Basic Class Compendium

This page serves as a reference of all the classes present in OSE. They have been sorted into six different groups, and each class should have all the information needed to create a character of that class.

In OSE, race and class are the same thing. There cannot be something like a dwarf fighter, because dwarf is itself a class that gives certain attributes and abilities.

Certain classes have [class] skills. These are skills which your class can do better than everyone else. We are using the d6 thief skills method, to simplify the process of using skills. Every skill starts at a 1-in-6 chance and can be improved by spending expertise points. Each expertise point spent to upgrade a skill makes the chances 1 better (e.g. 1-in-6 to 2-in-6). Each class starts with a certain number of expertise points to use, and gains an amount every level to upgrade these skills. Skills cannot go above 5-in-6, unless they say that they can.

A note on formatting: Each class in the following list is structured like this: [Name - (PR: [Prime Requisite]; MR [Minimum Requirement]) Description].

I'm still not fully done with this page, so each class that isn't on here has a reference for where it can be found. (CC = Carcass Crawler Issue; APT = Advanced Player Tome Page)

Class List:

• Basic Classes - These are the classes included in the classic fantasy book, the most common forms of adventurers.
• Fighter - (PR: STR) Fighters use their combat skills to battle monsters.
• Thief - (PR: DEX) Thieves use their skills of deception and stealth to steal and beguile.
• Magic-User - (PR: INT) Magic-Users use their knowledge of arcane secrets to cast powerful spells.
• Cleric - (PR: WIS) Clerics use their faith to channel the power of their deity.
• Basic Demihumans - These are the races included in the classic fantasy book, the most common peoples across the world.
• Dwarf - (PR: STR; MR: 9 CON) Dwarves use their brawny might and understanding of construction to help dungeoneering.
• Elf - (PR: INT & STR; MR: 9 INT) Elves use both fighting prowess and magical knowledge to act as a mid ground between magic-users and fighters.
• Halfling - (PR: DEX & STR; MR: 9 CON & 9 DEX) Halflings are small folk who are exceptional at hiding and using ranged weapons.
• Specialized Classes - These classes are included in the advanced book and also the Carcass Crawler magazine. They constitute more exotic classes as well as various more specific versions of the basic classes.
• Acrobat - (PR: DEX) Acrobats use their acrobatic abilities to jump large distances and fall without harm.
• Assassin - (PR: DEX) Assassins use their skills of assassination to cleanly take out targets by various means.
• Bard - (PR: CHA & DEX; MR: 9 DEX & 9 INT) Bards use their various skills and enchanting music to live freely.
• Beast Master - (PR: STR & WIS) Beast masters use their special connection with animals to fight. (CC #3)
• Druid - (PR: WIS) Druids use their special connection to nature to cast nature spells. (APT 40)
• Illusionist - (PR: INT; MR: 9 DEX) Illusionists are magic users who have learned the arcane arts of illusion and deception. (APT 62)
• Knight - (PR: STR; MR 9 CON & 9 DEX) Knights are fighters who serve a noble house. (APT 64)
• Paladin - (PR: STR & WIS; MR 9 CHA) Paladins are fighters who serve a holy order, gaining cleric turning and spells. (APT 68)
• Ranger - (PR: STR; MR 9 CON & 9 WIS) Rangers are fighters who serve nature, gaining druid spells and tracking abilities. (APT 70)
• Exotic Demihumans - These races are less common to be found than the basic races, or are some variant or specialized version of one of the basic races.
• Gnome - (PR: DEX & INT; MR: 9 CON) Gnomes are small cousins of dwarves who know the arcane art of illusion. (APT 52)
• Half-Elf - (PR: INT & STR; MR: 9 CHA & 9 CON) Half-Elves are the offspring of humans and elves, skilled at combat and magic. (APT 54)
• Half-Orc - (PR: DEX & STR) Half-Orcs are the offspring of humans and orcs, skilled at combat and thievery. (APT 60)
• Goblin - (PR: DEX & STR; MR: 9 DEX) Goblins are small chaotic demihumans who have a special affinity with wolves. (CC #1)
• Gargantua - (PR: CON & STR; MR: 9 CON & 9 STR) Gargantuas are hulking demihumans who are skilled at throwing rocks. (CC #1)
• Wood Elf - (PR: DEX & WIS; MR: 9 DEX & 9 INT) Wood elves are elves who forgo arcane magic for druidic magic. (CC #2)
• Halfling Hearthsinger - (PR: CHA & CON; MR: 9 CHA, 9 CON & 9 DEX) Hearthsingers are halflings who specialize in lore and stories. (CC #3)
• Halfling Reeve - (PR: CON & WIS; MR: 9 CON, 9 DEX & 9 WIS) Reeves are halflings who defend halfling settlements from goblins and wolves, taking on some ranger abilities.
• Semi-Banned Classes - These classes have odd quirks to them that makes me hesitant to allow their use in the game, but I can be swayed. The banned classes can be found in their source books, not here.
• Barbarian (Advanced Player's Handbook)
• Drow (Advanced Player's Handbook)
• Duergar (Advanced Player's Handbook)
• Svirfneblin (Advanced Player's Handbook)
• Phase Elf (Carcass Crawler #2)
• Mycelian (Carcass Crawler #3)
• Dragonborn (Carcass Crawler #3)
• Tiefling (Carcass Crawler #3)
• Arcane Bard (Carcass Crawler #4)
• Banned Classes - These classes are too strange for the game, and would not fit a simple fantasy setting at all, or they are other versions of classes already on the list, therefore I am banning their usage.
• Hephaestan (Carcass Crawler #1)
• Kineticist (Carcass Crawler #1)
• Acolyte (Carcass Crawler #1)
• Mage (Carcass Crawler #1)
• Mutoid (Carcass Crawler #3)

