Have Internet will Blog, Have Draft, will Dungeon

Robert Weber wrote:

Passing on the discovery of a tavern where Gutboy Barrelhouse would be proud to start a brawl in, and other bits & pieces.

http://primereq.blogspot.com/2015/03/have-internet-will-blog-have-draft-will.html

Some nice painted minis from the Holmes collection for sale on Ebay by Billy Galaxy.

Some nice painted minis from the Holmes collection for sale on Ebay by Billy Galaxy. Can't whether Holmes actually painted these himself or not.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-medeival-English-soldiers-25mm-rpg-gaming-miniatures-Heritage-Grenadier-/381142997441?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58bde499c1

New Holmes Ref sheet, a pre-generated party of seven 1st level characters.

New Holmes Ref sheet, a pre-generated party of seven 1st level characters.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2015/03/first-level-pre-gen-party.html

Old School FRP tumblr features a later 'Gateway to Adventure' TSR catalog, probably produced near the end of 1981 to...

Old School FRP tumblr features a later 'Gateway to Adventure' TSR catalog, probably produced near the end of 1981 to advertise products for 1982. For the various Gateway catalogs, see: http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2014/03/enter-gateway-to-adventure.html
http://oldschoolfrp.tumblr.com/post/114496992342/morley-the-wizard-opens-the-gateway-to-adventure

Mike Mornard (Gronan) fills us in on Gygax's XP requirements for characters over name level in the LBBs.

Mike Mornard (Gronan) fills us in on Gygax's XP requirements for characters over name level in the LBBs. This information is missing from the tables in Men & Magic, so it's very useful to have.
http://odd74.proboards.com/post/161241

Robert Weber (bobjester on DF) has a new blog called Prime Requisite, "Examining the origins of D&D: 0e, Holmes...

Robert Weber (bobjester on DF) has a new blog called Prime Requisite, "Examining the origins of D&D: 0e, Holmes Basic, Chainmail, Greyhawk, Blackmoor, Eldritch Wizardry, DDG&H, Swords & Spells..." Here's the link: http://primereq.blogspot.com/

Prototype of poker deck dungeon geomorphs by Dyson Logos

Prototype of poker deck dungeon geomorphs by  Dyson Logos

Originally shared by Dyson Logos

Poker deck design idea.

Also considering doing it as a Crown & Anchor deck (78 cards).

Mentions J. Eric Holmes in context of class-based teamwork.

Mentions J. Eric Holmes in context of class-based teamwork.

Originally shared by Christian Lindke

Some very initial thoughts on symmetry in role playing games.

http://www.advanceddungeonsandparenting.com/2015/03/asymmetry-and-class-design-in-rpgs.html

Awesome long (20+ min) interview with Dave Megarry, creator of the Dungeon!

Awesome long (20+ min) interview with Dave Megarry, creator of the Dungeon! boardgame. Thanks to aldarron on ODD74 for the link. #dungeonboardgame
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VQTubyznsA

Idea: Apply Prime Requisite bonuses (13-14 = 5%, 15+ = 10%) to prime class functions.

Idea: Apply Prime Requisite bonuses (13-14 = 5%, 15+ = 10%) to prime class functions. Fighters use strength to get bonuses to hit/damage (+5% = +1, +10% = +2). Thieves get a bonus to thief skills. Clerics get a bonus to turning (also +1 or +2), and possibly healing die rolls. MUs already get an increased chance to know spells based on high Int. Penalties could also be applied, if anyone ever actually plays a character with such primes.

Next installment!

Next installment! Rooms F, G, H and I. Most of the changes are tweaks to the monster stats/treasure values. The thaumaturgist was originally a theurgist, which is the correct title for a 4th level MU in OD&D.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2015/03/part-48-shadow-on-gnomon.html

I'm running my version of "Skull Mountain" for the B2 veterans - Iposted the first installment over in campaign...

Demos Sachlas wrote:

I'm running my version of "Skull Mountain" for the B2 veterans - I posted the first installment over in campaign journals on DF, in which they decide to investigate the seemingly unguarded back door...
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=69643

Zargon, the boss from B4 The Lost City.

Zargon, the boss from B4 The Lost City.
For Demos Sachlas' proposed "B4 Campaign Sourcebook".
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=69609
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=69612

I had these guys in sandbox before I knew what D&D was. I called this guy "Blaster" - he could explode himself.

I had these guys in sandbox before I knew what D&D was. I called this guy "Blaster" - he could explode himself.

