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.
Tag: House Rules Page 1 of 4
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.
In my game setting, almost everyone interacts (to some degree) with gods, goddesses, and Otherworld beings like elves, dwarfs, and land wights. Most do not question their existence since it is part of the assumed cultural worldview. All recognize the need to appease and respect such beings in order to maintain well-being and prosperity. Conversely, people also desire to avoid harm, sickness, and disease through the regular upkeep of ritual acts. Propitiatory rites, offerings to seek favors, and votive acts linked with oaths are widespread among common folk and highborn alike. Players, too, are able to engage in such practices. Mechanically, I handle such practices and interactions using OD&D’s existing reaction rules.