Carcass Crawler

The official Old-School Essentials zine

Exclusive inaugural issue —

for Kickstarter backers only!
8 new fantasy classes, 3 new races
Expanded adventuring gear RETRO ADVENTURE GAME
 Carcass Crawler
The official Old-School Essentials zine
Exclusive Inaugural Issue!

Writing: Gavin Norman

Editing, layout: Gavin Norman
Cover art: Thomas Denmark
Interior art: Jerry Boucher, Paul Caprio, Michael Clarke, Chris Malec, William
McAusland, Brooke Penrose, Stefan Poag, Sean Poppe
Text and design © Gavin Norman 2020. Cover illustration © Thomas Denmark 2020. Illustrations on p. 3 ©
Jerry Boucher 2020; on p. 5, 20 Paul Caprio (© Necrotic Gnome); on p. 21 © Michael Clarke 2020; on p. 9, 16,
19, 24, 25, 28–29 © Chris Malec 2020; on p. 32 William McAusland (© Necrotic Gnome); on p. 2, 8 Brooke
Penrose (© Necrotic Gnome); on p. 22, 23 © Stefan Poag 2020; on p. 27 © Sean Poppe 2020. Dimitri © Fonta-
licious – Derivative Versions © Font Bros. – www.fontbros.com. Economica © TipoType – Derivative Versions
© Font Bros. – www.fontbros.com.
 Table of Contents
Introduction3 Fantasy Races 22
Welcome!3 Changeling23
In This Issue 3 Mutoid24
Compatibility3 Mycelian25
Fantasy Classes 4 Expanded Equipment 26
Arcane Bard 6 Open Game License 30
Beast Master 8
Changeling10
Chaos Knight 12
Mage14
Mutoid16
Mycelian18
Warden20

Old-School Essentials and Carcass Crawler are trademarks of Necrotic Gnome. This product is released
2 under the terms of the Open Game License Version 1.0a, Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
 Introduction
Welcome! Compatibility
Welcome to this special inaugural issue of Content in Carcass Crawler is compatible
Carcass Crawler—the official Old-School with all flavours of Old-School Essentials
Essentials zine! This issue is available (e.g. Classic Fantasy, Advanced Fantasy,
exclusively to backers of the Old-School etc.). By extension, this means that the
Essentials Advanced Fantasy Kickstarter content is also compatible with the classic
(August–September 2020). Basic/Expert game and with other games
Carcass Crawler is a zine devoted to Old- that are based on the Basic/Expert rules.
School Essentials—each issue is packed
with new material for your games, in-
cluding new character classes and races,
new spells and magic items, new mon-
sters, optional and expanded rules, news,
previews of in-development products,
short adventures, and more!

In This Issue
This issue focuses on expanded character
options, with the following articles:
▶  Fantasy Classes: Eight new character
classes for all fantasy games! The arcane
bard, the beast master, the changeling,
the chaos knight, the mage, the mutoid,
the mycelian, and the warden.
▶  Fantasy Races: Three new character
races for Advanced Fantasy games! The
changeling, the mutoid, and the mycelian.
▶  Expanded Equipment: More gear
for expeditions into dungeons and the
wilderness!

necroticgnome.com
3
 Fantasy Classes
By Gavin Norman
This article presents 8 brand new fantasy
genre character classes for your Old- Arcane Bard
School Essentials games. The new classes The bard class in Old-School Essentials
range from classic sword & sorcery Advanced Fantasy is inspired by the 1979
archetypes, through variants on existing Advanced 1st edition rules—an ally of the
classes, to weird new demihumans to take druids who casts spells from the druid
your games in new directions. spell list.
Introduce them as NPCs for player char- This druidic bard is unique to the 1st edi-
acters to encounter or add them to the tion rules. As the various newer editions
roster of classes players may choose from of the game were published, the bard
when creating a character! class evolved into something different.
The association with druids disappeared,
divine spells were replaced with arcane
Too Many Classes? spells, and skills of stealth and subterfuge
The new classes presented in this article were added. In essence, the bard class
are entirely optional. Some groups love evolved into a sort of “jack-of-all-trades”,
to have as many classes as possible, rel- with a smattering of the abilities of fight-
ishing the variety of a wide selection of ers, magic-users, and thieves.
character types to choose from. Other The arcane bard class in this issue is
groups prefer to stick with a limited presented as an alternative version of the
selection of character classes. As always: class, specifically inspired by the 1989
do what brings your group the most Advanced 2nd edition rules. Some groups
enjoyment in your games. may prefer to use this version of the class
One approach that works well is for the in place of the version in Old-School
referee to select a limited set of classes Essentials Advanced Fantasy. Of course,
(say between 7–10 in number) that are both classes may also be used together in
available in the campaign. For example, a campaign, should a group wish to do so.
in one campaign, the cleric class may
not exist, being replaced with the pala- Beast Master
din and chaos knight (representing the
opposing poles of Law and Chaos). A classic fantasy archetype: the warrior
who can tame and befriend wild animals.
In this way, the number of choices avail- This class is (as the name implies) specif-
able to players when creating characters ically inspired by the protagonist of the
is kept within reasonable bounds, while 1982 film The Beastmaster.
the hand-picked set of allowed classes
can heavily reinforce the flavour of the
specific campaign.

4
Changeling
A demihuman race with the ability to steal
the form of other humanoids. The change-
ling class is based partly on folkloric de-
scriptions of shape-shifters and partly on
the abilities of the doppelgänger monster.
The changeling is also presented as a race,
for those using the option presented in
Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy
for selecting a character’s class and race
separately. See Fantasy Races, p22.

Chaos Knight
The counterpart and nemesis of the law-
ful-aligned paladin, the chaos knight is a
warrior bound to serve a chaotic patron.