Fighter

Thief

Read Languages

A thief of 4th level or higher can read non-magical text in any language (including dead languages and basic codes) with 80% probability. If the roll does not succeed, the thief may not try to read that particular text again before gaining an experience level.

Scroll Use

A thief of 10th level or higher can cast arcane spells from scrolls. There is a 10% chance of error: the spell does not function as expected and creates an unusual or deleterious effect.

Thief Skills

Thieves can use the following skills:

• Climb sheer surfaces (CS): A roll is required for each 100' to be climbed. If the roll fails, the thief falls at the halfway point, suffering falling damage.
• Find or remove treasure traps (TR): A roll is required to find a treasure trap and then another to remove it. This may be attempted only once per trap.
• Hear noise (HN): In a quiet environment (e.g. not in combat), a thief may attempt to listen at a door or to hear the sounds of something (e.g. a wandering monster) approaching.
• Hide in shadows (HS): Requires the thief to be motionless; attacking or moving while hiding is not possible.
• Move silently (MS): A thief may attempt to sneak past enemies unnoticed.
• Open locks (OL): Requires thieves' tools. A thief can only try this skill once per lock. If the roll fails, the thief may not try the same lock again before gaining an experience level.
• Pick pockets (PP): The chance of success is reduced by 1-in-6 per three levels of the victim. A roll of 6 means that the attempted theft is noticed.

Base chance of success: All skills begin with a 1-in-6 chance of success.

Expertise points: Thieves gain expertise points to improve their chance of success with their skills. Each point allocated to a skill improves the chance of success by 1-in-6. Multiple points may be allocated to a skill, further increasing the chance of success. For example, if 2 points are allocated to a skill, the chance of success is raised to 3-in-6 (from the base 1-in-6 chance of success).

At 1st level: At character creation, a thief has 4 expertise points to allocate.

Gaining levels: A thief gains 2 additional expertise points to allocate.

Maximum chance of success: No skill may be raised above 5-in-6

After Reaching 9th Level

A thief can establish a thief den, attract- ing 2d6 apprentices of 1st level. These thieves will serve the character with some reliability; however, should any be arrested or killed, the PC will not be able to attract apprentices to replace them. A successful thief might use these followers to start a Thieves' Guild.

