Considering OD&D?

Some key points to consider to maximize your enjoyment.

When I was first considering running OD&D I came across The OD&D Primer By Jason Cone and Wayne Rossi. Reading this book completely changed how I approach my games and also now run OD&D, and I am being totally honest when I say that I have had fun running/playing AD&D 2e, 3.5, and 5e, but NEVER as much fun as I have been having the past 4 months since I started exploring and running OD&D. I have read, and re-read The OD&D Primer so many times and thought I would share some of the most impactful points from the Primer that have really made all the difference for not only myself but others I have shared this with.

The OD&D Primer can easily be found online in its wonderful entirety for free, and is also available form the Substack Community Dungeon discord in the resources channel.

My personal OD&D game Avalon: The Unholy Lands consists of rules from the three brown books only, plus a few minor additions from GreyHawk, Blackmoor & Eldritch Wizardry. All HD and Damage dealt in my games utilize d6’s only. In fact we don’t touch anything except a d20 and a few d6’s. I do keep d10’s on hand for percentile rolls but usually just convert them over to a d6 xin6 chance.

CONSIDERING OD&D?

So you're thinking about trying OD&D? That's great! If you're experienced with other versions, I have some suggestions that might help you get the most of the system:

Approach it fresh

Read the rules, and don't assume that you know how things work. There are differences that may surprise you.

Play it for what it is

Don't try to make it into 3E (or whatever), approach it as its own game. If you find yourself saying "that's broken," consider that you may be looking at it from a completely different perspective than the original designers. Try to see how the rule could be interpreted in a way that doesn't seem broken. You might be surprised to find that it isn't broken, it's just operating under a different set of assumptions than you're used to. Embrace the design assumptions, and you'll enjoy the game more.

Restrain yourself

This is related to "play it for what it is." First, let me state up front that part of what makes OD&D great is its openness and the ease with which it can be house-ruled and tweaked (in fact, some might argue that it demands house- rules). However, in the beginning you should try and keep your house rules to a minimum. Where you do house-rule (and you will), try to keep the changes small (q.v. Ability Scores & Bonuses). Develop understanding of the basics of the game and its "spirit" before making major changes or additions.

On Supplements

Supplements I-IV are, of course, interesting and potentially useful as a source of inspiration and house-rules. If you use them, I suggest picking and choosing, rather than simply adopting everything in them. Much of the material in them were additions and house-rules from various individual campaigns. Empire of the Petal Throne is another excellent example of how individuals adapted OD&D for their own games.