Hold Person

[Zulgyan]

From page 25 of M&M:

Hold Person: A spell similar to a Charm Person but which is of both limited duration
and greater effect. It will effect from 1-4 persons. If it is cast at only a single
person it has the effect of reducing the target's saving throw against magic by -2.
Duration: 6 turns + level of the caster. Range: 12".

So, how do you play this spell? The wording says it's similar to charm person, with no reference to immobilization of opponents at all. Only in later editions of D&D this spells becomes for distinct from charm person and the effect is cleared described as a sort of paralisation.

In your OD&D games, how do you run this spell?

[Zulgyan]

I've been thinking...

When the author is saying "a spell similar to a Charm Person" he is referring to what can be subject to the spell's effect. This would be: "all two-legged, generally mammalian figures near to or less than man-size, excluding all monsters in the "Undead" class but including Sprites, Pixies, Nixies, Kobolds, Goblins, Orcs, Hobgoblins and Gnolls". (p. 23 M&M)

Then the author assumed that the reader would deduce the spell effect just from the spell's name: Hold Person. This spell holds a person for the indicated duration.

[coffee]

Your logic is impeccable. I agree.

[Deleted]

Hold Person: A spell similar to a Charm Person but which is of both limited duration
and greater effect. It will effect from 1-4 persons. If it is cast at only a single
person it has the effect of reducing the target's saving throw against magic by -2.
Duration: 6 turns + level of the caster. Range: 12".

I take a middle ground to this. While I abide by the mechanics listed in the description in M&M, I take the name of the spell literally: Hold Person.

[Zulgyan]

He who voted option 1, please elaborate!! ;D

[Deleted]

That was me. ;D

[Zulgyan]

You had the "Other" option



;D

[Deleted]

Sorry Zulgyan. I hope my post(s) are making sense tonite; I've got a wicked ear infection in both of my ears, plus bronchitis, so I'm not really feeling too hot...

Glad I have 150 hrs. of "Personal Time" saved at work