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<blockquote data-quote="Gus L" data-source="post: 9518112" data-attributes="member: 7045072">OSE also has a free version - and it's good enough for the first few levels even if you later want to add in more stuff. Heck you can basically run OSE from its online SRD.The thing I'd say though is that all four of these systems are basically the same. They are all Basic/Expert D&amp;D retroclones. The distinctions are about to a point or two of hit bonus, S&amp;W's weird saves (I think that's S&amp;W) or other tiny things.&nbsp; You could also use a bunch of other OSR and Post-OSR systems without much adaption.&nbsp; So it really, really, really doesn't matter.If it's your first time running an OSR system or your players first time with the playstyle I'd actually recommend the Moldvay Basic (the acid fantasy cover with the sorceress and warrior with a spear fighting a dragon) from 1981 as it has a lot more examples and discussion of whys and how then most OSR retroclones. It really doesn't matter though.I might also for Barrowmaze, because it's such a combat intensive dungeon and doesn't use a lot of reaction rolls, include a death save mechanic or another mechanic that means downed PCs don't immediately die.&nbsp; The Death Save I use is a simple D20 over 10 that increases by 1 each time it's been made and only applies to things that do HP damage. Once made the PC is able to move and act, but any damage taken cause instant death without a save. Other alternatives would be a &quot;Death at -5/-10, loss one HP each round PC is down unless another PC act to stabilize them that round&quot; (This means you can survive longer fights only if another PC gives up their actions to keep the PC alive.Don't stress about system! Never spend money you can't spare on OSR stuff (There's almost always a free version/equivalent)! Have fun!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Gus L, post: 9518112, member: 7045072"] OSE also has a free version - and it's good enough for the first few levels even if you later want to add in more stuff. Heck you can basically run OSE from its online SRD. The thing I'd say though is that all four of these systems are basically the same. They are all Basic/Expert D&D retroclones. The distinctions are about to a point or two of hit bonus, S&W's weird saves (I think that's S&W) or other tiny things. You could also use a bunch of other OSR and Post-OSR systems without much adaption. So it really, really, really doesn't matter. If it's your first time running an OSR system or your players first time with the playstyle I'd actually recommend the Moldvay Basic (the acid fantasy cover with the sorceress and warrior with a spear fighting a dragon) from 1981 as it has a lot more examples and discussion of whys and how then most OSR retroclones. It really doesn't matter though. I might also for Barrowmaze, because it's such a combat intensive dungeon and doesn't use a lot of reaction rolls, include a death save mechanic or another mechanic that means downed PCs don't immediately die. The Death Save I use is a simple D20 over 10 that increases by 1 each time it's been made and only applies to things that do HP damage. Once made the PC is able to move and act, but any damage taken cause instant death without a save. Other alternatives would be a "Death at -5/-10, loss one HP each round PC is down unless another PC act to stabilize them that round" (This means you can survive longer fights only if another PC gives up their actions to keep the PC alive. Don't stress about system! Never spend money you can't spare on OSR stuff (There's almost always a free version/equivalent)! Have fun! [/QUOTE]

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