100 days of B/X (part II - B1 to B10)

Part I.

We have all read B/X many times. Now I'll re-read it with a critical eye, looking for things I don't like and have house-ruled away, to create my new version.

It is a minimalist (or almost minimalist) version, and I'll mercilessly cut every part that is not used often to enhance the fun of my games.

I still want to make it COMPATIBLE, at least vaguely, to TSR D&D, for several reasons - I like playing classic modules, and I'm very used to the numbers, procedures, monsters, etc.

I'll skip huge swaths and just focus on the most interesting bits. If you have never read B/X, I'd recommend taking a look for yourself (for the reasons explained here).

Here we go!

B1 - credits and art, skipped.

B2 - Foreword and acknowledgements. 

"Those rules [original D&D] were written for people with a background of gaming experience. This revision was designed to be easily read and used by individuals who have never before played a role playing game. In the half-dozen years since the original rules were published, the TSR staff has answered thousands of rule's questions. The answers helped find problem areas in those rules, areas which could either stand minor improvements or were difficult for novice gamers to understand. This revision was aided not only by the collected gaming experience of TSR personnel but by the gaming experience of the thousands of players and DMs who sent us letters in the mail."

My house rules (and this series of posts, of course), are meant for people with a background in D&D, so I will not teach how to roleplay. But, like B/X, they are based on problems that emerged from my real experiences with the rules, and I should probably start my own foreword with that.

B3 - How To Use This Book, Definitions of Standard D&D Terms.

Not much to comment on here for the reasons explained in B2. Basic covers levels 1-3, mostly dungeon adventures, while Expert covers levels 4-14, and the Companion (which never appeared for B/X) would take characters to 36th level. As I explained in another post, levels 1-20 work much better, although anything beyond 15 has to be added to B/X instead of adapted. I will consider it.

One thing to note is that the wilderness is too deadly for 1st-level PCs and becomes too easy around 8th level, which also needs to be taken into account.

B4 - "At the start of the game, the players enter the dungeon..." interesting advice and probably too often ignored. The "caller" is explained here but I don't use it my games.

Use of the Word "Level" explains the confusion created by the lack of a good thesaurus when the word "level" was used in the game, since characters, dungeons, spells, and monsters are all divided into levels that are not necessarily compatible (e.g., a level 5 MU can get a level 3 spell in dungeon level 4). Later editions dropped monster levels, but it's the use that makes the most sense when compared to PC levels ("A monster's level is equal to the number of Hit Dice").

I'll skip "How to Use Dice," but the section below is interesting because it never really explains how to win or what the game's actual goals are, beyond the obvious goal of having fun. Not great, IMO, but I'll skip this is my game too.

B5: PART 2: PLAYER CHARACTER INFORMATION

This section explains the creation of PCs. Not much to add here; I find 3d6 in order too harsh (and not even used in the basic modules anyway), equipping characters too boring (it could be replaced by starting packages, which I'll leave as an option), and the rest can be simplified. See my version below.

B6: Character Abilities, Ability Score Adjustments, Hit Points and Hit Dice: nothing to comment here. 
It is interesting that Charisma and Constitution cannot be changed, as they are useful to all PCs. But, to be honest, I wouldn't see a problem with reducing them to 9 to raise prerequisites. However, I find the whole idea of prerequisites an unnecessary complication, so I'm skipping it.

1st-level HP is a problem that is often house-ruled away because most players do not want PCs starting the game with 1 HP. But since I don't treat 0 HP as immediate death in my games, I won't change it.

B7: Bonuses and Penalties Due to Abilities.

I love the simple -3 to +3 bonuses and penalties, so I'll probably keep them. I'm replacing the maximum number of retainers and morale with something else, and since there is no separate magic save for now, Wisdom and Charisma will grant additional languages like Intelligence does.

Still, every ability score matters, since I'll be using a roll-under system for skills.

B8: Character Class Tables

One of my main reasons for creating my minimalist version of B/X is that I dislike looking up tables. I'd much rather have a 7th-level fighter gain a +7 attack bonus and +7 to saving throws. It works surprisingly well, being essentially Target 20 with a few twists of my own.

Thief abilities are described here. I've turned them into skills because that solves several problems. Skills are based on ability score minus 10 (minimum 0), plus level, giving starting thieves roughly a 15%-20% chance of success, which I find reasonable.

Backstab is NOT described here, and I won't be turning it into a skill. It will remain a special ability.

B9-B10: Character Classes

Here things start to get a bit tricker. I will add cleave and multiple attacks to fighters. Turn undead will be simplified to 1d6, with results that are not dissimilar to B/X (or even RC on higher levels). Thieves and mages are similarly simplified, but spellcasting will be dealt with in its own chapter. Clerics will be nerfed as they are too powerful.

Things such as dwarves and elves will be treated separately from class. For now, I'll keep many of the same special powers and maybe give humans a few ability points, but I might change this later, as I don't find these powers neither interesting nor sensible.

Magic-users and clerics get "taboos" to avoid using some weapons and armor, but these are a lot less restrictive than the originals.

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MY VERSION:

Here are how my corresponding house-ruled version looks so far, without much formatting. I will share the whole PDF later on.

1. Introduction

This is a minimalist version of classic/OSR games. It functions as a toolbox, not a complete game. It has no spells or monsters, for example; it only replaces character rules.

This game assumes:

• You are familiar with classic/OSR games.

• You are looking for a quicker, easier version (or reference book) that still fits perfectly, with little conversion needed.

• You want more options with less complexity.

• You want to keep the d20, six abilities, saving throws and other traits of the classic games.

In short, this game has:

• A single d20 mechanic. To do almost anything, roll 1d20 plus ability bonus/penalty and other modifiers, try to hit a DC (usually 20).

• Attack rolls use a similar system, adding attack bonus (AB) and hitting the target's AC.

