
As I’ve stated before, this blog is not concerned with belittling any of the subsequent versions or editions in the D&D family. After all, they are the offspring of OD&D, and all of us share an interest in the hobby for one reason, and one reason only. To have fun. As long as you are having fun under the D&D Umbrella, regardless of which edition you might use, please, carry on, but perhaps take a moment to read why I like the original version so much.
So, perhaps you already understand and appreciate the concept presented in OD&D. That this game is one limited only by your own imagination, and that the rules are presented as guidelines on how to play. More so than any later version, OD&D embodies this concept. To quote myself and restate the Empty Room Principle:
D&D is a vehicle for creative input. Logically, therefore, D&D is hindered when the potential for creativity is reduced.To borrow a term used quite often in OD&D circles, the game is a tool-kit. In the right hands, it is the perfect model for constructing the game that you want. This is OD&D in scope and in spirit. It’s the ephemeral definition of the old school philosophy in it’s purest form.
The Empty Room is a metaphor, it represents the potential space provided by the designer or author of a game, to be used by the players of that game to exercise some form of personal creative input.
OD&D trumps all other versions. It is a vehicle for creative input in ways that modern versions are not. How? By keeping things simple.
My fellow blogging friend Brian pointed out, quite rightly so, in his comment in part one of Why OD&D? that my post read as if I was saying I love the rules because there are no rules. While that is not entirely the message I was conveying, it sort of is the point. As I stated, I believe that D&D could have been introduced to the gaming world in a simple 12 page pamphlet. From there, the core rules could have been used as a basis for future publications and versions which hewed closely to that 12 page pamphlet. Such a gaming model would have preserved the OD&D rules and concept for decades. Instead, TSR took a different approach and redefined the actual game.
What is packaged together with those core rules, in the first three OD&D volumes, could have been the first example of how to use them. In this case, a fantasy setting of Goblins, Wizards, Trolls and Dragons. TSR made other games based on D&D, but it should have stood apart as the core rules, the framework upon which these other milieus were built.
I work in an industry that frequently relies upon engineering standards, specifications that designate compatibility for certain products within the field. It is generally accepted that when a new specification has been met by manufacturers, that this new standard not only supersedes but is also backwards compatible. D&D has taken the opposite approach, and subsequent versions have become more and more narrow in focus, to the point that versions are almost linked to their own setting or gaming world. Not so, as I have pointed out, with OD&D.
As promised, I do want to state, specifically and without theorizing quite as much, what I like about the OD&D rules, and not simply the game.
1. OD&D uses a class model based on the three pronged crown of Fighting-Man, Magic User and Cleric. In other words, no Thief. I like this because it allows any player to engage obstacles with critical thinking and logic. The players are interacting with the game world, and not simply reaching for the dice.
2. OD&D employs a rather abstract combat model. It’s the perfect basis for keeping it as is, or expanding and detailing the act of conducting melee. The abstract approach keeps combat moving quickly.
3. OD&D employs a minimal amount of ability based bonuses. The only benefit for having an exceptional score in a prime requisite is a percent increase to experience gain. This approach allows for perfectly viable characters with less than average ability scores.
4. OD&D does not assume that characters begin as heroes. That potential is there, but it’s a status which must be earned through overcoming the challenges set forth by the referee. Anyone can become a hero. Such potential is not limited by ability scores.
5. The Charisma ability, as it relates to the other five abilities, is just as important in OD&D as it’s character defining brethren. The de-emphasis of the other scores serves to accentuate the usefulness of this often underappreciated ability. Hirelings and monster reaction are two aspects of D&D often lost in later versions. Being proficient with a sword will only get you so far in OD&D.
6. For lack of a better way to explain my next reason, I will borrow some terms bandied about in role-playing. OD&D is the antithesis of min-maxing, power gaming and bonus inflation. Therefore, even the most basic magic items do not lose their allure. Players need not fret about poor character ability scores, nor do players spend time engaging in meta-gaming thought patterns. The focus of the game is in the play itself. To quote Philotomy: increases of all sorts (including increases in PC level) have greater significance in OD&D, relative to later editions of the game.
