OD&D and single players

[Praeco]

I just downloaded the ESD version of the D&D Rules Cyclopedia, in order to replace my long lost hardcopy version, and began to reacquaint myself with the rules.

I was thinking that this would a great way to introduce my fiance to gaming. She has played 3rd edition once or twice with me, but always complained that it took to long for others to decide what to do, and she never was able to get a grasp on all the character details (feats, multiclass, etc.). Her criticisms seem to amount to the idea that the tactical nitpicking that D&D 3 invites is not for her.

Basic D&D, however, with its somewhat black-and-white character templates, and broad combat rules, is probably a lot better suited in terms of her likes and dislikes. My question, however is two-fold.

First, if I do this, it would likely just be a single player (my fiance) and myself. Has anyone had any experience gaming with a single player? What sort of adventures/plots have you had success with, and what hasn't worked for you?

Secondly, given that D&D (especially OD&D, with its lack of multiclassing and specialized characters) is balanced more towards the optimal cleric/fighter/wizard/thief 4-player arrangement, I can think of a lot of situations where a single specialized character might not have the capabilities to deal with. I don't want the game to boil down to the same few scenarios again and again just because her thief can't cast spells or something like that. Are there any rules changes anyone might suggest to keep things fresh and balanced?

 

[diaglo]

there were/are a lot of adventures available for single class/race/ player characters.

BSolo
XSolo
M1 and M2 as well as some in Dungeon Magazine.

the whole challenge series. etc...

try asking over at www.dragonsfoot.org in their forums.

 

[Dungannon]

And if you want to avoid a single-character adventure, try asking some of your regular gaming friends if they want to try the OD&D rules. I bet at least one or two of them would be interested.

 

[HellHound]

If you are going to run single-player games in OD&D, I cannot stress enough that the player be an Elf (fighter and wizard at once), and that you be generous with the healing potions.

Since there isn't a party to keep up with, there won't be the usual level disparity between the elf and the rest of the team, and the elf REALLY comes into her own at that point.

 

[WanderingMonster]

Just because you're ODD doesn't mean you have to be single. You'll find someone.

 

[tieranwyl]

I would make sure when a monster was encountered that it have an equal amount of hit dice as the PC. From there, in an easy encounter the monster would only have 1/4 of its total hit points. For an average encounter the monster would only have half of its maximum hit point total. And for a difficult encounter the monster would have its maximum amount of hit points.

You would start the adventure out with easier encounters at the begining and difficult encounters later. There should be plenty of time to regain hit points for difficult encounters. Including availability of potions like Hellhound said.

Basic D&D is so manageable that you, the DM, could actually play a character yourself. Your character won't make any important decisions, but could help in fights. This would allow you to make the encounters a little larger. Also, Basic alows henchmen to be hired if the DM permits.

The monsters don't always have to kill the PC if they win a fight. Sometimes they could capture her to eat later giving her a chance to escape. There should be other reasonable ways of handling a difficult encounter if she is clearly outmatched.

If you are going to run published adventures for larger group sizes you will have to reduce encounter sizes and hit point totals.

 

[L0rd_Dark0n]

Maybe it's because I'm obviously partial, but is she interested in playing a Thief? If so, you can have her do all kinds of adventures. From dungeon delving with a cleric NPC to specifically Thief adventures in cities. Single player adventures can be really fun that way.

 

[Praeco]

Thanks for the advice, folks.

Basic D&D is so manageable that you, the DM, could actually play a character yourself. Your character won't make any important decisions, but could help in fights. This would allow you to make the encounters a little larger. Also, Basic alows henchmen to be hired if the DM permits.

tieranwyl, you're probably right about this. What I think I might do is provide some type of NPC "guide" at lower levels that can provide backup in a fight, and advice and such. At higher levels henchmen might be the way to go.

And if you want to avoid a single-character adventure, try asking some of your regular gaming friends if they want to try the OD&D rules. I bet at least one or two of them would be interested.

Sadly, I've tried this before with other systems and it was like pulling teeth. While it's still D&D something tells me they won't appreciate the limits on character development paths. It's worth a try, though.