Mage
This class is the result of a thought exper- Mycelian
iment: what would a wizardly class look
A demihuman race of fungal humanoids
like if based on the percentile thief skills
who dwell in the depths of the Under-
mechanic, instead of the standard spell
world.
memorization mechanism? Thus, the
magic possessed by mages is not bound The mycelian is also presented as a race,
by spell books or memorization. for those using the option presented in
Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy
The specific abilities of the class are
for selecting a character’s class and race
heavily inspired by a certain wizard of
separately. See Fantasy Races, p22.
great repute in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of
the Rings trilogy. Due to the class’ lack of
flashy combat magic, it could be used as Warden
a wholesale replacement of the standard The ranger class featured in Old-School
magic-user class in low-magic campaigns. Essentials Advanced Fantasy is a warrior
whose connection with nature grants
Mutoid them access to druidic magic at higher
levels. While access to druid spells fits
A demihuman race whose members have
thematically with the ranger’s wilderness
mismatched body parts of many different
lifestyle, many groups prefer rangers to be
creatures (e.g. reptiles, crustaceans, birds,
a completely non-magical class.
mammals, etc.). Each individual has a
unique appearance. The warden class presented in this issue
is just that—a ranger who does not gain
The mutoid is also presented as a race,
access to spells.
for those using the option presented in
Old-School Essentials Advanced Fantasy
for selecting a character’s class and race
separately. See Fantasy Races, p22.
5
Arcane Bard
Using magic items: As spell casters,
bards are able to use magic scrolls of
spells on their spell list. They can also use
Requirements: Minimum INT 9 items that may only be used by arcane
Prime requisite: CHA, DEX spell casters (e.g. magic wands).
Hit Dice: 1d6
Maximum level: 14 Bard Skills
Armour: Leather, chainmail, no shields Bards can use the following skills, with
Weapons: Any the chance of success shown opposite:
Languages: Alignment, Common ▶  Climb sheer surfaces (CS): A roll is
required for each 100’ to be climbed. If
Bards are musicians and poets drawn to the roll fails, the bard falls at the halfway
a life of wandering and adventure. They point, suffering falling damage. This skill
pick up a wide range of abilities in their may not be used if the bard is wearing
travels, becoming jacks-of-all-trades. chainmail.
Prime requisites: A bard with at least ▶  Hear noise (HN): In a quiet environ-
13 CHA and DEX gains a 5% bonus to ment (e.g. not in combat), a bard may
experience. A bard with a score of 16 or attempt to listen at a door or to hear the
higher in one prime requisite, and a 13 or sounds of something (e.g. a wandering
higher in the other gains a 10% bonus. monster) approaching.
▶  Pick pockets (PP): If the victim is
Anti-Charm above 5th level, the bard’s roll is penal-
While the bard plays music and sings, al- ised by 5% for every level above 5th.
lies within 30’ are immune to song-based There is always at least a 1% chance of
magical effects and the beguiling powers failure. A roll of more than twice the
of sylvan creatures or fairies. Allies al- percentage required for success means
ready under the effect of such magic gain that the attempted theft is noticed. The
another saving throw with a +4 bonus. referee should determine the reaction of
the victim (possibly using the reaction
Arcane Magic table under Encounters, in Old-School
Essentials).
See Magic in Old-School Essentials for
full details on arcane magic. ▶  Read languages (RL): A bard can read
non-magical texts in unknown languag-
Spell casting: From 2nd level, bards can es (including dead languages and basic
cast arcane spells, owning a spell book in codes). If the roll does not succeed, the
which the magical formulae for the spells bard may not try to read that particular
they know are recorded. The level pro- text again until they reach a higher level
gression table (opposite) shows both the of experience.
number of spells in the bard's spell book
and the number they may memorize,
determined by the character’s experi- Combat
ence level. A bard's spells are selected by Bards can use leather armour or chain-
the referee (who may allow the player mail but do not have the training
to choose). The list of spells available to required to use plate mail or shields. They
bards is provided in Old-School Essentials can use all weapons.
(bards have the same spell selection
as magic-users).
6
Arcane Bard Level Progression
Saving Throws Spells
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S 1 2 3 4
1 0 1d6 19 [0] 13 14 13 16 15 – – – –
2 2,000 2d6 19 [0] 13 14 13 16 15 1 – – –
3 4,000 3d6 19 [0] 13 14 13 16 15 2 – – –
4 8,000 4d6 19 [0] 13 14 13 16 15 3 – – –
5 16,000 5d6 17 [+2] 12 13 11 14 13 3 1 – –
6 32,000 6d6 17 [+2] 12 13 11 14 13 3 2 – –
7 64,000 7d6 17 [+2] 12 13 11 14 13 3 3 – –
8 120,000 8d6 17 [+2] 12 13 11 14 13 3 3 1 –
9 240,000 9d6 14 [+5] 10 11 9 12 10 3 3 2 –
10 360,000 9d6+2* 14 [+5] 10 11 9 12 10 3 3 3 –
11 480,000 9d6+4* 14 [+5] 10 11 9 12 10 3 3 3 1
12 600,000 9d6+6* 14 [+5] 10 11 9 12 10 3 3 3 2
13 720,000 9d6+8* 12 [+7] 8 9 7 10 8 3 3 3 3
14 840,000 9d6+10* 12 [+7] 8 9 7 10 8 4 4 3 3
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

Lore Bard Skills Chance of Success

From 2nd level, a bard has a 2-in-6 Level CS HN PP RL
chance of knowing lore pertaining to 1 77 1–2 20 40
monsters, magic items, or heroes of folk- 2 78 1–2 25 50
tale or legend. This ability may be used to 3 79 1–3 30 60
identify the nature and powers of magic 4 80 1–3 35 70
items.
5 81 1–3 40 80
6 82 1–3 45 82
After Reaching 11th Level
7 83 1–4 55 84
A bard can establish a manor. 2d6 ap- 8 84 1–4 65 86
prentice bards of 1st level will come to
study under the character. 9 85 1–4 75 88
10 86 1–4 85 90
Rolling Skill Checks 11 87 1–5 95 90
12 88 1–5 105 90
All skills except hear noise are rolled on
d%, with a result of less than or equal to 13 90 1–5 115 90
the listed percentage indicating success. 14 91 1–5 125 90
Hear noise is rolled by the referee on 1d6.
If the roll is within the listed range of
numbers, the skill succeeds. 7
Beast Master Animal Companions
A beast master may attempt to forge a
Requirements: None bond with an encountered animal. If the
Prime requisite: STR and WIS attempt succeeds, the animal becomes the
Hit Dice: 1d6 beast master’s loyal companion.
Maximum level: 14
Armour: Leather, chainmail, shields Establishing a Connection
Weapons: Any The beast master must approach the
Languages: Alignment, Common animal in a peaceful manner. The referee
makes a reaction roll. If the result is 8
Beast masters are adventurers with a spe- or greater, the animal becomes the beast
cial connection to animals. They are often master’s companion.
accompanied by one or more loyal beasts.
Prime requisites: A beast master with at
Requirements
least 13 in one prime requisite gets +5% Type of animals: Both wild and domestic
to XP. If both STR and WIS are 16 or animals may be companions. Giant or
higher, the character gets a +10% bonus. magical animals may be companions at
the referee’s discretion.
Maximum companions: A beast master
may have up to one animal companion
per experience level. The total Hit Dice of
companions may not exceed the charac-
ter's experience level.
Death or dismissal: If an animal com-
panion dies or is dismissed, the beast
master may attempt to forge a connection
with a new animal.
Companions’ Behaviour
Once a connection is successfully estab-
lished, the animal companion will follow
the beast master everywhere. It obeys
basic commands from the beast master
and will fight to defend the beast master,
never checking morale.

Clairvoyance
After reaching 5th level, a beast master
can see through the eyes of their animal
companions, wherever they may be. This
requires deep concentration.

Combat
Beast masters can use all types of weap-
ons and can use leather armour, chain-
mail, and shields.
8
Beast Master Level Progression
Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S
1 0 1d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 16
2 1,800 2d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 16
3 3,600 3d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 16
4 7,250 4d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 16
5 15,000 5d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 14
6 30,000 6d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 14
7 60,000 7d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 14
8 120,000 8d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 14
9 240,000 9d6 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 12
10 360,000 9d6+2* 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 12
11 480,000 9d6+4* 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 12
12 600,000 9d6+6* 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 12
13 720,000 9d6+8* 12 [+7] 5 6 6 9 10
14 840,000 9d6+10* 12 [+7] 5 6 6 9 10
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

Identify Tracks
A beast master can identify the tracks
and spoor of animals in the wild.