Originally shared by Corey

An interesting insight into the development of some of D&D's most iconic monsters. 
http://www.blastr.com/2014-12-31/little-known-sci-fi-fact-how-cheap-bag-toys-inspired-dd-monsters

Ad from Dragon #80 for "Map Master" by Judge Software.

Ad from Dragon #80 for "Map Master" by Judge Software. Stormcrow posted this on ODD74. I instantly remembered the ''hypnosnake' cartoon. (artist unknown). Turns out the ad was reprinted in Dragon #81 - the first issue I ever owned.

Over the past few years, I've been assembling an expanded version of the Holmes rulebook, incorporating all of the...

Over the past few years, I've been assembling an expanded version of the Holmes rulebook, incorporating all of the material in the original LBBs and Greyhawk, as well as material from Blackmoor, Eldritch Wizardry, and the Strategic Review.  I was originally inspired by the Grey Book, but was disappointed that the Grey Book didn't live up to its original premise.

As part of this, I've tried to round out magic-user spells to 9th level.  There are only nine 7th level spells and eight 8th level spells in OD&D, while there are ten 9th level spells.  The Holmes rulebook includes a few new 1st and 2nd level spells that later appeared in the AD&D 1e Player's Handbook, so I thought it would be in the same spirit to include some "new" higher level spells.

For this, I chose Drawmij's Instant Summons, Mordenkainen's Sword, and Statue for the Book of 7th Level Spells - all of which later appear in BECMI as 7th level spells (although called Teleport Any Object, Sword, and Statue), and Incendiary Cloud and Otto's Irresistible Dance for the Book of 8th Level Spells (later appearing as Explosive Cloud and Dance as 8th level spells in BECMI).

The final version also includes the OD&D rules for magic item creation and clerical spells and clocks in at 16 pages.  I'm attaching a link to the pdf and would be interested in any feedback.
https://sites.google.com/site/holmesgrimoire/Holmes%20Grimoire.pdf

The Dungeon Delver (http://www.thedelversdungeon.com/forums/) has started a video blog.

The Dungeon Delver (http://www.thedelversdungeon.com/forums/) has started a video blog. The first episode (~21 mins) is devoted to B2, particularly the first printing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SacSGqTb7CQ

How many DF city sets will it take to build the Keep?

How many DF city sets will it take to build the Keep?

Originally shared by Rob Conley

Revenge errr.. Return of Dwarven Forge
I am dooooomed The third dwarven forge kickstarter is up and this time it is about the city. I recommend watching the video and looking carefully at how Stefan Pokorny designed it. It pretty nifty in my opinion. The only downside that it looks like it will ...
http://batintheattic.blogspot.com/2015/03/revenge-errr-return-of-dwarven-forge.html

Holmes as a Complege Game Revisited, Take 2

Olde House Rules wrote:

HOLMES AS A COMPLETE GAME REVISITED

My fascination with Homes Basic as a complete game stems primarily from the fact that it only takes characters to 3rd level while simultaneously listing monsters up to 15th.  And don't forget, powerful magic items!

This preserves the newness and excitement of low-level play while imagining a world populated by terrifying enemies.

So, based on my earlier post, your inputs, and subsequent thinking, here's my take on the matter:

(1) Characters get full HP by class per level, making them equal to higher level types rolled randomly.

(2)  Level is capped at 3rd, but see above...

(3) Taking enough damage to die results in the affected character losing one level and reverting to a number of HP equal to the maximum number possible for their NEW level, rounding up.  Thus, a 3rd level fighter who dies falls to 2nd level, reverts to 2 HP and survives (10% of 16 or 1.6 rounded up).  

Falling to zero level is FATAL...

Hits can be subsequently healed up to the maximum possible for their new level, of course.  This represents grievous injury that takes longer to recover from, per the DM...

(4) Lost levels are recovered by adventuring or through wishes at a rate of one wish per level recovered this way...  

(5) Like clerics, magic users may cast any spell they know without advance preparation.  Spells are acquired from scrolls, rolling first on the "chance to know any spell table".  Players roll once per scroll found, so if at first they don't succeed, they can try again later should they find another copy of the same scroll...

(6) Elves are limited to 2nd level magic use, although they must still divide experience through 3rd.  This distinguishes human magic users as the true magical specialists.

(7) Monsters and enemy NPCs still get random HP...

This results in a game where characters face some dangerous enemies, but have a reasonable chance of tackling the really powerful ones, including dragons and giants, etc.  Try it if you like it!

Please welcome Demos Sachlas aka paleologos, long-time Holmes Basic booster on the Dragonsfoot forums and other...

