I have said it again but its worth saying again. Why do I enjoy OD&D so much?
Well, there is something special to crafting a game and setting within the presented framework of the Original rules. OD&D asks that you make it YOURS. That you bend and shape it to your will, to your tables needs and preferences. In my experience, having spoken with and gamed with some old timers who ran OD&D around the time it came out, and still run it, no two tables seem to play OD&D the same, which I think is a definite boon as it provides for a unique experience special to each table & referee.
The magic of Tekumel, Blackmoor, Greyhawk, Arduin, The Known World, which all predate AD&D and are rooted in OD&D, is that they are each unique. Each dungeon-master/referee tweaked or came up with homebrew rules that best served/suited their table, which was part of the joy and magic of OD&D.
This tradition continues to this day. Planet Eris, Seven Voyages of Zylarthen, Carcossa, Dwimmermount Megadungeon, all started as OD&D games that evolved to suit their respective tables.
If OD&D was good enough to serve up Blackmoor, Tekumel and Greyhawk, then its certainly good enough for me. Working within the presented framework of OD&D asks that you make what’s presented within the 3LBB’s unique. Dwarfs are not just Dwarfs they are Immortal Blood Gods, forgers of sentient weapons more powerful then even the gods.
Halflings aren’t just renamed hobbits from the Shire they- are undead abominations that have undergone the forbidden Ritual Of The Lesser Transfiguration.
Paladins are not only Holy Crusaders, but Were-Dragons who derive their supernatural strength and long lives though feeding off the blood of dragons.
You get the idea. Some of the most inventive, imaginative and original settings I have come across lately have all been for OD&D. Some by long-time OD&D players, Matt Finch, The Scribes Of Sparn, and Night Owl Workshop come to mind here, and others newer to the game having ventured forth from the hold and charm of 5e and more modern games to see where it all began and give it an honest shot.
OD&D Fights On! and I for one could not be happier for it. If you play it for what it is utilizing the procedures and parameters it sets out without adding in later edition isms, it presents a one of the most satisfying rules-sets I have ever played.