Reaction Modifier
A beast master gains a +1 bonus to reac-
tion rolls made when interacting with an-
imals, in addition to their CHA modifier.
(See Encounters in Old-School Essentials.)

Speak with Animals

Animals understand the basic meaning
behind a beast master’s words. After Reaching 9th Level
▶  From 2nd level: The beast master can A beast master may construct a strong-
also understand the speech of animals. hold in the wilderness. Animals within a
▶  From 4th level: The beast master can 5 mile radius of the stronghold will be-
communicate empathically with animals, come friends with the beast master. They
without the need for words. may warn of intruders, carry messages
and news, and so on. In exchange for this
Communication with animals is always friendship, the beast master must
commensurate to their intelligence. protect the animals from harm. 9
Changeling
▶  Hide in shadows (HS): Requires the
changeling to be motionless—attacking
or moving while hiding is not possible.
Requirements: INT 9 ▶  Move silently (MS): A changeling may
Prime requisite: CHA and DEX attempt to sneak past enemies unnoticed.
Hit Dice: 1d6
Maximum level: 10
Armour: Leather, shields
Combat
Weapons: Any Changelings can use all types of weapons
Languages: Alignment, Common, and can use leather armour and shields.
Doppelgänger
Changelings are magical demihumans
Shape-Stealing
that possess powers of deception and A changeling can alter their form to ex-
shape-stealing. In its natural form, a actly mimic another person. This requires
changeling appears to be a normal human. 1 round of physical contact.
Prime requisites: A changeling with at Slain victims: The changeling can steal
least 13 in one prime requisite gets +5% the form of a person they have killed
to XP. If both CHA and DEX are 16 or within the last turn.
higher, the character gets a +10% bonus. Unconscious victims: The changeling
can steal the form of a sleeping or uncon-
Back-stab scious victim.
When attacking an unaware opponent Conscious victims: From 5th level, the
from behind, a changeling receives a +4 changeling can steal the form of a con-
bonus to hit and doubles any damage scious victim. This requires brief physical
dealt. contact (a successful melee attack in com-
bat). The victim may save versus spells to
Changeling Skills resist.
Changelings can use the following skills, Effects of Successful Shape-Stealing
with the chance of success shown oppo- Duration: The changeling remains in the
site: new form for up to one turn per level.
▶  Beguile (BE): On a successful check, Stats: The changeling retains their own
the changeling’s words take on a super- intelligence, hit points, saving throws,
natural potency. A person of HD no and attack probabilities.
greater than the changeling's level must
save versus spells or believe the change- Capabilities: Physical capabilities of the
ling’s words. The beguilement lasts for 1 new form (e.g. strength, physical attack
round per level of the changeling. After- forms, modes of movement) are acquired.
wards, the beguiled person realises they Non-physical special abilities (e.g. immu-
have been tricked. This skill may only be nities, breath weapons, spell casting) are
used on any given person once per day. not acquired.
▶  Hear noise (HN): In a quiet environ- Clothing and gear: Items visibly worn or
ment (e.g. not in combat), a changeling carried by the victim are copied. Copied
may attempt to listen at a door or to hear items do not possess any magical proper-
the sounds of something (e.g. a wander- ties of the original and vanish if dropped.
ing monster) approaching.
10
Changeling Level Progression
Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S
1 0 1d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 12
2 2,500 2d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 12
3 5,000 3d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 12
4 10,000 4d6 19 [0] 11 12 12 15 12
5 20,000 5d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 10
6 30,000 6d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 10
7 60,000 7d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 10
8 120,000 8d6 17 [+2] 9 10 10 13 10
9 240,000 9d6 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 8
10 360,000 9d6+2* 14 [+5] 7 8 8 11 8
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

After Reaching 9th Level Rolling Skill Checks

A changeling can establish a secret base, All skills except hear noise are rolled on
attracting 2d6 apprentices of 1st level. d%, with a result of less than or equal to
Apprentices will be changelings, thieves, the listed percentage indicating success.
or similar characters. The apprentices will Hear noise is rolled on 1d6. If the roll is
serve the changeling with some reliabil- within the listed range of numbers, the
ity; however, should any be arrested or skill succeeds.
killed, the PC will not be able to attract
apprentices to replace them. A successful Player Knowledge
changeling might use these followers to The referee should roll for HN, HS,
start a Thieves’ Guild. and MS on the player’s behalf, as the
changeling does not immediately know
Changeling Skills Chance of Success if the attempt was successful. If an HS or
Level BE HN HS MS MS roll fails, the referee knows that the
1 20 1–2 10 20 changeling has been noticed and should
determine enemies’ actions appropriately.
2 25 1–2 15 25
3 30 1–3 20 30
4 35 1–3 25 35
5 40 1–3 30 40
6 43 1–3 36 45
7 46 1–4 45 55
8 50 1–4 55 65
9 55 1–4 65 75
10 60 1–4 75 85
11
Chaos Knight
Excess: Rolled Hit Dice that are not
sufficient to affect a creature are wasted.
However, at least one creature will always
Requirements: Minimum CHA 9 be affected on a successful attempt.
Prime requisite: STR and WIS Mixed groups: If command undead is
Hit Dice: 1d8 used against a mixed group of undead
Maximum level: 14 monsters of different types, those with
Armour: Any, including shields the lowest HD are affected first.
Weapons: Any
Languages: Alignment, Common Divine Magic
Chaos knights are warriors bound See Magic in Old-School Essentials for
(whether willingly or not) to the service full details on divine magic.
of an infernal patron—a chaotic deity, Holy symbol: A chaos knight must carry
demon, or devil. a holy symbol (see the equipment list).
Alignment: A chaos knight must be cha- Patron disfavour: Chaos knights must
otic. If the character’s alignment chang- be faithful to the tenets of their patron
es (for any reason), they lose all class and religion. Chaos knights who fall from
abilities and becomes a fighter of the same favour may incur penalties.
level. The referee may allow the character
Spell casting: From 9th level, a chaos
to perform a mighty sacrifice in order to
knight may pray to receive spells. The
regain their status as a chaos knight.
power and number of spells available are
Prime requisites: A chaos knight with at determined by the character’s experience
least 13 in one prime requisite gets +5% level. The list of spells available to chaos
to XP. If both STR and WIS are 16 or knights is found in Old-School Essen-
higher, the character gets a +10% bonus. tials (chaos knights have the same spell
selection as clerics, typically using the
Combat reversed versions of spells).
Chaos knights can use all types of weap-
ons and armour. Infernal Steed
A chaos knight of 4th level or higher may
Commanding the Undead summon an infernal steed—a horse with
Chaos knights of 3rd level and higher can AC 5 [14], 5+5 HD, and a movement rate
invoke the power of their patron to com- of 180’ (60’). If the steed dies, another
mand undead monsters encountered. To may not be summoned for 10 years.
command undead, the player rolls 2d6.
The referee then consults the table oppo- Life Drain
site, comparing the roll against the Hit Once per day, a chaos knight can make
Dice of the undead monsters targeted. a life draining melee attack. If the attack
Successful Commanding hits, the target loses 2 hit point per level
If the command attempt succeeds, the of the chaos knight (in addition to normal
player must roll 2d6 again to determine damage). The chaos knight is healed of
the number of HD affected. damage equal to the hit points drained.
Commanded undead: Will obey the cha-
os knight’s commands for 1 round
Unholy Resistance
12 per level of the character. Chaos knights are immune to all disease.
Chaos Knight Level Progression
Saving Throws Spells
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S 1 2 3
1 0 1d8 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14 – – –
2 2,750 2d8 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14 – – –
3 5,500 3d8 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14 – – –
4 12,000 4d8 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12 – – –
5 24,000 5d8 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12 – – –
6 45,000 6d8 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12 – – –
7 95,000 7d8 14 [+5] 6 7 8 8 10 – – –
8 175,000 8d8 14 [+5] 6 7 8 8 10 – – –
9 350,000 9d8 14 [+5] 6 7 8 8 10 1 – –
10 500,000 9d8+2* 12 [+7] 4 5 6 6 8 2 – –
11 650,000 9d8+4* 12 [+7] 4 5 6 6 8 2 1 –
12 800,000 9d8+6* 12 [+7] 4 5 6 6 8 2 2 –
13 950,000 9d8+8* 10 [+9] 2 3 4 3 6 2 2 1
14 1,100,000 9d8+10* 10 [+9] 2 3 4 3 6 3 2 1
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

