Microlite81 is a Microlite20-based version of the B/X version of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game — the two boxed sets (basic and Expert) that were published in 1981. Microlite81 does for B/X what Microlite74 did for 0e, produce a version of the original B/X based on the Microlite20 rules that recreates the style and feel of the B/X version of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game published back in 1981 without giving up all of the clearer mechanics of modern D20-based versions. Microlite81 games are based on the 1981 Basic/Expert edition of the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game filtered through the rules light Microlite20 version of the third edition of the rules system. Microlite81 games are not intended to be a clone of the B/X rules, but rather a conversion of them to a rules-lite D20-based system that encourages old-school play without strictly old-school rules.

There are four different versions of Microlite81. All are pay what you want.

Microlite81: This is the standard version the game. It is intended to be fairly standard B/X converted to a Microlite20-based system. The final “Silver” version of Microlite81 is currently available for free download in the download area of our message board: Download Here.

Microlite81 Complete: This version is standard Microlite81 with more complete descriptions of spells, monsters, and magic items and a few extras like an example of play which will hopefully make the game more friendly to players with less experience with old school gaming. The final “Silver” version of Microlite81 Complete is currently available for free download in the download area of our message board: Download Here.

Microlite81 Extended: This version is Microlite81 with the author’s house rules from the 1977-1983 era. Most of the house rules used in Microlite74 Expanded will also be used in Microlite81 Expanded. They have been modified as needed to work with a system based on B/X instead of one based on 0e. A number of optional rules are also be included. The final “Silver” version of Microlite81 Extended is currently available for free download in the download area of our message board: Download Here.

Microlite81 Advanced: This version of Microlite81 uses the spell lists, monsters, and treasures from the 1e (Advanced) version of the world’s most popular fantasy RPG. There are a large number of optional rules: psionics, mutations, etc. The final “Silver” version of Microlite81 Advanced is currently available for free download in the download area of our message board: Download Here.

A few Microlite81 Companions or Supplements are certainly possible in the future, but none are currently being planned.

Microlite81 Sponsors
The author would like to thank the following individuals who sponsored the production of Microlite81 by making donations to the RetroRoleplaying Cancer Fund to help pay the huge cancer bills treating my wife’s Stage 3 Oral Cancer without insurance ran up.

Bronze Donors: Kenneth Bailey, Rob Baseel, Isaac Boekelheide, Jason Decker, Pascal Furlan, Nathan Harwell, Sean McKeon, Sandra Misse, Alex Muscar, Thomas Simmons
Copper Donors: August Beirmont, Stacey Conover, Silas Crowe, Dennis Davis, Chris Harvey, Tom Hayes, Michael Julius, J.E. Leems, Tom Lewis, Juan Lopez, Marianne Marlow, Brian Marstella, Chad Nal, Joseph Nelson, Keith Nelson, Brennan O’Brien, Peter Reynolds, Bertel Robbins, Ed Roberts, Brett Slocum, Harold Smith, Scott Sutherland, George Taylor, Lisann Towwer, Don Turner, Harald Wagener
Silver Donors: Gabriel Barrenechea, Chris Brandon, Timothy Brannan, Alistair Caunt, Marion Hill, John Lockard, Oliver Korpilla, John Lee, Olivier Lefebvre, Allan MacKenzie, Jonathan Mayo, Lloyd Rasmussen, John Seabury
Gold Donors: Penelope Anders, Sebastian Dietz, Brian Isikoff, Helen Perez, Nelson Singer, Steven Wales
Electrum Donors: Robert Gibson, Ralph Williams
Platinum Donors: Bill Morrison

And thirty-five additional donors who wish to remain anonymous.