OSRIC
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OSRIC (an acronym for "Old School Reference and Index Compilation") is an early example of a retro-clone or simulacra game, and one of the most popular. The rules are largely compatible with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) first edition, and are released under a free license.

The first edition of OSRIC was explicitly intended to allow publishers to release both free and commercial AD&D-compatible products, without infringing on intellectual property laws. OSRIC is based on the premise that only the "artistic presentation" of a game is copyrightable, not the rules themselves. The game was rewritten from scratch, and a deliberate attempt was made to remove all the unique artistic content. There are some slight differences between the two games where the original rules could be deemed artistic content (such as level titles). Wizard of the Coast's System Reference Document greatly improved compatibility by permitting the use of many unique elements (like spell names and descriptions) under the free and irrevocable Open Gaming License (OGL) Version 1.0a.

OSRIC was a modest success, with numerous publishers including Expeditious Retreat Press, Ronin Arts, Goblinoid Games, Mob United Press, and others releasing products even before the first version was finalized. The popularity among fans led to the publication of Monsters of Myth, and a demand to make OSRIC more of a complete game, instead of just being a tool for publishers. With the help of numerous contributors, the second edition tripled in size and sections were added detailing encounters, monsters, and treasure.

OSRIC's core rules and character creation sections (except the variable experience point rules) are released under the OGL, while the term "OSRIC" itself is not and requires adherence to a separate, free license. Most of the material added in the second edition is also considered "product identity" and thus restricted from use under the OGL.

The parent system is: AD&D.

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