do you see any resemblance between OtE and RISUS or Barbarians of Lemuria? I do

 

[jian]

That's interesting. Do you see any resemblance between OtE and RISUS or Barbarians of Lemuria? I do

Yes, certainly OtE and Risus. BoL a bit less so, because there aren’t really any player-defined traits (unless you count professions/skills). None of the games I noted in the first post have them either.

 

[Theory of Games]

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Yes, certainly OtE and Risus. BoL a bit less so, because there aren’t really any player-defined traits (unless you count professions/skills). None of the games I noted in the first post have them either.

Yeah. Most of them are fun "beer & pretzels" kind of games