Oddities Found In Old School D&D Rules

J.D. Neal 2012

All Rights Reserved

Referring to: Original 1974 Rules
Holmes Edited Introductory rules ("Holmes Basic") c. 1977.
Moldvay and Cook/Marsh Dungeons & Dragons of c. 1980-1981
1st Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons including the Dungeons Master's Guide (DMG) Monster Manual (MM)
and Players Handbook (PHB)

NOTE: These are not necessarily ERRORS nor

FAULTS in the game. No book has ever been perfect
and these were printed before the modern age of
computers, often from hand written manuscripts which
where typed by someone else which means various
translation problems and miss-communications
occurred from the start. They were often laid out by
manual means, building pages by literally cutting them
up with razors or scissors and pasting them together
with glue and so on. Typo's occurred and fixing them
was often hit-or-miss. Some errors were fixed in certain
printings only to reappear again later. Whether or not
something appears as noted can depend on your
printing of a book. Errata was seemingly printed
erratically.
I have some of the official errata and will include it,
given time.
What is interesting is how I have to correct my own
typos and typos in the errata as well (the transcriptions
of errata seem to have problems...) And how the errata
sometimes does not match corrected printings.
Dungeons & Dragons evolved through various editions:
1) The 1974 three book set (and supplements),
which some people call 0th Edition (zero-th Edition
or Edition 0/Zero).
2) The 1977 Introductory booklet inspired greatly by
Eric Holmes.
3) The 1980-81 rules edited by Tom Moldvay and
Dave Cook/Steve Marsh.
4) A set of booklets compiled by Frank Mentzer with
publishing started in 1983. The Rules Cyclopedia
was published in 1991, and was an edited version
of the Mentzer set combined into one book - and
minus various elements. And there was a Classic
Dungeons & Dragons game offered in 1994 in a
black box introductory set offering the first five
levels of experience.
Note that I am referring to D&D, not AD&D. The
Advanced D&D rules only saw one edition under Gary
Gygax and the second edition - while TSR - is not
covered here. When Wizards of the Coast bought TSR
and D&D, they dropped the "Advanced" title and
continued with the 3rd edition moniker, although in
reality there were 4 previous editions of D&D itself and
2 editions of Advanced D&D which would have made
their edition 7th edition.
Players of AD&D often refer to other versions as "basic
D&D". They were NEVER "basic D&D". As stated on
the very first page of each book and throughout the
rest: they were Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) itself. The
confusion is due to marketing referring to "basic" sets
in advertisements and people who have never figured
out that AD&D was indeed Advanced D&D, while D&D
itself continued in the form of various multi-book
publishings. Some people who only play AD&D think it
is is the only "D&D" there is and somehow fail to
realize it is indeed a variant of D&D called "AD&D".
The publishers even went so far as to specify in the
rules that the game was "ADVANCED DUNGEONS &
DRAGONS" or "AD&D" every time it was mentioned.

1
 Table of Contents
Accessories..................................................................3
Dungeons & Dragons Original Edition (0D&D or
OD&D).........................................................................4
Spelling Issues..................................................................4
Barding.............................................................................4
Bracers of Defenselessness.............................................4
Damage............................................................................4
Heavy Wand and Staff......................................................4
Hobbits & Balrogs.............................................................4
Missing Text......................................................................5
Movement.........................................................................5
Movement and Distances in Inches..................................5
Official Errata For Earlier Printings...................................6
Turning Undead................................................................7
War Hammer....................................................................7
Holmes Edited Introductory Rules ("Holmes Basic") c.
1977.............................................................................8
Barding, pages and 28......................................................8
Damage............................................................................8
Dwarf Saves, page 13......................................................8
Experience Points for Monsters Overcome (page 11)......8
Giants, page 26................................................................8
Hippogriph, page 28.........................................................8
Horses, page 28...............................................................8
Missile Fire [page 20]........................................................9
Movement Rates...............................................................9
Pegasus, page 30.............................................................9
Skeleton Hit Die................................................................9
Spells................................................................................9
War Hammer (equipment list page 7)...............................9
AD&D 1st Edition DMG (1978)...................................10
Cover Art Credit..............................................................10
Damage..........................................................................10
Druid Spell Animal Friendship (DMG 43)........................10
Example of Melee (DMG 71)..........................................10
Monsters Not In Appendix E...........................................10
Calculated X.P. Values in APPENDIX E: ALPHABETICAL
MONSTER LISTING.......................................................10
Masher (Monster) Not Included in Appendix E...............15
Storm Giant Rock Hurling (DMG Versus Monster Manual)
........................................................................................15
Official Errata from the Acaeum.com:.............................15
AD&D 1st Edition Player's Handbook (1978).............22
Cleric Augury Spell (PHB 45)..........................................22
Cleric Detect Lie Spell (PHB 48).....................................22
Cleric Detect Magic Spell (PHB 44)................................22
Cleric Sanctuary Spell (PHB 44).....................................22
Druid Locate Animals Spell (PHB 55).............................22
Druid Summon Insects Spell (PHB 58)...........................22
Illusionist Color Spray Spell (PHB 94)............................22
Illusionist Darkness Spell (PHB 94)................................22
Magic-User Animal Growth Spell (PHB 79)....................22
Magic-User Massmorph Spell (PHB 77).........................22
2
Magic-User Trap The Soul Spell (PHB 92).....................22
Official Errata:.................................................................23
AD&D 1st Edition Monster Manual.............................24
Trapper (page 95)...........................................................24
From the Monster Manual Errata Sheet:........................24
Moldvay Basic and Cook/Marsh Edited Expert Sets: c.
1980-1981..................................................................26
1,110 s.p. vs. 1,100 g.p. (Sample Adventure in Basic
Book)..............................................................................26
36 Levels of Experience.................................................26
Average Values for Treasures........................................26
Bandits = Thieves (B30).................................................27
Bat: (B31)........................................................................27
Character Creation (B5)..................................................27
Cleric Spells at the 6th level of Experience:...................27
Companion Rules...........................................................27
Damage..........................................................................27
Detection Spells (Comparison).......................................27
Detect Invisible Spell (B16).............................................27
Dwarf and Halfling Saves Saving Throws.......................28
Equipment - Flail.............................................................28
Light Catapults (X64, 3-18 has no 3d6)..........................28
Living Statue (B37).........................................................28
Magic Armor Encumbrance............................................28
Medallion of ESP............................................................29
Monster Hit Points (B29).................................................29
Sharks (Movement rate = inches)...................................29
Skeleton vs Zombie Speed.............................................29
Staff of Power (X49).......................................................29
Staff of Wizardry Area of Blast (X49)..............................29
Strength Bonuses & Opening Doors:..............................29
Swimming (3,000 coins treasure...)................................29
Thieves versus Other Classes and Finding Traps:.........29
Thief Skill Climbing Description......................................29
Wand of Fireball (6d6 after damage)..............................29
Dungeons & Dragons c. 1983 (Frank Mentzer
Compilation)...............................................................30
Damage..........................................................................30
Doors (Forcing)...............................................................30
Dwarf and Halfling Saves Saving Throws.......................30
Maximum Level For Elf...................................................30
Equipment - Crowbar......................................................30
Equipment - Flail.............................................................30
Finding Traps: Thief versus other Characters.................30
Green Slime: Basic Set Player's Rulebook page 31.......31
Healing............................................................................31
Intelligence table - Basic Players Book page 51.............31
Module X1: The Isle of Dread.........................................31
Rat statistics...................................................................31
Sample Characters.........................................................31
Sprite Statistics...............................................................31
Thief Skills Progression..................................................31
Typos..............................................................................31
 Accessories
I have an Advanced D&D Dungeon Master's Screen that could be a knock-off or illegal pirate version: it uses the
wrong columns for the monster attack matrix (the title for 1 hit die creatures was dropped and hence the columns
for 1+ hit die and so on are shifted left.) If you have a similar erroneous item, you might also be suffering from
similar erroneous tables.

Module B9: Castle Caldwell and Beyond: The map for the episode of THE CLEARING OF CASTLE
CALDWELL shows room 30 as a corridor connecting the various rooms and 31 as a bedroom; the text has "31.
COURTYARD" and "30. BEDROOM".

Module X1: The Isle of Dread: In some copies, in the text for the first level of the taboo Island adventure, there
are two room 3B and no room 3C, although it is fairly easy to figure out which should be 3C.

It seems that even in the age of computers and short and simple material, checking logic isn't always a priority:
The free solo 4th edition module Ghost Tower of the Witchlight Fens refers to:

Do you go through the east door? Go to 29.

Do you go through the north door? Go to 44.
Do you go through the west door? Go to 69.

Entry 29 starts...

