Many years ago, during a game my players decided to push their luck in combat.

Many years ago, during a game my players decided to push their luck in combat. All five of them needed less than 200-300 xp to level up, so they were taking some serious risks, especially because the didn't know that more enemies were coming. They were going to die instead of level up.

On a whim, I told everyone to against their lowest ability score. When several of them made a successful roll, I declared they leveled up and they gained their hp and new abilities on the spot. Their reaction was amazing, after a few swipes with better odds, they retreated to take stock.

Never did it again. What I did to keep the suspense going was to keep a running tab of their experience points and when I handed out EXP, I only gave them combat experience totals. If they gain roleplaying EXP I kept it to myself and would drop it on them, usually in the middle of a dramatic moment during the session. "Hey! You leveled up!" I never invoked the die roll thing again.

I don't like taking things from players, but sometimes a little mystery is good. What do you think?

Thought you guys might enjoy this new video on Pellucidar - JEH gets a shout-out part way through, around 2:30

Thought you guys might enjoy this new video on Pellucidar - JEH gets a shout-out part way through, around 2:30
https://vimeo.com/279127290

Noticed this during a recent visit to the Compleat Strategist.

Michael Calleia wrote:

Noticed this during a recent visit to the Compleat Strategist.

Words to live by.

Words to live by.
(Gary Gygax in Europa zine 6-8, April 1975)

Thought: it's very popular to fill in the "dead space" on maps with cross-hatching etc, but it makes it harder for...

Thought: it's very popular to fill in the "dead space" on maps with cross-hatching etc, but it makes it harder for the user to modify by adding new rooms/corridors/connections between the existing rooms.

If you are interested in joining the Original Dungeons & Dragons discussion forum (aka ODD74), registration is now...

If you are interested in joining the Original Dungeons & Dragons discussion forum (aka ODD74), registration is now open but requires moderator approval. However, I am a moderator there and can approve your registration. Due to ongoing problems with a former member who made multiple accounts (sock-puppets), we may require further verification of your identity (such as other places where you post). Generally if you are a member here and I am familiar with you I will approve your registration immediately.

https://login.proboards.com/register/1771418
https://login.proboards.com/register/1771418

I have a copy of the rules labeled "2nd edition, November 1978", which has a blue cover.

I have a copy of the rules labeled "2nd edition, November 1978", which has a blue cover. How many runs or editions of Eric Holmes' book were there? What edition is the color version of the rules? Are there significant changes?