A Return to 1e!

[dmw71]

Edition: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1e)
Player Core Rulebooks: Players Handbook (1e)

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Anything else, including Unearthed Arcana, will be considered only upon request.

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Campaign Setting: World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1e)

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I may draw from other sources (e.g. websites, wikis, modules, etc...) but characters/details/events established outside of the official sourcebook are not considered to be canon in this game unless they're specifically introduced.

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Expected Posting Rate: ~1/ week
Expected Launch Date: Uncertain... but soonish.


My plan is for the players to begin the game in a new town of my creation (which doesn't exist yet). I will place this home base near a "hotspot" of published modules somewhere on the official Greyhawk map. Then, as I familiarize myself with the details of the different published modules, I can drop hints of those stories in-game, and the characters can venture from their starting home base to those locations... or not. I plan on having plenty for the group to do where they are.

The launch of my OSE game was... bad. Bad enough where I'm officially restarting it. (But I'm very excited about where it's going to be heading!) My biggest regret was opening character creation before I had the necessary grasp on the rules I wanted to use, which definitely caused issues (and, I'm sure, was frustrating to those players).

My plan for this game is to run it by the book.

When it comes to the players, "by the book" means the Players Handbook.

Retroclones can be used, but what appears in the Players Handbook wins when the sources contradict each other.
I may allow details from other sources (e.g. Unearthed Arcana, Dragon magazine, etc...) as well, but anything outside of the Players Handbook will need to be specifically requested, with no guarantees.

I really want to minimize the number of sources I will need to refer to.

Unless it's specifically stated that a rule is "optional" in some way, assume anything in the Player's Handbook is fair game.

That said, if a detail/rule from the Players Handbook turns up during play that feels broken, that instance of the use will be allowed, but I reserve the right to add/edit/remove how those "broken" details will be used (or not) going forward.

As part of the --

Unlike probably every other game (current and past) that I have run on this site, I do not plan to begin with any house rules. Instead, my plan is to create a Q&A-type post, where players can raise questions about any aspect of the game.

* Is this rule (or class, or race, etc...) allowed?
* Can x class use y item?
* How does z spell work in your game?
* Etc...

This Q&A topic will become a living document of sorts, where the details of the game (and rules/rulings, etc...) will continuously evolve.


Considering it's been a hot minute (or a few years) since I've played 1e, it will take a bit. But, I have been actively working on getting myself up to speed for the past couple of days, and I'm excited to take another step back from my dalliance with 5e and continue my formal return to my old-school gaming roots.

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To my current 5e players, don't panic!

My 'Dungeon of the Mad Mage (5e)' is not at risk, and I plan to continue it for as long as it lasts. I still think the core 5e rules are just fine, but I no longer consider it my preferred ruleset. I'm not sure where I'll end up, but I hope to rediscover my comfort spot between my existing BX (OSE) game and this 1e game.

I suppose it makes sense to open the Q&A now for anyone that is potentially interested. I remember 1e being... confusing... at times, and maybe even contradictory, so working through those details in advance -- while I'm still working on the other details -- is probably a good thing.

[hedgeknight]

I'm up for some vintage 1E

[gurusql]

Count me in

[GreyWolfVT]

i would be happy to return to 1e.

[rredmond]

Core, to me, is DMG, PHB, and MM.
But if this is a “Dave” game that seems limiting to how you normally fly. Super intriguing though.

[dmw71]

Core, to me, is DMG, PHB, and MM.

Those three are definitely the core.

For clarity, my PHB "limitation" is for the players. I will definitely be using the DMG and MM myself. As well as other sources.

[Rex]

I am in if you will have me.

[rredmond]

I’ve returned to a real rules light 1e kind of DMing IRL. I’m intrigued to see the core rule set being used in PbP. One post a week sounds doable (for me) and fun. I’d like to throw my helm in the ring.

[Leitz]

What are your game themes? Dark and gritty, or fun and survivable? Scraping for coppers, mildly established, or campaigning against the giants?

Are you using the age modifiers (DMG p13) and secondary skills (DMG p12)? Are PC creation rolls entirely random, or shaped by player request? Which stat roll convention are you using (DMG p11)?

Are you looking for "you have a sword, and there's a goblin" or "where is your character from, and what connections do they have to the environment?"

[Inferno]

Welcome home, Dave.

[GreyWolfVT]

What are your game themes? Dark and gritty, or fun and survivable? Scraping for coppers, mildly established, or campaigning against the giants?

