Sure! I actually need to update my thing here because if you go by what I say, then all monsters get better attacks. The goblin (1-1 HD) would get a +1 to hit and thus hit AC 0 with an 18 instead of a 19 as it normally would.
A better way to use this shortcut is to say that you subtract 1 from HD and use that as the hit mod (no negatives). So 1 HD means you just use the matrix as-is. A ghoul with 2 HD would get +1 to hit (THAC0 18... which is what ghouls actually get according to the rules).
Where it gets tricky is higher HD monsters because the matrix goes by 2 HD increments instead of 1. But hey... it just means high HD monsters will mess you up even more. Or you could cap it at +10 max (which is the same as the highest level fighter in B/X D&D).
I use the matrix on the sheet so that no calculations are needed. I never use THAC0, as it is described in 2e. I don't have an issue with it, I just prefer to have a visual I can glance at.
Sure, but matt was talking about the kids these days and their subpar math skills, and I was just wondering what about this particular system requires that one be more numerate vs. modern AC calculation. It doesn't seem to me as though the math is any harder, just less intuitive.
I love it.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how to make monster attacks with the small matrix. Could you please give some examples, both with and without + to its HD?
ReplyDeleteSure! I actually need to update my thing here because if you go by what I say, then all monsters get better attacks. The goblin (1-1 HD) would get a +1 to hit and thus hit AC 0 with an 18 instead of a 19 as it normally would.
DeleteA better way to use this shortcut is to say that you subtract 1 from HD and use that as the hit mod (no negatives). So 1 HD means you just use the matrix as-is. A ghoul with 2 HD would get +1 to hit (THAC0 18... which is what ghouls actually get according to the rules).
Where it gets tricky is higher HD monsters because the matrix goes by 2 HD increments instead of 1. But hey... it just means high HD monsters will mess you up even more. Or you could cap it at +10 max (which is the same as the highest level fighter in B/X D&D).
LoL Awesome! Screw that ascending AC! Little bastards cannot do math any longer.
ReplyDeleteBut where's the math in glancing at a table? Where's the math behind the table?
DeleteI use the matrix on the sheet so that no calculations are needed. I never use THAC0, as it is described in 2e. I don't have an issue with it, I just prefer to have a visual I can glance at.
DeleteSure, but matt was talking about the kids these days and their subpar math skills, and I was just wondering what about this particular system requires that one be more numerate vs. modern AC calculation. It doesn't seem to me as though the math is any harder, just less intuitive.
ReplyDelete