29
You push the western door open and your light shines inside...

69
Beyond the eastern door, a spiral staircase burrows deep into the earth....

3
 Dungeons & Dragons Original Edition (0D&D or OD&D)
This is the very first version of D&D, the 3 digest sized books published around 1974 and supplemented by more
books that eventually led to AD&D. Either someone is selling bogus counterfeits, or the editing was very poor.
Spelling Issues
Men & Magic page 19: "8th level Wizard sizes [sic:
sixes] across the board; and so on..."
There really isn't much reason to point out all the other
typos...
Barding
In the equipment list but uses are not detailed. The
encumbrance table gives:
Plate Mail or Horse Armor - 750 (coins)
This also occurs in the Holmes edited introductory
book. The Cook Expert rulebook has barding improving
a horse's armor class from 7 to 5. AD&D lists three
sorts of barding (leather, chain, and plate) but has little
reference to their use. Unearthed Acanna adds scale
barding and explains the following uses:
Type Armor Class Improvement Weight
leather 1 160#
scale 2 250#
chain 3 350#
plate 4 500 #
Bracers of Defenselessness
Odd how these reduce armor class to "12".
Bracers of Defenselessness: These wrist guards
exactly resemble the above, but when an enemy
attacks in anger they immediately lower their wearer's
armor class to 12.
Damage
When using the alternate combat system, in the
original booklets all attacks did 1-6 (1d6) points of
damage - including attacks by monsters. Some
monsters like giants were given 2 dice, 2+2 dice, or 3
dice damage and so on. Attacks which many gamers
are now familiar with (such as a dragon claw/claw/bite)
did not exist.
The Greyhawk supplement introduced variable
damage for everyone, both PCs and monsters: and
some monsters now how the familiar attack routines
4
such as claw/claw/bite.
Heavy Wand and Staff
Men & Magic page 15: A wand and case has 10
pounds encumbrance while a staff and case 30
pounds...
WEIGHT AND EQUIVALENTS: (g.p.)
1 Wand with Case 100
1 Staff with Case 300
Hobbits & Balrogs
Due to a legal issue, balrogs were expunged and
"hobbits" replaced by "halflings" in many (though not
all) places.
Balrog stats for OD&D are:
Balrog
Move: 60 feet/turn, 150 feet flying
Treasure Type: F
Alignment: chaotic evil
Hit Dice: 10 [errata indicates 9]
Attacks: 2
Armor Class: 2
Damage: see below
* See the errata which indicates the correct value is 9.
A Balrog is a highly intelligent and truly terrible
opponent with a magical nature. Balrogs cannot be
killed y normal missile fire or melee weapons and there
is a high probability that spells will not work against
them (75%). They operate equally well in darkness or
light and can remain airborne for three turns. In combat
a Balrog will normally attack with a +1 magical sword,
however, if it immolates (any score of 7 or better on
two 6-sided dice, Dungeon Master to check each
round) it also attacks with its whip. If the whip hits, the
Balrog drags the opponent against its flaming body,
doing 3d6 points of damage. In this manner a Balrog
can fight two opponents at the same time.
Balrogs mentions despite expunging:
Wilderness & Underworld:
Dungeon encounter tables (page 11),
Castle encounters (page 15)
Wilderness Encounters (page 18)
Movement (page 26)
Supplement I: Greyhawk
Page 63:A Balrog riding a Red Dragon, or a Balrog
with Salamanders as servants, or a Balrog with a pet
fire-breathing Hydra.
Encounter tables page 65
Missing Text
This seems to be one of the most consistent missing
parts, present in the 4th printing of Volume III (The
Underworld & Wilderness Adventures) on pp. 21-22,
but not found in from the 5th printing:
Other Construction and Equipment Costs:
Moat or Ditch: 180' long, 20' wide, 10' deep......2,000
G.P.
Earth Works, as above.............................1,000 G.P.
Wooden Pallisade, 180' long.......................1,500 G.P.
Wooden Building, 120' of outer walls, etc.
.....as Stone Building..............................500 G.P.
Light Catapult......................................250 G.P.
Heavy Catapult......................................400 G.P.
Cauldron & Oil.......................................50 G.P.
Portable Covered Ram, Sow, etc....................1,000
G.P.
Siege Tower, Green Hide Covered...................2,000
G.P.
Other items not listed can be built, and their price
calculated by consulting the nearest comparison
above.
Movement
It is interesting how movement was originally 2 moves
per turn:
"Movement (distances given in Vol. 1) is in segments of
approximately ten minutes. Thus it takes ten minutes to
move about two moves 120 feet for a fully-armored
character. Two moves constitute a turn, except in
flight/pursuit situations where the moves/turn will be
doubled (and no mapping allowed). " (Wilderness &
Underworld Volume, pg. 8)
5
Thus the reference to encumbrance in Men & Magic
page 15 does not go against what is said above, since
the movement rates quoted are for one move and are
doubled per turn...
Load in Gold Pieces Equal to Light Foot Movement
(12") - -
Load in Gold Pieces Equal to Heavy Foot
Movement (9") - -
Load in Gold Pieces Equal to Armd. Foot Movement
(6") - -
Movement and Distances in Inches
This is not an "error", but an observation: D&D evolved
from war gaming, such as Gary Gygax and Jeff
Perrin's Chainmail. Which was in itself greatly
responsible for the gaming that led to D&D, which itself
might be viewed as a supplement to Chainmail itself
(after all, it referred to Chainmail for combat and other
details and seemed to assume most people would own
it).
War games were often played by making sand boxes
and other ad-hoc playing fields. Some game surfaces
might have grids, but many did not. Hence, movement
and ranges were given in "inches": players could pull
out a ruler, tape measure or yardstick and measure
things out. Using a 12" (one foot) basis for movement
made it easier to figure out how many feet were
needed for a playing field.
Another tidbit is how typical military marches are 120
beats / paces per minute. A pace is 2.5 (2 1/2 feet)
hence the pace is 300 feet or 100 yards per minute.
Converting the commonly quoted walking pace of 3
miles per hour to feet per minute gives 3 x 5,280 =
15,840 feet / 60 minutes per hour = 264 feet per minute
or 88 yard per minute. No one walks at a specific
speed (most people vary) and the military march is
perhaps 3.5 miles per hour.
In early D&D characters made 2 moves per turn for
240 feet per minute base movement.
Official Corrections Page
(Page 68 of Supplement I: Greyhawk)
((CORRECTIONS)) Page Correction or Addition
5 Dwarves: All dwarves add +1 to hit probabilities,
and subtract -1 from chances to be hit, when
 fighting the "Giant Class".
Elves: All elves add +1 to their hit probabilities
when using sword or bow.
Hobbits: All hobbits add +3 to hit probabilities when
using the sling.
6 Add Hobbits* to the columns of Law and Neutrality.
13 ALTERNATIVE COMBAT SYSTEM: Defender's
Armor Class 5 vs. Dagger should read "1".
15 Magic Armor Effects .. . : Chainmail and +1 (shield)
should be Armor Class 3 (not 2).
21 7th Level Cleric Spells should include: 11. Gate
26 Extension III should be shown under 6th Level
spells. Add to the 7th Level spells: "Gate: Same as
Magic-Users' Gate Spell."
30 Speak With Dead: 15th-20th level clerics can
converse with creatures dead up to 12
months.
Holy Word: Other effects of the spell are:
Move is Fight at Can cast
spell
9th-12th level normal -2 50% chance
5th-8th level nil cannot nil
under 5th
level
37 BEHOLDERS: If attacked from above all of the
small eyes can function simultaneously,
40% of eye damage is
but the large eye cannot if they do so. 25% of all
hits are upon eyes
on the central eye.
40 HOMONCULOUS: This creature is made and
animated only through a special formula
involving the talents of both an Alchemist and a
Magic-User and is the servant and
counterpart of the latter. The Alchemist will require
no less than 1-4 weeks, 1,000 Gold
Pieces expenditure, and a pint of the Magic-User's
blood. When the Homonculous is
finished it will be man-like in form, about 18" tall,
have a greenish, reptilian skin, leathery
wings, and a bat-like mouth with teeth passing on a
venom which causes sleep unless the
6
party bitten saves vs. magic. Although the
Homonculous cannot speak, it knows what the
Magic-User knows, and the latter is able to see and
hear through the creature's eyes and
ears. These is a telepathic link between the Magic-
User and his creature, and the Homonculous
can be controlled up to 36" away from its master. It
will never willingly pass from
this maximum range. If the Homonculous is killed
the Magic-User immediately suffers 2-20
points of damage.
GOLEMS: Golems are created by ultra-powerful (or
ultra-knowledgable) Magic-Users. They are
generally slow of movement but super-powerful.
There are three basic
types of Golems:
GOLEMS: Flesh: Hit Points-40, Movement-8",
Armor Class-9
Stone: Armor Class-5
Iron: Armor Class-2.
49 Rod of Resurrection: (This should read) A rod which
allows its user to resurrect just as if he
were a 15th level patriarch. It is usable but once per
day. It contains 20 charges, and it cannot
be recharged.
54 Gem of Seeing: (Insert this before the Jewel of
Attacks .. .) This jewel allows the user to see
hidden, invisible, out-of-phase, or astrally projected
things. The user may not be moving
when it is being used. It requires a full turn to scan
a 20' wall section or a space volume of
20' square. Range: 3".
55 Talisman of Lawfulness: Range: 3".
Official Errata For Earlier Printings
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
--Correction Sheet--
MEN & MAGIC, Volume 1
Page 9: Add Griffons under the neutrality column.
Delete the first listing for Wights under the Chaos
column.
Page 11, line 35: 30% to 40% should be 40% to 50%.
Page 22, line 21: The T cross index for Zombie/Adept
should be 7.
Page 23, line 34: 2+1), (and deleted) from 1-6, 3rd
level types, and but 1 4th level type (up to 4+1 hit
dice).
Page 28, line 9: each should be east
MONSTERS & TREASURE, Volume 2
Page 3: Skeletons/Zombies hit dice should read 1/2/1
(1/2 and 1)
Page 14, line 24: doing two, three or four dice of
damage (depending on size)!
Page 14, line 31: add Only magical weapons/attacks
affect Gargoyles.
Page 14, line 33: add Only silver weapons or magical
weapons/attacks affect Lycanthropes.
Page 18, line 22: add Only magical weapons/attacks
affect Elementals.
Page 24, SCROLLS: There is a 25% chance that any
scroll of spells found will contain those useable by
Clerics.
Page 32, Heroism: add The potion will cause fighters
of 5th 7th level to increase two levels, and 8th 10th
level to increase by one level of ability.
SCROLLS: N.B. After reading a spell from a scroll the
writing disappears, so the spell is usable one time only!
THE UNDERWORLD & WILDERNESS
ADVENTURES, Volume 3
Page 11: Balrogs should have Die 9.
Page 18, line 10: An Encounter occurs in a City on a 6.
Page 24, line 16: The missing word is ten.
Turning Undead
In the 1974 rules skeletons have 1/2 hit die,
zombies 1 hit die, ghouls 2 hit die, etc. Thus the cleric
turning table shows different columns for each. In
future games, the column organization was not (in
general) changed even though skeletons were given 1
hit die and zombies had the same hit die as ghouls.
War Hammer
A war hammer is not included in the equipment list.
War hammers are detailed in magic-items in the guise
of magic war hammers with bonuses when thrown by
Dwarves. Damage ratings are given for the "dwarven
war hammer" in the variable damage table in the
Greyhawk supplement.
7
 Holmes Edited Introductory Rules ("Holmes Basic") c. 1977.
There were various printings with different changes, The Dwarf saves for Dragonbreath should be 13
hence elements may appear in one printing and not not 14 (whoever re-arranged the saving throw tables
another. I haven't been through Holmes as thoroughly from the original booklets left 14 in the far right.)
as others. With only about 48 pages of material, there
is less to screw up. But, it seems someone managed
to introduce oddities here and there. Experience Points for Monsters
Overcome (page 11)
Much of the game mechanics are taken from the
original 1974 rule books and Greyhawk supplement. Blank entries for 2+1 hit die critters (probably 25 and
As such, the same errors, omissions, and such tended 10).
to be carried over. While the book constantly refers
the gamers to ADVANCED DUNGEONS & Monster's Hit Value Bonus for Special
DRAGONS for more details, it is actually more of a Dice Abilities
primer for the original game. Under 1 5 1
1 10 3
From what the author has heard and observed, 1+1 15 4
Holmes likely offered a manuscript which included his 2 20 5
own house rules. Gary Gygax liked the idea but 2+1
changed various elements to bring them in line with 3 35 15
D&D. Thus, some of the Holmes book is Mr. Holmes 3+1 50 25
and some of it is Mr. Gygax. 4 75 50
4+1 125 75
Barding, pages and 28 5 175 125
5+1 225 175
Listed in the equipment list but no rules given for
them. Giants, page 26
Damage HIT DICE: The summary lists 8 - 12 hit die but as
shown in the table they go from 8 to 12+2 and the
This edition began a divergence in the combat storm giant has 15 hit die.
systems that persisted with future products. In the
original 1974 booklets (using the d20 combat system), CLOUD GIANT DAMAGE: Should be "6-36" not 6-63"
all attacks did 1-6 (1d6) points of damage - including
attacks by monsters. Some monsters like giants were DAMAGE: Note that the description quotes the old
given 2 dice, 2+2 dice, or 3 dice damage and so on. damage factors from 1974 rules (2 die +1 for frost
And everyone got one attack, including monsters. giants, etc.) as well as the variable damage from
The attack system which many gamers are now Greyhawk supplement.
familiar with (such as a dragon's claw/claw/bite) did
not exist. The Greyhawk supplement introduced
variable damage for everyone, both PCs and Hippogriph, page 28
monsters, and monsters were given such familiar
attack routines as claw/claw/bite. It was stressed that Armor Class: CM, 5 means "chain mail, 5."
variable damage for monsters was not to be used
unless variable weapons for PC weapons was used.
The Holmes booklet limited to all player character Horses, page 28
attacks to 1-6 damage - and yet maintained variable
damage for monsters. Thus a normal elf could do 1-10 In the first printing no "attacks" is given. Other
points damage while a PC elf only did 1-6. printings show:

Attacks: 2 hooves, 1 bite

Dwarf Saves, page 13 Damage: 1-6/hoof, 1-4/bite.

8
 Missile Fire [page 20]
The ranges for the "Hand hurled axe, spear or dagger"
do not have a medium range, although someone
might have decided to exclude it and make them
either short or long.
Movement Rates
The movement rates are based on the original
booklets, but spelled out and converted directly to the
2 moves per turn (120' x 2 = 240') rate of the original.
Pegasus, page 30
"...fight as a heavy war horse. " versus "...fight as a
heavy horse."
Skeleton Hit Die
Skeletons have the same hit die as they had in the
1974 rules (1/2) but zombies were given 2 hit die,
which would be the standard for AD&D and future
rules.
Spells
Cure Light Wounds - "...damage done to a character,
including elves, dwarves and hobbits." Note "hobbits"
9
was changed to halflings in all other areas of the book.
[page 17.]
Enlargements - S/B "Enlargement" (no ending "s") in
the "Book of First Level Spells" (page 14)
Strength spell - the benefit for thief and cleric are
flipped compared to the 1974 rules. [page 16]
"...a thief's by 1-6 points, or a cleric's by 1-4."
War Hammer (equipment list page 7)
A war hammer is not in the equipment list but is
mentioned ...
Page 6, the description of Dwarves: "They are the
only ones who can wield the +3 Magic War Hammer
(described later)."
On page 36 result # 8 on the Armor and Weapons
table:
8 War Hammer + 1
And in the discussion of magic weapons: "Thus, a War
Hammer +2 adds to the chance of hitting and also
does 2 additional hit points when it does strike."
The dwarven war hammer is not described.
 AD&D 1st Edition DMG (1978)
SOME TABLE WAS MISSING AN ENTRY BUT I
FORGET WHICH...
Cover Art Credit
The printing that I have (with the wizard opening the
doors on the cover) still has the blurb for the older
cover, on page 2 under Mike Carr's foreword:
Cover: The book cover painting shows an
encounter between three adventurers and on efreet
on the Elemental Plane of Fire. The fabled City of
Brass can be seen floating over a flame-swept sea
of oil.
Calculated X.P. Values in APPENDIX E:
ALPHABETICAL MONSTER LISTING
NOTE: I have not had the time to go through and look
at every entry. As it is I need to double-check the
following.
Also, keep in mind that the DMG itself specifies that
rewards tend to be an art and hence I do not expect
anyone to use my own suppositions: a DM might
reward experience for special/exceptional abilities
based on whether or not they are USED in the game,
not just having them, for example. In many cases I list
the base experience numbers so a DM can decide
what they want to do.