• A single saving throw, although some classes and races will have certain bonuses. To make a saving throw, roll 1d20, add your level and any appropriate bonuses. The DC is usually 20, but see "miscellaneous rules".

• Ability checks work in a similar manner. "Roll under" is optional and not assumed.

• Spell slots and Vancian casting are replaced by a similar check.

• Ability scores have some additional functions.

• Identical XP tables for all classes. You can replace XP with "milestones" or some other form of advancement if desired.

• No prime requisites. No XP bonuses due to high ability scores, etc.

• Four classes, four races. Race is separated from class. Any race can pick any class, barring setting limitations.

• No level and class limitations for elves, dwarves, etc. Some aspects of these races have been changed to compensate.

• Fewer armor/weapon limitations. These have been reduced to a minimum.

• Streamlined skills and checks. Percentage skills, 1-in-6 checks, etc. are replaced by a d20 roll, which includes thieves' skills.

• Advantage/disadvantage is optional. Advantage means you roll two dice and pick the best one; disadvantage means the opposite. This replaces +4/-4 modifiers if you dislike these (or if passing/failing a check would be impossible and you want to make it possible).

• Fighters, experts and mages replace other terms (fighting-man, magic-user, etc.) for short.

• Minimal added crunch (note to self). Document must be 60 pages or less (including rules on PCs, monsters and GMs). Appendixes with more options (but avoiding new mechanics) are permitted.

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The Basics

When a character tries to do anything that carries a risk of failure, roll 1d20, add your modifiers (usually a skill), with 20 or more signifying success. A "hard" difficulty is assumed; the GM may set other difficulty numbers (DC) for particularly easy or hard tasks, as indicated in the table below.

Notice that a DC of 18 is similar to 1-in-6 chances or a 15% chance, making it easy to convert tasks from other systems to this one (e.g., if you have 3-in-6 chances of getting lost, avoiding it is an "easy" check).

Natural 1

A natural 1 is an automatic failure and, when attempting something risky, means potential disaster (DM's call). Roll again, with a success meaning you barely avoided disaster (but still failed to reach your goal and might suffer a small setback defined by the GM).

The table below provides suggested Difficulty Classes (DCs) for common tasks.

Difficulty	DC	% Chance	Equivalent
Very Easy	8	65%	~4-in-6
Easy	11	50%	~3-in-6
Medium	14	35%	~2-in-6
Challenging	18	15%	~1-in-6
Hard	20	5%	—
Very Hard	25	—	—
Nearly Impossible	30	—	—
Epic	35	—	—
The Stuff of Legend	40	—	—

A failure after rolling a natural 1 is called a mishap.

For example, when you are climbing, rolling a natural 1 means you risk a mishap, such as falling halfway through. This does not usually apply to attack rolls.

Natural 20

A natural 20 may mean a special success or critical hit, depending on the GM and the circumstances.

In combat, I treat a natural 20 as an automatic hit, with maximum damage (e.g., 9 instead of 1d6+3).

Saves and Magic

Optionally, the GM may rule that a natural 20 and natural 1 have similar results for saving throws and magic rolls.

Trying Again

You can usually try again, depending on the consequences of your failure.

Even if a natural 1 caused you to break your lock picks, you can try again if you have a second set, etc. This requires time, and some rolls can only be attempted once a turn, once a day, etc.

Everything Else

Use your favorite game as written, adapting to d20 when necessary.

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2. Player Characters

How To Create A Player Character

There are seven steps to create a player character, using an "AABCDEF method" for easy memorization.

A starting character can be a blank slate, shaped entirely by adventure. Backstories are welcome, but what defines your character is what they do, not past glories.

Every character needs a reason to adventure and to keep adventuring. If that reason is lost, find a new one, or retire the character and create another.

• Abilities. Roll 3d6 six times to find out your character's abilities. Roll in order or assign to taste. If the sum of all abilities is 60 or less, you can discard and roll again. Alternatively, assign either 14, 12, 11, 10, 9 and 7, or 13, 12, 11, 10, 9 and 8 to your ability scores.

• Ancestry. Choose an ancestry. This will affect your ability scores.

• Bonuses. Check the Bonuses and Penalties table and record any modifiers tied to outstanding ability scores.

• Class. Pick a class. This determines your HP, attack rolls, saving throws, and any special abilities. Note all of these down.

• Details. All characters start at 1st level with 0 XP. Record both on your sheet. Pick any additional languages and skills you can.

• Equipment. Every character starts with 3d6×10 gp. Browse the Equipment and Weapons table and outfit your character within your budget, writing down your purchases and any money left. Record your Armor Class (AC) based on whatever armor you chose.

• Finishing Touches. Choose an alignment, write down any physical details or background you find appropriate, and give your character a name. Don't get too attached.

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Abilities

Each ability score tells you something different about your character:

• Strength measures raw muscle power and physical force. Characters with high Strength are better suited to the fighter class.

• Intelligence reflects the capacity to learn, retain knowledge, and solve problems. High Intelligence favors the mage class.

• Wisdom represents intuition, common sense, and sound judgment. High Wisdom suits the cleric class well.

• Dexterity captures speed, agility, and fine motor control. A character with high Dexterity excels in the thief class.

• Constitution combines overall health and endurance. It influences every class by potentially modifying the number of hit points a character has.

• Charisma is a blend of appearance, personal magnetism, and leadership. It shapes how monsters and NPCs react to the character.

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Ancestries

There are four ancestries: Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human.

1. Dwarf

A sturdy and enduring folk, renowned for their skill in mining, smithing, and stonework. They are typically stout in build, about 4' tall, long-lived, and known for their stubbornness and loyalty.

• +1 to Strength or Constitution (random).

• Favored weapon (+1): axes, maces, and crossbows.

