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Thread : Basic D&D Variations
Started at 07-22-04 10:12 AM by Geriatric Wizard
Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=280475
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[Post 1]
Author : Geriatric Wizard
Date : 07-22-04 10:12 AM
Thread Title : Basic D&D Variations

I have always played Basic D&D using the Moldvay version of the rules. Are the any significant differences with the other versions?

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[Post 2]
Author : IronCat
Date : 07-22-04 10:29 AM

Multiple discusssions on this topic can be found at www.dragonsfoot.org

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[Post 3]
Author : rogueattorney
Date : 07-22-04 01:18 PM
Thread Title : Re: Basic D&D Variations

Originally posted by Geriatric Wizard 
I have always played Basic D&D using the Moldvay version of the rules. Are the any significant differences with the other versions?  

Depends on what you mean by "significant".  :D 

That later rules sets (1983 Mentzer, 1991 Rules Cyclopedia, 90's boxed sets) are all similar enough to be used with little to no tinkering.  There are subtle differences to be sure, but nothing to get too worked up about.  Like Iron Cat said, we go into pretty gross detail on the differences over on Dragonfoot.org.  But for all intents and purposes, the main differences between the various sets is presentation style.  

Between the Moldvay set and the earlier Holmes set, there are some pretty significant differences.  The Holmes set is a bit more like 1e AD&D and OD&D, and has a few of its own peculiarities as well.  The Cook Expert set covers a few of the differences in its introduction for those who want to use that Expert set with the older rules.  

As far as adventure modules are concerned: The first and second printings of B1 and the first printing of B2 were both designed for the Holmes set.  They were then re-edited for the Moldvay set.  The differences are actually barely noticable, unless you're using the NPC's in the back of the books.  B3, B4, X1, X2, and X3 were all made for the Moldvay/Cook rules.  Of these, only X1 was re-edited for the new Mentzer rules.  (In the cases of B1, B2, and X1, the modules designed for the Moldvay/Cook rules are far and away the most common.)  All other modules were made for the Mentzer/RC rules.  

The only real thing to look for, as far as conversions is NPC spell lists.  The spell charts in the Mentzer set diverges at 11th level for M-U's and 6th level for Clerics.  You might want to change things up to make sure the NPC's magic level fits that of the party.  Other than that, there really aren't any big differences in monsters, class abilities, magic items, etc. to be concerned with when using a product made for a different version of the Classic D&D rules.

R.A.

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[Post 4]
Author : diaglo
Date : 07-23-04 08:23 AM

rogueattorney's got you covered.

there are a few nitpicky things here and there but nothing that should affect play.

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