Confuse by Terms

[Deleted]

Hi, I'm new to these forums, but have browsed them for a while and so far think it's a pretty neat place.

I am a rather young (18 years old) gamer, and although I love the feel that old-school D&D gives me, I am afraid it is all very much before my time, so I have only just recently gotten into it, so please be understanding if I ask dumb questions. ;D

Now, I have come into possesion of two "classic" D&D games, one being the three books of what was called on the website the "White Box" edition, the other is a retro-clone game called "Labyrinth Lords" by a company called Goblinoid Games.

I can most definatly see the difference between these two sources. However, I have gotten very confused while surfing these forums. Both of them are old (or based on old) editions of D&D, but I hear people refer to "Basic" or "Original" D&D, and I am unsure which is which. I can tell that postes are talking about the different games, but I can not figure out which is "Basic" and which is "Original" D&D. Can anybody help me out here with the terms?

By the way, Labyrinth Lords is free from this link: www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.htm

And, final question, how close is Labyrinth Lord to the game it is based on?

Thanks in advance.

[Zulgyan]

This is a good guide:

web.fisher.cx/robert/rpg/dnd-id/

[codeman123]

ahhh.. finally someone around my age who enjoys old school gaming..

[redpriest]

Hi rustmonster. You may want to also check out the document mentioned in this thread:

Old School "Primer"

[greyharp]

Another good visual history of D&D is a recent thread on Dragonsfoot.

[Finarvyn]

Hey, rustmonster, glad you found us!

A little history of these boards, from my perspective: many D&D boards talk about "Classic" D&D to include Basic/Expert (and so on) as compared to "Advanced" or AD&D. What I found is that the "Classic" boards tended to blur together all older versions of the game.

"Original" D&D is defined here as being those little brown books from 1974-75 that you have. Our intent from the onset was to stick to that material because other versions of the game had their own places to talk about their editions. This has gradually eroded a little and some talk about Holmes Basic happens as well as occasional references to B/X or other versions, but in general our focus is still on the little brown book (LLB) version of "Original D&D."

I'd say look at the links provided above to get a good grip on the terminology, then jump right into discussions. One of the best aspects of OD&D is that in that edition you were supposed to make up rules if they weren't provided, and usually they weren't. Or, if they were provided they were vague and open to interpretation. Most of the posters here take the philosophy that if you like it, use it. I think that tends to foster a good atmosphere for discussion and not so many posters attacking other posters.

You mentioned Labyrinth Lords and it's a great game, but it's based on B/X instead of OD&D. Another free game to look for is Swords & Wizardry, which is discussed in a section of this very board, and it's designed to be more OD&D-like.

It's a great board populated by great people, and welcome aboard! :-)

[oldgeezer]

Hi, Rusty.

Always glad to see another young'un here.

Got any good stuff?

[Rhuvein]

Welcome rustmonster. Glad to have you with us.

Heh, I too was confused about the various editions after O/BD&D for awhile.

I'm still not sure about the differences or similarities between B/X and BE!! LOL!

[Zulgyan]

Jul 19, 2008 22:19:03 GMT -6 codeman123 said:

ahhh.. finally someone around my age who enjoys old school gaming..

I'm 22, not much older!

[Deleted]

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice, everyone! I think I'm going to enjoy it here.

[Deleted]

Oh, and, by the way, where might I find this "Swords and Wizardry"?

[redpriest]

Jul 20, 2008 13:27:28 GMT -6 @rustmonster said:

Oh, and, by the way, where might I find this "Swords and Wizardry"?

odd74.proboards76.com/index.cgi?board=retroclone

Read away!

[Deleted]

Welcome rustmonster and have an exalt for asking away. Their are no dumb questions. As new members join many will have these questions. Cheers and glad you found your way here.