• Darkvision 60'.

• Bonus: +4 to the Find skill to detect structural abnormalities (hidden passages, moving walls, built-in traps, recent changes, etc.).

• +2 to all saving throws.

• Limitation: cannot use great weapons and must use two hands for large (1d8) weapons such as a longsword.

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2. Elf

Elves are an ancient and graceful people, attuned to magic and the natural world. They are almost as tall as humans but thinner. They are long-lived to the point of near-immortality and carry themselves with an otherworldly air that other races often find either enchanting or unsettling.

• +1 to Intelligence or Dexterity (random).

• Favored weapon (+1): swords and bows.

• Bonus: +4 to the Find skill to detect hidden doors. +4 to the Hear skill.

• Darkvision 60'.

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3. Halfling

Halflings are a small and nimble folk, cheerful by nature and surprisingly hardy for their size (about 3'). They have a reputation for going unnoticed when they wish to, and for a love of comfort, food, and the occasional unexpected adventure.

• +1 to Constitution or Dexterity (random).

• Favored weapon (+1): all ranged weapons.

• Bonus: +4 to the Stealth skill.

• +2 AC against attacks from large creatures (larger than human-sized).

• +2 to all saving throws.

• Limitation: cannot use great weapons and must use two hands for large (1d8) weapons such as a longsword.

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4. Human

Humans are the most widespread and adaptable of peoples, found in every corner of the world and in every walk of life. What they lack in the innate gifts of other ancestries they make up for in ambition, versatility, and sheer variety.

• +1 to three random different ability scores.

• Favored weapon (+1): choose two of swords, axes, maces, spears, small weapons, bows, crossbows, slings, etc. Alternatively, choose a bonus language.

• Bonus skill: choose one skill.

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Bonuses and Penalties

Each ability score has a corresponding bonus or penalty.

Score	Adjustment
3	-3
4-5	-2
6-8	-1
9-12	No adjustment
13-15	+1
16-17	+2
18	+3
19*	+4
20*	+5

Strength adjustments apply to melee attack and damage rolls.

Dexterity adjustments apply to ranged attack rolls and Armor Class.

Constitution adjustments apply to hit points gained per hit die.

Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma adjustments grant additional languages. For example, if your adjustments are -1, +3, and +2, you gain four additional languages (minimum zero).

Level 1 characters cannot start with an ability score above 18. If an ability reaches 19 during character creation, lower it to 18 and add 1 point to another random ability.

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Classes

There are four basic classes: Cleric, Expert, Fighter, and Mage.

The Expert replaces the traditional Thief; while his default skills lean toward thievery, he may trade them for others.

When choosing a class, look at your highest abilities and consider which classes they favor. A score of 13 or above in a relevant ability is a good indicator.

As a rule of thumb:

• Strength favors Fighters.
• Dexterity favors Experts.
• Intelligence favors Mages.
• Wisdom favors Clerics.

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1. Cleric

With the power granted by your deity, you protect the innocent and weak from the forces of darkness, fight against the dying of the light, and smite the wicked creatures that roam the earth.

Class Features

• HD: 1d6
• Attack Bonus: level / 2 (round down)
• Saving Throw: level + 2
• Spellcasting: level / 2, round down (see the Magic chapter)

Turn Undead

Clerics can repel or destroy undead by brandishing their holy symbol.

The undead must be visible and within a 60-foot radius of the cleric.

Turning can be attempted once per minute, in lieu of an attack.

Turned undead flee by any means available and will not harm or contact the cleric for one minute.

To turn undead:

1. Roll 1d6.
2. Add the cleric's level.
3. Subtract the target's HD (for example, 2 for zombies).

A result of 5+ succeeds.

A result of 10+ destroys the undead permanently.

The roll result also indicates the total HD of undead affected (minimum one creature, maximum 10 HD).

Examples:

• A result of 11 against zombies destroys 5 zombies.
• A result of 11 against skeletons destroys 10 skeletons.

In mixed groups, lower-HD undead are affected first.

Taboo

A cleric must use blunt weapons and cannot use edged weapons (including swords, bows, spears, etc.).

A cleric who breaks this or other taboos appropriate to their alignment or deity may lose supernatural powers until atonement is made. Specific consequences depend on the setting.

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2. Expert

Your shadowy past no longer matters. You chose a life of adventure, and the skills you developed will come in handy.

Class Features

• HD: 1d6
• Attack Bonus: level / 2 (round down)
• Saving Throw: level + 2

Skilled

You gain seven bonus skills:

• Athletics
• Decipher
• Hear
• Find
• Locks & Traps
• Pick Pockets
• Stealth

(See Skills below.)

Backstab

When backstabbing (see the Combat chapter), you may use your backstab bonus instead of your combat bonus.

In addition, add your level to any damage dealt with a successful backstab.

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3. Fighter

You might call yourself a knight, barbarian warrior, soldier, or ranger, but it makes no difference. Your main skill is violence, a useful talent in this perilous world.

Class Features

• HD: 1d8
• Attack Bonus: level
• Saving Throw: level + 3

Cleave

When you reduce an opponent to 0 HP with a melee attack, you may immediately make an additional attack against another opponent within range.

The maximum number of attacks gained this way is equal to your level.

Extra Attack

Fighters gain:

Level	Attacks
7	3/2 attacks
15	2 attacks
20	3 attacks

3/2 attacks means you attack twice in the first round, once in the second, twice in the third, and so on.

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4. Mage

Common folk fear you because you dare to cross the boundaries of morality and superstition.

When adventurers descend into the abyss of ancient ruins, you are the one who knows what lurks below.

Class Features

• HD: 1d4
• Attack Bonus: level / 2 (round down)
• Saving Throw: level + 1
• Spellcasting: level / 1, round down (see the Magic chapter)

Taboo

A mage cannot cast spells while wearing armor or using a shield, as these interfere with the flow of mystical energies.