Magic User

Spell casting: Magic-users carry spell books containing the formulae for arcane spells. The spell casting chart the number of spells they may memorize, determined by the character's experience level. A first level wizard has a number of spells in their spell book based on their Intelligence. The list of spells available to magic-users is found on p131 of the Advanced Player's Handbook.

Using magic items: As spell casters, magic-users are able to use magic scrolls of spells on their spell list. They can also use items that may only be used by arcane spell casters (e.g. magic wands).

Combat

Magic-users can only use daggers, staffs and are unable to use shields or wear any kind of armour. This makes them very vulnerable in combat.

After Reaching 11th Level

A magic-user may build a stronghold, often a great tower. 1d6 apprentices of levels 1-3 will then arrive to study under the magic-user.

Cleric

Holy Symbol: A cleric must carry a holy symbol.

Deity disfavor:Clerics must be faithful to the tenets of their alignment, clergy, and religion. Clerics who fall from favour with their deity may incur penalties.

Magical research:A cleric of any level may spend time and money on magical research. This allows them to create new spells or other magical effects associated with their deity. When a cleric reaches 9th level, they are also able to create magic items.

Spell casting: Once a cleric has proven their faith (from 2nd level), the character may pray to receive spells. The power and number of spells available to a cleric are determined by the character's experience level. The list of spells available to clerics is found on p128 of the advanced player's handbook.

Using magic items: As spell casters, clerics can use magic scrolls of spells on their spell list. They can also use items that may only be used by divine spell casters (e.g. some magic staves).

Turning the Undead

Clerics can invoke the power of their deity to repel undead monsters encountered. To turn the undead, the player rolls 2d6. The referee then consults the table, comparing the roll against the HD of the type of undead monsters targeted.

Successful Turning

If the turning attempt succeeds, the player must roll 2d6 again to determine the number of HD affected (turned or destroyed).

Turned undead: Will leave the area, if possible, and will not harm or make contact with the cleric.

Destroyed undead (result of D): Are instantly and permanently annihilated.

Excess: Rolled Hit Dice that are not sufficient to affect a monster are wasted.

Minimum effect: At least one undead monster will always be affected on a successful turning.

Mixed Groups: If turn undead is used against a mixed group of undead monsters of different types, those with the lowest HD are affected first.

* 2 HD monsters with a special ability (i.e. with an asterisk next to their HD rating, in the monster description).

Turning Table Results

-: The turning fails

Number: If the 2d6 turning roll is higher or equal, the turning attempt succeeds.

T: The turning succeeds.

D: The turning succeeds; the monsters are destroyed, not simply caused to flee.

After Reaching 9th Level

A cleric may establish or build a stronghold. So long as the cleric is currently in favour with their god, a stronghold may be bought or built at half the normal price, due to divine intervention. Once a stronghold is established, the cleric will attract followers (5d6 x 10 fighters of level 1-2). These troops are completely devoted to the cleric, never checking morale. The referee decides which proportions of followers are 1st and 2nd level and which are bowmen, infantry, etc.

Dwarf

Detect Construction Tricks

As expert miners, dwarves have a 2-in-6 chance of being able to detect new construction, sliding walls, or sloping passages when searching.

Detect Room Traps

Due to their expertise with construction, dwarves have a 2-in-6 chance of detecting non-magical room traps when searching.

Infravision

Dwarves have infravision to 60'

Listening at Doors

Dwarves have a 2-in-6 chance of hearing noises.

After Reaching 9th Level

A dwarf has the option of creating an underground stronghold that will attract dwarves from far and wide. Dwarves usually live in clans, so dwarves of the character's clan will be attracted to live under their roof. Dwarves from other clans will generally be friendly and clans may collaborate in times of war or disaster. A dwarf ruler may only hire dwarven mercenaries. Specialists and retainers of any race may be hired.

