I saw this quote from Frank Mentzer today over on the Classic D&D forum at Dragonsfoot. I don't think I've ever had a Basic D&D group survive past 3rd level and I still love it. Man, it makes me want to roll up a new character. Maybe, just maybe I can finally get past that ghoul in the Tower of Zenopus this time...
D&D Characters Die Frequently.If you and your players refuse to embrace this axiom, you fall prey to an invulnerability that renders all the dangers impotent. You simply reenact plots knowing that the hero always survives and wins ::yawn::. But in accepting it you spring headlong into a world of thrills 'n' chills where failure and death are ever-present possibilities, surmounted only by the now-classic D&D resolution: create another heroic wannabe and try to do better.
- Frank Mentzer
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Meh!
That’s like criticising us for enjoying the game, if you don’t keep getting killed your not doing it right.
As always, YMMV.
Love the Tattoo
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Having gamed for the last 15 years, only int last 3 has our group gotten above level 10…
TPK all the way !
True. I should kill PCs when they do something dumb or even when they’re unlucky.
I’m getting soft.
I know it’s the rule of roguelike games (their structure has to do this, otherwise savescumming is a real possibility), because it’s the only way to learn, but I think doing this too excessively makes characters just sorta go “Great, we can’t do anything right” and think the GM’s after them or hates them or something. I think it’d actually be much better as “D&D Characters Get Near Death Frequently”; get people to single digit heal points or even at their first or second death saving roll and then players will get excited and bold without feeling helpless/the GM’s out to get them.