I posted that I’ve been working on my own system (as probably a lot of OSR fans have), but this post isn’t really about that so much. As I’ve been working, there’s a nagging voice in my head that keeps asking “does the world really need another system?”

And that got me thinking, with the massive breadth of options from hardcore retroclones to modernized reinterpretations, does the world need another system? Is there a more useful or needed thing I could be spending my writing time on?

So I guess my question to the group is whether you’re tired of seeing new systems. If you are, what would you rather see? Dungeon anthologies? Old school modules? Micro-settings? Something else?

Personally, I like new systems that either add something fresh, or just rearrange a bunch of existing systems into something that takes aspects of all of them (more what mine is), but I could also do to see more collections of small hexcrawls, zines full of one-page dungeons to drop into a game, or even things like Vermis I, just fun lore books or micro fictions that I can draw inspiration from.

So how about you?

  • @macropterEnglish
    3•1 year ago

    I’m at the point where I’m not looking for much in the way of new systems, but regardless I always take a look! In particular I’m fond of skipping right to the classes, or maybe the sections on encumbrance, and looking for little rules to steal for my own game.

    After all, when I do move away from Advanced OSE I’ll probably be putting together my own thing anyway.

    That being said, I did get started with OSR games by playing smaller indie stuff, not just B/X and OD&D. So I’ll always have a soft spot for SS&SS and the GLOG and Whitehack.

    • @TigerClawTVMEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      We don’t NEED another system per se, but I’m always interested to see what people come up with.

      As long as people keep making systems, we’ll see some innovation over time.

      For the most part these days I’m more interested in modules to read people’s adventures and stuff. Also OSR systems with different settings like Space or the old west are still awesome.

    • @sambeastieOPEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      I’m fond of skipping right to the classes, or maybe the sections on encumbrance, and looking for little rules to steal for my own game.

      Okay, so with that outlook, it does seem that there may yet be value in putting new systems out there even if they’re never run in their entirety. Interesting!

      Based on that response, I’d also recommend checking out Errant. The first time I saw it, i thought “I’ll never actually play this, but I will steal these mechanics and use them somewhere else,” so I think I can completely see where you’re coming from!