Just updated round two's post because I noticed Flint killed a goblin in that round. I saw the 1d20+1 and thought instantly it was a result of 1.
Ok a little about THACO and modifiers.
But first an example to help us out:
HP: 42
AC: 6 (studded leather armor, small shield)
Base THAC0: 18
WEAPONS:
handaxe +1 (Damage 1d6+2 S-M/1d4+2 L, THAC0 17]
dagger (Damage 1d4+1 S-M/1d3+1 L, THAC0 18 stab, 18 thrown)
Special:
extra attack with shield -
hmm.. I might need to figure out how that works
OK you need not use any modifiers when you roll your dice they are already added to your Base THAC0.
So in the above combat block Flint has a BAse THAC0 of 18. So when using a dagger to stab some one his THAC0 is 18, no modifiers. But when he uses the magical hand axe +1 his THAC0 becomes 17 because the +1 is already added.
Now to hit these hobgoblins he needs to roll a d20 and get a 11 because they are AC5 and dwarves get a +1 to hit goblins.
Another Example: Caramon
HP: 51
AC: 5 (scale mail and shield)
Base THAC0: 15
WEAPONS:
longsword (Damage 1d8+5 S-M/1d12+5 L, THAC0 12)
spear (Damage 1d6+3 S-M/L, THAC0 13 stab, 15 thrown)
dagger (Damage 1d4+3 S-M/1d3+3 L, THAC0 13 stab, 15 thrown)
Special: Extra Attacks
longsword attacks = 3/2 attacks per round
Base THAC0 15 -
He has no DEX adjustment to missile weapons so when he throws his spear or dagger his THAC0 is still 15
But do to a +2 hit adjustment for high Strength his THACO drops to 13 for stabbing with both weapons.
His longsword THACO is 12 becasue of the +2 for STR, and +1 for weapon specialization
Caramon needs a 7 on a d20 to hit this hobgoblins and he still misses.
OK CLASS DISMISSED!!
HM