7. Originally, the d6 was used for all monster hit dice. All attacks deal a base 1d6. There is synergy here. With this model, a stab from a dagger can indeed slay normal men. Furthermore, later editions of D&D have managed to weaken two of the signature Magic User spells. Fireball and Lightning Bolt are much more effective when monsters have not been subjected to hit point increases. By all rights, those two spells should have increased in potency along with character and monster hit dice. I prefer this original synergy.
8. The simple alignment system of OD&D accentuates the fact that alignment should not determine some moral code for how a player controls his character. Just play the game. The referee will keep track of who is on what team, and use this simple system as it relates to character-monster reactions and role-playing.
There’s not much else in the very basic rules of OD&D that wasn’t carried into later editions. The Attack and Saving Throw Matrices, the Spell Tables, the Experience Point Tables, the Races and lists of Monsters and Treasure were all repeated in OD&D’s immediate descendants; Holmes, Moldvay, and AD&D.
To summarize:
1. Three Classes
2. Abstract Combat
3. Basic Abilities
4. Hero Potential
5. Impact of Charisma
6. Focus on Play
7. d6 Synergy
8. Basic Alignment
I am probably missing some of the aspects of OD&D that set it apart even from it’s closest descendants. Clearly, my preference for OD&D goes beyond the rules themselves but these are the differences in such terms which have led me to prefer OD&D.
I must give acknowledgement to the collected wisdom of the members of the OD&D forum, and to Philotomy for his excellent insight into OD&D.
Why OD&D, part 1
Why OD&D, part 3
Why OD&D, part 4
~Sham, Quixotic Referee
77 comments:
"The game is a toolkit."
I'd list this as one of the major defining attributes of OD&D. It assumed that players and DMs would create their own campaigns set in their own worlds (or a world borrowed from -- or cobbled together -- from their favorite fantasy stories).
Therefore it came with very few built in to the gamesystem assumptions about how the campaign universe worked or the style of play that would be used. Even First Edition AD&D made a lot more assumptions about the campaign world and style in that it assumed people would be playing in a world not all that different from the designer's Greyhawk.
OD&D also encouraged gamers to make it their own not only by being very easy to house rule, but by encouraging house rules -- something later editions do less and less.
Thanks for the comment, Randall. I agree with your points 100%. In these posts I am also trying to show why I like OD&D versus, say, Holmes or Moldvay.
I think many of the people reading this series of posts already get it, so I wanted to be a bit more specific in regard to what I like, mechanically speaking, about OD&D.
Perhaps someone who never tried OD&D will read this, though, and be willing to take the plunge.
~Sham
I am a Staff Author at FieldEngineer.com a Marketplace for On-Demand telecom workforce, extending from field engineers to high-level network engineers, project managers and Network Architects in 146 nations.
what is network security
common it problems Each profession has some challenges. However, the problem with most IT help desks is that they let many issues pile up to the extent that sorting them out becomes difficult. In this piece, you will get to learn about some common help desk problems and solutions.
Small- to medium-sized businesses attempt to evaluate the entire functionality of CRM on a large spreadsheet. This can lead to inconsistency and redundancy. It is more difficult to find CRM Software-price at a low cost, but it is still possible to provide the user and their contact information. It can create reminders and calendar events dynamically.
sabyasachi lehenga is an Indian fashion designer from Kolkata. Since 1999, he has sold designer merchandise using the label Sabyasachi. Mukherjee is one of the Associate Designer Members of Fashion Design Council of India and the youngest board member of the National Museum of Indian Cinema. It is a dream of every girl to walk down the aisle in your vague bridal lehenga. Shop online the best of Sabyasachi Lehenga, Sabyasachi Sarees, Sabyasachi Anarkali & Sharara Set with Panache Haute Couture. Shop now with us online and avail the best of Sabyasachi Lehenga and give a dreamy start to your second inning of life.