Damage [page 196]

AD&D used variable damage for everyone - AERIAL SERVANT: 5,250 + 20/hp is credit for 1
monsters and PCs alike. Likewise, it maintained special (and surprise on 1-4) and 1 exceptional
weapons damage versus large creatures, which gave (damage > 24 singly).
PCs with certain weapons more effectiveness against
bigger creatures. See the discussion of the original ANHKHEG: DMG: "390 + hp/value". One unusual
rules, Holmes, Cook/Moldvay, etc. for how damage ability ("squirt acid 8-32") which could be counted as
varied. special (missile discharge) or exceptional (since 8-32
exceeds the damage > 24 in one attack).
Druid Spell Animal Friendship (DMG 43)
Hit 1
THA 1 special Ba Spec Excep x.p./p
Notes are given under the 2nd Level spells. This is a Dic exceptiona
C0 ability se ial tional er hp
1st level spell. e l ability
3 16 50+3/hp 90+3/hp 35 15 55 3
Example of Melee (DMG 71) 4 15 85+4/hp 125+4/hp 60 25 65 4
5 15 130+5/hp 165+5/hp 90 40 75 5
Balto attacks Aggro (who is in AC 2) with his staff. He 6 13 225+6/hp 275+6/hp 150 75 125 6
needs a base 18 to hit, and the -7 armor class 7 13 350+8/hp 400+8/hp 225 125 175 8
adjustment for sword [sic: s/b staff] vs. plate mail and 550+10/h
8 12 650+10/hp 375 175 275 10
shield makes this a 20. He (the DM) rolls a 19... p

Monsters Not In Appendix E Also note there is not a THAC0 14 column for
monsters and THAC0 goes 16/15/13/12..
Some basic creatures were not included:
ANT, GIANT (WARRIOR): XPV 40 + 3/hp. A 3 hit die
Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Halflings creature has a base of 35; with just one special this
Horse would be 50 + 3/hp: the poison sting is not save-or-die
Mules but rather reduces damage from 3-12 to 1-4 damage.
Humans were included as MEN with asterisk notes and BALUCHITERIUM: DMG: 4,200 + 18/hp: given credit
no real data. for 2 exceptional abilities yet is has only one (total
damage > 30 doubly) hence 3,000 + 18/hp

BARRACUDA: Expanded list.

10
 16 (75 HP) 12900+20/hp 2,400 1,250 1,600 20
Hit Dice X.p. Value
1 10+1/hp x.p.
2 20+2/hp Estimated Specia Exceptio per
3 35+3/hp Est. HD x.p. Value Base l nal hp
10 (45 hp) 4800+14/hp 900 450 600 14
BASALISK: 1000 + 8/hp. One exceptional ability, 12 (60 HP) 6950+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
hence 225 + 175 = 400 + 8/hp. It is possible the 14 (63 HP) 9700+18/hp 1,800 950 1,200 18
calculation was "225 + 775 = 1,000 x.p.", with 16 (75 HP) 12900+20/hp 2,400 1,250 1,600 20
someone mistaking a 1 for a 7.

BEAR, BROWN: The unwary can be fooled because BOARS. The wild boar is given credit for one special
the ability to fight for 1-4 melee rounds after reaching 0 ability (as with the brown bear and cave bear: the
to -8 hp and dieing at -9 lower is not listed as a special ability to fight for 2-5 melee rounds after reaching 0 to
ability (I will refer to this as "resilience" for brevity): -6 h.p. and death at -7) but the warthog and giant
Hence it has two special ability (resilience and hug), boars are not, although they have a similar variant.
which generates the x.p. figure shown in the DMG (150 Hence:
+ 75 + 75 = 225 + 6/hp)
Hit Dice X.p. Value
BEAR, CAVE: As with brown bears, "resilience" is not Boar, Giant 7 350+8/hp
noted (the ability to fight for 1-4 melee rounds after Boar, Wild 3+3 85+4/hp
reaching 0 to -8 hp and dieing at -9 lower) as a special Warthog 3 50+3/hp
ability, which can trip up the unwary. The DMG
calculation seems correct (two special abilities: [page 197]
resilience and hug) for 225 + 125 + 125 = 475 + 8/hp
BUFFALO: 350 + 8/hp. A 5 hit die creature has a
BEETLE, Giant Water. 85 + 4/hp. Given credit for a bonus of +5/hp; with 1 special ability (charge) this is
special ability; none listed nor discussed. 60 + 4/hp. 130 + 5/hp.

BEHOLDER: 12,900 + 20/hp is the x.p.s. for a 16 hit BUGBEAR. 135 + 4/hp. Seems to be credited with 3
die creature with 2 special abilities and 5 exceptional special abilities: Surprise 1-3, thrown weapons
abilities (and possibly other combinations). (missiles), and what?

Anti-magic ray CATOBLEPAS. 700 + 8/hp. Credited 1 special ability

Disintegration (what?) and 2 exceptional (death gaze and stunning
Death ray blow).

Beholders can have 45 to 75 h.p.; converting this to hit CATTLE, WILD: 35 + 2/hp
die by using an average of 4.5 hp/hit die reveals 10 to
16 hit die - which matches the THAC0 shown of COCKATRICE: XPV 315 + 5/hp. Only one exceptional
10/9/8/7. ability, which gives 165 + 5/hp

Note how 45 to 75 h.p. is 39 + 6d6. CROCODILE Giant: 400 + 8/hp. Credited with 1
exceptional ability (damage > 30 doubly)
An estimate of other hit die and experience values
follows, assuming 2 special and 5 exceptional abilities CROCODILE Normal: 60 + 4/hp. A 3 hit die creature
is correct. has a bonus of +3/hp and with 1 exceptional ability this
would be 90 + 3/hp; with 1 special (surprise) 50 + 3/hp.
x.p.
Estimated Specia Exceptio per
Est. HD x.p. Value Base l nal hp DEMONS
10 (45 hp) 4800+14/hp 900 450 600 14
12 (54 HP) 6950+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16 Type IV (Nolfeshnee, etc.). THAC0 = 10 + 2 bonus
14 (63 HP) 9700+18/hp 1,800 950 1,200 18 to hit = 8.

11
 x.p.s (1 special, 2
Hit Speci Excep x.p./p
exceptional Base
Dice al tional er hp
DINOSAURS: abilities)
10 2550+14/hp 900 450 600 14
Ceratosourus: 600 + 12/hp this is for an 8+1 or 9 11 3700+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
HD creature. Should be 375 + 8/h.p. 12 3700+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16

Monoclonius. 550 + 8/hp. The 8/hp bonus is 6 hit FLIGHTLESS BIRD:

die; should be 550 + 10/hp.
Hit Dice x.p. value
Mosasaurus. Hit point bonus = +16/hp not +18 for 1 10+1/hp
12 hit die. 2 20+2/hp
3 35+3/hp
Pentaceratops. Hit point bonus = +16/hp not +18
for 12 hit die. FROG, GIANT.

Tyrannosaurus Rex. 6,550 + 25/hp is based on 1 Hit Die

special and 1 exceptional. 2 exceptional abilities:
swallow whole and damage >36 triply would be
7,000 + 25/hp
DISPLACER BEAST. +6/hp is the bonus for 6 hit die
(was it once a 6+ hit die critter?).
DJINN. +5/hp is a 5 hit die bonus; 7+3 is +10/hp.
DRAGONNE. s/b +12/h.p.
DRYAD. s/b +2/h.p. bonus.
EEL, ELECTRIC
EEL, GIANT. x.p. is swapped with weed eel. No
special/exceptional abilities so 90 + 5/h.p. (+6/h.p. is 6
hit die not 5).
EEL, WEED. x.p. is swapped with giant eel.
ELEMENTALS. NO HIT DIE CATEGORY HAS A
+15/h.p. bonus.
FROG, GIANT. Size is S to M (6') not S to L.
ELEPHANT, LOXODONT (AFRICAN ELEPHANT).
2125 base is not possible: likely 2,150.
EYE OF THE DEEP: 3,700 + 16/hp. Not necessarily an
error, if the DM credits it with 1 special ability and 2
exceptional abilities (the main eye flashes; the
secondary eyes can either create an illusion or
separately hold person and hold monster). The
experience for different hit die is shown below, using
the assumption of 1 special and 2 exceptional abilities.
Frog, Giant 1 45 + 1/hp 11+1/hp
Frog, Giant 2 44+2/hp
Frog, Giant 3 90 + 3/hp 80+3/hp
Frog, Giant Killer 1+4 36 + 2/hp 36+2/hp
Frog, Giant Poisonous 1 35 + 1/hp 45+1/hp
VIOLET FUNGI. s/b/ +3/h.p. bonus.
GIANT, CLOUD: The DMG calculation works using 3
special abilities (Hurl Rocks, Catch Rocks, Surprised
on a 1) and 1 exceptional (Damage > 24 singly). This is
mentioned to help explain the possible relevance of
hurling and catching rocks as 2 special abilities.
GIANT, FIRE: DMG calculation is 2700 + 16/hp which
is 2 special abilities only (1300 base + 2 x 700). My
calculation is (much like a cloud giant): 3 specials (Hurl
Rocks, Catch Rocks, Impervious to fire) and 1
exceptional (Damage > 24 singly) for 4250+16/hp
GIANT, FROST: DMG 2250 + 14/hp. This seems to
work out based on 900 x.p.s. base + 450/special +
600/exceptional, counting 3 special abilities (Hurl
Rocks, Catch Rocks, Impervious to cold) and no
exceptional abilities (damage has to be GREATER
THAN 24 singly for exceptional ability...)
GIANT, HILL: 1,400 + 12/hp. Given credit for 2
exceptional abilities: at best it has 2 special abilities
(hurling rocks and catching rocks) which would be
1,200 + 12/hp.
GIANT, STONE: DMG 1800 + 14/hp. Seems to be
based on 2 special abilities (Hurl Rocks, Catch Rocks),
ignoring Armor Class 0 or lower and (if it counts)
"camouflage" which is mentioned in the Monster
Manual but does not have any in-game affect defined

