I have decided to begin work on Microlite81. Microlite74 is a Microlite20-based version of the 0e edition of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game. Microlite81 will be a Microlite20-based version of the B/X version of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game — the two boxed sets that were published in 1981. No, I am not abandoning work on Lords & Wizards, but as I dig into the the B/X edition for my work on Lords & Wizards I’ve thought it would be fun to do a “microlite” version of the B/X system — especially as progress is slow on actually writing Lords & Wizards (as playtesting is changing things faster than I can write them up). I’ve tried to talk myself out of it for the last two weeks, but finally gave in and did about 30 minutes of work on Microlite81 last night.

I plan two versions of Microlite81: the basic Microlite81 which will try to remain as close as possible (in a Microlite20-based game) to B/X just as Microlite74 Basic and Microlite74 Standard tried to remain close to 0e. Microlite81 Extended will include both my standard house rules and the special house rules I used for B/X (and for BECMI later). These games will both be complete. That is, they will include the rules as well as lists of monsters, spells, and treasure. Maximum level will be 14, just as it is in B/X. While 36 levels for human classes were mentioned in passing, the B/X books topped out at level 14. Race as Class will be used. Microlite81 should be compatible with all published adventures published for B/X or for B/X retroclones (e.g. Labyrinth Lord).