Tell me about the 1E AD&D DMG

[VirgilCaine]

I'd say 'Grab it' if it's not outrageously expensive. The how-to parts are still pretty relevant. The charts are fun if you like that sort of thing. There are some good parts that will help you through winging it when the party goes off the expected path. Plus, it's interesting to look at from an historical standpoint, to see where the hobby was and what it's become (or at least the D&D part of it).

Pretty much my opinion. The follower generation tables are fun, the example monster responses to attacks are instructive, the reputed magical properties of gems, the wandering prostitute table, the random dungeon generator, the random creature from the lower planes table, the tables and tables of other info, the cartoons, and of course, all the artifacts and magic items 3e left behind (I will always remember you, GIrdle of Femininity/Masculinity...and sometimes Neutering!)...but there's one thing it doesn't have that the 3e DMG has:

A random weather generator.


It was the first D&D book I ever bought. In 2002 or so I opened it up and my first exclamation was "Parasitic Infestation table! Just what I've always wanted!"

 

[Ringan]

Follow-Up

You guys have persuaded me - I just ordered the book. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

 

[Kormydigar]

You guys have persuaded me - I just ordered the book. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

You most certainly enjoy reading it even if it never gets used. One of my favorite sections is the extended information about the effects of spells that were intentionally left out of the PHB. This is a great example of more rules being in the hands of the DM, as someone else already mentioned.

 

[Kormydigar]

double post oops.

 

[DestroyYouAlot]

Two words: Get It. Great for reference (plenty of useable stuff here), great for a history lesson (you will understand 1e players a lot better once you've had a look in here), great just for a read. It's a classic.

One question I have, though - and this'd be the place to ask it - is this: Is there any actual difference between the "efreeti/City of Brass" version, and the later "green-robed guy" version, as far as the contents go? I've only got the latter.

 

[cildarith]

Two words: Get It. Great for reference (plenty of useable stuff here), great for a history lesson (you will understand 1e players a lot better once you've had a look in here), great just for a read. It's a classic.

One question I have, though - and this'd be the place to ask it - is this: Is there any actual difference between the "efreeti/City of Brass" version, and the later "green-robed guy" version, as far as the contents go? I've only got the latter.

The contents are identical.

 

[T. Foster]

The contents are identical.

To the point that the "green-robed guy" version still includes a description of the cover that describes the "efreeti/City of Brass" picture. This confused the heck out of me when I was 10 years old and had never seen the original cover...

 

[Contrarian]

One question I have, though - and this'd be the place to ask it - is this: Is there any actual difference between the "efreeti/City of Brass" version, and the later "green-robed guy" version, as far as the contents go? I've only got the latter.

Yes and no. Here's the simplest possible explanation:

All of the DMG printings before 1983 have the efreeti cover.

All the DMG printings before December 1979 were six pages shorter than later versions.

The difference in length was caused by incorporating the errata (that originally appeared in Dragon 35) and adding two appendices. All of the expanded versions state "Revised Printing — December, 1979" on the title/copyright page.

So, some of the efreeti versions are a little different than the robed-guy versions, but you're better off with the later version. All you'd gain from the earlier versions are some uncorrected errors and a couple of extra illustrations.

(This is a summary of the ridiculously detailed info at http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/dmg.html , if anyone wants more detail.)

 

[Scarbonac]

It is the greatest philosophical work on gaming, filled with wondrous musings, poetry and useful useful charts, great advice and full-on soul, baby.

If you don't get it, you'll regret it, maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday...and soon.



Welcome to The Kindred of the Book, yo.

 

[RFisher]

To the point that the "green-robed guy" version still includes a description of the cover that describes the "efreeti/City of Brass" picture. This confused the heck out of me when I was 10 years old and had never seen the original cover...

(^_^) It always make me laugh a bit when I realize that one "the grognards" who have helped me rediscover the old game(s) are actually younger than me.