12
(easy enough to consider it a bonus to surprise when
hiding: 0D&D Greyhawk supplement page 42: "Giants
known as "Rock Giants" which so closely resemble
stone that they can be detected seldom (1 in 12 is a
good percentage.)"). Note: hurling rocks and catching
rocks seems to be 2 separate special abilities in all
other giants who use rocks.
monster would be 375 + 10/hp [with no credit for
special abilities]
HYDRA. The monster manual has 5 to 12 heads; the
DMG has 5 to 16 heads. Possibly to account for the
learnean hydra, which can grow heads.
LEECH:

NIGHT MARE. Armor class = -4

specials XPV Base Spl. Except. x.p. / hp
3 2250+14/hp 900 450 600 14 ORC. In the monster manual they have a base
4 2700+14/hp 900 450 600 14 damage of 1-8, yet superior types do 2-7 and 2-8,
hence likely 1-6 for common
GIANT, STORM: 5,850 + 20/hp. This doesn't work out
though any combination of 2400 base + 1250/special + OWLBEAR. +6/h.p. bonus.
1600/exceptional. With 1 special (impervious to
lightning) and 2 exceptional abilities (Damage > 24 PIERCER. The special ability (95% likely to surprise)
singly and Magic abilities) it comes to 6,850 + 20/hp isn't accounted for.
(1,000 extra points). See also Storm Giant Rock
Hurling (DMG Versus Monster Manual) below, in RAY, MANTA: 1,300 + 16/hp. The DMG number is the
case the DM has these giants hurl and catch rocks as experience for an 11 hit die critter without any special
well. abilities. Possibly 2 or 3 exceptional abilities: swallow
whole, paralyzation, potential damage 32 in 2 attacks
GORGON. 1,750 + 10/hp: credited for 5 exceptional
abilities. Has only 1 exceptional ability (petrifying Hit Spl. Expt. x.p./
breath) which would give 650 + 10/hp. Die 2 exc. 3 exc. Base xp xp hp
8 925+10/hp 1200+10/hp 375 175 275 10
GRIFFON. +8/h.p. bonus. 9 1400+12/hp 1800+12/hp 600 300 400 12
10 2100+14/hp 2700+14/hp 900 450 600 14
GROANING SPIRIT. +8/h.p. bonus. 11 3000+16/hp 3850+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16

HELL HOUND: DMG 250 + 8/hp. Note that a 7 H.D. REMORHAZ: DMG 1,700 + 16/hp. An 11 to 12 hit die
hell hound starts with a base of 225 + 8/h.p. so who creature is 1,300 + 16/hp and a single special ability
knows where the DMG x.p. calculation came from. The alone would bring the total past 1,700. Unknown
following is based on 4 special abilities number of abilities:
Surprises others on 1-4 on d6,
Surprised on 1 in 6, one special ability (armor class 0 (not everywhere,
See invisible 50% and but...))
breath fire - which is not a major breath weapon for
hell hounds in AD&D - it does 1 hp per hit die of the Two exceptional abilities defined per the DMG:
hound with half damage - rounded up - with a save. swallow whole and damage from 1 attack (6-36)
exceeds 24 points.
4 Special Spe Excep x.p./per
Hit Dice Base
Abilities cial tional hp So, what do the following count as, special or
4 160+4/hp 60 25 65 4 exceptional?: heat melts non-magic weapons and heat
5 250+5/hp 90 40 75 5 does 10 - 100 damage if touched?
6 450+6/hp 150 75 125 6
7 725+8/hp 225 125 175 8 Below is what various hit die would look like with
various special & exceptional abilities
HIPPOPOTAMUS: DMG: 375 + 6/hp. An 8 hit die

Special + Exceptional Abilities

13
 Hit Dice 1+2 1+3 1+4 Base Spl. Exc. x.p./per hp
7 700+8/hp 875+8/hp 1050+8/hp 225 125 175 8
8 1100+10/hp 1375+10/hp 1650+10/hp 375 175 275 10
9 1700+12/hp 2100+12/hp 2500+12/hp 600 300 400 12
10 2550+14/hp 3150+14/hp 3750+14/hp 900 450 600 14
11 3700+16/hp 4550+16/hp 5400+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
12 3700+16/hp 4550+16/hp 5400+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
13 5150+18/hp 6350+18/hp 7550+18/hp 1,800 950 1,200 18
14 5150+18/hp 6350+18/hp 7550+18/hp 1,800 950 1,200 18

RHINOCEROS: 900 + 12/hp is for 9 hit die (assuming

1 special ability). 8 hit die (with 1 special ability) is 550 SEA HORSE: 20 + 4/hp: 20 is the base for 2 hit die;
+ 10/hp. +4/hp is the bonus for 4 hit die. With no
special/exceptional abilities you get:
ROPER: 2,750 + 16/h.p. Unknown calculation: perhaps
100 short as in 1,300 base + 700 special + 850 = Hit Dice Calc Base Spl. Exc. x.p./hp
2,850. As it is, I can count 4 possible specials and 2 2 20+2/hp 20 8 45 2
possible exceptional abilities. 3 35+3/hp 35 15 55 3
4 60+4/hp 60 25 65 4
Possible Special Abilities: Armor class 0, disguise
ability (listed by the DMG, which has failed to list so SHAMBLING MOUND: 1,800+10/hp seems to be an 8
many other abilities...), immune to lightning, 1/2 hit die shambler with 5 special abilities and 2
damage from cold exceptional abilities. I count 6 possible special abilities:
Armor Class 0 or lower, 1/2 damage from weapons,
Possible Exceptional Abilities:6 poisonous strands immune to crushing, immune to fire, lightning causes it
cause weakness, magic resistance 80% to grow, and cold causes partial or no damage.

4 special + 2 Two exceptional abilities seem accurate: suffocation

Hit Dice exceptional Base Spl. Exc. x.p./hp and 2 attacks doing 32 possible damage (which is
10 3900+14/hp 900 450 600 14 greater than 30).
11 5800+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
12 5800+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16 Below are the other hit die with calc's base on 5 (or 6)
specials and 2 exceptional.
RUST MONSTER. +5/h.p. is the proper bonus.

Hit Dice 5 special + 2 exceptional 6 special + 2 exceptional Base Spl. Exc. x.p./hp
8 1800+10/hp 1975+10/hp 375 175 275 10
9 2900+12/hp 3200+12/hp 600 300 400 12
10 4350+14/hp 4800+14/hp 900 450 600 14
11 6500+16/hp 7200+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16

TICK, GIANT:
TITANS. The titans all seem to be defined with only 2
exceptional abilities. This ignores the special ability of
armor Class 0 or lower for major or elder titans.
Lesser 7,000 + 25/h.p. This works with only 2
exceptional abilities
TITANOTHERE. Attacks = 1.
TREANTS: Given that treants are much the same
except hit die, they should use the same pattern, but
do not seem to. My guess is that the armor class 0 or
lower special ability is being ignored.
shrubling 7-8 hit die: 1,200 + 10/hp - works as 8 hit
die with 3 exceptional abilities.
mature 9-10 hit die: 1,950 + 14/hp - works as 10 hit
die with 1 special/+ 1 exceptional ability
moss trunk 11-12 hit die: 2,850 + 16/hp. - works as
11 or 12 hit die with1 special + 1 exceptional ability

14
Known Special Ability: Armor class 0 Special or Exceptional Abilities: Never surprised*
(surprise factors seems to be a special ability in other
Known Exceptional Abilities: Damage for 2 attacks > 30 monsters), Control trees

special + exceptional
Hit Dice 3+1 2+2 Base Spl. Exc. x.p./hp
7 775+8/hp 825+8/hp 225 125 175 8
8 1175+10/hp 1275+10/hp 375 175 275 10
9 1900+12/hp 2000+12/hp 600 300 400 12
10 2850+14/hp 3000+14/hp 900 450 600 14
11 4250+16/hp 4400+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16
12 4250+16/hp 4400+16/hp 1,300 700 850 16

TROGLODYTE. Major leader 4 hit die = THAC0 15. noted in Dragon and never printed in the DMG.

