Dungeons and Dragons Game

Grandmaster Poster Joined: Jul 18, 2005 Posts: 939

Hola! Ok first this wasn't exactly all my idea. I have had quite a few people express interest in playing some Dungeons and Dragons of old. And since we can't get together on a tabletop, Darque and a few others expressed interest in perhaps having a Forum version which I also used to DM in for many many years. Basically its very simple. We play AD&D online, via forums. It is a much smoother process than trying to get everyone together all at once and you can post/play at your leisure.

What I will do here is express my interest to DM and let you know a little about how I do things and what I currently have/don't have. And lets see how many people we can get!

First, I have played and DM'd continuously since 1979 or so. I can play 3rd edition and have the Guides, but much prefer 2nd edition as that is what I really know. I would be more than willing to dust off some old modules and have at it here on the boards if there is enough interest expressed.

The way I play is fairly straight forward. We will roll a character together either through email or PM's here on the Duel forums. I don't do cookie cutter stuff, super players with all 18's etc. I roll true numbers and let you go to town on whatever you want to do from there. OR, I will allow you to bring your own characters and have me approve them. Or if you are not familiar with all the rules I can discuss what you wish to have and we can get something made up for you.

This topic will be all about what we want to do. High Level? Low Level? Mid Level? I will be using old modules, so some of you may have played some of them long ago. I implore you not to get online or pull out your old modules and figure stuff out. That takes the fun out of things and I will throw you a trick or two if I think you "know everything already".

Lets hear what you think. My first suggestion would be to go through a very low level oldie but goodie to get everyone on the same page. I would suggest a personal favorite: Against the Cult of the Reptile God. An very nice adventure designed for 4 to 7 players level 1-3. It wasn't a huge module that a lot of people played, but I loved it and happen to have it sitting right here Wink

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:40 am

Count me in. I vote for the new character route. I think it adds a little bit more depth to the game and would allow people to grow accustomed to other new players too.

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:59 am

Count me in for giving this a shot. A forum style that allows me to play at my leisure would be perfect.

I know the second edition and would prefer that, but am open to alternatives.
I like the idea of starting fresh with low leverl characters.

As for rolling characters, I had an old article from Dragon Magazine that recommended alternative ways to role-up characters. Specifically, you started by identifying the style you wanted to make. Then you rolled a certain number of 6-sided dice per stat category - keeping the highest 3 for your final role. How many you rolled for each stat depended on which type of character you were making. (Thieves rolled more dice for dexterity than they did for strength, for example)
The advantages were:
1. You get solid characters, but were highly unlikely to get gods - some categories simply had 3 dice rolls.
2. You could pick the style of character you wanted.
3. A decent group could be set up - you knew you had the makings of a cleric in there somewhere.
4. Nobody would have a truly terrible role-up.

I always thought this system allowed the RUGs (I could have used that term in the old days!) some input, but made for a very playable group. I'm sure I can find the article if people are interested.

Maybe I'll be a Ranger - that seems in keeping with "Nomad," doesn't it? Very Happy

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

I too prefer 2nd edition and if we do get a game going I would be using that format.

As far as character creation. The way I always did it was I rolled the numbers myself using a 4d6 drop the lowest method. I would then send you the 6 numbers and you put them where you want and make your own character. If a % for strength was needed I would roll that as well.

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

Also, do any of you know how to get a Topic set up? Would be great to have one called AD&D or something. That way we don't have to clutter up the Off Topic list.

Advanced Master Poster Joined: Jul 19, 2002 Posts: 479

I would join this. I haven't played since I was a kid tho so I would need to be brought along on the rules again. I would love to be the thief since that was my favorite character but would be willing to change if need be.

Scott

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

The more the merrier! I am going through my modules right now. Man I had to go into the attic and dig out my boxes. My wife groaned when she saw me digging stuff out lol. I have all my stuff here and am digging through some great stuff. I will find one that is a beginning level.