Additionally, a mage requires one free hand to cast spells.

A two-handed weapon does not prevent spellcasting, since it may be momentarily held in one hand while casting.

100 days of B/X (part I)

Have you noticed that there's only about 100 days left until the end of the year?

I realized that by chance, and it made me a little anxious. I still have a few goals for 2026 that are far from being completed.

It hasn't been a total failure, though. I read almost all the books I had planned to read (and wrote several reviews here), wrote a few posts and pages of my new setting (which I also shared here), among other things. The two most difficult tasks were meditation and finishing writing a few (short) books. I had planned to meditate for just 10 minutes a day, and I couldn't even manage half of that consistently.

Well, 100 is a nice round number, and if I can complete just 1% of what's left each day, I should be able to finish some of those goals quite easily. I'll need to meditate for 20 minutes a day, and if I write less than a page a day, I can easily finish my latest neoclone (a minimalist version of B/X that I've been discussing for years), which should end up at under 100 pages, many of which are already written.

Maintaining that kind of consistency is certainly a challenge for me, but perhaps the challenge itself can serve as motivation to keep trying. And if I fail, at least something good will come out of it: in January 2027, if I'm not satisfied enough to publish it on DTRPG, I'll make the unfinished document available here on the site instead. Maybe I'll do both, who knows. Also, I'm running a campaign so I can play-test some rules in real time.

Or maybe I'll just vow to abandon the project after that, or at least leave it aside for 2027. This can't go on forever.

AI did this.

Now that I've shared this with all of you, I'll feel pressured to make at least some effort in that direction. I can't promise I'll write every day, but I'll try to keep up the pace, maybe seven pages a week, and so on. 

I plan to READ and COMMENT on B/X, page by page, just as I already did with almost the entire AD&D DMG, while also examining point by point which aspects I'd like to change.

(Actually, that may be the hardest part: deciding what I prefer. Ascending or descending AC? Roll high or roll low? Skills? Doesn't matter. I'll make an effort to reach a decision within a finite amount of time.)

In any case, I'll share as I go and welcome your comments and opinions.

What about you? Do you have any "end-of-year resolutions" for the next 100 days? Any books to read or projects to finish? Let me know in the comments!

Single saving throws

It's been a while now that my D&D-style games have used a single saving throw.

Original D&D's saving throws, with their more concrete categories like spells, death ray, and petrification, always seemed a bit limited to me, and since the 2000s (with 3rd and later 4th edition) the idea of having a save for reflex, another for willpower, and another for physical resistance made more sense. 5th edition, with its ability-based saves, seems even more direct, removing the need for the reflex/will/fortitude "middlemen."

But even that distinction eventually became somewhat pointless to me.

First, let's discuss the method behind saving throws against dangers such as like petrification, spells, etc. Contrary to what many claim, they don't actually distinguish well between classes. Thieves, for example, are NOT particularly good against breath weapons, but they are against spells, and dwarves, with their short legs, once they reach high level, end up dodging dragon fire better than they resist spells.

Also, paladins have better saves dues to divine favor, and dwarves/halflings because they are small/hardy. So you can barely tell what the saving throws really are within the game-world.

Without actually looking at the tables, you cannot explain the rhyme or reason for saving throws. Even if you can, it is a rationalization rather than a reason.

Even in Basic and AD&D, saving throws were eventually affected by ability scores, adding yet another layer of complexity (first by Wisdom, than by Dex etc.). The idea of using a dexterity check as a saving throw also shows up very early in the game's history.

Optional rule in the Rules Cyclopedia

But let's say the original saving throws actually did something closer to what the classes suggest: maybe fighters more resistant to petrification, thieves dodging breath weapons, and wizards avoiding enemy spells.

The first problem would be edge cases like fireballs, which are spells AND supposedly can be dodged (and probably avoided by armor too).

The second is that this simply doesn't match the fiction found in Appendix N. Conan resists spells not by "blocking magic," but by being tough. Likewise, a dragon's breath can be dodged by a thief, but it can also be blocked, at least partially, by armor or a shield, or avoided with a spell. Remember: in Chainmail / OD&D, it's powerful fighters, not intelligent characters, who are able to detect invisible people (which could ALSO be a saving throw IMO).

In short, dangers don't correspond, in any precise way, to how characters actually avoid them, neither in fiction nor in reality.

On top of that, the differences between saving throws within the same class are minor, and can be summarized, as pointed out long ago on Delta's blog, as a bonus ranging from +0 to +4 applicable across all classes (which is roughly equivalent to a DC in contemporary D&D). So the tables are an unnecessary complication.

Of course, saving throws organized by danger category also fail to explain edge cases like avoiding falling into a pit, crossing a river with a strong current, or dodge a falling rock (which maybe should be handled as a trap instead, an altogether different mechanic). I'd also have to consider how PCs would deal with the lasers, radiations and psychic powers of my current setting.

A single saving throw also helps resolve several difficulties in one roll. For example: can you spot the trap before reaching it? And if you do reach it, can you avoid falling in? Or if you're bitten by a snake — can you see it coming, dodge during the attack, resist the venom in your own bloodstream through natural antibodies, or even mystically alter your breathing, power through it, and so on.

While I don't remember the exact 3e or 4e rules on the matter, I like that in 5e they at least tried to give the Fighters better saves altogether with the Indomitable feature.

My last attempt at having more than one save was diving then into Mental and Physical, but even that was not necessary. Does armor help or hinder your physical defense against dangers that can be dodged? Most D&D editions do not seem to take this into account. Do we even need a physical defense other than AC?