Masher (Monster) Not Included in The artist Todd Oleck had one piece in the early DMGs
Appendix E (pre 3rd printing); his art and credit was replaced by
Erol Otus.(sited: Christopher Motta).
DMG page 207 no masher entry. Monster manual page
65. Masher (fish).
AGING: explanation of categories[page 13]

Storm Giant Rock Hurling (DMG Versus
Monster Manual)
DMG pg. 230, storm giant special attacks: "magic use
(can also hurl rocks for 3-36 h.p.)"
originally:
Middle Subtract 1 point (or half exceptional rating) of
Aged: strength and 1 point of constitution; add 1 point
of intelligence and 1 point of wisdom
Dragon magazine errata:

Monster manual page 45: "Unlike other sorts of giants, Middle Subtract 1 point of strength and 1 point of
storm giants do not hurl rocks for they have magical Aged: constitution; add 1 point of intelligence and 1
properties..." point of wisdom

Interesting note: if they do not hurl rocks, they do not
catch rocks, which means a bunch of other giants
might beat one to a pulp pelting it with rocks... I would
have defined hurling and catching rocks as a possibility
but not favored attack form.
Official Errata from the Acaeum.com:
I need to look at this and rewrite some items as the
intent is not to just steal someone's text as-is... As it is,
this is incomplete, as shown above. I do not know if
they ever caught all the bug-a-boos and fixed them.
Generally, this applies to the First and Second prints in
May 1979; it seems to have been included starting with
the Third print around December of 1979.Dragon
Magazine issue #35 was the first printing some of
these fixes and others were compiled later. It seems
that the changes to the Aging chart for page #13 were
Before ASSASSINS' USE OF POISON: [page 20]
ASSASSINATION EXPERIENCE POINTS
An assassin receives 100 x.p./level of the character
assassinated minus or plus 50 x.p. for every level
the assassin is greater or lesser than his or her
victim. This is modified by multipliers for the degree
of difficulty of the mission - simple (X 1/2), difficult
(X 1), or extraordinary (X 1 1/2).The explanations
for difficulty given under SPYING should be used as
guidelines here. The experience given above is
added to the regular experience earned for killing
the victim, as if he or she were a monster.
Experience is also given for the fee the assassin is
paid.
Therefore, if an 8th level assassin snuck up on and
surprised a 10th level magic - user in the dungeon
and successfully assassinated him, the assassin

15
 would receive 1,000 x.p. plus another 100 x.p. since
the magic - user was 2 levels higher than he. Art on page 40
However, since it was a simple mission, the total Demon-summoning art dropped for a smaller undead-
1100 x.p. would be multiplied by 1/2, giving 550 wizard battle drawing.
points. This is added to the 2400 x.p. normally
received for killing this magic - user, making a final Fly spell: [page 52]
total of 2950 x.p. earned, exclusive of fees.
The first sentence in this paragraph should read:

Increase Or Decrease Of Worth Beyond Base
Value. [page 26]
Die Result
1 Stone increases to next higher base value; roll
again ignoring results above 8. Stones above
5,000 gold piece value progress as follows:
10,000 GP, 25,000 GP, 50,000 GP, 100,000 GP,
250,000 GP, 500,000 GP, and 1,000,000 GP - -
the absolute maximum. No stone may increase
beyond 7 places from its initial base value.
0 Stone decreases to next lower base value; roll
again on this table, ignoring any result below 2.
Stones below 10 gold piece value are: 5 GP, 1 GP,
10 SP, 5 SP, and 1 SP. No stone may decrease
beyond 5 places from its initial base value.
Fly spell: Utilizing a fly spell takes as much
concentration as walking, so most spells could be cast
while flying, either while hovering or moving slowly (3"
or less).
Surprise. [page 61]
Replace the last paragraph with the following:
Assume the party of characters comes upon a
monster. They have 2 of 6 chances to surprise, and the
monster also has 2 in 6. A six - sided die is rolled for
the party, another for the monster. Both sides could be
surprised, or either could be surprised. This is shown
on the table below:
Surprise Table. [page 62]

ACQUISITION OF MAGIC - USER SPELLS [page 39] Replace the first table with the following:

Before Spells Beyond Those At Start: Party's Monster's Surprise

Die Die Effect
Acquisition of Illusionists' Spells 3 to 6 3 to 6 none
1 1 both surprised
Illusionists do not need the spell read magic or 2 2 both surprised
anything like it in pursuit of their profession. All 1 or 2 3 to 6 party surprised
illusionist spell books and scrolls are written in a secret 3 to 6 1 or 2 monster surprised
tongue which every apprentice learns from his or her 1 2 party surprised
mentor. This arcane and difficult language is common 2 1 monster surprised
to all phantasmal magics, and is necessary for
illusionistic conjuring. When on illusionist gains read Example of Melee: [page 71]
magic at the 14th level (along with several other 1st
level magic - user spells), this merely allows him or her Replace the 4th and 5th paragraphs with the following:
to utilize magic - user scrolls that contain spells
different from those on the illusionists' Party A immediately recognizes party B as a group
list. of "evil marauders" they were warned against and
moves to attack. First, Arlanni the thief, who had her
When a 1st level illusionist receives his first level spell sling ready (as the player had stated previous to the
book from his master, it contains only three spells (read encounter), fires a shot at Blastum, who is obviously
magic being unnecessary). The DM should require the a magic - user. A sling bullet gains +3 "to hit" vs. no
player's character to roll a d12 on the table of 1st level armor. Arlanni would usually need on 11 to hit, but
illusionist spells, rolling three times and ignoring any now needs only an 8. She rolls a 5, and misses.
rolls that result in duplication. If a DM feels his or her
campaign is unusually difficult, he or she may allow the Aggro the fighter rushes forward to attack the
player to choose one or even two of these initial spells. nearest opponent, who happens to be Balto, the

16
 monk. Balto is wearing no armor, so Aggro needs a
base 8 to hit Balto. However, Aggro is using a + 1
hand axe, and furthermore an axe is + 1 to hit vs.
no armor, so Aggro's adjusted amount needed to hit
is only 6 (or, alternately, the cumulative +2 could be
added to whatever he rolls to improve his chances
of rolling an 8 or better). Aggro rolls a 14 and hits
Balto, but only 1 point of damage is rolled, plus a 1
point bonus from the magic axe (2 points total), and
Balto can take 4.
The second sentence in the 8th paragraph should
read:
Balto attacks Aggro (who is in AC 2) with his staff.
The third sentence in the 11th paragraph should read:
Arkayn needs a base 17 to hit AC 1, but using a
mace vs. AC type 3 gives him a + 1 armor class
adjustment, so he really only needs a 16 or better.
He rolls a 7 and misses.
Opponent With Weapons Used Normally: [Page 73]
Replace this paragraph with the following:
Opponents With Weapons Used Normally: If the
opponent of a grappling, pummeling or overbearing
attack has a weapon, the opponent will always
strike first unless the attacker has surprise. Any
weapon hit does NO damage, but it does indicate
that the attacker trying to grapple, pummel or
overbear has been fended or driven off, and the
attack is unsuccessful. The weapon - wielder then
has the opportunity to strike at the weaponless one
"for real", if he or she so chooses. Surprised
opponents with weapons have no chance for a
fending - off strike, unless the attacker must use all
surprise segments to close to grapple, pummel, or
overbear.
Page 74: I.B. ATTACK MATRIX FOR FIGHTERS,
PALADINS, RANGERS, BARDS, AND 0 LEVEL
HALFLINGS AND HUMANS*.
The Note below the table should read:
*Note: Half - elves use the attack matrix as elves
do, while non - player character half - orcs use the
attack matrix for monsters. Dwarves, elves and
gnomes are never lower than 1st level (unlike
halflings and humans, which may be of 0 level).
Bards fight at their highest level of fighter
17
experience.
Page 116: Poison.
This paragraph should read:
Poison: Only assassins of 9th or higher level may
concoct "potions" of poison -- or any other sort of
poison, for that matter. Refer to the section on
assassins for details of special forms of poison. No
laboratory or alchemist is needed, but cost and time
are found as if a normal potion was being prepared.
Page 117: Manufacture of Scrolls.
The table in the 5th paragraph should read, in part:
vellum, per sheet 8 g.p. and up - 5% chance of
failure
Page 118: Fabrication Of Other Magic Items.
Insert the following section just before the section
entitled Fabrication Of Magic Items By Charmed Or
Enslaved Magic - Users:
Fabrication Of Magic Items By Illusionists:
Though different spells are employed, the process
of fabrication of magic items which illusionists use is
not really very different from that used by magic -
users. It is almost exactly similar as regards costs in
both time and money. Some processes are also
nearly identical, such as the making of scrolls,
which may be done at the 7th level and up.
At the 11th level illusionists may be able to create
one - shot or charged magic items, things without a
permanent dweomer, such as potions or a wand of
illusion, for example. Such items are really merely
storehouses of magical energy which can be
released in various ways. Like any other spell -
caster, the illusionist must fashion the item out of
rare and expensive materials, but instead of using
enchant an item to prepare the item to receive its
enchantment, the illusionist uses major creation to
subtly alter its structure in a magical direction so
that it can receive and retain the necessary spells.
During the next 16 hours after casting the major
creation, the illusionist instills the primary initial
dweomers into the item, and if his concentration is
interrupted even once during this period, the item
instantly fades and forever disappears, like an
illusion that has been dispelled.
 Beginning at 14th level an illusionist may attempt to Page 145: Girdle of Giant Strength.
make items with a truly permanent dweomer, such
as a + 1 dagger or a ring of protection, for example. The Rock Hurling table should read as follows:
This entails a similar process to the one described
above. The crucial difference is that after a major Rock
creation spell has been used to adjust the material Hurling
object, an alter reality must be cast to fix it Weight Base Rock Bend
permanently in place and make it able to contain a bars
permanent magic. Thus, with a great expense in Type Allowance Range Damage Wt.** Lift
time, money and preparation, major creation, alter Gates
reality and true sight spells, and an unflawed gem Hill +4,500 8 1-6 140 50%
worth not less than 10,000 g.p., an illusionist might Stone +5,000 16 1-12 198 60%
be able to create a gem of seeing. The basic thing Frost +6,000 10 1-8 156 70%
to remember if details are in question is that Fire +7,500 12 1-8 170 80%
illusionists are a sub - class of magic - users, and Claud +9,000 14 1-10 184 90%
except for what has been outlined above, what Storm +12,000 16 1-12 212 100%
applies to magic - users applies to illusionists as
well. Page 149: Jewel of Flawlessness.