Vow of Bondage Chaos Knight Commanding the Undead

A chaos knight may keep only a total of Monster Hit Dice†
one suit of magical armour, one magical Level 1 2 2* 3 4 5 6 7-9
shield, and one magical melee weapon. 3 7 9 11 – – – – –
They must also spend at least 10% of all 4 C 7 9 11 – – – –
income on sacrifices to their patron. 5 C C 7 9 11 – – –
6 C C C 7 9 11 – –
After Reaching 9th Level 7 C C C C 7 9 11 –
With the permission of their patron, a 8 C C C C C 7 9 11
chaos knight can build a stronghold and 9 C C C C C C 7 9
control the surrounding lands. The chaos 10 C C C C C C C 7
knight may be granted a title such as
Baron or Baroness. The land under their 11+ C C C C C C C C
control is then known as a Barony. * 2 HD monsters with a special ability
(i.e. with an asterisk next to their HD
Commanding Table Results rating, in the monster description).
–: The commanding fails. † At the referee’s option, the table may be
Number: If the 2d6 commanding roll is expanded to include more powerful types
higher or equal, the attempt succeeds. of undead monsters.
C: The commanding succeeds. 13
Mage Mage Armour
A mage’s connection with deep magic
Requirements: None grants them a +2 bonus to Armour Class.
Prime requisite: INT and WIS
Hit Dice: 1d6 Mage Skills
Maximum level: 14 Mages can use the following skills on tar-
Armour: None gets within 30', with the chance of success
Weapons: Dagger, short sword, staff, shown opposite:
sword ▶  Detect magic (DM): Requires 1 turn of
Languages: Alignment, Common concentration on an object. Failed checks
may always be re-attempted, if the mage is
Mages are adventurers who study the
willing to spend the additional time.
secrets of deep magic, making them
powerful allies. ▶  Open/close (OC): Magically opens or
pushes closed an unlocked door, portal,
Prime requisites: A mage with at least 13 lid, etc. and holds it open/closed for 1
INT and WIS gains a 5% bonus to expe- round per level of the mage. May only be
rience. A mage with an INT of at least 16 attempted once per portal.
and a WIS of at least 13 receives a +10%
XP bonus. ▶  Rally/fear (RF): Rally counters mag-
ical fear effects. Fear forces enemies to
make a morale check. This skill may be
Arcane Magic used once per turn.
See Magic in Old-School Essentials for ▶  Read magic (RM): Allows the mage
full details on arcane magic. to decipher magical scripts and runes.
Magical research: A mage of any level Failed attempts cannot be retried until
may spend time and money on magi- the mage gains a level.
cal research. This allows them to scribe ▶  Suggestion (SU): On a successful
scrolls of arcane spells (see Scribing check, the mage’s words take on a super-
Scrolls) or to research other magical natural potency. Up to one HD of persons
effects. From 9th level, a mage may also per level of the mage must save versus
create magic items of other kinds. spells or follow the mage’s suggestion
Using magic items: Mages are able to for 1 round per level of the mage. (If the
cast spells from arcane scrolls and use any suggestion would endanger a subject, that
items that may only be used by arcane subject automatically saves). Afterwards,
spell casters (e.g. magic wands). subjects realise they have been tricked.
This skill may be used once per turn.
Combat
Mages can use staves and one-handed Mage’s Staff
blades, but cannot use armour. Invulnerable monsters: In the hands of a
mage, a normal staff can harm creatures
Healing that are immune to mundane attacks.
Once per day, a mage may spend 1 turn Light: Once per day, the mage may cause
to heal an ally. This either cures 1hp per their staff to radiate light in a 30’ radius
level or allows another save against a neg- for 1 turn per level.
ative effect (e.g. a curse or poison).
14
Mage Level Progression
Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S
1 0 1d6 19 [0] 12 13 12 15 14
2 2,800 2d6 19 [0] 12 13 12 15 14
3 5,600 3d6 19 [0] 12 13 12 15 14
4 12,000 4d6 19 [0] 12 13 12 15 14
5 24,000 5d6 19 [0] 12 13 12 15 14
6 48,000 6d6 17 [+2] 10 11 10 13 11
7 100,000 7d6 17 [+2] 10 11 10 13 11
8 200,000 8d6 17 [+2] 10 11 10 13 11
9 400,000 9d6 17 [+2] 10 11 10 13 11
10 460,000 9d6+1* 17 [+2] 10 11 10 13 11
11 620,000 9d6+2* 14 [+5] 7 8 7 10 7
12 880,000 9d6+3* 14 [+5] 7 8 7 10 7
13 1,040,000 9d6+4* 14 [+5] 7 8 7 10 7
14 1,200,000 9d6+5* 14 [+5] 7 8 7 10 7
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