What is Step Down Transformer ? Well, we can say it is a device that converts high primary voltage to low secondary voltage. In this transformer, the primary winding of a coil has numerous turns than the secondary winding. The prime purpose of the transformer is that it reduces the voltage and is used in all household’s electronic appliance. Our life today is heavily dependent on electricity, and thus, we must know about every electrical appliance or devices before we purchase.
n95mask online and pollution mask are made to keep you safeguard from viruses, bacteria, dust, and other harmful particles. There are several types of face masks available in the market serving different purposes. Our n95 mask online is one of the most protective and laced with innovative technology available in the market at the lowest price. The replaceable n95 filter, washable cloth mask, silent fan, environment friendly, and cost-effective n95 mask online ensures soothing airflow without compromising safety.
cutting corrugated plastic not only have these wonderful qualities but also are super easy to cut. With the right kind of tools, You can quickly cut these sheets using the following Corrugated Plastic sheets comprise of three layers- two flat plastic sheets with a wave-like ribbed center layer. The two flat plastic sheets are generally referred to as twinwall plastic. The Corrugated Plastic sheets may also be like sheets of plastic that have a wave-like structure that might have chopped glass fiber reinforced in it
I savour, lead to I found exactly what I used to be having a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye 메이저사이트
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin. I’m no longer sure whether this submit is written through him as
nobody else understand such detailed approximately my trouble.
You’re wonderful! Thank you! 경마사이트
This paragraph will help the internet visitors for building up new web site or even a weblog from start to end. 토토
Expert SEO Services offers the best SEO services for all businesses. We have been the industry leaders for long now Contact best seo company in denver, seo agency in denver, top seo company in new york, seo company in san francisco, seo agency in seattle, best seo company seattle
IELTSnPTE has been the industry leader for Best IELTS Coaching in Nangal Dam, best ielts coaching in nawanshahar, ielts coaching in gandhinagar, IELTS coaching in ahmedabad, IELTS Coaching in Vadodara, ielts coaching in mumbai, best ielts coaching in Jaipur, top ielts classes in vadodara. We maintain our quality through one to one doubt sessions and unique teaching methods. Read more our services here!
Booming Bulls is the best trading institute in india. We offer top trading course in india, and all stock market courses online. Being the best trading institute in india, we have technical analysis course, stock market courses for beginners. We will stand out to be the best stock market institute in 2021. We offer a unique course module for our students. Join us to gain success in market now!
The backbenchers is one of the best corporate gifts suppliers in delhi, corporate gifts manufacturers in delhi, best corporate gifting companies, corporate gifts manufacturer, corporate gifting companies in delhi ncr. We have a vast range of products ranging from customized laptop sleeves to customized table organizers. Our quality of goods has enables us to serve high profile clients. Contact us for your query now!
RIV Worldwide brings for you a plan to fulfil all your shipment needs. Contact the experts for: air freight services. We are the best Air Freight Forwarder, and promise to work forproject cargo shipping. We are also known as one of the best Ocean Freight Shipping Companies ocean freight forwarder, best sea freight companies, warehousing and distribution companies. Get a free quote from one of the Best Supply Chain Companies now!
Looking for a authentic and real store to buy genuine and original indian spices? Buy Indian Spices Online and get the guarantee of getting best quality spices online, buy organic spices online, buy indian spices, buy herbs and spices online from Earthatva and guarantee for quality! We offer best in class services. Visit to shop spices online
Patron accounting is the best firm for your accounting needs. Contact us for company registration in Chennai, company registration in Delhi, company registration in Hyderabad,company registration in Kolkata company registration in Bangalore, section 8 company registration online, Section 8 company registration in Delhi, company registration in pune
JK offset is one of the best corporate gifting companies in delhi. They are also one of the best offset printing press in Delhi. We have a track record of completing orojects in defined time. Vusut us for magazine printing in delhi now!