Well, maybe for poison. But even then, unless you use "save or die" poisons you don't need Constitution to affect it. Just save "save or lose 3d6 HP" and your Constitution and level are already taken into account to see if you'll survive or not. What about a form of radiation there bypasses HP? Well, is there any reason to think bulky fighters would resist radiation any better than mages?

Maybe we need a mental save for Charm etc.? Not a great idea either. In which setting or game would it make sense to a mage or other creature to easily mind-control a T-Rex of limited intelligence?

So, basically now I got every PC to have a single saving throw number. They are not always the same: fighters get a +3 bonus, thieves +2, wizard +1 (and yeas that means they are frailer against fireballs). Monsters work similarly to fighters, most of the time (so we barely need the 5e thing where monsters can resist 3 times, or the AD&D thing where monsters have a chance of ignoring spells - which might be an issue for another post).

It is been working very well so far, and that's probably what I'm going with from now on.

My question: do you see any advantage in having several saves?

Minimum Viable Fighter (B/Xish)

I’ve written before about how the B/X fighter feels too weak compared to other classes, and even less interesting than dwarves or clerics. In my minimalist OSR project, the goal was to add as few features as possible while still giving the fighter a boost in power and fun.

I avoided the complexity of proficiencies, fighting styles, and the dreaded feats (even though I like them) and instead settled on two additions.

First, the cleave mechanic gives fighters a boost they need: it shines against hordes of weak foes, scales with level, and eventually offers some advantage even against stronger enemies. It’s also very satisfying to see a fighter mowing down hordes of minions, like Conan or Elric.

Second, extra attacks ensure damage keeps pace. At level seven, the extra attack raises damage combat output and cleave potential*; at level fifteen, another attack continues that trend, aligning with AD&D’s progression.

(*I think I like this way of dealing with 1.5 attacks, but maybe 2 then 1 then 2 works better, not sure).

This may not make fighters as versatile as clerics who can raise the dead, but it does make them far stronger than before. The open question is whether demi‑human classes like dwarves, elves, and halflings should share these benefits. In my system, races are separate from classes, so I haven’t tackled that.

Anyway, here is my minimum viable fighter.

Will playtest soon.

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Fighter. 

You might call yourself a knight, a barbarian warrior, a soldier, or a ranger, but it makes no difference: your main skill is violence. A useful talent in this perilous world.

§  HD: 1d8.

§  Attack Bonus: level.

§  Saving Throw: level +3.

§  Cleave: When you reduce an opponent to 0 HP, you may immediately make an additional attack against another opponent in range, for a maximum number of times equal to your level.

§  Extra Attack: Fighters gain 1½ attacks* per round at level 7, 2 at level 15, and 3 at level 20. (*This means your second attack deals half damage, round up).

Minimalist OSR equipment list

Maybe I spent more time than I should have studying this list, but I believe I managed to summarize most of the equipment needed for a D&D adventure into major categories in a reasonably coherent way.

The price of one gold piece per day for food is expensive by historical standards, but it aligns with what most D&D editions recommend. And, of course, it can easily be swapped for a silver standard, if you prefer.

This updates the list on Dak Fantasy Basic slightly and convert prices to gold.

I believe this list is compatible with B/X prices when possible, but also the prices of items relative to one another are more accurate by historical standards and more sensible overall.

Please let me know if you have any corrections or objections!

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Currency

The usual currency in this game is coins of various metals. For simplicity’s sake, assume all coins have similar weight, and each metal is ten times more valuable than the next in the list.

1 platinum piece (pp) = 10 gold pieces (gp) = 100 silver pieces (sp) = 1,000 copper pieces (cp).

Players start the game with 3d6 x10 gp. A gold coin is enough for hot meal, a cold beer or a night in a collective room. Copper pieces are rarely worth carrying for adventurers, but are common currency in hamlets etc. A common laborer will earn rough 1 gp per day and eat cheaper food.

100 coins weight one “item” (i.e., roughly 3 pounds).

  

Miscellaneous equipment

 

Food (one day): Fresh (1 gp, weight 1), must be eaten within a week. Rations (2 gp, weight 1/3) last for one month. A hot meal or cold beer in a tavern costs 1 gp.

 

Common tools (5 gp, weight 1): backpack (holds 10 weight), bedrolls (winter bedrolls: 10 gp, weight 2), blank book, block and tackle (requires rope), board game, camping gear (flint, small blade and hammer), chain (per feet), climbing gear (for wood surfaces or similar; stone climbing gear is 10 gp, weight 2), clothes (winter clothing: 10 gp, weight 2), cooking tools, crowbars, fishing tools, grappling hook, hammers, healing kits (10 uses), hooded oil lantern, hunting traps, merchant's scale, musical instruments (small, like drums, horns, trumpets; larger and more complex instruments cost 10 gp or more), rope (silk, per 20 feet), shackles, steel mirror, winter blanket.

 

Heavy tools (5 gp, weight 3): caltrops (enough for 10 square feet), shovel, pick, iron spikes (30), tent (1 person).

 

Cheap tools (1 sp, weight 3): 15 torches, 10' pole, 20 candles (weight 1).

 

Expensive tools (25 gp, weight 1): holy symbol, lock picks, grimoire, luxury versions of common tools (that might be 10% better or give you a +1 bonus to a test).

 

Liquids: water for one day (usually free, weight 1; weight 2 in very hot weather), pint of oil (1 gp, weight 1/3; can be lit and thrown 20' for 1d6 fire damage), holy water (25 gp, weight 1/3; can be thrown 20' for 1d8 damage against undead, demons, etc.).

 

Skills & tools

Skills will often require tools such as a healing kit, climbing gear, lock picks, etc. Improvised tools will often cause disadvantages. Some tasks will be impossible without tools (GM's call).