Scribing Scrolls Mage Skills Chance of Success

Mages of any level can create scrolls of ar- Level DM OC RF RM SU
cane spells, per the standard rules for mag- 1 75 30 20 50 20
ical research (see Old-School Essentials). 2 80 35 23 55 23
3 83 40 25 60 25
After Reaching 11th Level 4 85 45 26 65 26
A mage may build a stronghold, often a 5 87 50 35 70 35
great tower. 1d6 apprentices of levels 1–3 6 90 55 45 75 45
will arrive to study under the mage. 7 92 60 55 80 55
8 93 65 65 83 65
Rolling Skill Checks 9 94 70 70 86 70
All skills are rolled on d%, with a result of 10 95 75 75 90 75
less than or equal to the listed percentage 11 96 80 80 92 80
indicating success.
12 97 85 85 95 85
Player Knowledge 13 98 90 90 98 90
The referee should roll for detect magic 14 99 95 95 99 95
on the player’s behalf, as the mage does
not always know whether the object
being scanned is magical or not.
15
Mutoid
Requirements: None
Prime requisite: DEX
Hit Dice: 1d6
Maximum level: 8
Armour: Leather, shields
Weapons: One-handed melee weapons,
all missile weapons
Languages: Alignment, Common
Demihumans with mismatched body
parts of many different creatures (e.g.
reptiles, crustaceans, birds, mammals,
etc.). Each individual has a unique
appearance. Mutoids are often shunned
by other species and live in ruins or in
hidden lairs within large settlements.
▶  Mimicry (MI): A mutoid can mimic
Back-stab the sound of any monster or animal.
When attacking an unaware opponent Mimicking the voice of a specific individ-
from behind, a mutoid receives a +4 bo- ual incurs a –20% penalty to the roll.
nus to hit and doubles any damage dealt. ▶  Move silently (MS): A mutoid may
attempt to sneak past enemies unnoticed.
Combat ▶  Pick pockets (PP): If the victim is
Mutoids can use shields, but their need above 5th level, the mutoid’s roll is penal-
for stealth prevents the use of armour ised by 5% for every level above 5th. There
heavier than leather. They can use any is always at least a 1% chance of failure. A
melee weapon that can be wielded one roll of more than twice the percentage re-
handed, and can use all missile weapons. quired for success means that the attempt-
ed theft is noticed. The referee should
determine the reaction of the victim
Mutations (possibly using the reaction table under
A mutoid has two mutations selected Encounters in Old-School Essentials).
randomly from the table opposite.
Duplicate mutations: May be re-rolled. After Reaching 8th Level
Two attack mutations: Both may be used A mutoid can establish a secret lair,
each round. (e.g. clawed hand + pincer.) attracting 2d6 apprentices—1st level
mutoids. These apprentices will serve the
Mutoid Skills character with some reliability; however,
Mutoids can use the following skills, with should any be arrested or killed, the PC
the chance of success shown opposite: will not be able to attract apprentices to re-
▶  Hide in shadows (HS): Requires the place them. A successful mutoid might use
mutoid to be motionless—attacking or these followers to start a Thieves’ Guild.
moving while hiding is not possible.
16
Mutoid Level Progression
Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S
1 0 1d6 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14
2 1,750 2d6 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14
3 3,500 3d6 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14
4 7,000 4d6 19 [0] 10 11 12 13 14
5 14,000 5d6 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12
6 30,000 6d6 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12
7 60,000 7d6 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12
8 120,000 8d6 17 [+2] 8 9 10 11 12
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
S: Spells / rods / staves.

Mutations
d8 Mutation Effect
1 Beast ears 3-in-6 chance to hear noises.
2 Beast eyes Infravision to 60'.
3 Clawed hand Unarmed attack for 1d6 damage.
4 Gills Breathe underwater.
5 Pincer Unarmed attack for 1d3 damage. The pincer locks on to the victim,
causing 1d3 damage per round (save versus paralysis to escape).
6 Scales +2 bonus to Armour Class.
7 Spring legs Jump up to 30’ forwards and gain +1 to attack. If wielding an
impaling weapon (e.g. spear), this counts as a charge and inflicts
double damage on a successful hit.
8 Sticky tongue Grab an object up to 15' away and pull it to the mouth. Can be
used as a melee attack: bite inflicts 1d3 damage.

Rolling Skill Checks Mutoid Skills Chance of Success

All skills are rolled on d%, with a result of Level HS MI MS PP
less than or equal to the listed percentage 1 10 35 20 20
indicating success. 2 15 40 25 25
3 20 50 30 30
Player Knowledge
The referee should roll for hide in shad- 4 25 60 35 35
ows on the player’s behalf, as the mutoid 5 30 70 40 40
does not immediately know if the attempt 6 36 80 45 45
was successful. If a roll fails, the referee 7 45 90 55 55
knows that the mutoid has been noticed 8 55 95 65 65
and should determine enemies’ actions
appropriately.
17
Mycelian Growth
A 1st level mycelian is 4' tall. A mycelian’s
Requirements: Minimum CON 9 height increases by 1’ per level gained, up
Prime requisite: STR to a maximum of 9’ tall at 6th level.
Hit Dice: 1d8 Unarmed attacks: A mycelian may make
Maximum level: 6 melee attacks with its club-like fists.
Armour: Shields only These inflict 1d4 damage per level, as
Weapons: Any shown in the level progression table.
Languages: Alignment, Common,
Natural Armour Class: Although unable
Deepcommon
to wear armour, a mycelian's tough skin
Mycelians are humanoid mushrooms, grants it a natural Armour Class with
with tall stems, wide, flat caps, and experience level, as shown in the level
beady eyes amid their gills. They have no progression table.
mouths, but communicate telepathical-
ly. They dwell in lightless caverns deep Infravision
underground.
Mycelians have infravision to 60’ (see
Darkness under Hazards and Challenges
Combat in Old-School Essentials).
Mycelians have naturally tough skin
and do not wear armour. They may use Light Sensitivity
shields and any kind of weapons.
When in bright light (daylight, continual
light), mycelians suffer a –2 penalty to
Fungal Spores attack rolls and a –1 penalty to AC.
Once per day per level, a mycelian may
emit a spray of spores at a single target Rest and Sustenance
within 20'. Mycelians do not eat or sleep in the nor-
Pacifying spores: The target must save mal sense. Instead, they require a period
versus poison or become completely pas- of 8 hours each day spent in contact with
sive for 1 round per level of the mycelian, moist earth.
unable to act or move. Missing the rejuvenative period: The
Hallucinogenic spores: (From 4th level.) mycelian loses 1 hit point per day until it
The target must save versus poison or is again able to spend 8 hours in contact
be afflicted with terrifying visions for 1 with moist earth.
turn per level of the mycelian. Roll on the
table below to determine the target's reac- Telepathic Communication
tion to the hallucinations.
Mycelians are mouthless and unable to
Hallucinogenic Spores speak, communicating entirely telepath-
d6 Effect ically. This form of communication is
effective with any sentient creature within
1–2 Flee in terror 120’ and allows the mycelian to converse
3–4 Cower and babble in any language they know.
5–6 Attempt to kill nearest creature

18
Mycelian Level Progression
Natural Melee Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 AC Damage D W P B S
1 0 1d8 19 [0] 6 [13] 1d4 9 11 9 13 12
2 3,000 2d8 19 [0] 5 [14] 2d4 9 11 9 13 12
3 6,000 3d8 19 [0] 4 [15] 3d4 9 11 9 13 12
4 12,000 4d8 17 [+2] 3 [16] 4d4 7 9 7 11 10
5 24,000 5d8 17 [+2] 3 [16] 5d4 7 9 7 11 10
6 45,000 6d8 17 [+2] 3 [16] 6d4 7 9 7 11 10
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
S: Spells / rods / staves.

After Reaching 6th Level

A mycelian may found a subterranean
stronghold that will attract mycelians
from far and wide. The character will rule
over the other mycelians as their king.
Fungal Reanimation
A mycelian king can implant special
spores into the decomposing substrate
of a humanoid corpse, causing it to
reanimate as a fungal zombie under the
mycelian's control.
Time: Creating a fungal zombie takes one
week. The mycelian must carefully tend
the process.
Fungal Zombie
AC 8 [11], HD 2 (9hp), Att 1 × weapon
(1d8 or by weapon), THAC0 18 [+1], MV
60’ (20’), SV D12 W13 P14 B15 S16 (1),
ML 12, AL Neutral, XP 20
▶  Initiative: Always lose (no roll).