Itzeazy offers all services related to birth certificate, driving license and helps you live life in ease. Contact us regarding information for: RTO gurgaon, RTO Faridabad. Itzeazy offers all services related to birth certificate, driving license and helps you live life in ease. Contact us regarding information for: RTO hyderabad, RTO Mumbai, RTO bangalore,
Afyun plywood has been the industry leader in manufacturing marine plywood. There are various MR plywood in india, we maintain our quality through high quality machinery and hot press techniques. Read more about BWR plywood here!
Native Sutra is one of the best interior designer in gurgaon. We have a top notch clientele for interior design services. Our team ensures on-time delivery of projects. Contact the best home interior designer in Gurgaon now!
Pharma Solutions is the best Pharma licensing company in Gulf. The service we offer is unmatched and out of the box. We have a promise to maintain our quality throughout the time. Contact the best pharma marketing company in Gulf now. Get in touch with the unique pharmaceutical distributor in Middle East, pharmaceutical distributor in Gulf, Pharmaceutical distribution company in Gulf
Follow latest fashion trends and become more fashionable. Check out our latest blog post on ways to relieve stress during pregnancy. Give a read to our blog on The Fashion and City to get more ideas onHow to maintain mental balance during pregnancy now and get more ideas about improving fertility
Your WordPress website is bound to load quickly and perform well on Full Web Mart hosting because it is powered by LiteSpeed caching technology.
Digital Marketing Services in Delhi
Digital Marketing Services Near Me
No.1 IT Solution Company in Delhi
What a nice post! I'm so happy to read this. 안전놀이터모음 What you wrote was very helpful to me. Thank you. Actually, I run a site similar to you. If you have time, could you visit my site? Please leave your comments after reading what I wrote. If you do so, I will actively reflect your opinion. I think it will be a great help to run my site. Have a good day.
What a post I've been looking for! I'm very happy to finally read this post. 토토사이트 Thank you very much. Can I refer to your post on my website? Your post touched me a lot and helped me a lot. If you have any questions, please visit my site and read what kind of posts I am posting. I am sure it will be interesting.
What a great article!
Kuchesar
Wedding Destination Near Delhi
Nearby places to delhi for weekend
Resorts for family outing near delhi
best bridal parlour in meerut
Best men's hair salons in Meerut
I just visit your website and I found it very informative. Please share more content just like that. I want to read more content so please upload more articles. Thanks in advanced.
Packaging Host
Die Cut Stickers
Static Cling
Cheap Latest Products
Property Saga
Lahore Smart City
Nova City Islamabad
Park View City Islamabad
Al Noor Orchard Lahore
The ideal time for loading a website should not be more than 2-3 seconds. It depends on several factors like hosting server, design, size of the images, code part, CSS and JavaScript files, and plugins. Design Zoned is a web design agency that delivers high-quality work at an affordable price.
Many thanks for the article, I have a lot of spray lining knowledge but always learn something new. Keep up the good work and thank you again. 메이저사이트모음
When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic. 안전토토사이트
Best Jeweller in Meerut
Keep the balls rolling!! Nice posts you have given for us. 토토사이트
It’s actually great and useful information. Thank you for sharing this useful information with us. 파워볼
When your website or blog goes live for the first time, it is exciting. 온라인경마
This is what i call , great article website that i have read . hope i can do same as this
릴게임
Im obliged for the blog post. Really Cool.
토토사이트
You always provide quality based posts and always meaningful. Thank you so much for sharing such an amazing blog with us.
Best Hair Doctor in Meerut
Dermatologist in Meerut
Hi to all, it’s genuinely a pleasant for me to pay a visit this web site, it consists of valuable Information. 바카라사이트
I’m now not positive the place you are getting your info, however great topic. 온라인카지노
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. 바카라사이트
Here we provide you with the information and resources you need to write better articles. Come here and write more advanced text. 카지노사이트
You made some good points there. I did a Google search about the topic and found most people will believe your blog. 토토사이트
Your information was very useful to me. That's exactly what I've been looking for 샌즈카지노!
Hello ! I am the one who writes posts on these topics카지노사이트 I would like to write an article based on your article. When can I ask for a review?
