Basic Exploration Rules Sheet

[derv]

I'm fairly transparent with the rules with my players. This is a one page doc I keep on the table so it's clear how situations in the dungeon are resolved in most instances. This is common stuff that is happening behind the screen during a game. Just making it available if someone else may have a use for it.

The one thing out of the ordinary that I include is Thievery Skills. I don't use the Thief class. Instead, I allow all character types to attempt them.

Basic Exploration Rules

[tetramorph]

Very nice!

I downloaded it so that I can use it as a basis for my own sheet to share.

My rules are very similar but slightly house ruled another direction.

Thanks.

[Red Baron]

I appreciate your interpretation of elf, dwarf, and hobbit bonuses as a +2 to secret doors, mechanical devices, and sneaking/hiding respectively.

In my exploration notes, I also include:

• 2 in 6 chance for pits to open under a random character, and the x in 6 chance per x levels fallen that xd6 damage is sustained from the fall.
• Monsters will continue pursuit if distance between the two parties is not more than 90 feet. Turning a corner, passing through a door, or changing elevation will loose a monster on a 3/6. Passing through a secret passage or door will loose a monster on a 5/6. Burning oil will deter most monsters. Food will deter unintelligent monsters on a 5/6. Significant treasure will deter intelligent monsters on a 5/6, unless they believe more treasure may be easily gained by pursuit.
• After five turns of exploration, characters must rest for a turn. After flight/pursuit situations, two turns of rest are required.
  

[derv]

I tried to keep the list curt and to the point. I definitely wanted it limited to a page at a readable font size. In my mind all these rules are flexible. There are times in the game that they might be ignored or adjusted. For the most part they're pretty consistent rules in use though.

The one thing I probably should add is a reference to the condensed Reaction and Morale check- 2d6: 2-5 negative 6-8 uncertain 9-12 positive.

[peelseel2]

The link does not work for me.

[derv]

peelseel2 Nothing particularly special. It was just a pdf I threw together with a Tramp illustration to give it a little pizzaz.

I should probably just post the content so others can copy and paste if they like. It would also be something we all could discuss further. Do you give players any rules during play? Are there rules you would have included that I didn't? Or rules you would not have included?

This is the content of the one page sheet:

Turn= 2 moves= 10 minutes
One turn of rest required every 6 turns exploring (doubled if flight/pursuit occurs)
Max load character can carry is 300 lbs. (3000 coins weight) at half movement
Reaction and Morale (2d6) 2-5 negative 6-8 uncertain 9-12 positive
Wandering Monsters 1 in 6 per turn
Surprise 1-2 in 6
Encounter Distance
>>with surprise 10-30 feet
>>no surprise 20-80 feet
Pursuit 1-2 in 6
(modified if food or treasure dropped)
Searching takes 1 full turn
Light 30 ft. radius
>>torch last 6 turns
>>lantern last 24 turns
Traps sprung 1-2 in 6
Listening
>>human 1 in 6
>>dwarf, elf, halfling 1-2 in 6
Stuck doors open 1-2 in 6
(Strength modifier may apply)
Secret doors found 1-2 in 6
Leaping across 10 ft. crevice 1-2 in 6
(-1 per additional 5 feet)

Thievery Skills base 1-2 in 6
Armor:
>>None +1
>>Leather no modifier
>>Chain -1
>>Plate -3
Dexterity:
>>3-8 -1
>>9-14 no modifier
>>15-18 +1
Filching items, picking pockets, sleight of hand- may not be attempted by lawful characters
Discover or disarming small traps +2 if dwarf
Finding hidden or secret doors +2 if elf (1-2 in 6 if not searching) no armor modifier
Hiding in shadows, moving silently +2 if halfling
Backstabbing when successfully moving silently and surprising +4 to hit and double damage
Picking locks (tools are required)
Climbing sheer surfaces (modified by pitch and use of climbing tackle)

[skars]

Which version of the rules did you compile these, B/X?

[derv]

Feb 5, 2023 18:24:21 GMT -6 skars said:

Which version of the rules did you compile these, B/X?

OD&D with house rules for thievery. Curious, what about them made you think BX?

[dicebro]

Dec 31, 2022 23:00:22 GMT -6 Red Baron said:

I appreciate your interpretation of elf, dwarf, and hobbit bonuses as a +2 to secret doors, mechanical devices, and sneaking/hiding respectively.

In my exploration notes, I also include:

• 2 in 6 chance for pits to open under a random character, and the x in 6 chance per x levels fallen that xd6 damage is sustained from the fall.
• Monsters will continue pursuit if distance between the two parties is not more than 90 feet. Turning a corner, passing through a door, or changing elevation will loose a monster on a 3/6. Passing through a secret passage or door will loose a monster on a 5/6. Burning oil will deter most monsters. Food will deter unintelligent monsters on a 5/6. Significant treasure will deter intelligent monsters on a 5/6, unless they believe more treasure may be easily gained by pursuit.
• After five turns of exploration, characters must rest for a turn. After flight/pursuit situations, two turns of rest are required.
  

Have you ever tried this… roll 2 dice. The first die is the target number. The second die is the attempt roll.  

[skars]

Feb 5, 2023 19:56:58 GMT -6 derv said:

Feb 5, 2023 18:24:21 GMT -6 skars said:

Which version of the rules did you compile these, B/X?

OD&D with house rules for thievery. Curious, what about them made you think BX?

Totally an assumption based on the subject including the term "Basic" followed by some of the noted abilities being analogous to how they are handled in B/X, such as the listening rules and some of the other adventuring/thievery abilities. But, because some of things all overlap with od&d, holmes, B/X, BECMI, and the clones they have spawned I was ultimately unsure

[Zenopus]

derv: I like what you did with the thief skills there.

@holmes-aficionados: I have a Holmes Basic Dungeoneering reference sheet here:

zenopusarchives.blogspot.com/2020/05/holmes-ref-dungeoneering-reference-sheet.html