19
Warden
Requirements: Minimum CON 9,
minimum WIS 9
Prime requisite: STR
Hit Dice: 1d8
Maximum level: 14
Armour: Leather, chainmail, shields
Weapons: Any
Languages: Alignment, Common
Wardens are members of a secret society
which protects their native lands from
invasion and the influence of Chaos. They
are skilled warriors who are adapted to
life in the wilds.
Alignment: As protectors, wardens may
only be lawful or neutral. If a warden
ever changes alignment to chaotic, they
lose all special class abilities and become
a fighter of the same level. The character
may be able to regain their status as a
warden by performing a special quest.

Awareness Limited Possessions

A warden may only keep wealth and pos-
Wardens are only surprised on a roll of
sessions that can be kept on their person
1. This may mean that a warden is able
or mount. Excess must be donated to
to act in the surprise round while their
worthy causes (not other PCs!).
companions are surprised.

Combat Pursuit
When the warden’s party pursues an
Wardens can use all types of weapons and
opposing group in the wilderness (see
can use leather armour, chainmail, and
Evasion and Pursuit in Old-School Es-
shields. Because of their need for stealth,
sentials), the chance of evasion is reduced
they cannot use plate mail.
by 10%.
Foraging and Hunting Surprise Attack
A party with a warden succeeds at forag- In the wilderness, a warden has a 3-in-6
ing with a 2-in-6 chance and finds prey chance of going unnoticed when sneaking
when hunting with a 5-in-6 chance (see up on a target. If the warden goes unno-
Wilderness Adventuring in Old-School ticed, the target may be surprised (see
Essentials). Surprise under Encounters in Old-School
Essentials).

20
Warden Level Progression
Saving Throws
Level XP HD THAC0 D W P B S
1 0 1d8 19 [0] 12 13 14 15 16
2 2,000 2d8 19 [0] 12 13 14 15 16
3 4,000 3d8 19 [0] 12 13 14 15 16
4 8,000 4d8 17 [+2] 10 11 12 13 14
5 16,000 5d8 17 [+2] 10 11 12 13 14
6 32,000 6d8 17 [+2] 10 11 12 13 14
7 64,000 7d8 14 [+5] 8 9 10 10 12
8 120,000 8d8 14 [+5] 8 9 10 10 12
9 240,000 9d8 14 [+5] 8 9 10 10 12
10 360,000 9d8+2* 12 [+7] 6 7 8 8 10
11 480,000 9d8+4* 12 [+7] 6 7 8 8 10
12 600,000 9d8+6* 12 [+7] 6 7 8 8 10
13 720,000 9d8+8* 10 [+9] 4 5 6 5 8
14 840,000 9d8+10* 10 [+9] 4 5 6 5 8
THAC0: Attack matrix row to use. D: Death / poison; W: Wands;
(Ascending AC attack bonus in [].) P: Paralysis / petrify; B: Breath attacks;
*: Modifiers from CON no longer apply. S: Spells / rods / staves.

Tracking
Wardens can identify and follow tracks.
This skill improves as the character gains
levels (see the table to the right). Success
may be modified by the following factors:
▶  Soft/hard ground: +20% to –50%.
▶  Size of group being tracked: +2% per
creature beyond the first.
▶  Passing through an area where other Warden Tracking Chance of Success
tracks mingle: –50%. Level Tracking
▶  Age of tracks: –5% per 12 hours. 1 20%
▶  Rainfall: –25% per hour. 2 30%
▶  Efforts made to hide tracks: –25%.
3 40%
After Reaching 10th Level 4 50%
5 60%
2d12 beings will join the warden as fol-
lowers. The nature of these followers is up 6 70%
to the referee—they may include human 7 80%
or demihuman adventurers, animals, fan- 8 90%
tastic mounts, sylvan creatures, or special 9 100%
monsters. If any of the followers die, they 10+ 110%
are not replaced. 21
 Fantasy Races
By Gavin Norman
The three new demihuman races from the 2. Apply ability score modifiers: Some
previous article—the changeling, mutoid, races also list ability score modifiers.
and mycelian—are also presented here as Once you have chosen a race, ad-
separate races, for groups who prefer to just your character’s ability scores as
select character race and class separately. indicated. Bonuses that would raise
If using this rule, each player may decide an ability above 18 or penalties that
individually whether to create their would lower it below 3 are ignored.
character by selecting a class alone or by 3. Choose a class: The selected character
selecting race and class separately. race determines the classes that are
available to choose from. Also bear in
Character Creation Procedure mind the ability score requirements of
some classes.
If selecting character race and class sep-
arately, the following procedure should Native Languages
be used:
When choosing race and class separately,
1. Choose a race: Choose a race from
the character’s native languages are deter-
those available, bearing in mind their
mined by the race. The languages listed in
ability score requirements.
the class should be ignored.

22
Changeling
Requirements: Minimum INT 9
Ability modifiers: –1 CON, +1 CHA
Languages: Alignment, Common,
Doppelgänger

Changelings are magical demihumans

that possess powers of deception and
shape-stealing. In its natural form, a
changeling appears to be a normal human.

Available Classes and Max Level

▶  Assassin: 10th *
▶  Fighter: 6th
▶  Illusionist: 9th *
▶  Magic-user: 7th
▶  Thief: 9th
Classes marked with an asterisk are de-
tailed in Old-School Essentials Advanced
Fantasy. If using Old-School Essentials
Classic Fantasy, ignore these classes.

Shape-Stealing
Stats: The changeling retains their own
A changeling can alter their form to ex- intelligence, hit points, saving throws,
actly mimic another person. This requires and attack probabilities.
1 round of physical contact.
Capabilities: Physical capabilities of the
Slain victims: The changeling can steal new form (e.g. strength, physical attack
the form of a person they have killed forms, modes of movement) are acquired.
within the last turn. Non-physical special abilities (e.g. immu-
Unconscious victims: The changeling nities, breath weapons, spell casting) are
can steal the form of a sleeping or uncon- not acquired.
scious victim. Clothing and gear: Items visibly worn or
Effects of Successful Shape-Stealing carried by the victim are copied. Copied
Duration: The changeling remains in the items do not possess any magical proper-
new form for 1d6 rounds. ties of the original and vanish if dropped.

23
Mutoid
Requirements: None
Ability modifiers: None
Languages: Alignment, Common

Mutoids are demihumans with mis-

matched body parts of many different
creatures (e.g. reptiles, crustaceans,
birds, mammals, etc.). Each individual
has a unique appearance. Mutoids are
often shunned by other species and live
in ruins or in hidden lairs within large
settlements.

Available Classes and Max Level

▶  Assassin: 5th *
▶  Cleric: 6th Mutations
▶  Fighter: 7th A mutoid has two mutations selected
▶  Illusionist: 6th * randomly from the table below.
▶  Thief: 9th Duplicate mutations: May be re-rolled.
Classes marked with an asterisk are de- Two attack mutations: Both may be used
tailed in Old-School Essentials Advanced each round. (e.g. clawed hand + pincer.)
Fantasy. If using Old-School Essentials
Classic Fantasy, ignore these classes.