Are you using the age modifiers (DMG p13) and secondary skills (DMG p12)? Are PC creation rolls entirely random, or shaped by player request? Which stat roll convention are you using (DMG p11)?

Are you looking for "you have a sword, and there's a goblin" or "where is your character from, and what connections do they have to the environment?"

His theme is to kill players I would say look back at his archived BD&D games most of those did end in TPKs though to his credit not his fault, dice rolls and player's actions did lead to some of the character deaths.

[Urson]

Pencil me in. I'm almost always up for 1e!

[dmw71]

All great questions, Leitz. Let me address them individually:

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1. What are your game themes? Dark and gritty, or fun and survivable?

   This is a tricky one as the same game could be both at different times.
   
   I don't have concrete plans for this game yet, but my goal, as the DM, is to present my players with challenges. Some situations will be more dangerous than others, but the players always have the final say in how they respond to different situations presented to them.
   
   That said, I do run more "realistic" games.
   
   Things to Expect
   • I do require that players track resources (e.g. food, water, ammunition, etc...);
   • I fully plan on using some form of encumbrance rules (t.b.d.);
   • For the most part, encounters are created as a result of the situation in the game, and without regard for balance.
   • Except when the results shouldn't be known (e.g. monster hit points, 'hide in shadow' attempts, etc...) I make and share all my rolls publicly;
   • I consider the listed intelligence for monsters and play them accordingly. Expect all but the most mindless of creatures to be interested in self-preservation, and capable of imposing ambush tactics, trickery, etc... to that end.
   • Same with NPCs. Some may be as honest as the day is long; while others may lie, steal, and cheat.
   • Your character's charisma score will matter!
   • If something is broken, I'll fix it. If I make a mistake, I'll correct it (if possible).
   • And so on.
   Overall, the game will probably tend to be more on the dangerous side -- as Ed alluded to, I won't pull punches and I won't "fudge" rolls to avoid killing characters when the situation or results call for it -- but that is never my plan or intention.
   
   And danger can be fun.

2. Scraping for coppers, mildly established, or campaigning against the giants?

   By the book.
   
   

   The possible number of gold pieces with which
   a player begins depends upon the character class:
   
   Cleric 30-180 g.p. (3d6)
   Fighter 50-200 g.p. (5d4)
   Magic-user 20-80 g.p. (2d4)
   Thief 20-120 g.p. (2d6)
   Monk 5-20 g.p. (5d4)

   
   Expect to be closer to "scraping for coppers" than "campaigning against the giants" at the start, and potentially for the foreseeable future, but there can definitely be a comfortable middle ground that exists.

3. Are you using the age modifiers (DMG p13)--

   Yes.
   

   -- and secondary skills (DMG p12)?

   Yes.
   
   However, please don't set these responses in stone just yet, but that is the way I'm leaning.
   Actually, do.
   
   
   To this point, a part of me is tempted to implement a lot of rules from the books. Even things like weapons vs armor class adjustments.
   
   But...
   
   If a rule in the game isn't working after giving it a fair trial, I'll change it. Or remove it, as appropriate.
   
   The goal is to have fun.
   
   Basically, this:
   

   Col_Pladoh.jpg (47.33 KiB) Viewed 1349 times

4. Are PC creation rolls entirely random, or shaped by player request?

   Entirely random.
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   However, if a player is targeting a specific type of character and their random rolls don't fully support it (e.g. a player really wants to play a paladin but their highest roll is a 16), I can be flexible.
   
   To an extent.
   
   I mean, the random results do need to be very close to fulfilling the requirements.

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   Which stat roll convention are you using (DMG p11)?

   To me, for better or worse, the way to generate ability scores in 1e is 'Method I':
   
   

   All scores are recorded and arranged in the order the player desires. 4d6 are
   rolled, and the lowest die (or one of the lower) is discarded.

5. Are you looking for "you have a sword, and there's a goblin" or "where is your character from, and what connections do they have to the environment?

   This is a very good question.
   
   My preference is definitely more the latter... but the extent to which that happens may depend on the players and how much they're willing to invest.
   
   I am going to create the initial starting point -- I am still debating between it being a village (e.g. population in the low hundreds) or an actual town (e.g. population in the low thousands) -- which I will then place somewhere on the Greyhawk map.
   
   Both the actual starting point itself and its placement will play an important role.
   
