The author reflects on the decision to embrace Old School Renaissance (OSR) gaming, weighing various Dungeons & Dragons editions and other systems like BECMI and 2E. The choice of AD&D emerges as preferable due to its balance of rules, nostalgia, and support for creativity, despite challenges around availability and player familiarity.
The author reflects on recent D&D predictions regarding the potential removal of padded armor. They argue that padded armor, akin to a gambeson, serves a crucial protective role beneath heavier armor and can mitigate blows and arrows for players. This insight stems from the author’s extensive interest in historical armaments and D&D mechanics.
The discussion explores THAC0 in Dungeons and Dragons, highlighting its evolution from earlier editions to 2E, which simplified hit rolls by consolidating charts into a single number. While THAC0 improved gameplay, the transition to ascending AC in recent editions raised questions about balance between character classes, especially between Fighters and spellcasters.
Sage Jim 