Dungeon Hack Rules Commentary

Dungeon Hack Scientists have found the OSRIC pdf to be reasonable sit in for an actual copy of the 1st Edition AD&D books. Tests have indicated that carrying an actual copy of the idol-cover Player's Handbook with you will improve you luck on saving throws. Unless stated otherwise, the OSRIC pdf and the Gygax PHB will be interchangeable. In the case of conflict, assume the PHB is authoritative until further clarification. To start things out, the following rule exceptions or clarifications will be in effect. Experimentation (and large quantities of caffeine) is essential to quality Dungeon Hacks, so these may change after group discussion. We'll try to keep the website up to date: http://sites.google.com/site/dungeonhack/ Again, some of these may be obvious to people who have recently reread the rules. Please reply with any questions and we'll update the list. * No weapon specialization. Alternate method may be used with group vote. No other Unearthed Arcana rules/races/classes are being used at onset. * In "the old days", we always played with double damage on a natural 20 to hit. I'll leave this up to group vote. * Demihumans will be limited in levels as shown on pg14 of the PHB. Ignore footnotes - ability scores do not matter. * Magic-Users being with a standard spellbook containing "Read Magic" and three other 1st level spells from the PHB. * Magic-Users will be required to roll to learn new spells (pretty much by the book). * We'll be using spell components to some extent. If the component is rare, expensive, or has a listed GP cost, assume you'll need it. This should minimize bookkeeping. Casters will be assumed to have reacquired more mundane component as a part of the living expenses. * You're unconscious at 0 HP, dead an -10, and heal 1 HP/day. * There is no need for training upon reaching 2nd level. We'll discuss a compromise if people approach 3rd level. * We'll be using the combat pretty much as written. It's explained clearly with excruciated detail to examples and exceptions here: http://www.dragonsfoot.org/php4/archive.php?sectioninit=FE&fileid=263&watchfile=0 - It's really not that bad, it just goes to crazy heights to resolve initiative ties (NFL playoff levels). We'll simplify things like surprise segments and weapon vs armor by group consensus after a few combats. * We'll be trying this system for encumbrance: http://sites.google.com/site/dungeonhack/rules/supplies-and-provisions (until people are trying to carry back four suits of plate mail from fallen foes I'm not concerned with counting every dagger and dart. What we want to simulate is the effect of limited food and light resources, and limits on the ability to fight/flee while carrying a dragon's horde worth of coins)