Unpopular opinions go here

[Snarf Zagyg]

Again, not accurate. The MM came out in 1977. The PHB came out in 1978. The DMG came out in 1979. There were not rules to play characters by until the PHB in 1978. By the time the DMG came out in 1979 people had already been playing for a year. Most groups simply stuck with the rules from the PHB, regardless of what later books added. So yes, it was just roll 1d6. Because that's what's in the PHB.

This, again, is just incorrect and ignores the multiple exceptions in the PHB, from spellcasting to psionics to dexterity adjustments (if you are wearing light gear) and so on.

But sure, if you want to ignore the rest of the rules in the PHB, and say that no one read the DMG in 1e (hey now!) ... okay? Not sure why this is the hill you are choosing to die on, but I like a good AD&D discussion.

 

[CleverNickName]

I've deescalated so many rules arguments at my table just by asking the player to "describe what your character is trying to do, and I'll make a judgment call."

I've got a mix of rules-friendly and rules-adverse players, and it works well for both. If everyone can visualize the action/issue, the application of rules becomes a lot easier.

 

[payn]

I've deescalated so many rules arguments at my table just by asking the player to "describe what your character is trying to do, and I'll make a judgment call."

I've got a mix of rules-friendly and rules-adverse players, and it works well for both. If everyone can visualize the action/issue, the application of rules becomes a lot easier.

I've seen folks that have PTSD from unfair GMs who always give players unfavorable rulings. So, I know exactly where some folks are coming from. Though, this sounds like how I run my table.

 

[Lanefan]

Again, not accurate. The MM came out in 1977. The PHB came out in 1978. The DMG came out in 1979. There were not rules to play characters by until the PHB in 1978. By the time the DMG came out in 1979 people had already been playing for a year. Most groups simply stuck with the rules from the PHB, regardless of what later books added. So yes, it was just roll 1d6. Because that's what's in the PHB.

"Most people" in 1978 was a pretty small cohort compared to even 1980; and by 1980 people were starting with all three books and thus left trying to interpret the DMG's already-confusing take on initiative, casting times, etc. (e.g. why casting times use a 10-segment round and everything else uses a 6-segment round, it makes no sense!)

However, were it not for Monks surprise in 1e would be dirt simple.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

However, were it not for Monks surprise in 1e would be dirt simple.

The Ranger has entered the chat.

 

[Nikosandros]

The Ranger has entered the chat.

But rangers work on a d6, at least.

 

[Thomas Shey]

I've seen folks that have PTSD from unfair GMs who always give players unfavorable rulings. So, I know exactly where some folks are coming from. Though, this sounds like how I run my table.

Yeah, I've seen too many people who really, really don't want it entirely as a GM judgment call, even one founded in the rules. It might be okay if you'll let them back out of their declaration (and they know it) if they don't like how you're going to resolve it.

 

[payn]

Yeah, I've seen too many people who really, really don't want it entirely as a GM judgment call, even one founded in the rules. It might be okay if you'll let them back out of their declaration (and they know it) if they don't like how you're going to resolve it.

Going back to what Clever said, I usually ask what the player is trying to do. Let them know the options. In this situation, choice A might not work as it usually does, and choice B is better (although not very intuitive). Some GMs sit and wait for a decision, and then mock the player for being so dumb as their character is blasted for a bad decision. It's that latter type that gives rulings based games a bad name.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

But rangers work on a d6, at least.

Yeah. But then you have to remember that when you're rolling to determine if the party is surprised, the Ranger's benefit applies to the whole party, but when rolling to see if the party surprises the monsters, the benefit is individual.

And since surprise is determined on a party-wide basis, that means that only a ... wait for it ... LONE RANGER* can gain the benefit of the surprise "advantage."

But then there's dexterity. Oh, and if there's a monk, time to break out the percentiles. Which is why parties with Rangers and Monks were colloquially known as the "Gygax Special."


*okay, or a group of rangers, subject to the strictures of multiple rangers traveling together. But that's not as funny.

 

[billd91]

The Ranger has entered the chat.

And all you have to do is wait for a few modules or the Fiend Folio to get Drow, Svirfneblin, and, with Monster Manual 2, Duergar. While the Svirfneblin on a d12 is relatively easy to adapt by shifting everyone from the d6 to d12, the Drow and Duergar add d8 and d10.