Since the end of my last game I’ve been thinking a lot about the pace of combat, sessions and campaigns. Wile I strongly prefer sandbox style games where outcomes are dictated solely by player choice I’m slowly warming the the idea that taking some responsibility for tempo is important to better myself as a DM. […]
A quick conversion of Descending Armor Class (AC) to To Hit Armor Class Zero (THAC0) and Ascending AC for OSRIC.
The author expresses a strong dislike for skills in D&D 5E, feeling they detract from role-playing and lead to challenges in gameplay. They argue that skills create unnecessary boundaries that limit player creativity and introduce random chance, complicating otherwise clear interactions. Instead, they advocate for focusing on imaginative role-play without relying on a skill system.
The survey results indicate an 85% positive response to 5E among the group, dropping to 76% when including the author’s vote. Despite appreciating the group’s enjoyment of 5E, the author finds it lacking for their playstyle. Preferences for other systems like Mörk Borg emerge, highlighting varying tastes within the group.
The survey results, now 85% complete, indicate a strong desire for increased enjoyment in all D&D pillars, particularly combat. The next campaign will feature episodic adventures in a small region with side quests, focusing on player-generated backstories. Combat remains popular, but optimization is less desired. A flexible, engaging setting is essential.
The author surveyed players to understand their preferences for future D&D games, sharing insights on game pillars, session elements, and adventure styles. The survey covered enjoyment ratings for various aspects, campaign lengths, and player character motivations. The author expressed a desire for feedback to enhance engagement in online gaming experiences.
The author expresses dissatisfaction with the concept of “race” in D&D, arguing it leads to stereotypical character creation and lacks depth in role-playing. Focusing on elves, the piece critiques how mechanics overshadow cultural nuances, suggesting that the game fails to encourage genuine role-play. The author advocates for richer, alien portrayals of fantasy races.
The author reflects on their evolution in tabletop RPG gaming from using “theater of the mind” to battle-maps, discussing the advantages and drawbacks of each. They explore the challenges of map revealing, how it affects gameplay, and propose a desire for improved collaborative mapping systems, blending player exploration with DM control.
The content provides an in-depth look at the mechanics of initiative and combat in AD&D, contrasting it with 5E. It details how initiative is rolled, the sequence of actions, and how spellcasting and movement work within a combat round. The emphasis is on understanding gameplay dynamics rather than just turn-based actions.
The content discusses the relationship between treasure and experience points (x.p.) in AD&D, emphasizing how players can maximize their x.p. by understanding the value and weight of treasures like coins, gems, and magical items. It highlights the importance of encumbrance, which affects character movement and strategic planning during adventures.
Sage Jim 