Top chest and lungs doctor in Meerut
Best Bronchoscopy In Meerut
The assignment submission period was over and I was nervous, 우리카지노 and I am very happy to see your post just in time and it was a great help. Thank you ! Leave your blog address below. Please visit me anytime.
Digital Marketing training in kochi | Digital Marketing training institute in kochi | Digital Marketing training centers in kochi | Digital Marketing courses in kochi | Best Digital Marketing training in kochi | Best Digital Marketing training in kerala | Best Digital Marketing training centers in kochi | Best Internet Marketing Training in Kochi | SEM Training in Kochi | SEO Training in Kochi | PPC Training in Kochi | Online digital marketing training in Kochi
Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! 바카라사이트
Many thanks for the article, I have a lot of spray lining knowledge but always learn something new. Keep up the good work and thank you again. 먹튀사이트
Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man and Thanks for the post,Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up. Feel free to visit my website;
한국야동
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back. Feel free to visit my website;
국산야동
Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it! Feel free to visit my website;
일본야동
Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동
When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic. 메이저사이트
"In the wake of a few blog segments on your site, I truly like your scattering content to a blog limits. I saved it 토토사이트
to my standard site list and will check again soon
In the event that it's not all that aggregate bother, moreover visit my site and let me know your point of view."
AC Duct
AC Services
AC Services
While looking for articles on these topics, I came across this article on the site here. As I read your article, I felt like an expert in this field. I have several articles on these topics posted on my site. Could you please visit my homepage? 메이저놀이터순위
I think a lot of articles related to are disappearing someday. That's why it's very hard to find, but I'm very fortunate to read your writing. When you come to my site, I have collected articles related to 크레이지슬롯 .
슬롯커뮤니티
Breeze Cool
AC Repair
Best Split AC
Best Split AC
auditors in Dublin
accountancy firms in Dublin
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch. 먹튀신고
Keep it up the great work.
EASYSIGHT
Blue Cut Lenses
Anti-Reflective Coating
I'll definitely keep in minds all the tips..and will try to inculcate
the most of them in my day to day life🎉🎉...they are really so appropriate
Best Regards
demonstrative pronouns
http://cydeztechnologies.com|bestsoftwaredesoftware training institute in Kochi |software training, development, and testing. Our institute provides support in technologies like Python, Manual Software Testing, Automation Software Testing, .NET, Java, React Js, Angular Js, Node Js, PHP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital Marketing and tools like Selenium and performance testing tools like JMeter, Cucumber, and LoadRunner.
cydeztechnologies.com| software training institute in Kochi for both software training, development, and testing. Our institute provides support in technologies like Python, Manual Software Testing, Automation Software Testing, .NET, Java, React Js, Angular Js, Node Js, PHP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital Marketing and tools like Selenium and performance testing tools like JMeter, Cucumber, and LoadRunner.
https://aspireitacademy.in/.com|bestsoftwaredesoftware training institute in Kochi |software training, development, and testing. Our institute provides support in technologies like Python, Manual Software Testing, Automation Software Testing, .NET, Java, React Js, Angular Js, Node Js, PHP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital Marketing and tools like Selenium and performance testing tools like JMeter, Cucumber, and LoadRunner.
best software training institute in Kochi forsoftware training, development, and testing. Our institute provides support in technologies like Python, Manual Software Testing, Automation Software Testing, .NET, Java, React Js, Angular Js, Node Js, PHP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital Marketing and tools like Selenium and performance testing tools like JMeter, Cucumber, and LoadRunner.https://aspireitacademy.in/
best software training institute in Kochi| software training, development, and testing. Our institute provides support in technologies like Python, Manual Software Testing, Automation Software Testing, .NET, Java, React Js, Angular Js, Node Js, PHP, Machine Learning, Data Science, Digital Marketing and tools like Selenium|performance
I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post heavy detergent cleaning
This blog is an artistic blog. In this post, the given nail art is very unique non prescription contact lenses pakistan
This article has so much of information Buy chocolate truffles Dammam
Excellent article, You have summerised important points, keep it up. Thank you home renovation services dubai
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site woon store
Post a Comment