So, I have been playing with wordpress...

[Buster's Uncle]

It does.  -Not a bad move, you know, to do something similar at forums focused on other games, eventually - promotionally, or creatively as mining for ideas to adapt.

-I've been posting Flash Gordon videos all day, and obviously have some catching up to do at frugaldm...

[Buster's Uncle]

Okydoke; caught up now.  These two latest aren't really my cup of tea, but that's numbers and haven't gamed off the computer with people in --- [thinks] [thinks more]  nearly 30 years.  Nothing wrong with them; it's me, and shouldn't be a problem with your target audience..

[Green1]

Okydoke; caught up now.  These two latest aren't really my cup of tea, but that's numbers and haven't gamed off the computer with people in --- [thinks] [thinks more]  nearly 30 years.  Nothing wrong with them; it's me, and shouldn't be a problem with your target audience..

Actually, 5e is not as mathy as 4e or 3e was. 2e and 1e just had 50 tables for everything.

But, with drawing up, there is some math.

NOT nearly the math of 3.5 epic level handbook stuff. Gawd. That made my head hurt.

[Buster's Uncle]

I don't know what it is with me and numbers and being dumb at simple arithmetic.  Dad was super-good at numbers, and so's the Reverend Dr. Buster's Daddy.  Me and Mylochka, though, just no good at it - and it's weird, because I never had trouble grasping algebra or geometry; just made too many stupid errors on the arithmetic.  Mom's pretty normal.  It's like me and Sis have psychological blocks.  My eyes just glaze over.

[Green1]

Well, once you get the numbers, it is super easy. Probably one of the simplest editions since Second.

The only real numbers are:

- the modifiers for each ability score. These are also base saving throws, skills, etc. Also used in Armor Class, attack rolls, and spell attacks.
- proficiency modifier. Based on total level. You add this to any attack or save you are proficient at.
- spell save Difficulty Class. Only used for spellcasting and some class features. Add 8 + Ability Mod + Profeciency and that is the save things have to roll to get out of your spell/ whatever.

Everything 3rd edition up is roll a d20 and add one of these numbers versus a target number from bluffing past a guard to climbing a mountain to hitting with a great axe.

Those 3 numbers are really the only math with the exception of drawing up things with multiple hit dice or levels for HIT POINTS. That is because if you are taking max fist plus average, you can get big numbers. It can get just a bit more complex if you have multiple kinds of hit dice. Like say, custom making an Adult Green Dragon who has 5 levels of Barbarian and 5 levels of Sorcerer. First would always be the monster hit dice (based on size. Large creatures are d10s) then Barbarian and Sorc ones which are different.

Now, if you REALLY want something, each creation also has a CHALLENGE RATING which uses one of the most obscure and esoteric multiple step maths. I just eyeball. But, some folks want to see the CR particularly of custom creations because CR is used to gauge the monster's relative power versus a party of 4 players. But, meh...

[Dio]

Well, once you get the numbers, it is super easy. Probably one of the simplest editions since Second.

The only real numbers are:

- the modifiers for each ability score. These are also base saving throws, skills, etc. Also used in Armor Class, attack rolls, and spell attacks.
- proficiency modifier. Based on total level. You add this to any attack or save you are proficient at.
- spell save Difficulty Class. Only used for spellcasting and some class features. Add 8 + Ability Mod + Profeciency and that is the save things have to roll to get out of your spell/ whatever.

Everything 3rd edition up is roll a d20 and add one of these numbers versus a target number from bluffing past a guard to climbing a mountain to hitting with a great axe.

Those 3 numbers are really the only math with the exception of drawing up things with multiple hit dice or levels for HIT POINTS. That is because if you are taking max fist plus average, you can get big numbers. It can get just a bit more complex if you have multiple kinds of hit dice. Like say, custom making an Adult Green Dragon who has 5 levels of Barbarian and 5 levels of Sorcerer. First would always be the monster hit dice (based on size. Large creatures are d10s) then Barbarian and Sorc ones which are different.

Now, if you REALLY want something, each creation also has a CHALLENGE RATING which uses one of the most obscure and esoteric multiple step maths. I just eyeball. But, some folks want to see the CR particularly of custom creations because CR is used to gauge the monster's relative power versus a party of 4 players. But, meh...

I enjoy reading your commentary, but I have not played the most recent version of Dugeons and Dragons.

[Buster's Uncle]

I dropped out while it was still Advanced Edition...

Is that what they call 2nd, now?

[Dio]

I dropped out while it was still Advanced Edition...

Is that what they call 2nd, now?

I believe that is the correct name of the edition in the present time.

[Buster's Uncle]

Which?

[Green1]

No... 1e or 2e

ADnD is considered either 1st or 2nd edition. During your era, I am guessing 2e.

Do you know the word "thac0"? It is the password to get into the Temple of the Greybeard if you can explain what it is.

There was also a "Basic Set" sold at the same time as ADnD. Adding to it is ODnD which is the first version of 1e based off a wargame called Chainmail. For some rules, you had to have Avalon Hill wargames rules. But, what to say?. Those guys printed that stuff in a basement to sell at war game cons.

[Buster's Uncle]

"thac0" ...  I ... knew this, once.  Something to do with either constitution or bonuses is what comes to mind...  Something to do with your roll and effective stats accounting for modifiers like magic equipment bonuses... It that it?  Ummm...

This is going to come to me at 4am if you don't tell me.  Wanna wait and see?

I told you Saturday I started out with the Basic Set DMing.  Christmas, 1980, and was the founder of local D&D - through my church!  Southern Baptists, and we were such early adapters they didn't know to give us any crap about it.

[Dio]

No... 1e or 2e

ADnD is considered either 1st or 2nd edition. During your era, I am guessing 2e.

Do you know the word "thac0"? It is the password to get into the Temple of the Greybeard if you can explain what it is.

There was also a "Basic Set" sold at the same time as ADnD. Adding to it is ODnD which is the first version of 1e based off a wargame called Chainmail. For some rules, you had to have Avalon Hill wargames rules. But, what to say?. Those guys printed that stuff in a basement to sell at war game cons.

I have never played the first or second editon of Dungeons and Dragons and I am clueless about the actual meaning of "thac0."

[Buster's Uncle]

Something related to effective 00 ogre strength?  It's on the tip of my brain...

[Buster's Uncle]

...It's definitely about your stats, d20 roll, and modifiers that apply...

[Buster's Uncle]

Darnit!  Something about minimum saving throw?  I swear I haven't played with people in analogue since the mid-late 80s...