Additional reading:

https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2026/03/minimalist-weapons-2026.html

Snakes & Ladders: The Problem of Linear Progression in D&D

Among games that remain popular to this day, one of the oldest in the world is called Snakes and Ladders, a game that practically everyone knows (see image below). Movement is essentially linear, from start to finish, but there are two types of shortcuts/detours: ladders, which accelerate your progress toward the goal, and snakes, which send you back a few spaces. It is a simple mechanic, but one that creates real tension between advancement and setback.

The Goal of D&D and Its Structural Problem

Without getting into the debate about what exactly the goal of D&D is, certainly one of the central purposes of its characters is to become more powerful, that is, to rise from level one, where they are basically beginners, all the way to becoming legendary heroes. Gygax himself (if I'm not mistaken) has stated that this was the goal of the game: to transform starting characters into heroes like Conan or Elric.

The problem is structural. In game terms, the route from level one to level twenty always moves in the same direction. You only gain XP, you only gain levels, you never lose them. It is a one-way street.

The older designers did not entirely ignore this problem. Hence the mechanic of undead creatures that drain levels, creating an effect similar to the snakes in the original game. The Dungeon Master's Guide also included situations that could temporarily reduce your levels, such as exhaustion after a grueling march, or situations of permanent loss such as aging, which can only be reversed with very powerful spells.

Of course, XP is not the only measure of a character's power. With experience, a character gains abilities and hit points, and some abilities can be lost temporarily (often for no more than a day). HP can also be lost, and in older D&D this could have more lasting consequences (perhaps weeks rather than days) than in modern versions. Finally, one can lose money (whether because raising the dead comes at some cost, or through theft, etc.).

It must be acknowledged that some RPGs, such as Call of Cthulhu, famous for its downward spiral into madness, and other horror RPGs in general (Unknown Armies, certain versions of Kult, etc.), exhibit quite clear and lasting negative effects in their systems.

In any case, aside from the issue of undead creatures draining levels, there are not many truly permanent losses in D&D. The only real loss available is the death of the character, which even then can easily be circumvented by a resurrection spell. In most versions of D&D, there is no universal mechanism for lasting negative consequences: the loss of an attribute, the amputation of a limb, a permanent scar (except as an optional rule in the DMG to save a PC reduced to zero HP, an option I find quite appealing). There are no significant setbacks, save death itself. Using the original metaphor: it would be as if every snake on the board led back to the first square.

There are other tools in the game that attempt to work around this limitation, such as creatures that destroy equipment (even magical weapons), that petrify characters, or that impose curses and other lasting effects. But these are isolated/specific solutions, not structural ones; they only happen with a very small percentage of creatures and situations.

Another problem is that D&D players, accustomed to constant and uninterrupted advancement, tend to dislike losing special items, levels, or anything they have already incorporated as part of their character. They may even come to see this kind of loss as a form of cheating.

In modern D&D, there is debate over whether characters can even die at all, so the line of advancement becomes, in the end, a conveyor belt with no way back: you can only move forward.

Source: Wikipedia.

The Parallel with Video Games

It is worth noting that older video games, also divided into "levels" (or stages), followed a logic quite similar to that of Snakes and Ladders. Reaching the end of a stage meant advancing to the next, but dying at any point sent you back to the beginning of that stage, not to the beginning of the entire game, and never (or almost never) to a previous stage. Alongside this, there was a system of permanent loss: a limited number of "lives" which, once exhausted, forced you back to the very beginning of the game (that is, "level one").

Some more modern and less linear games that generate enthusiasm among RPG players (such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Darkest Dungeon) play with this question of real loss in more sophisticated ways. Death in Dark Souls does not send you back to level zero, but it frequently causes the loss of all accumulated XP. In the case of Darkest Dungeon, where you control groups of characters, the death of a hero is a permanent loss for the team, something no spell can undo.

Why This Matters

Even for those who prefer a narrative in which characters never die and always advance, that advancement would be more interesting if it were not purely linear, that is, a little more like Snakes and Ladders. In other words: on the road to heroism, you always lose something.

High-level characters would carry, in their character sheets and their stories, a series of losses, obstacles, and scars. This enriches both narrative and simulation, whatever the goal of the players at the table may be.

In more narrative games influenced by story games, setbacks make the narrative more interesting (and there are books and RPGs at least partially built around this concept of gain and loss, such as Hamlet's Hit Points, Fate, etc.). In games that aim to reproduce cinema, literature, or the hero's journey, an advancement without setbacks makes little sense either.

In games focused on challenge, obstacles become more complex and dangerous when there are real chances of loss. Likewise, in games that seek simulation or immersion, such dangers make the game more believable and realistic.

In short: from any angle, questioning (and perhaps overcoming) the unidirectionality that governs character advancement in D&D may be an experience not only valid, but necessary for the evolution of the hobby.

(Solutions? Probably the subject of a future post. However, I will say permanent wounds are a great idea, IMO, as they could happen in any combat not just against very specific monsters. This could take the form of scars, diminished abilities, etc. Alternatively, expand level loss to include other situations besides undead and marching, maybe as a general fatigue mechanic, so that wounded/tired MUs cannot cast their best spells and tried fighters attack a bit slower).

Additional reading:

https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2024/12/nothing-to-lose-but-their-lives-stakes.html

https://methodsetmadness.blogspot.com/2023/09/ad-dmg-cover-to-cover-part-ix-pages-100.html

Minimalist (?) turn undead, plus a reflection on playtesting

Here is my minimalist version of turn undead, which precludes the need for a turn undead table, and uses 1d6 instead of 2d6 plus another 2d6 plus table:

Turn Undead: Clerics can repel or destroy undead. Turning is attempted once per turn, in lieu of an attack. Turned undead flee by any means available and will not harm or contact the cleric. To turn undead, roll 1d6, add the cleric's level, and subtract the target's HD (e.g., 2 for zombies). A result of 5+ succeeds; 10+ simply destroys them permanently. The roll result also indicates the total HD of undead affected (minimum one creature, maximum 20 HD affected). For example, if you roll 11 against zombies, 5 of them are destroyed; against skeletons, 11 are destroyed.

