Originally published in 1995 for the Ninjas & Superspies RPG, Mystic China (written by Erick Wujcik) is widely considered one of the "holy grail" supplements of the Palladium Megaversal system.
For an OSR enthusiast, it is a massive 208-page "flavor bible" that can be easily pillaged for campaign mechanics and setting details.
## Core Contents of Mystic China
The book is essentially a toolkit for running games inspired by Hong Kong action cinema and traditional folklore.
14 New Martial Arts: Beyond basic "Kung Fu," it adds styles like Mien-Ch’uan (Cotton Fist) and Hsien Hsia (immortal combat).
The "Chi" System: A detailed resource management system for internal energy. It includes Atami (shattering strikes), Dim Mak (Death Touch), and Mudra (mystic hand gestures for defense).
Unique O.C.C.s (Classes): * The Wu Mage: A Taoist spellcaster using Celestial Calligraphy (paper talismans).
The Fang Shih: A master of Feng Shui and geomancy who can manipulate the environment.
The Blind Mystic: A classic trope of the sensory-deprived warrior with heightened spiritual awareness.
The Immortals: Details ten types of "Renegade Immortals" that serve as high-level antagonists or inscrutable patrons.
## Using Mystic China with OSR Games
While Palladium uses a percentile skill system and a d20 combat system, it is functionally a "cousin" to AD&D 1e.
### 1. Talisman Magic for Wizards/Clerics
The Celestial Calligraphy system is perfect for OSR play. Instead of Vancian "memorize and forget," you can treat spells as physical items (Talismans) that the PC must craft during downtime.
OSR Hook: Allow a Magic-User to "scribe" their spells onto paper strips. They can be slapped onto a door to seal it or onto a zombie’s forehead to paralyze it (a classic Jiangshi trope).
### 2. Geomancy as Dungeon Navigation
The Fang Shih (Geomancer) rules can be adapted to OSR "dungeoncrawling."
Mechanical Use: Use the Feng Shui rules to grant bonuses/penalties to a room based on its layout. If the party fights in a room with "Bad Feng Shui," they take a -1 to AC or Saves. A PC with geomancy skills can detect these "flow of energy" traps before the party enters.
### 3. Martial Arts as "Feats" or Class Features
Rather than importing the complex Palladium combat round, use the Martial Arts powers as rewards.
The Reward: Instead of a $+1$ sword, a Monk or Fighter finds an ancient scroll teaching them the Vibrating Palm.
Conversion: In OSR terms, this might allow the player to spend a "Hit Die" to force a Save vs. Death on a successful hit, or ignore a target’s non-magical armor.
### 4. Converting Stat Blocks
Palladium and OSR games share the same 3–18 ability score range.
Attributes: Use them as-is. A Palladium P.S. (Physical Strength) of 15 is an OSR STR of 15.
Armor Class: Palladium uses "Natural Armor Rating" (AR). To convert to Descending AC, subtract the AR from 20. (e.g., AR 12 becomes AC 8). For Ascending AC, the AR is roughly equivalent to the AAC bonus.
S.D.C. vs Hit Points: In Palladium, S.D.C. is "buffer" health. For OSR, ignore S.D.C. entirely and just use the character's Hit Points to avoid making combat a slog.
In Mystic China, the Demon Hunter is a specialized warrior-monk or rogue who exists on the fringes of society, specifically trained to track and destroy supernatural threats. Unlike a standard Paladin or Cleric, the Demon Hunter is often a gritty, "street-level" combatant who uses specialized tools and occult knowledge to survive encounters with things that should be impossible to kill.
Below is a conversion of the Demon Hunter for OSR systems (like Old-School Essentials, Labyrinth Lord, or Swords & Wizardry).
## The Demon Hunter (OSR Class)
Requirements: STR 9, WIS 12
Prime Requisite: WIS
Hit Dice: 1d8 per level
Armor: Any up to Chainmail; shields allowed.
Weapons: Any.
### Class Abilities
Sense Evil Chi: The Demon Hunter can sense the presence of supernatural evil (demons, devils, or malevolent spirits) within 60 feet. This requires 1 turn of concentration. It does not pinpoint the exact location but confirms the "taint" is nearby.
Demon-Slaying Strike: When attacking supernatural outsiders or undead, the Demon Hunter gains +1 to Hit and Damage. This bonus increases by +1 every 4 levels.
Hardened Soul: Demon Hunters receive a +2 bonus on Saving Throws against Paralysis, Petrification, and Mind-Affecting Magic (Charms/Illusions) cast by supernatural beings.
Occult Knowledge: On a roll of 1–2 on a d6, the Demon Hunter can identify a demon’s specific weaknesses, resistances, or habits based on folklore and training.
## The "Demon Hunter's Kit" (Signature Gear)
In Mystic China, the Hunter is defined by their gear. You can introduce these as starting items or specialized equipment they must replenish:
| Item | OSR Effect |
| Peach Wood Sword | Acts as a +1 magical weapon against spirits and vampires, but deals only 1d4 damage to humans. Breaks on a Natural 1. |
| Mirror of True Form | When held up to a creature in disguise (polymorphed or possessed), the demon must Save vs. Spells or be forced into its true, hideous form for 1 turn. |
| Blessed Salt/Rice | Can be thrown to create a 5ft diameter circle. Supernatural creatures cannot cross the line unless they make a Save vs. Death. |
| Spirit-Binding Chains | +2 bonus to grapple checks against ethereal or demonic entities. |