   Things like:
   • How diversified is the population in the starting point?
   • How common are the non-human races?
   • What is the local opinion of these other races?
   • Etc...
   Then:
   • In Greyhawk, what are the nearest locations?
     • Other settlements,
     • Geographical areas (e.g. forests, mountains, water sources, etc...)
   • Are there natural threats in the area?
   • Etc...
   I may actually tie the previously mentioned secondary skill into that character's role in the starting point.
   
   In fact, I may actually tailor a new secondary skills table to the starting point, where all the outcomes will be viable (e.g. there won't a 'sailor' skill if the starting point isn't located anywhere near water).
   
   Maybe, if the party composition supports it, all the characters will be lifelong residents of this starting point. With a family, and a home, and a job... that they're prepared to leave for the first time as they willingly begin a life of adventure? Or maybe circumstances force it?
   
   I expect to personally do a lot of world-building as the game progresses, with very little of it done in advance. With as much (or as little) player contribution as each wants to include.
   
   At the very least, though, if your character build isn't a "fit" for the starting point... I'd like some input from the player on the "how?"
   
   
   How did they end up there?
   And maybe more importantly, why?
   How long ago did they arrive?
   Do they know anyone?
   Do they plan to stay?
   Etc...
   
   This can be an individual player contribution, or the entire group can work together on aspects of it.
   
   Characters can/should have goals. They can have secrets. <--- That could be fun!
   
   
   
   I would like to work with each player to collaboratively establish some background or ties into the scenario. The efforts to integrate your characters into the game will almost certainly result in the creation of:
6. NPCs
   These can be family members, relatives, employers (or maybe employees?), friends, enemies, tutors, mentors, contacts, etc...);
7. Resources
   If your character has a background (or secondary skill) as a jeweler, we'll work together to establish what sort of tools they'll have access to. Any contacts (both legal (buyers) and potentially illegal (fences)) they might have. Etc...
   
   
   These NPCs and Resources will absolutely be tied into potential situations your characters will need to face and/or adventure seeds.

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I know, in a play-by-post game, all the above may not be realistically attainable, but I'm definitely planning on this being a slow-building, long-lasting game that creates some memorable experiences and eventually leads to some fantastic adventures where you do end up "campaigning against the giants."

Or worse.

[hedgeknight]

Sounds great, Dave.
Are you going to accept everyone who has replied about wanting in, or are you going to choose 4-6 players? Asking because I want to go ahead and start character development

[lich_queen]

I would love, LOVE to play 1e! But seeing how I’m committed to one of your OSE games and wanting to run my own game (tb decided), i’m not sure I have the time to join another game as a player.

[dmw71]

i’m not sure I have the time to join another game as a player.

You know your availabilities/capabilities better than anyone, but I would strongly encourage anyone that starts their response with "I would love, LOVE to play 1e!" to at least give it try. I really don't expect either (or even both) game to be a massive investment.

Running a game, however, that does take some time.

[dmw71]

Sounds great, Dave.
Are you going to accept everyone who has replied about wanting in, or are you going to choose 4-6 players? Asking because I want to go ahead and start character development

Honestly, I've only skimmed the replies so far for questions and haven't really even looked at the list of players that have expressed interest in joining the game until just now:

1. hedgeknight » Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:12 pm
2. gurusql » Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:34 pm
3. GreyWolfVT » Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:15 pm
4. Rex » Tue Nov 02, 2021 12:11 am
5. rredmond » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:49 am
6. Urson » Tue Nov 02, 2021 10:21 am

Most of the published adventures I've been considering for introduction into the game at some point usually quote a need for "...six to eight characters of levels 1-3."

If you've expressed an interest in the game (the above list), you can consider yourself in.


I will caution you, however, it might still be a bit before I'm ready to officially kick this off. I worry if player's start creating characters too soon, momentum will be lost and frustrations will mount.

At the same time, I expect there to be a bit of pregame "work" to do in tying the characters to the scenario I'm working on, and to each other.


Up to you, I guess.


I suppose I should officially create the forum for this game so we can move any ongoing discussions into it, instead of continuing to light up this 'Looking for players or games' thread.



Stand by.

[dmw71]

I suppose I should officially create the forum for this game so we can move any ongoing discussions into it, instead of continuing to light up this 'Looking for players or games' thread.

Everyone listed above should also have a private forum.


Feel free to jump in.

[lich_queen]

*biting a knuckle *

Okay, I’ll play if there’s room.

[dmw71]

*biting a knuckle *

Okay, I’ll play if there’s room.

You're in.