* * * Wizards Community Thread * * * -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thread : Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). Started at 04-02-07 11:43 AM by Thad_Enouf Visit at http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=820817 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 1] Author : Thad_Enouf Date : 04-02-07 11:43 AM Thread Title : Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). Growing up with the sets, I find that I long for that system when we're playing 3e. You just can't set up and play like you used to be able to do. Not to mention the rules for everything plus the kitchen sink in 3e. At any rate, I am finding 3e too complicated for my kids to play and especially for myself to DM 3e for them. So I am thinking about getting the pdfs of the 4th Edition box sets to use like I did as a wee lad. It gives me a better feeling of D&D than whatever is being played today. I know it wasn't as hard to learn as it would be today with the later editions. Anyway, I have some questions: 1. What modules can we play with the Basic and Expert sets? Can we play AD&D modules from the 80's with (at least) the Expert set? 2. Are there character sheets available and things like that? Accessories, etc.? 3. After 20 years, would we be better served by just getting the AD&D rule set or sticking to the basic stuff? We are trying to accomplish some semi-regular playing through dungeons and whatnot. We're not that serious but my kids would like to have a decent character to bring through the levels. There are just so many accessories and editions that it is confusing for an "outsider" to get them all straight. Suggestions/comments? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 2] Author : chatdemon Date : 04-02-07 12:03 PM Thread Title : Re: Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). 1. What modules can we play with the Basic and Expert sets? Can we play AD&D modules from the 80's with (at least) the Expert set? The B, X and DDA series modules were specifcally written for the Basic/Expert rules. With minor effort though, any of the AD&D (1st or 2nd edition) can be used, basically just swapping out monsters for their BX rules equivalent. Same goes for the 3rd edition adventures too, honestly, especially the freebies in the downloads section here on WotC, they're pretty simple and straightforward, and convert pretty easily. 2. Are there character sheets available and things like that? Accessories, etc.? Yup! Check out Dragonsfoot.org there's ton's of sheets, new material, and adventures for BX and AD&D. 3. After 20 years, would we be better served by just getting the AD&D rule set or sticking to the basic stuff? We are trying to accomplish some semi-regular playing through dungeons and whatnot. We're not that serious but my kids would like to have a decent character to bring through the levels. Check out the D&D Rules Cyclopedia, you can pick one up at a reasonable price on EBay or as a pdf on Paizo.com. It's the compilation of the Basic, Expert, Companion and Master sets. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 3] Author : Higmorton Date : 04-02-07 04:25 PM Thread Title : Re: Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). I would say get the main rule books for 2nd ed. It is not that mosr difficult to learn, and you can use a stream line version of play to make it easier and more fun for your children to play. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 4] Author : ozbirthrightfan Date : 04-03-07 07:20 AM Thread Title : Re: Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). You should also check out www.basicfantasy.org In the downloads section of that site, there is a FREE pdf of the recently completed Basic Fantasy RPG. It is very similar to the Mentzer Basic and Expert rules (NOT companion or masters level though), but re-written to use ascending AC and some other tidy-ups of the "Basic" D&D system. I heartily recommend it, especially for use with kids and adults and since it costs NOTHING, what have you got to loose? :) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 5] Author : Thad_Enouf Date : 04-03-07 02:02 PM Thread Title : Re: Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). Kind thanks for all responses. I got pdfs of the box sets last night and they're just as I remembered: simple and demanding full use of one's imagination. Tables even a kid could use and not long formulas for modifiers. No AoO, just THAC0. Very nice. Some things I'll have to get used to again (human classes and demi-humans, weapon restrictions, etc.) but picking them up again shouldn't take as long as trying to distribute skill points and the like. :) Now, off to find some modules... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [Post 6] Author : RobertFisher Date : 04-03-07 02:11 PM Thread Title : Re: Q Re: 4th Edition Basic Sets (Expert, Companion, etc). I cannot take issue with the advice already given. Just about any edition will probably serve you just fine, or even the Basic Fantasy RPG. Rather than confuse the issue by making yet more suggestions, I'm going to second the advice to get the Rules Cyclopedia. But certainly head over to the classic D&D forum at Dragonsfoot for advice, the link to Mr. Reaper's unofficial RC errata/resource, links to character sheets, some good--& free--classic D&D downloads, & lots of people who'll give you good advice. (& Dragonsfoot is a great resource for AD&D too. :)) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Downloaded from Wizards Community (http://forums.gleemax.com) at 05-10-08 08:15 AM.