Mutations
d8 Mutation Effect
1 Beast ears 3-in-6 chance to hear noises.
2 Beast eyes Infravision to 60'.
3 Clawed hand Unarmed attack for 1d6 damage.
4 Gills Breathe underwater.
5 Pincer Unarmed attack for 1d3 damage. The pincer locks on to the victim,
causing 1d3 damage per round (save versus paralysis to escape).
6 Scales +2 bonus to Armour Class.
7 Spring legs Jump up to 30’ forwards and gain +1 to attack. If wielding an
impaling weapon (e.g. spear), this counts as a charge and inflicts
double damage on a successful hit.
8 Sticky tongue Grab an object up to 15' away and pull it to the mouth. Can be
used as a melee attack: bite inflicts 1d3 damage.

24
Mycelian
Requirements: Minimum CON 9
Ability modifiers: –1 DEX, +1 WIS
Languages: Alignment, Common,
Deepcommon

Mycelians are humanoid mushrooms, with

tall stems, wide, flat caps, and beady eyes
amid their gills. They have no mouths, but
communicate telepathically. They dwell in
lightless caverns deep underground.

Available Classes and Max Level

▶  Assassin: 4th *
▶  Cleric: 5th
▶  Druid: 5th *
▶  Fighter: 6th
▶  Illusionist: 4th *
▶  Thief: 4th
Classes marked with an asterisk are de-
tailed in Old-School Essentials Advanced
Fantasy. If using Old-School Essentials Rest and Sustenance
Classic Fantasy, ignore these classes. Mycelians do not eat or sleep in the nor-
mal sense. Instead, they require a period
Fungal Spores of 8 hours each day spent in contact with
From 3rd level, a mycelian may emit a moist earth.
spray of spores at a single target within Missing the rejuvenative period: The
20' once per day. The target must save mycelian loses 1 hit point per day until it
versus poison or become completely pas- is again able to spend 8 hours in contact
sive for 1 round per level of the mycelian, with moist earth.
unable to act or move.
Telepathic Communication
Infravision Mycelians are mouthless and unable to
Mycelians have infravision to 60’ (see speak, communicating entirely telepath-
Darkness under Hazards and Challenges ically. This form of communication is
in Old-School Essentials). effective with any sentient creature within
120’ and allows the mycelian to converse
Light Sensitivity in any language they know.
When in bright light (daylight, continual
light), mycelians suffer a –2 penalty to
attack rolls and a –1 penalty to AC.
25
 Expanded Equipment
By Gavin Norman
Adventuring Gear
Item Cost (gp) Item Cost (gp)
Backpack 5 Magnifying glass 3
Barrel 1 Manacles 15
Bedroll 2 Marbles (bag of 20) 1
Bell (miniature) 1 Mining pick 3
Belt pouch 1 Mirror (hand-sized, steel) 5
Block and tackle 5 Musical instrument (string) 20
Box (iron, large) 30 Musical instrument (wind) 5
Box (iron, small) 10 Oil (1 flask) 2
Caltrops (bag of 20) 1 Paper/parchment (2 sheets) 1
Candles (10) 1 Pole (10’ long, wooden) 1
Chain (10’) 30 Quill 1
Chalk (10 sticks) 1 Rations (iron, 7 days) 15
Chest (wooden, large) 5 Rations (standard, 7 days) 5
Chest (wooden, small) 1 Rope (50’) 1
Chisel 2 Sack (large) 2
Cooking pots 3 Sack (small) 1
Crowbar 10 Saw 1
Firewood (bundle) 1 Scroll case 1
Fishing rod and tackle 4 Sledgehammer 5
Garlic 5 Spade or shovel 2
Grappling hook 25 Stakes (3) and mallet 3
Hammer (small) 2 Tent 20
Holy symbol (gold) 100 Thieves’ tools 25
Holy symbol (silver) 25 Tinder box (flint & steel) 3
Holy symbol (wooden) 1 Torches (6) 1
Holy water (vial) 25 Twine (100’ ball) 1
Ink (vial) 1 Vial (glass) 1
Iron spikes (12) 1 Waterskin 1
Ladder (wooden, 10’) 5 Whistle 1
Lantern 10 Wine (2 pints) 1
Lantern, bullseye 20 Wolfsbane (1 bunch) 10
Lock 20

26
The list of adventuring gear presented in the variety of tools and oddments that
Old-School Essentials is pretty minimal. more experienced parties may seek out.
It includes the basic items that beginning This article presents a greatly expanded
adventuring parties will need, but lacks list of adventuring gear.