I have always found that when we start on the boards and people realize how cool it is, they are willing to join in. I am all for people joining in mid quest, and can insert them in a bunch of places. I am going to post what I want to see as far as character sheets on the next page. For the experienced you can fill the stuff out and PM me or email me for your rolls at azaer123@comcast.net or just PM me here.

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

A couple of things. These are personal DM choices but I want to share them with the players beforehand.

#1 - All characters will start at level 1 and all numbers will be given to you by me. If you don't have a players handbook, don't worry about it, I can send you the stuff you need. You do NOT have to share your characters stats or class or anything with each other if you do not wish to. That can be between you and me, or if you want to show everyone that is fine as well.
#2 - I have a critical hit and a fumble chart. Thus if I roll a 1 or a 20 you will either fumble or get a critical hit.
#3 - Number of HP, saving throws and stats will be kept by me, so if you don't keep track of your numbers and you end up keeling over, don't blame me. I won't be reminding you a ton. If you ask, I will tell you how hurt you are btw.
#4 - This is more about having fun than rules lawyering. I follow rules but also won't be a stickler when it comes to the smaller stuff. i.e. I won't make wizards get spell components at the local shop for every single spell they can cast. You can have basic equipment but no warhorses or full plate armor that you can't afford at level 1.
#5 - I have plenty of pre-generated characters that I can give you as well if you want to go that route.

Race: You can be any of the following: Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half-elf, Halfling, Human **Other races will be frowned upon greatly unless you can really put in a great backstory and reason people wouldn't fear you or harass you at every waking moment.

Class: Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Mage, Cleric, Druid, Thief, Bard, Multi-class is acceptable.

Ok as far as character sheets, I will figure out all the THACO's, AC's, etc and fill those out on my own sheet. If you want you can put your own in there or dispute what I have, because I have been known to miss out on some stuff. Basically fill out your sheet with the numbers I give you, add in what you feel you need to and send it to me. I will add what I need to and we will figure out what is what.

Player Name:
Character Name:
Race:
Class:

Lvl:
XP:

Str:
Dex:
Con:
Int:
Wis:
Char:

Armor:
AC:

Weapons:

Equipment:

Character Description: This is important if we are going to be playing on the Boards. If you need heights, weights, etc for certain races let me know.

OTHER: - This can be a backstory, or whatever you want to put in here.

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:54 pm

I have never, ever, formally roleplayed D&D. I just might be interested in trying.

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

The Consortium wrote:

I have never, ever, formally roleplayed D&D. I just might be interested in trying.

Excellent. I know you would love it. Especially in the forum format we will be playing in. I am getting my stuff together now and within a day or two should really be able to get the ball rolling.

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

With just those that replied to this post alone we have enough to get a game started. More would definately be more fun however, so spread the word.

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Sep 05, 2005 Posts: 1316

I'm interested, but being on the west coast I'll have a three hour difference to the east coast. Timing will be of the essence for my participation. I'll roll a character and get prepared for playing in the event I am able to play.

Goodness, the rust will be a tough scrape since I've not played since 1989.

<edit; just read this would be an online version on the boards. Thought something was said somewhere about a live game.>

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Mar 10, 2008 Posts: 2037

JGW wrote:

I'm interested, but being on the west coast I'll have a three hour difference to the east coast. Timing will be of the essence for my participation. I'll roll a character and get prepared for playing in the event I am able to play.

Goodness, the rust will be a tough scrape since I've not played since 1989.

<edit; just read this would be an online version on the boards. Thought something was said somewhere about a live game.>

I had mentioned a live game, but that is just too unrealistic these days and the Forum way is much better with all the different time zones and such. Either way it will be a lot of fun.

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 8:11 pm

Count me in. All this talk of D&D made me got dig through and find my old stuff. not as much here as I thoughtMust have misplaced or loaned out a few Items along the way.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:24 am

I am also interested and have not played the game ever!