This is the type of rule I want for my game; maps reasonably close to the original B/X (at least to my liking), but a bit simpler, faster, leaner, easier (it also expands to RC levels).

(BTW I can take no credit for it as apparently Delta wrote something similar more than a decade ago; since I take much inspiration from his blog, I might have read it at some point).

In practice, however, I found that this is not enough for even the simplest games. If using this rule (or even the original B/X rules), the players will certainly ask simple questions like "how often can I turn?", "how far", "for how long", etc. It happened in my last campaign.

And the text simply doesn't say. The Rules Cyclopedia adds a much longer text (and table) - but not many answers either. Same in the AD&D PHB.

5e D&D, on the other hand, clearly answers all these questions (30-foot radius, 1 minute or until the creature takes damage, etc).

I'm probably adding such details to my own game since they were obviously needed at my table. So my version might even look a bit longer than B/X, which wasn't my original goal. 

Old school D&D seems to work very well in practice; people often say it is because Gygax etc. had immense wargaming playtesting experience. But I have a feeling that old school GMs often relied on their experience and rulings over having things spelled out in the book, which some people may appreciate but certainly brings endless problems when you don't have much experience with a system and need to learn from the book.

In other words, these games were likely playtested by people who were familiar with wargames, instead of given to newbies to see how understandable they were.

Modern D&D is much more complex (and even verbose and repetitive at times) but often better explained. And, to be honest, I don't think you can get "minimalist points" by omission and incompletion. If the book needs a "good GM" to work, it is not a great book, as most GMs are average by definition (or, at the very least, the book cannot take much credit for the rules if the GM has to create most of them).

Anyway, I keep looking for my ideal D&D - say, something as simple as B/X but as clear as modern D&D. This, I hope, is one step in that direction.

Single roll combat (and more minimalist mass combat)

I nearly finished a document of about ten pages on mass combat in OSR systems. 

My idea, as I had already discussed a few times, was not to introduce a new/alternate system (Chainmail, Warmachine, etc.) new types of data, replace the d20 with a d6, or rewrite a troop list, but to simply to use the rules/stats as they are written in systems like B/X or AD&D, and extrapolate those rules to cover a much larger group of creatures at once, or to cover a longer period of time. In other words, to try to summarize several rolls into a single one.

I approached this issue through four paths: one versus one, which I thought could simply be ignored; one versus many, allowing powerful characters to attack many weak enemies at once; many versus one, which allows the opposite; and many versus many, which are rules for battles between groups of different sizes against each other.

In the end, I decided to add a small idea about how to resolve any combat with just a single roll. Ultimately, I am concerned that this idea may have made all my other ideas obsolete, since it solves almost any situation. The only caveat is that the combats must be between creatures of approximate power. If you avoid absurd situations like a thousand versus one, it should work in situations up to fifty versus twenty, one versus ten, and so on.

Here are some ideas that might give you the gist of it. And maybe this is already enough that the doc is not needed... But let me know if it sounds interesting.

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The margin of success

When you make an attack roll, subtract the target number from your result. That difference — positive or negative — is your margin, and it is added directly to damage on a hit. Optionally, a miss works the same way in reverse: a near-miss deals reduced damage rather than nothing, meaning every roll moves the fight forward.

A fighter needs a 10 to hit and rolls a 14. Margin: +4. His sword deals 1d8 — say he rolls a 5 — for a total of 9 damage. If he had rolled a 7 instead, missing by 3, the optional rule gives him 1d8 minus 3 — perhaps 2 damage — a glancing blow that still counts.

The group attack bonus

Ten bandits attacking a single knight roll once, with a +10 bonus, and deal one die of damage plus the margin. No rolling ten separate attacks. One roll, one result.

Conversely, the knight can attack all ten in a single attack with a -10 penalty. If he hits, he damages ALL ten bandits at once (10 is the hard limit; the knight cannot attack 100 at once).

The bandits need a 12 to hit the knight and roll a 9, adjusted to 19 with their +10 bonus. Margin: +7. They deal 1d8+7. The knight is not struck ten times; he is overwhelmed by a sustained press whose worst moment is captured in that single roll.

The knight strikes back. He needs an 8 to hit a bandit and rolls a 14, but with a -10 penalty that becomes a 4. A miss. The bandits' formation holds for now. Next round he rolls an 18, adjusted to 8. He hits, margin 0, deals 1d8 damage with his sword. If the bandits only had 4 HP each and he rolls 5 damage, he might have cut down all ten at once.

Groups of different sizes

When two groups of different sizes fight each other, the larger group gets a bonus and the smaller group gets a penalty, equal to the difference in size. Seven bandits against five knights: the bandits attack with +2, the knights with -2.

In some cases the groups can be reduced to a common denominator. Six bandits against four knights can be treated as three bandits against two knights, keeping the same proportions with fewer units to track. Twelve against eight becomes three against two. This is purely a matter of convenience — the math is identical either way.

The single roll method (optional)

Both sides roll one attack each, simultaneously. Apply the margin to average damage. Compare remaining HP. The side with more left wins; the loser drops to zero; the winner keeps only their remainder. Two rolls, a subtraction, a comparison, done.

Two ogres, 19 HP each, average damage 6, needing a 10 to hit. Ogre A rolls 16, margin +6, deals 12 damage, leaving Ogre B with 7 HP. Ogre B rolls 9, margin -1, deals 5 damage, leaving Ogre A with 14 HP. Ogre A wins. Subtract: 14 minus 7 = 7 HP remaining. Bloodied but standing.

