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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Libramarian" data-source="post: 6017445" data-attributes="member: 6688858">I think you should go for the real deal rather than a retroclone. All of the original editions are perfectly playable. The only situation where I would recommend a retroclone would be if the original edition is stupidly expensive. So if you want to play original D&D, you may have to play a retroclone, unless you have a Benjamin burning a hole in your pocket. But then at the same time, the OD&D retroclones have generally the least fidelity to their source material.I would recommend either Basic D&D (the version written by Moldvay, or the version written by Mentzer -- choose based on which cover art you like best) or AD&D 1. Basic D&D is simpler and easier to learn, but it may not have enough character options to interest your players for very long. For example, in Basic D&D if you choose a demihuman race, you don't get to choose a class. They have a racial class: Elves are like Fighters/Magic-Users, Dwarves and Halflings are Fighters with a few special abilities.1e has more interesting character options, spells, and magic items. However, opinions are divided on whether the increased complexity in combat and the social systems is worth the trouble. If you want to try playing 1e by the book, then I would budget like...a month to learn the game. Whereas with Basic D&D you can be playing next week.AD&D 2 is an option...it doesn't seem to get as much love among pre-WotC edition fans, because the flavor and focus of the game is weaker, as are the adventure modules. It's the system used in the old computer games you mention though. If you were trying to recreate the character options from the Baldur's Gate games, then I would say 2e (and also that that sounds like a cool campaign).With a bit of patience you can get a set of 1e books on eBay for less than the price of 1 reprint book.Actually I just saw a PHB, MM, MM2, FF and 2 DMGs go for $21.You do have to be careful with used copies though. The binding is usually fine but make sure to see some pictures of the inside to look for water damage and/or mold. Never buy an old book that's been wet. Other than that used copies are definitely the best option economically.</blockquote>

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