OSRIC 2.0 Hardcover = AWESOME

[Grimstaff]

The OSRIC tome is a fantastic resource! I always have mine at the table - even though I run Swords & Wizardry...

 

[jdrakeh]

Except that it's not...I have the paperback version of 2.0 and while I like the book, it irritates the heck out of me that fundamental spells (i.e. Detect Magic) were needlessly changed. Uggh...

I guess it's just me, but I don't see a huge difference between this:

When the detect magic spell is cast, the cleric detects magical radiations in a path 1” wide, and up to 3” long, in the direction he or she is facing. The caster can turn 60’ per round. Note that stone walls of 1’ or more thickness, solid metal of but 1/12’ thickness, or 3’ or more of solid wood will block the spell. The spell requires the use of the cleric’s holy (or unholy) symbol.

And this:

Detect magic creates a tunnel of magical vision in a path ten ft wide and thirty ft long, in which the cleric sees the aura of any magic item as a glowing blue nimbus. The spell’s effect is blocked by solid wood 3 ft thick, by stone 1 ft thick, and by solid metal 1 inch thick. The cleric can only scan a 60° arc during the course of a round: turning more quickly does not allow magic auras enough time to form in the cleric’s vision.

The only true discernible differences aside from some easily ignored flavor text are in units of measurement (and in AD&D 1" = 10' so that's not a true difference in terms of effect) and the lack of mentioning a holy symbol. When you nitpick such superficial changes, you sound like you're actively looking for a reason to dislike OSRIC.

Also, note that the changes weren't needless — the text of AD&D is not Open Game Content, which means that it could not be re-used verbatim in OSRIC. As it stands, the authors could have gone one of two ways — slightly revision the AD&D text so as to not infringe upon the original or use the D&D 3x version of the spell which is entirely different:

Level: Brd 0, Clr 0, Drd 0, Sor/Wiz 0
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

You detect magical auras. The amount of information revealed depends on how long you study a particular area or subject.

1st Round: Presence or absence of magical auras.

2nd Round: Number of different magical auras and the power of the most potent aura.

3rd Round: The strength and location of each aura. If the items or creatures bearing the auras are in line of sight, you can make Spellcraft skill checks to determine the school of magic involved in each. (Make one check per aura; DC 15 + spell level, or 15 + half caster level for a nonspell effect.)

Magical areas, multiple types of magic, or strong local magical emanations may distort or conceal weaker auras.

Aura Strength: An aura’s power depends on a spell’s functioning spell level or an item’s caster level. If an aura falls into more than one category, detect magic indicates the stronger of the two.

 

[mhensley]

Good to hear as my copy just shipped today from lulu.

 

[Bullgrit]

Herein you'll find all of the rules necessary to play AD&D 1e modules under one cover, complete with to-hit tables, demons and devils, and dungeon mastering advice out the wahzoo!

I bet this question has been asked before, but why not play AD&D1 modules with the original/true AD&D1 rule books?

Bullgrit

 

[Chainsaw]

I bet this question has been asked before, but why not play AD&D1 modules with the original/true AD&D1 rule books?

Bullgrit

Well, in the case of DM's, I'm guessing people usually have both. I do. The OSRIC material's a little better for quick reference at the table, based on what I've read of it. The original material's a little more fun to read and offers more inspiration (to me at least). In the case of players, OSRIC can be downloaded and printed out for free.. so your whole group doesn't have to go to Ebay to buy old books.

I'm sure there are other reasons as well.

Edit: Also, my understanding is that OSRIC was meant to facilitate publishing of new AD&D adventures that were compatible with the old system. It's not meant to replace the old books. Others will inevitably chime in with more informed opinions though.

 

[Ssadral]

I'm a C&C convert, but still have all my AD&D books and really have no reason to get OSRIC other than the somewhat positive things I hear about it.

Really though the D&D Rules Cyclopedia is on my to buy list before anything like OSRIC.

 

[Ourph]

I bet this question has been asked before, but why not play AD&D1 modules with the original/true AD&D1 rule books?

Bullgrit

I treat my OSRIC hardback as my "traveling spellbook". My original AD&D books stay at home away from the viscissitudes of my overcrowded messenger bag and the drinks-laden gaming table.

 

[Chainsaw]

I treat my OSRIC hardback as my "traveling spellbook". My original AD&D books stay at home away from the viscissitudes of my overcrowded messenger bag and the drinks-laden gaming table.

Another good reason!

 

[Grimstaff]

I bet this question has been asked before, but why not play AD&D1 modules with the original/true AD&D1 rule books?

Bullgrit

While the original books aren't *impossible* to find, scoring a set is by no means a done deal, either. The .pdfs are no longer legally available, and the hardcovers must be tracked down used via either a lucky score at the FLGS or placing your faith in some faceless Ebay merchant who may or may not get your goods to you in the promised condition in a reasonable timeframe.

No such nonsense with OSRIC - download the .pdf for free, or drop ten bucks at LuLu and have your copy in hand in 5 or 6 business days.

I do have the original books already (two sets! ), but still use the OSRIC tome since:
a) everything (monsters, classes, charts) is in one big book instead of three, and well-organized for easy reference.
b) my original AD&D books may languish safely at home in the Vault, free of threatening beer or pizza-sauce stains, and
c) its new and shiny and everyone likes to ooh and ahh over it.

 

[jdrakeh]

I bet this question has been asked before, but why not play AD&D1 modules with the original/true AD&D1 rule books?

Bullgrit

Well, finding the actual AD&D 1e books in. . .

a. Good condition.

for

b. Reasonable prices.

. . . is getting much harder. Frex, I've seen early print runs of the original AD&D 1e PHB (demon statue cover) in Excellent to Very Good condition command as much as $75 recently. A few years ago, with the occasional exception, you could pick up barely used copies of all the AD&D 1e books for as little as $10 each. Lately, I've been hard-pressed to find those same books for less than $20 each in Fair condition. I think the OSR has increased demand, thus thinning the market.

So, yes, you can still buy cheap copies of the book that are in not-so-great condition — but why do that when you can get a sleek, well-bound, brand new hardcover copy of what is essentially the same set of core rules for just under $30 delivered to your door? It's the difference between paying for something you'll have to duct tape together sometime next year and a book that you can probably give to your grandchildren in its original binding.

Also, as somebody else mentioned, with the original books climbing in price while becoming more obscure, the threats of Cheetoe fingers or a soda spill are all the more dangerous. It is more prudent to risk damaging a new, easily replaced, book than a soon to be collector's item.

[Edit: FWIW, I did recently re-purchase some original AD&D monster manuals for use with OSRIC. All were in Very Good condition or better. The cheapest of these was the AD&D 2e Monstrous Manual Revised at $22.]