I've been working on a tiny RPG based on the Microlite20 rules-lite version of the 3.5 SRD that captured the playing style and feel of that very first fantasy roleplaying game published in 1974. It's finally finished and is available for download from my RetroRoleplaying web site.
Here's the announcement and download link.
Microlite74, like its parent game,
Microlite20, is a trimmed down, sub-miniature version of the Primary Fantasy SRD rules that has been designed to be quick and easy to play. The goal of Microlite74, however, is to recreate the style and feel of that very first ("0e") fantasy roleplaying game published back in 1974.
This five page PDF includes variant rules based on Microlite20, a complete spell list and monster list, and a short designer's note section touching on the differences in style between "old school" and the usual style of play encountered today. Microlite74's rules were written to support the "old school" style, while retaining many of the more modern rules features of OGL games based on the 3.5 SRD. Microlite20 trimmed the fat from the 3.5 SRD, paring the game down to a fast-moving and easy to learn two-page system. Microlite74 takes the M20 system and modifies it for a 1974 style, but leaves most of the basic Microlite20 rules in place.
Those looking for a retroclone of that 0e Fantasy RPG from 1974 will be disappointed in Microlite74 as it makes no attempt to be a clone of the 0e rules, only of the feel and style of Oe play. Those looking for a 0e retroclone should take a look at
Swords & Wizardry. Those looking for a way to play 0e adventures and campaigns with rules based on the popular SRD-based Microlite20 system will probably find Microlite 74 well worth the download. It's only 100K or so, what do you have to lose?
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