TTRPG Wiki

Compare tabletop RPG systems to find your next game

Castles & Crusades

Players Handbook (10th Printing)
Rules-light d20 fantasy bridging old-school AD&D and modern play
View on DriveThruRPG →Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Fantasy
HeroicDungeon CrawlCharacter BuildingHigh-FantasyTheater of the MindVancian Casting

Best For

Groups wanting the classic AD&D feel with streamlined, unified mechanics: old-school spirit with modern ease of play.

Core Mechanic

SIEGE Engine: roll d20 + modifier + level vs. Challenge Class (12 for primary attributes, 18 for secondary). Primary/secondary attribute distinction replaces complex skill lists with a single unified check system.

Diced20
System Familyd20 System
PublisherTroll Lord Games
Year2004
ComplexityHow much there is to learn
Low

The SIEGE engine rolls a d20 plus level against a Challenge Class, flagged by whether the attribute is primary or secondary. That prime-and-secondary distinction is the one new idea over familiar d20 fantasy. Classes and spells stay traditional.

AvailabilityHow you get the rules
  • Free to tryFull core rulesLegally free as an SRD, PDF, or official web rules
  • Get it nowAvailable nowFree to download or read online
RunnabilityWhat the book gives you to run it
  • ✓IndexFind any rule by page number
  • ✓GM guidanceA chapter on how to run the game
  • ✓Examples of playRules shown in action at the table
  • ✓Quick referenceCheat sheet or summary tables
  • –Cross-referencesRules rarely point to each other by page

4 of 5 book tools found in the core book

Highlights

SIEGE Engine unifies all attribute checks, easy to convert AD&D/d20 content, 13 classes with classic archetypes, fast character creation, large back-catalog of adventures

Considerations

Primary/secondary attribute split can feel arbitrary, limited non-fantasy support

Rules license OGL 1.0a

Similar systems

Added