The glory of OD&D

[Henry]

Just because one likes an older edition does not mean one prefers Dragonsfoot.

Corollary: Just because one plays 3E does not mean one is not a regular at Dragonsfoot.

Henry (Member of Dragonsfoot since 2002)

 

[JRRNeiklot]

They will join us, my master, or die.

 

[seskis281]

I too moved away from 3.x to a simpler system - I prefer C&C, but the truth is there is a stong movement out there that is discovering that the mass of 3.x and d20 products has just become... well, cumbersome is a nice word. You have to experience a game or a session once without 50% of the time being devoted to checking references, rules for every single action, etc. before you realize just how much fun it can be to go an hour sometimes without rolling a die. I do not decry devotees to 3.0 or 3.5, and I do think some carry their distaste to extremes... if you like it and have fun, play it.... I played 3.0 for several years - and I still use the core books and early supplements to port house rules and ideas. But I find it always easier to take simpler rules and add on than take massive rules and attempt to pare down - especially when its just human nature for players to say "but it says here on page...."

The biggest difference between older systems (O/AD&D), newer brands (C&C) that seek a "rules lite" approach and the 3.x/d20 systems always comes back to one essential difference - 3.x and d20 are mostly concerned with WHAT a character can do (heavy empowering of PCs) while the older and alternative systems place the emphasis on WHO the characters are. If you prefer your characters to be fantasy superheroes, then I say no problem - go forth and game (3.x and d20 has you well covered for good material for this style)

There are a lot however that have experienced "rules" burn out, and so it's never surprising to see someone else say "oh my, I never knew how much fun this older system could be." To them I also say just have fun and don't let anyone tell you "that's insane."

The only problems occur when people want to start throwing words like "true," "perfect," "good vs. bad," and seek to somehow convince everyone else that their way of playing is the "right" way and everything else should end. The saddest part is when people try to drag in writers and creators, be they "legends" of RPGing or current well-known names, and create "edition wars" that somehow seek validation for them as individuals.

Everyone of us is an individual with our own likes and dislikes.... and there's gaming material out there for all of us.

 

[Tinker Gnome]

3e is not dead to me nor does it offend me. I like EN World and even if I leave D&D all together, I'll still be here.

Well, looks like its time for the Ninja Assassins. Don't look up for a while and it will all be over soon.

EDIT: Sorry if my previous posts sounded inflammatory or something like that. I am actually interested in older editions too!!!

 

[ruleslawyer]

Funny; I play 3.5 (Iron Heroes, actually) and my games often zip by without a die being rolled. YMMV, I guess...

 

[Crothian]

well, cumbersome is a nice word. You have to experience a game or a session once without 50% of the time being devoted to checking references, rules for every single action, etc.

I never had this problem with d20. We never look up rules for anything. I run sessions without dice rolls as often as needed. I'm not leaving d20. I'm not selling the books or refusing to play it. In fact my friend is running an Eberron game and I would never ask him to abondon his game for one I perfer.

 

[Kormydigar]

Like many of you I've been reading Diaglo's posts for years. I never gave him much attention and just read over his posts in amusement. But this past weekend I had the honor and privledge of talking to him directly about od&d and I can't believe how wrong I have been. I'm now a convert, I'm killing my current game and starting a new one. We are getting the old books and we are playing like Diaglo intended, 3d6 in order straight down.

I'll also be starting a massive convertion of taking all my d20 stuff and making it work for oD&D. It is the one true game and I am thankful that Diaglo was there to show me the light.

Way to go! I envy the time you must have to be able to run such a game. The only reason I am playing d02 in the first place is that I can run stuff almost off the shelf. I love creating my own world, rules, adventures, ect. but real life is not allowing me the time right now. Best of luck, and keep us updated about the campaign.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

I3.x and d20 are mostly concerned with WHAT a character can do (heavy empowering of PCs) while the older and alternative systems place the emphasis on WHO the characters are.

I see this all the time, and I dont get it, aside from the inherent grognard snobbery that pervades ENWorld. Having a rule on how to trip someone doesnt prevent you from creating a character with realistic motivations, it just means you can quickly resolve an action without coming up with something on the spot. Similarly, bumbling through ever changing house rules that the DM has to think up situationally each week doesnt enhance characterization.

Frankly, a rules system *should* be concerned with resolving actions and outcomes, not forcing people to act or think in a certain manner or forcing them into charicatures via feeder pellet rewards (storyteller's will recovery method). If your players are more concerned with the nifty new rules, thats a failure on them and the DM, not the system.

 

[Arashi Ravenblade]

Over a few weeks ive had the opportunity to play OD&D myself and i have to say what a bore fest. Sorry if you like it. but i love having a bazillion rules for every little thing and so many options that i cant remember what book there in (though i dont actually have that problem even with 500+ books, not much of a life to do anything else).
Well to each there own.

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

Good for you, Crothian.

I do not find anything too shocking here. Rules-lite game system are very attractive for certain styles of play.

I am very happy with 3e myself.

If I am in the mood for a lighter set of rules I would dust off Puppetmaster -- gave my buddy nightmares the last time we played that.