Towards the end of 2018 I was thinking how much I miss Basic D&D. In particular B/X flavor of Basic D&D. So with some of my left-over Christmas money, I went out and got some new Basic-era games.
Up first is Michael Thomas' own BLUEHOLM, both the Prentice and Journeymanne Rules.
Designed to emulate and then extend the Holmes edition of D&D Basic. The version I cut my teeth on now 40 years ago.
That would be enough to keep me happy for a long time really, but it is not the only thing on my table.
Gavin Norman's B/X Essentials is a recreation and reorganization of the Basic and Expert rules. Like those famous boxed sets (and my favorite version of Basic D&D) this version only goes to level 14. There is a lot to be said for this. Some really, really fun adventuring can be done at this level. I promise a full review soon, but let me just say these books look fantastic.
Of course, you can use Jonathan Becker's B/X Companion and The Complete B/X Adventurer with these, but that is defeating the B/XE design philosophy (but still would work and be fun).
If extending your B/X experience is your bag, then pick up Mark Craddock's B/X Ascending gives you more classes and plenty of new options.
I have to say, Mark has really stepped up his game. This is a great looking book.
Not everything I want to do this year is 100% B/X basic, but they are still B/X related.
What is B/X without it's two most iconic adventures? I already had Into the Borderlands, but now I got Isle of Dread updated versions from Goodman Games. The originals work fantastically with all the books listed above and 5th edition as well.
Also on my table is an update to one of my favorite clones.
Dan Protector's Labyrinth Lord in it's new Advanced incarnation is really more like the D&D we played back in the day; freely mixing Basic and Advanced D&D.
Whats my plan for all of this?
Well I hope to do some more Basic-era type posts and products. Swords & Wizardry was a lot of fun, don't get me wrong, but Basic is my true love.
So let's see what 2019 can bring us!
That is a fine collection of material! I'm waiting with bated breath for the release compiled version of the B/X Essentials (and delivery of my copy of Advanced Labyrinth Lord).
ReplyDeleteWell, I've been thinking about running OD&D this year using Greyharp's single volume edition. Failing that, I have the Holmes Expanded that was put out by an anonymous person in 2011.
ReplyDeleteI fee like I made it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for showcasing B/X Ascending.
Similarly itching to get back to classic D&D. I’m envious of that collection!
ReplyDelete