Happy New Year folks! I typed up a rules primer for the various mechanics associated with underworld exploration in original Dungeons & Dragons. This was something I did for players in my current games. I like my players to be aware of the game rules so that they can make well-informed decisions during play. I thought others out there may find such a document helpful. Or not. Of course, this document will contain nothing new or exciting for those who have played the original game extensively.
Category: OD&D Page 1 of 2
I’m sold. No more having players make an initiative roll to determine turn order in a combat encounter. After spending a few months running sessions without this mechanic, I’ve come to realize that such rolls are usually unnecessary. Instead, I’ve simply been adjudicating combat sequences based on a few established guidelines (taken primarily from Chainmail) while simultaneously accounting for encounter context and declared intentions. For my players, this alternative approach has supported an increased level of tactical consideration. Anecdotally, combat encounters have also been more exciting.
Not much to post today. I did, however, finally get my interpretations of OD&D elves, dwarves, and halflings posted over on my Links and Resources page. These interpretations are for elves, dwarves, and halflings presented in the original 3 Little Brown Books only, not later supplements like Greyhawk.
I’m trying to get some of my own clarifications posted in anticipation of an upcoming open table game using the 3LBBs only. Here are the individual links to the material:
Peace,
RC