Elf

Prime Requisites: An elf with at least 13 INT and STR gains a 5% bonus to experience. An elf with an INT of at least 16 and a STR of at least 13 receives a +10% XP bonus.

Arcane Magic

See p122 of the Advanced Player Handbook for full details on arcane magic.

Magical research: An elf of any level may spend time and money on magical research. This allows them to add new spells to their spell book and to research other magical effects. When an elf reaches 9th level, they are also able to create magic items.

Spell casting: Elves carry spell books containing the formulae for arcane spells. The spell casting chart shows the number of spells they may memorize, determined by the character's experience level. A first level elf has a number of spells in their spell book based on their Intelligence. The list of spells available to elves is found on p131 of the Advanced Player's Handbook (elves have the same spell selection as magic-users).

Using magic items: As spell casters, elves are able to use magic scrolls of spells on their spell list. They can also use items that may only be used by arcane spell casters (e.g. magic wands).

Combat

Elves can use all types of weapons and armor.

Detect Secret Doors

Elves have keen eyes that allow them, when actively searching, to detect hidden and secret doors with a 2-in-6 chance.

Immunity to Ghoul Paralysis

Elves have keen eyes that allow them, when actively searching, to detect hidden and secret doors with a 2-in-6 chance

Infravision

Elves have infravision to 60'.

Listening at Doors

Elves have a 2-in-6 chance of hearing noises.

After Reaching 9th Level

An elf may construct a stronghold in the depths of the forest, blending in with the natural environment of a site of great beauty, for example: in the treetops, beside a serene valley, or hidden behind a waterfall. Whatever material it is made of, the construction costs as much as similar work in stone, due to the exquisite quality of craftsmanship involved.

Forest animals within a 5 mile radius of the completed stronghold will become friends with the elves. They may warn of intruders, carry messages and news, and so on. In exchange for this friendship, the elf must protect the animals from harm. An elf ruler may only hire elven mercenaries. Specialists and retainers of any race may be hired.

halfling

Prime requisites: A halfling with at least 13 in one prime requisite gains a 5% bonus to experience. If both DEX and STR are 13 or higher, the halfling gets a +10% bonus.

Combat

Halflings can use all types of armour, but it must be tailored to their small size. Similarly, they can use any weapon appropriate to their stature (as determined by the referee). They cannot use long- bows or two-handed swords.

Defensive Bonus

Due to their small size, halflings gain a +2 bonus to AC when attacked by large opponents (greater than human-sized).

Hiding

Halflings have an uncanny ability to disappear from sight:

• In woods or undergrowth, a halfling can hide with a 90% chance of success.
• In dungeons, a halfling can hide in shadows or behind other forms of cover. The chance of success is 2-in-6. Hiding requires the halfling to be motionless.

Listening at Doors

Halflings have a 2-in-6 chance of hear- ing noises.

Missile Attack Bonus

Halflings' keen coordination grants them a +1 bonus to attack rolls with all missile weapons.

Stronghold

Any time a halfling wishes (and has sufficient money), they may build a stronghold, which will form the basis of a new community of halflings. Halfling communities, known as Shires, are typically located in gentle countryside of little rivers and rolling hills. The leader of the community is called the Sheriff.

Acrobat

• Climb sheer surfaces (CS): A roll is required for each 100' to be climbed. If the roll fails, the acrobat falls at the halfway point, suffering falling damage.
• Falling (FA): When able to tumble, acrobats suffer no damage from the first 10 of any fall. Damage due to falling from a greater height is reduced by the listed percentage (rounding fractions down).

  Expertise Points	Damage Reduction
  0	0%
  1	25%
  2	33%
  3	50%
  4	66%
  5	75%

• Hide in shadows (HS): Requires the acrobat to be motionless; attacking or moving while hiding is not possible.
• Move silently (MS): An acrobat may attempt to sneak past enemies unnoticed.
• Tightrope walking (TW): Acrobats can walk along tightropes, narrow beams, and ledges at up to half their normal movement rate. A roll is required every 60'. Failure indicates that the acrobat falls and suffers falling damage. Windy conditions may reduce the chance of success by up to 2-in-6. Holding a balance pole increases the chance of success by 1-in-6.