Page 119: Deleted potions artwork. This paragraph should read as follows:

Page 123: TABLE (III.E.) 2.
This table should read, in part:
86 - 91 Dust of Disappearance 2,000 8,000
92 Dust of Sneezing and --- 1,000
Choking
Page 125: POTIONS (III.A.)
The second paragraph should read:
Unless otherwise stated, the effects of a potion will
last for 4 complete turns plus 1 - 4 additional turns
(d4). If half of a potion is quaffed, the effects will last
one - half as long in some cases. Potions take
effect 2 - 5 segments after they are imbibed.
Page 134: Staff of Striking.
Replace this paragraph with the following:
Staff of Striking: This oaken staff is the equivalent
of a +3 magic weapon. (if weapon vs. armor type
adjustment is made, the staff of striking is always
treated as the most favorable weapon type vs. any
armor.) It causes 4 - 9 (d6+3) points of damage
when a hit is scored. This expends a charge. If 2
charges are expended, bonus damage is doubled
(d6+6); if 3 charges ore expended, bonus damage
is tripled (d6+9). No more than 3 charges can be
expended per strike. The staff can be recharged.
Jewel of Flawlessness: This magical gem appears
to be a very fine stone of some sort, but if magic is
detected for, its dweomer will be noted. When a
jewel of flawlessness is placed with other gems, it
increases the likelihood of their being more valuable
by 100%, i.e., the chance for each stone going up in
value increases from I in 10 to 2 in 10. The jewel
has from 10 - 100 facets, and whenever a gem
increases in value because of the magic of the
jewel of flawlessness (a roll of 2 on d10), 1 of these
facets disappears. When all are gone, the jewel is a
spherical stone of no value.
Page 167: Table 3.: Sword Primary Abilities.
This table should read:
Table 3.: Sword Primary Abilities
Dice
Roll Ability
01 - 11 detect "elevator"/shifting rooms/walls in a 1"
radius
12 - 22 detect sloping passages in a 1" radius
23 - 33 detect traps of large size in a 1" radius
34 - 44 detect evil/good in a 1" radius
45 - 55 detect precious metals, kind, and amount in a
2" radius
56 - 66 detect gems, kind, and number in a 1/2"
radius
67 - 77 detect magic in a 1" radius
78 - 82 detect secret doors in a 1/2" radius

18
83 - 87 detect invisible objects in a 1" radius Pages 184-185: Temperature And Sub - Tropical
88 - 92 locate object in a 12" radius Conditions, Uninhabited/Wilderness Areas.
93 - 98 roll twice on this table ignoring scores of 93 to
00 Plain should read, in part:
99 - 00 roll on the Extraordinary Power Table instead
Bull/Cattle, wild 06-09
Page 169: Mace of Disruption.
Scrub should read, in part:
Replace this paragraph with the following:
Humanoid* 26 - 32
Mace of Disruption appears to be a +1 mace, but it Jackal** 33 - 34
has a neutral good alignment, and any evil Ki - rin/Lammasu/Shedu 35
character touching it will take 5 - 20 points of Leprechaun/Brownie --
damage due to the powerful enchantments laid Leucrotta --
upon the weapon. If a mace of disruption strikes Lion 36 - 40
any undead creature or evil creature from one of the
lower planes it functions similarly to a cleric turning Mountains should read, in part:
undead (see ATTACK MATRICES). The mace
causes such creatures to roll on matrix Ill., MATRIX Troll 73 - 78
FOR CLERICS AFFECTING UNDEAD, as if the
wielder were 12th level, and if the creature struck Page 212: stirge. Special Attacks should read:
scores equal to or below the number shown, it is
disrupted and slain. Thus, skeletons, zombies, attack as 4 hit dice monster, drain blood (1 - 4)
ghouls, shadows, and wights ore instantly blasted
out of existence, as are ghosts and even wraiths; Page 222: CONJURED ANIMALS TABLE.
and mummies have only a 20% chance, spectres
35%, vampires 50%, ghosts 65%, liches 80%, and This table should read, in part:
other affected evil creatures 95% chance of saving.
Even if these saving throws are effective, the mace Hit Dice
of disruption scores double damage upon
opponents of this sort, i.e., 2 X bonus and 2 X dice. Category

Pages 174 - 175: MONSTER ENCOUNTERED 1 66 - 00 Rat, giant 1/2

ADJUSTMENT FOR RELATIVE DUNGEON LEVEL.
Page 223: APPENDIX M: SUMMONED MONSTERS.
Replace the last paragraph with the following:
Add the following table after the first Monster
Greater monsters on higher levels will have their Summoning VI:
numbers reduced by 1 for each level of the
dungeon above their assigned level, subject to a Monster Summoning VII
minimum number of 1. Example: 1 - 3 shadows are
normally encountered on the 4th level of the Dice Score Monster Summoned
dungeon; as shadows are fourth level monsters, a 01 - 03 Chimera (couatl)
maximum of 2 can be encountered on the 3rd 04 - 06 Demon, succubus
dungeon level, and but 1 on the 2nd level. (Fourth 07 - 09 Demon, type I
level monsters cannot be encountered on the 1st 10 - 12 Demon, type II
level of the dungeon.) Hydras, for instance, will 13 - 15 Demon, type III
have fewer heads, while creatures with attendants 16 - 18 Devil, barbed
will have fewer or none at all on the lesser - 19 - 21 Devil, bone
numbered levels. 22 - 23 Devil, horned
24 - 26 Ettin
Pages 177-179: Banding added to Random 27 - 29 Giant, fire
Monster charts. 30 - 32 Giant, frost
33 - 35 Giant, hill

19
36 - 38 Giant, stone 71 - 00 Squid, giant
39 - 41 Gorgon
42 - 43 Groaning spirit APPENDIX O: ENCUMBRANCE OF STANDARD
44 - 46 Hydra, 10 heads ITEMS [page 225]
47 - 49 Hydra, pyro - , 8 heads
50 - 52 Intellect devourer Item Encumbranc
53 - 55 Invisible stalker e in gold
56 - 58 Lamia pieces
59 - 61 Lizard, fire Backpack 20
62 - 64 Mind flayer Belt 3
65 - 67 Mummy Belt pouch, large 10
68 - 70 Naga, spirit small 5
71 - 73 Neo - otyugh Book, large metal - bound 200
74 - 76 Night hag Boots, hard 60
77 - 79 Roper (shedu) soft 30
80 - 82 Shambling mound Bottles, flagons 60
83 - 85 Slug, giant Bow, composite long 80
86 - 88 Spectre composite short 50
89 - 91 Sphinx, hieraco - (andro - ) long 100
92 - 94 Umber hulk short 50
95 - 97 Will - o - wisp Caltrop 50
98 - 00 Xorn Candle 5
Chest, large solid iron 1000-5000
[page 236 changes end here - the following notes small solid iron 200-500
are for page 237 in my book. Of course, books small wooden 100-250
missing paragraphs might be shortened to where large wooden 500-1500
the following appears on page 236...] Clothes (1 set) 30
Cord, 10' 2
Replace the second Monster Summoning VI table with Crossbow, heavy 80
the following: light 50
Crystal ball, base and wrapping 150
Monster Summoning VI Flask, empty 7
full 20
Dice Score Monster Summoned Gem 1-5
Grapnel 100
Fresh or Salt Hand tool 0
Helm 45
01 - 33 Octopus, giant Helm, great 100
34 - 00 Snake, sea, giant Holy water, potion bottles 25
Horn 50
Add the following table after the second Monster Jewelry, large 50
Summoning VI: small 1-5
Lantern 60
Monster Summoning VII Mirror 5
Musical instrument* 350
Dice Score Monster Summoned Pole, 10' 100
Fresh Purse 1
Quiver 30
01 - 20 Morkoth Rations, iron 75
21 - 00 Naga, water standard 200
Robe or cloak, folded 50
Salt worn 25
01 - 15 Morkoth Rod 60
16 - 70 Ray, manta Rope, 50' 75