Please welcome Demos Sachlas aka paleologos, long-time Holmes Basic booster on the Dragonsfoot forums and other sites. Linked is his map & key of Portown.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=41627&hilit=portown+map#p866770

#RPGCoverArtAppreciationDay

#RPGCoverArtAppreciationDay

Here is an obscure favorite. Alarums & Excursions zine #30, Jan '78. The artist is Troy Hughes; she also did art for the Manual of Aurania & was part of the gaming crew at Aero Hobbies in Santa Monica, CA.

#RPGCoverArtAppreciationDay

#RPGCoverArtAppreciationDay

Obviously...

A while back I made a Balrog Reference Sheet for those of us with later printings.

A while back I made a Balrog Reference Sheet for those of us with later printings. It has all of the relevant info from M&T, GH & CM. Follow the link to download the printable pdf. Should fit in an OD&D box.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-rvuyIrPEBCTXlJbVF1U1VUZnFRaE9XVkliRnZ6dw/view?resourcekey=0-c5-PVZGFkju1Baj0o8HEoA

RIP: Tom Loback of Dragontooth Miniatures

I am sad to report that Tom Loback of Dragontooth Miniatures passed away in his sleep on March 5th. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just a few weeks ago.

Holmes collected and played with a number of Dragontooth figures, as has been discussed here in this community and on Zach H's blog.

Below is a photo of Loback with his cats sculpting figures in wax in NYC sometime back in the early 80s. From Loback's Flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29483647@N00/6693289805/in/set-72157602037368841

Thread discussing the MU % chance to know table in Greyhawk.

Thread discussing the MU % chance to know table in Greyhawk. The original version doesn't have explanation, but there is one in Holmes Basic.
http://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=69585

The Gamma World 1E (1978) XP system.

The Gamma World 1E (1978) XP system. You don't gain levels, you just gain one random bonus after you get a certain amount of XP. This could be adapted for Holmes Basic or other OSR games. Might work best with a classless system. How about a game using the Holmes rules, but where everyone gets all of the abilities of Fighter/Cleric/Magic-User/Thief each level, plus one random bonus from this table?

Holmes as a Complete Game Revisited, Take 1

Olde House Rules wrote:

Now, I LOVE me some Holmes Basic, so much so that I'm utterly fascinated with the idea of playing it as complete game.  This means nothing added to expand the game beyond its current 3 levels...

Can it be done?  One idea I've played with is that characters begin the game with full hits by level.  Beyond that, they accumulate earned experience and can spend it buying advancements and upgrades to their characters in the following areas:

+1 HIT POINT ADDED
+1 SPELL CAST PER DAY
+5% TO THIEVING ATTEMPTS
+1 TO HIT AND SAVE

For instance, fighters might spend 500 EXP to get +1 hit point, although this is just an example...

The experience cost for each should vary by class, but I'm a bit stymied about how to assign that cost.
Furthermore, clerical turning needs to be addressed, along with the distinction between characters and (leveled) monsters...

Any ideas from the community?  Thanks!

EDIT: I'm not suggesting a classless system here, but one where characters gain abilities traditionally within their classes, but do so spending experience points on individual elements.

Beyond first level (and perhaps at the end of each session), players spend experience buying , say, 1 more HP, etc.

END OF EDIT ;-)

In memory of Gary Gygax (July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008), a glimpse of Castle Greyhawk using his words & some...

In memory of Gary Gygax (July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008), a glimpse of Castle Greyhawk using his words & some relevant pictures.
http://zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2015/03/visualizing-castle-greyhawk.html

Those infamous chits

Fun discussion of the infamous chits.

Originally shared by Olde House Rules

Aw chit!  Anyone remember, much less use, the cardboard die chits that came with the Holmes Basic set through about 1980?

I actually did, and recently scored an original Holmes set with chits still fully intact from Wayne's Books, which I haven't dared remove from the shrink wrap.  A gift from my lovely wife, Robyn...  

What if intelligent swords were simply highly evolved monsters?

What if intelligent swords were simply highly evolved monsters?

More Q&A on the original Known World by Schick & Moldvay.

More Q&A on the original Known World by Schick & Moldvay. Questions by James Mishler, answers by Lawrence Schick. Of note here, the list of deities includes a list of  'Great Old Ones' that are the same (except for omitting Azathoth) as those appearing in Holmes & Kuntz' Lovecraftian Mythos article in Dragon #12, Feb '78.

http://adventuresingaming2.blogspot.com/2015/03/mystara-another-round-of-qs-answered-by.html