Caltrops: Small metal spikes sufficient to

Equipment Descriptions cover a 5’ square area. Creatures moving
Backpack: Has two straps and can be through the area have a 2-in-6 chance of
worn on the back, keeping the hands free. treading on a spike. Victims suffer a 50%
Holds up to 400 coins. reduction of movement rate until they are
Barrel: A wooden barrel that holds 40 healed.
gallons (320 pints) of liquid. Candle: A candle casts a dim light in a 5’
Bedroll: A heavy wooden blanket with a radius and burns for 1 hour.
small pillow. Chain: A 10’ length of heavy, iron chain.
Bell: A 1” brass bell. Chalk: Useful for making markings on
Belt pouch: A leather pouch that holds stone.
up to 50 coins. Chest, wooden: A large chest can hold
Block and tackle: Used for hauling or up to 1,000 coins; a small chest can hold
lifting heavy objects. Reduces the effec- up to 300 coins.
tive weight by 1/4. Requires 4 times as Chisel: Used with a hammer for chipping
much rope. away stone.
Box, iron: A solid iron casket. A large Cooking pots: Pots and pans for camp-
box can hold up to 800 coins; a small box fire cooking.
can hold up to 250 coins. 27
Crowbar: 2–3’ long and made of solid Magnifying glass: Used for studying fine
iron. Can be used for forcing doors and details.
other objects open. Manacles: Iron manacles with a chain.
Firewood: A bundle of dry wood. Burns Used for binding hands or feet.
for 8 hours. Marbles: A bag of colourful glass beads.
Fishing rod and tackle: A rod, line, Mining pick: For breaking rock.
hook, and bait box. Mirror: Useful for looking around cor-
Grappling hook: Made of solid iron, with ners or for reflecting a gaze attack.
3 or 4 prongs. Useful for anchoring ropes. Musical instrument: A stringed instru-
Hammer: Can be used for construction ment (e.g. a lute or mandolin) or a wind
or as a mallet with iron or wooden spikes. instrument (e.g. a flute or pipe). The
Holy symbol: Some divine spell casters listed price is for an instrument of basic
are required to own a holy symbol, often quality. Higher quality instruments can
worn as a necklace. The quality of a holy cost up to ten times as much.
symbol may optionally alter its effective- Oil flask: A flask of oil fuels a lantern for
ness when used by a character attempting four hours (24 turns). In addition to fuel-
to turn the undead. A gold holy symbol ling lanterns, oil can be used as a weapon:
grants a +1 bonus to the 2d6 roll for the ▶  Throwing: An oil flask may be lit on
affected Hit Dice of undead monsters. A fire and thrown (see Weapon Combat
wooden holy symbol incurs a –1 penal- Stats in Old-School Essentials).
ty to the 2d6 roll which determines the
▶  Pools: Oil that is poured on the
success of the turning attempt.
ground and lit covers a diameter of 3 feet
Holy water: Water from a holy spring. and burns for 1 turn, inflicting damage
It is used in some religious rituals and on any character or monster moving
inflicts damage on undead monsters (see through the pool.
Weapon Combat Stats in Old-School
▶  Immunity: Burning oil does not harm
Essentials). Holy water does not retain
monsters that have a natural flame attack.
its power if stored in any other container
than the special vials it is blessed in.
Ink: A vial of black ink. Coloured ink
costs double. Sufficient for about 50 pages
of writing.
Iron spikes: May be used for wedging
doors open or shut, as an anchor to attach
a rope to, and many other purposes.
Ladder: Simple wooden construction.
Very encumbering.
Lantern: Can be closed to hide the light.
Burns one oil flask every four hours (24
turns). Casts light in a 30’ radius.
Lantern, bullseye: Can be closed to hide
the light. Burns one oil flask every four
hours (24 turns). Casts light in a narrow
beam, 100’ long and 20’ wide at the end.
Lock: A basic iron lock with a key.
28
Paper or parchment: Approximately Tent: Large enough for 2 adult humans.
1’-square sheets. Thieves’ tools: This kit contains all of the
Pole, 10’: A 2” thick wooden pole useful tools needed to pick locks.
for poking and prodding suspicious items Tinder box: Used to light fires, including
in a dungeon. torches. Using a tinder box takes one
Quill: A large feather sharpened into a round. There is a 2-in-6 chance of success
writing point. per round.
Rations, iron: Dried and preserved food Torch: A torch burns for 1 hour (6 turns),
to be carried on long voyages when se- clearly illuminating a 30’ radius. Torches
curing fresh food may be uncertain. may also be used in combat (see Weapon
Rations, standard: Fresh, unpreserved Combat Stats in Old-School Essentials).
food. Twine: A wound ball of thin cord or
Rope: Can hold the weight of approxi- string. Can support up to 30 pounds of
mately three human-sized beings. weight.
Sack: A large sack can hold up to 600 Vial: A glass vial that can hold up to half
coins; a small sack up to 200 coins. a pint of liquid.
Saw: A hand saw for cutting wood. Waterskin: A container, made of hide,
that holds 2 pints (1 quart) of fluid.
Scroll case: An oiled leather tube with a
cap. Not completely watertight. Whistle: Useful for signalling or faking
bird calls.
Sledgehammer: A big heavy hammer for
breaking rock. Wolfsbane: This herb can be used to
repel lycanthropes. The creature must be
Spade or shovel: For excavating earth.
hit with the herb in melee combat.
Stakes and mallet: A wooden mallet
and three 18” long stakes. Valuable when
confronting vampires.

29
 Open Game License
DESIGNATION OF PRODUCT IDENTITY Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open
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30
as expressly licensed in another, independent David Noonan, Stan!, Christopher Perkins, Rodney
Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Thompson, and JD Wiker, based on material by
Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard
Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute Baker, Peter Adkison, Bruce R. Cordell, John Tynes,
a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. Andy Collins, and JD Wiker.
The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, © 2004,
Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest Troll Lord Games; Authors Davis Chenault and Mac
in and to that Product Identity. Golden.
8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Cave Cricket from the Tome of Horrors, © 2002,
Content You must clearly indicate which portions of Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors Scott Greene and
the work that you are distributing are Open Game Clark Peterson, based on original material by Gary
Content. Gygax.
9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Crab, Monstrous from the Tome of Horrors, © 2002,
Agents may publish updated versions of this License. Necromancer Games, Inc.; Author Scott Greene,
You may use any authorized version of this License based on original material by Gary Gygax.
to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Fly, Giant from the Tome of Horrors, © 2002,
Content originally distributed under any version of Necromancer Games, Inc.; Author Scott Greene,
this License. based on original material by Gary Gygax.
10 Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy Golem, Wood from the Tome of Horrors, © 2002,
of this License with every copy of the Open Game Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors Scott Greene and
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11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market Kamadan from the Tome of Horrors, © 2002,
or advertise the Open Game Content using the Necromancer Games, Inc.; Author Scott Greene,
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12 Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors Scott Greene and
comply with any of the terms of this License with Clark Peterson, based on original material by Gary
respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due Gygax.
to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation Labyrinth Lord™ © 2007-2009, Daniel Proctor.
then You may not Use any Open Game Material so Author Daniel Proctor.
affected.
B/X Essentials: Core Rules © 2017 Gavin Norman.
13 Termination: This License will terminate Author Gavin Norman.
automatically if You fail to comply with all terms
B/X Essentials: Classes and Equipment © 2017 Gavin
herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of
Norman. Author Gavin Norman.
becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall
B/X Essentials: Cleric and Magic-User Spells © 2017
survive the termination of this License.
Gavin Norman. Author Gavin Norman.
14 Reformation: If any provision of this License is
B/X Essentials: Monsters © 2017 Gavin Norman.
held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be
Author Gavin Norman.
reformed only to the extent necessary to make it
enforceable. B/X Essentials: Adventures and Treasures © 2018
Gavin Norman. Author Gavin Norman.
15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Old-School Essentials Core Rules © 2018 Gavin
Open Game License v 1.0 © 2000, Wizards of the
Norman.
Coast, Inc.
Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Genre Rules ©
System Reference Document © 2000, Wizards of the
2018 Gavin Norman.
Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook,
Skip Williams, based on original material by E. Gary Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Cleric and
Gygax and Dave Arneson. Magic-User Spells © 2018 Gavin Norman.
System Reference Document © 2000-2003, Wizards Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Monsters ©
of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte 2018 Gavin Norman.
Cook, Skip Williams, Rich Baker, Andy Collins, Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Treasures ©
David Noonan, Rich Redman, Bruce R. Cordell, 2018 Gavin Norman.
John D. Rateliff, Thomas Reid, James Wyatt, based Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Rules Tome ©
on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave 2019 Gavin Norman.
Arneson. Carcass Crawler Exclusive Inaugural Issue © 2020
Modern System Reference Document © 2002-2004, Gavin Norman.
Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Bill Slavicsek, END OF LICENSE
Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, Charles Ryan, Eric Cagle,
31
Watch out...

32
 RETRO ADVENTURE GAME

Carcass Crawler
The official Old-School Essentials zine
Carcass Crawler is a zine devoted to Old-School Essentials
from Necrotic Gnome. Each issue is packed with new
material for your games, including new character classes
and races, new spells and magic items, new monsters,
optional and expanded rules, news, previews of in-
development products, short adventures, and more!

In this issue

▶  Fantasy Classes: 8 new character classes for all fantasy

games! Arcane bard, beast master, changeling, chaos
knight, mage, mutoid, mycelian, and warden.
▶  Fantasy Races: 3 new character races for Advanced
Fantasy games! Changeling, mutoid, and mycelian.
▶  Expanded Equipment: More gear for expeditions into
dungeons and the wilderness!

ISBN 978-3-96657-043-5