Base chance of success: All skills begin with a 1-in-6 chance of success.

Expertise points: Acrobats gain expertise points to improve their chance of success with their skills. Each point allocated to a skill improves the chance of success by 1-in-6. Multiple points may be allocated to a skill, further increasing the chance of success. For example, if 2 points are allocated to a skill, the chance of success is raised to 3-in-6 (from the base 1-in-6 chance of success).

At 1st level: At character creation, an acrobat has 3 expertise points to allocate.

Gaining levels: An acrobat gains 1 additional expertise points to allocate.

Maximum chance of success: No skill may be raised above 5-in-6

Combat

Acrobats cannot wear armour bulkier than leather and cannot use shields. They are able to use all missile weapons. Their use of melee weapons is restricted to light blades and staff weapons.

Evasion

When retreating from melee, an acrobat's ability to tumble negates the opponent's usual +2 bonus to hit.

Jumping

With a 20' run-up, an acrobat can jump across a 10' wide pit or chasm (or 20' wide when aided by the use of a pole). Also when using a pole, an acrobat can jump over a 10' high wall or onto a 10' high ledge. Suitable poles for jumping include: 10' poles, polearms, spears, staves.

Tumbling Attack

Using the falling or jumping abilities, an acrobat can make a tumbling melee attack. The attack inflicts double damage if successful. Against an unaware opponent, the acrobat also gains a +4 bonus to hit.

After Reaching 9th Level

An acrobat can establish a training school, attracting 2d6 apprentices of 1st level. The apprentices will serve the character with some reliability; however, should any be arrested or killed, the character will not be able to attract apprentices to replace them. A successful acrobat burglar might use these followers to start a Thieves' Guild.

Assassin

• Assassination (AS): When attacking an unaware humanoid from behind, an assassin gains a +4 bonus to hit. If the attack succeeds, the victim must save versus death with a penalty of however many expertise has been put into this ability (e.g. -0 with no expertise, -3 with 3 expertise points). If the save fails, the victim is instantly killed, otherwise the assassin's attack inflicts normal damage. At 1st level, assassins may not put expertise into assassination.
  Who can be assassinated: Humans / demihumans of any level and humanoid monsters of up to 4+1 HD. (non-living creatures are immune.)
• Climb sheer surfaces (CS): A roll is required for each 100' to be climbed. If the roll fails, the assassin falls at the halfway point, suffering falling damage.
• Hear noise (HN): In a quiet environment (e.g. not in combat), an assassin may attempt to listen at a door or to hear the sounds of something (e.g. a wandering monster) approaching.
• Hide in shadows (HS): Requires the assassin to be motionless; attacking or moving while hiding is not possible.
• Move silently (MS): An assassin may attempt to sneak past enemies unnoticed.

Base chance of success: All skills begin with a 1-in-6 chance of success.

Expertise points: Assassins gain expertise points to improve their chance of success with their skills. Each point allocated to a skill improves the chance of success by 1-in-6. Multiple points may be allocated to a skill, further increasing the chance of success. For example, if 2 points are allocated to a skill, the chance of success is raised to 3-in-6 (from the base 1-in-6 chance of success).

At 1st level: At character creation, an assassin has 3 expertise points to allocate.

Gaining levels: An assassin gains 1 additional expertise points to allocate.

Maximum chance of success: No skill may be raised above 5-in-6

Combat

Assassins cannot wear armour bulkier than leather but may use shields. They can use all types of weapons.

Disguise

Characters of any class may don disguises, but assassins are masters of the art, able to create disguises that pass even close scrutiny.

Chance of detection: Everyone the assassin meets has a 2% chance of spotting the disguise. This roll is repeated once every subsequent day of meeting.

