Monday 7 May 2012

A return to Basic Dungeons & Dragons?

I'm really enjoying running my current Pathfinder campaign but I do miss my simple games, such as Dragon Warriors or Star Wars D6. I want to make sure the gaming group enjoys the game we're playing so I'd like to stick with the system we're using now. In other words, I want simplicity but I want to keep playing the D20 system game.

This has bought me back to Basic D&D. I recently got the basic rulebook for the black box edition and it's perfect for a decent game from levels 1-5 (that's a couple of campaigns easy, if I limit the XP for gold angle) but I've never been a fan of the THAC0 system or the dicey saving throws. Surely it can't be that difficult to take the new new 3.X rules and incorporate them into the Basic D&D game? If I could do that, I could drop the rules I dislike and my players would have a lite version of the game system they love.

There's a greater sense of progression and achievment in any version of D&D then there is in any other game and I think that's what my players enjoy. I love game systems that allow characters to grow of their own accord - Runequest and the D6 system spring to mind here - but right now there's a 'goal to aim for' sensibility at the table and a heady mix of old school and new blood.

I like Pathfinder, but I'd like that progression to be a little less complicated. I must be getting lazy in my old age as simple suits me just fine.

5 comments:

  1. Jiminy8 May 2012 at 20:02

    Now that you mention character development... have you considered using some of the progression rules in Adventurer Conqueror King within Dragon Warriors (or even basic D&D)? Sounds like a potentially good fit.

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  2. Farsight Blogger10 May 2012 at 12:53

    That looks really intriuging that does - I'll probably check it out, depending on where this campaign goes. Cheers.

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  3. Unknown30 June 2012 at 23:06

    Jonathan Hicks said: "I must be getting lazy in my old age as simple suits me just fine."

    I prefer to think 'wiser, not just older."

    I've gone in for minimalist games mechanic in recent years.

    Which brings me to the point of the post - I don't think I ever sent you a 'way cool' or a 'I'm a fan' email for SKETCH.

    "First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature?”
    Hannibal Lecter

    SKETCH kicks ass - way cool - I'm a fan!

    It was the mechanic for the last FtF game I ran, Alligators in the Sewers.

    And I'm noodling a SKETCH / Labyrinth Lord crossover. Six skill levels, six attributes... coincidence?

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  4. Jeffrywith1e1 July 2012 at 17:43

    It's fondness for d20, but recognizing it might be too crunchy that has lead me to return to True20.

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  5. Unknown2 July 2012 at 01:31

    "Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily."
    William of Ockham

    Simpler is better.

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