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Obviously this is intended for NPC fights and mass combat, mostly. Most players do not want their PCs to be killed in a single roll, and that can absolutely happen here. But it can be used in a limited way even for PCs: if your fighter is attacked by a mob of goblins that could never realistically kill him, a single roll quickly tells you how much damage he sustains before cutting through them, and everyone moves on.

Minimalist weapons (2026)

I've tried this before: rationalizing B/X weapons and giving a few extra options without too much complexity.

I also gave weapons more reasonable prices and weights (encumbrance system to follow).

Now I'm writing my "OSR Minimalist" again and this is what I'm going with.

This is my latest attempt, and I'm quite happy with it. 

Tell me what you think! Did I miss anything?

Melee Weapons

In the case of melee weapons, the damage, price, and weight are determined by size.

 

Size	Damage	Price	Weight
Small (S)	1d4	$3	1/3
Medium (M)	1d6	$5	1
Large (L)	1d8	$10	2
Great (G)	1d10	$20	2

 

Small weapons can be used in the offhand and thrown (20 feet). E.g., dagger, dart, sap.

Medium weapons are used in the main hand and can likewise be thrown (20 feet). E.g., short sword, hand axe, light mace.

Large can be used in one or both hands (+1 damage when used with both). E.g., longsword, dane axe, heavy mace.

Great weapons must use two hands to attack. Two-handed sword (zweihänder, claymore), great axe, lucerne hammer, maul, most polearms, etc.

 To further differentiate weapons, here are some optional traits.

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§  Expensive: double the cost.

§  Quick: if you roll minimum damage, make one immediate free attack against the same target (once per turn).

§  Reach: attack from second row (5' extra).

§  Charge: double damage on a charge or when set against one.

Here are some common weapons:

§  Axes, maces (M, L, G). +1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets. Axes also get +1 against wood and maces +1 against stone.

§  Brass knuckles (S, $1). 1d2, quick.

§  Clubs (S, $1). No special features.

§  Daggers (S). Expensive, quick.

§  Flails (M, L, G). +1 to hit shields or heavy armor, +2 if both, -1 if none.

§  Javelins (S). Thrown 30', weight ½.

§  Kick (S). 1d2; on a natural 1, risk falling prone.

§  Pole weapons (L, G). Expensive, reach, charge, plus same effect as axe and mace.

§  Punch (S). 1d2−1, quick.

§  Quarterstaffs (L, $3, 1d4 damage). Reach or quick (choose when attack).

§  Spears (M, L, G). Reach, charge.

§  Swords (M, L, G). Expensive, quick.

§  Warhammers and warpicks (M, L, G). +2 to hit heavy armor, hard or brittle targets, -1 against unarmored and soft targets.

G weapons: +1 damage vs. larger-than-human foes, −1 to hit smaller-than-human ones. Swords and spears get +1 damage if M, +2 if L, +3 if G. 

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Ranged Weapons

 All ranged weapons require ammunition and two hands to operate. 

Weapon	Damage	Price	Weight	Range	Notes
Sling	1d4	$2	1/3	40'	-
Short bow	1d6	$20	1	60'	-
Long bow	1d6	$30	2	70'	-
Crossbow	1d6	$40	2	80'	Slow

• Slow: spend one round reloading between shots. 

Ammunition costs:

• Arrows or bolts — 20 for $5, weight 1.
• Sling bullets — 30 for $1, weight 1.

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Note: I may or may not combine this with an optional critical hit checklist (and fumbles) to give weapons even more distinctions.

Also, let me know: would a list of ~24 weapons be easier to grasp than this "choose the size of your weapon" scheme? Or something else (e.g., list of weapons and sizes versus separate list of traits...)

I'm leaning towards leaving lhe list of simple weapons in the minimalist version and adding the full list as separate and optional.

Example (unfinished):

#	Weapon	Size	Damage	Price	Weight	Traits
1	Punch	S	1d2−1	—	—	Quick
2	Kick	S	1d2	—	—	On natural 1, risk falling prone
3	Brass knuckles	S	1d2	$1	0	Quick
4	Dagger	S	1d4	$6	1	Expensive, quick, thrown 30'
5	Club	S	1d4	$1	1	—
6	Javelin	S	1d4	$3	½	Thrown 30'
7	Axe, mace	M	1d6	$5	1	+1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets
8	Flail	M	1d6	$5	1	+1 vs shields or heavy armor, +2 if both, −1 if neither
9	Spear	M	1d6	$5	1	Reach
10	Sword	M	1d6	$10	1	Expensive, quick
11	Warhammer, warpick	M	1d6	$5	1	+2 to hit heavy armor, hard or brittle targets; −1 vs unarmored
12	Axe, mace	L	1d8	$10	2	+1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets
13	Flail	L	1d8	$10	2	+1 vs shields or heavy armor, +2 if both, −1 if neither
14	Quarterstaff	L	1d4	$3	2	Reach or quick (choose when attacking)
15	Spear	L	1d8	$10	2	Reach
16	Sword	L	1d8	$20	2	Expensive, quick
17	Warhammer, warpick	L	1d6	$10	2	+2 to hit heavy armor, hard or brittle targets; −1 vs unarmored
18	Axe, mace	G	1d10	$20	2	+1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets
19	Flail	G	1d10	$20	2	+1 vs shields or heavy armor, +2 if both, −1 if neither
20	Pole weapon	L	1d8	$20	2	Expensive, reach, +1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets
21	Pole weapon	G	1d10	$40	2	Expensive, reach, +1 to hit shields, heavy armor, hard or brittle targets
22	Spear	G	1d10	$20	2	Reach, disadvantage within 5'
23	Sword	G	1d10	$40	2	Expensive, quick
24	Warhammer, warpick	G	1d10	$20	2	+2 to hit heavy armor, hard or brittle targets; −1 vs unarmored