Posing as another class, race or sex: Increases the chance of being detected by 2% per change.

Height and weight: A disguise may alter height (up to 3” shorter or 5” taller) or weight (slightly thinner, much bulkier).

Hirelings

Assassins of 1st-3rd level may not employ retainers, mercenaries, or specialists. From 4th level, an assassin may hire other assassins of lower level. From 8th level, an assassin may hire thieves, and from 12th level any type of character.

Poison

Victims of a poisoning by an assassin suffer a -2 penalty to the saving throw.

After Reaching 12th Level

An assassin may attempt to take over an existing guild of assassins or thieves by killing the old guild-master. This may be achieved by any means (e.g. poisoning, assassination, duel). If successful, the character can maintain a guild of 7d4 members. 75% of the existing members will leave, but new members (typically 1st level assassins) will arrive over time.

Bard

(by me)

Combat

Bards can use leather armour or chainmail but do not have the training required to use plate mail or shields.

Bard Skills

Bards can use the following skills:

• Climb sheer surfaces (CS): A roll is required for each 100' to be climbed. If the roll fails, the bard falls at the halfway point, suffering falling damage.
• Hear noise (HN): In a quiet environment (e.g. not in combat), a bard may attempt to listen at a door or to hear the sounds of something (e.g. a wandering monster) approaching.
• Pick pockets (PP): The chance of success is reduced by 1-in-6 per three levels of the victim. A roll of 6 means that the attempted theft is noticed.
• Read Languages (RL): A bard can read non-magical text in any language (including dead) or basic codes. If the roll fails, the arcane bard may not try the same text again before gaining an experience level.

Base chance of success: All skills begin with a 1-in-6 chance of success.

Expertise points: Bards gain expertise points to improve their chance of success with their skills. Each point allocated to a skill improves the chance of success by 1-in-6. Multiple points may be allocated to a skill, further increasing the chance of success. For example, if 2 points are allocated to a skill, the chance of success is raised to 3-in-6 (from the base 1-in-6 chance of success).

At 1st level: At character creation, a bard has 2 expertise points to allocate.

Gaining levels: A bard gains 1 additional expertise point to allocate.

Maximum chance of success: No skill may be raised above 5-in-6

Enchantment

By playing music and singing, the bard can fascinate subjects in a 30' radius. This ability does not function in combat.

Number of subjects: Up to 2HD of creatures per level of the bard are affected. The bard may choose to target a specific individual or a group (in which case, the affected individuals are determined randomly).

Types of subjects: At 1st level, the bard can fascinate persons. At 4th level, animals may also be affected. At 7th level, monsters may be affected.

Effects: Each subject must save versus spells or be fascinated, as follows:

• Rapt: Fascinated subjects' attention is fully bent on the bard's performance, as long as it continues.
• Follow: The bard may walk while playing. Fascinated subjects will follow.
• Interruptions: If the performance is interrupted (e.g. by loud noise or violence), the fascination ends immediately.

Charming Fascinated Subjects

If the bard performs for at least one turn and the performance ends without interruption, fascinated subjects may be placed under a deeper charm. Each subject must make another save versus spells (with a +2 bonus) or be charmed for one turn per level of the bard:

• Friendship: Charmed subjects regard the bard as a trusted friend and ally and will come to the bard's defense.
• Commands: If they share a language, charmed subjects will obey the bard's commands.
• Alignment: Commands that contradict the charmed creature's nature or alignment may be ignored.
• Suicidal commands: Charmed subjects never obey suicidal or obviously harmful orders.

Languages

Bards learn new languages as they advance in level. At every even numbered level above 3rd (i.e. 4th, 6th, 8th, etc.), the player may choose an additional language.

Lore

From 2nd level, a bard has a 2-in-6 chance of knowing lore pertaining to monsters, magic items, or heroes of folktale or legend. This ability may be used to identify the nature and powers of magic items.

After Reaching 11th Level

A bard can establish a manor. 2d6 apprentice bards of 1st level will come to study under the character.