Quick Decision Guide
Choose CRAWL! if you want:
- 15-minute character creation
- Combat resolved in one roll (no separate damage rolls)
- Death in 2-3 hits creates real tension
- Minimal GM prep (no encounter balance needed)
- Resource management that matters
Choose D&D 5e if you want:
- Heroic characters who feel powerful
- Extensive character customization
- Balanced encounters you can predict
- Huge library of official content
- Long campaign arcs (levels 1-20)
Choose OSE if you want:
- Classic B/X D&D exactly as it was
- Complete compatibility with old modules
- Race-as-class simplicity
- Strong OSR community support
- Traditional dungeon crawling
Core Mechanics Comparison
| System | CRAWL! | D&D 5e | OSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Roll | d20 ≤ Skill (roll = effect) | d20 + mod ≥ DC | d20 ≤ target or roll under ability |
| Character Creation | 15 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Starting HP | 10-15 HP | 6-15 HP + CON | 1-8 HP + CON |
| Hits to Death | 2-3 hits | 4-8 hits | 1-3 hits |
| Classes | Classless (Paths) | 13 classes + subclasses | 7 classes (race-as-class) |
Combat System
| System | CRAWL! | D&D 5e | OSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative | Roll every round, choose Fast/Slow phase | Roll once, fixed order | Roll each round (group or individual) |
| Actions per Turn | 1 action only | Action + move + bonus + reaction | Move + action |
| Attack Resolution | One roll (hit and damage) | Two rolls (attack then damage) | Two rolls (attack then damage) |
| Monster Rules | Monsters auto-hit, can't defend | Same rules as PCs | Simpler than PCs but still roll |
| Death | 0 HP = Dying, one Resilience check | Death saves (3 successes/failures) | Dead at 0 (or optional -10) |
| Fleeing | Escalating cost system | DM discretion | Pursuit rules |
Resource Management
| System | CRAWL! | D&D 5e | OSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracking | Abstract "Supplies" | Individual items | Every torch and ration |
| Encumbrance | 4 load levels | Optional rules (often ignored) | Strict coin weight |
| Resting | Costs supplies, risk rolls | Long rest = full recovery | Strict healing (1-3 HP/day) |
| Supply Importance | Central to survival | Rarely matters | Very important |
Magic Systems
| System | CRAWL! | D&D 5e | OSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resource | Mana points = attribute | Spell slots by level | Memorized spells |
| Cost Mechanic | Spell costs = your roll | Fixed slots per level | Fire and forget |
| Flexibility | Cast any known spell if you have mana | Prepared spells only | Memorized spells only |
| Power Scaling | Higher rolls = more mana spent | Upcast with higher slots | Fixed by spell level |
GM Prep & Running
| System | CRAWL! | D&D 5e | OSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encounter Balance | Not needed (run what makes sense) | CR calculations expected | HD guidelines |
| Stat Blocks | Simple: HD, damage, special ability | Complex: many abilities and options | Simple: AC, HD, damage |
| Improvisation | Built for it (Fortune/Folly, Fate Pool) | Requires more structure | Old school rulings |
| Prep Time | Minimal | Significant | Moderate |
Unique Features
CRAWL! Exclusives
- Unified d20: One roll determines both success and effect
- Physical Initiative: Toss dice into Fast/Slow zones
- Fate Pool: Shared fortune tokens for player agency
- Affliction Points: Gain power through trauma
- Monsters Auto-Hit: Different rules create different threats
D&D 5e Exclusives
- Bounded Accuracy: Numbers stay manageable
- Advantage/Disadvantage: Elegant modifier replacement
- Subclasses: Deep customization at 3rd level
- Legendary Actions: Boss monster mechanics
- Inspiration: Reward good roleplay
OSE Exclusives
- Race-as-Class: Elf is a class, not just a species
- Reaction Rolls: 2d6 for NPC attitudes
- Morale System: Enemies flee based on 2d6 rolls
- Retainer Rules: Detailed hireling system
- Stronghold Rules: Domain management built in
The Bottom Line
CRAWL!
For groups that want fast, lethal dungeon crawling where every decision matters and combat is over in minutes, not hours.
D&D 5e
For groups that want heroic fantasy with detailed character options and balanced encounters they can rely on.
OSE
For groups that want authentic old-school D&D exactly as Gygax intended, warts and all.
Experience CRAWL!
Try the Unified d20 Roll system with the free Freeze-Dried Edition quickstart, or dive into the full CRAWL! game with complete rules and character options.
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