20
Sack, large 20 his pouch a potion bottle, a mirror, some garlic and
small 5 belladonna, and his tinderbox. At his right side hangs a
Saddle, light horse 250 dagger and sheath and four more daggers are on a
heavy horse 500 bandolier slung across his chest. Over all these belts,
Saddlebag 150 he puts his backpack. In his pack goes a hand axe (for
Saddle blanket (pad) 20 chopping, not fighting), 3 flasks of oil, a candle, 3 small
Scroll case, bone or ivory 50 sacks, 1 large sock, and 7 torches. Lashed in a bundle
leather 25 to the pack is 50' of rope. At his left side, hanging from
Spike 10 his belt, are a leather scroll case and his purse, filled
Staff 100 with 20 gold pieces. He holds a staff in his right hand
Tapestry (very small to huge) 50-1000+ and a torch in his left. He is now ready to travel, with a
Tinderbox 2 total encumbrance of 689 g.p. Meanwhile, his
Torch 25 companion, Drudge, has strapped on his splint armor.
Wand, bone or ivory case 60 He wears 2 belts around his waist; his longsword
box 80 hangs from one. On the other belt he places his quiver
leather case 30 with 40 bolts, a cocking hook, and a dagger. He slips
Waterskin or wineskin, empty 5 on his backpack, already loaded with 10 spikes, one
full 50 week's iron rations, and a flask of oil. To the bottom of
the pack he has strapped 50' of rope. Hanging on the
* Musical instruments include only large and bulky rear of the pack is his heavy crossbow. Around his
instruments such as lutes and drums. neck he wears a holy symbol. Finally, he straps his
large shield on his left arm, fits his helmet, and takes
The maximum weight a normal - strength person can his lantern, ready to go with a total encumbrance of
carry and still move is 1500 g.p. (150#). 1117 g.p.

Certain items are not included when figuring
encumbrance. These include:
material components (unless large and bulky).
any helm but great helm, if the character has any
armor.
one set of clothing.
thieves' picks and tools.
Many other things will be bought or found, but it is
impossible to list them all here. The encumbrance of
most items not on this list may be inferred by
comparison with objects similar to them; thus a
decanter of endless water will encumber as much as a
bottle or flagon. In some cases no equivalent may be
found on the table; such instances require the judge to
decide.
Many people looking at the table will say, "But a scroll
doesn't weigh two pounds!" The encumbrance figure
should not be taken as the weight of the object - it is
the combined weight and relative bulkiness of the item.
These factors together will determine how much a
figure can carry. As an example, Dimwall the magic -
user and Drudge the fighter have prepared for a
dungeon expedition. Dimwall, besides his normal
clothing, has strapped on a belt with a large pouch on
it. Into this and his robe, he tucks his material
components (minimal encumbrance). He also places in
During their adventures, Dimwall and Drudge find 800
gold pieces in a troll's treasure horde. Dimwall can
carry 400 gold pieces in his large sack and another
300 gold pieces in his small sacks. Dimwall leaves his
torches and staff, since he must have his hands free.
Then he fastens a small sack to his belt and, using two
hands, carries the large sack over his shoulder. Drudge
eats part of his iron rations and throws the rest away,
along with his spikes and oil. He places the remaining
bags in the bottom of his pack and then pours the
loose coins on top of them. Encumbrance for Dimwall
is now 889 gold pieces and 1222 gold pieces for
Drudge.
As they leave, Dimwall and Drudge meet the troll.
There is little time to react, so Drudge must quickly
drop his lantern (possibly putting it out) and attack. As
he does this, Dimwall must drop the large sock
(probably scattering coins about), unsling his pack, and
start digging for his oil. By the time he finds it, the troll
may have killed them both!
Appendix P added ("Creating a Party on the Spur
of the Moment"). [page 225]
Added a catalog page and four quick-reference pages
to the end.

21
 AD&D 1st Edition Player's Handbook (1978)
Cleric Augury Spell (PHB 45)
Does not have an Area of Effect specified. Of course,
it is the cleric, just like divination and other such
spells.
Cleric Detect Lie Spell (PHB 48)
Detect Lie is marked 3rd level but should be 4th
(confirmed by the official errata).
Cleric Detect Magic Spell (PHB 44)
Range is given as 3" - compared to the same spell in
the other classes (all have a range of 0) and the
spell's description, this is likely 0" since "... the cleric
detects magical radiations in a path 1 wide, and up to
3 long, in the direction he or she is facing..."
Cleric Sanctuary Spell (PHB 44)
The range is "touch" and the area of affect is "One
touched creature" making it seem like the spell can be
transferred to others, though the description sounds
like only the cleric can be affected.
Druid Locate Animals Spell (PHB 55)
Includes the line... "The cleric faces in a direction..."
Druid Summon Insects Spell (PHB 58)
"..he or she attracts flying insects 70% of the time. The
exact insects called will be bees, biting flies, hornets,
or wasps if flying insects are indicated, or biting ants
or pinching beetles if non-flying insects are
determined."
Probably means "..he or she attracts flying insects
70% of the time and ground-borne insects the other
30%. The exact insects called will be bees, biting flies,
hornets, or wasps if flying insects are indicated, or
biting ants or pinching beetles if non-flying insects are
determined."
Illusionist Color Spray Spell (PHB 94)
"The spell caster is able to affect 1 level or hit die of
creatures for each of his or her levels of experience.
22
Affected creatures are struck unconscious for 2 to 8
rounds if their level is less than or equal to that of the
spell caster; they are blinded for 1 to 4 rounds if their
level or number of hit dice is 1 or 2 greater than the
illusionist; and they are stunned (cf. power word, stun,
seventh level magic-user spell) for 2 to 8 segments if
their level or number of hit dice is 3 or more greater
than the spell caster. All creatures above the level of
the spell caster and all creatures of 6th level or 6 hit
dice are entitled to a saving throw versus the color
spray spell."
If the "...spell caster is able to affect 1 level or hit
die of creatures for each of his or her levels of
experience" then said spell caster CANNOT affect
critters with more hit die/levels than he/she has. If I
remember right, second edition AD&D dropped the
line that limits the effect to creatures of the same level
or less.
Illusionist Darkness Spell (PHB 94)
Reference to the "second level magic-user spell of
darkness" is likely referring to the "darkness 15'
radius" spell, as they have the same 15' radius. Note
how illusionists and magic-users do NOT gain a
reversed form of light and must have specific
darkness spells, which magic-users do not get until
2nd level.
Magic-User Animal Growth Spell (PHB 79)
NOTE: Magic-user animal growth has no "M" yet
material component..."is a pinch of powdered bone"
Magic-User Massmorph Spell (PHB 77)
The area of effect is given as 11' x 1": If compared to
the illusionist spell (PHB 97) and the syntax for other
spells, this is likely 1" x 1".
Projected Image = Project Image ?
Magic-User Trap The Soul Spell (PHB 92)
The casting time of "SPECIAL + 1 Segment" is never
explained and could be a glitch since some spells
have a duration of "1 segment + special"
 Official Errata:
Correction 11A
Wisdom should be changed to read as follows,
"Furthermore, clerics with exceptional wisdom (13 or
greater) also gain bonus spells over and above the
number they are normally able to use."
Addition 11B
Wisdom Table II should be changed to read
"Adjustments for Clerics and Druids."
Correction 11C
Dexterity Table 1: Strike from ability score 14
"Maximum dexterity for a half-orc character." Ability
score 17 should read, "Maximum dexterity for a dwarf
or half-orc character."
Correction 15A: Corrected in Eighth print
Character Race Table III: The dexterity scores for half-
orcs should read,"3/3; 17/17."
Correction 25A
The Magic-user, fifth paragraph, first sentence should
be changed to read, "When a magic-user attains 7th
level (Enchanter) or higher, he or she may scribe
magic scrolls and concoct potions, and upon
achieving 12th level (Wizard) or higher may attempt to
enchant items."
Correction 27A
The Thief, additional abilities #2 should read, "At 4th
level (Robber) thieves ore able to read 20% of
languages, and this ability increases by 5% with each
additional level of experience until an 80% probability
is attained."
Correction 30A
The Monk, paragraph 5 should be changed to read,
"With respect to combat, monks attack on the same
table as clerics."
Correction 38A: Corrected in Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth
print Weapon Types Table, the entries for military pick
should read, "Pick, Military, Footman's; Pick, Military,
Horseman's."
23
Correction 38B: Corrected in Eighth print
Hurled Weapons and Missiles: The last sentence
should be changed to say, "Adjust by -2 at all medium
ranges, -5 at all long ranges."
Correction 48A
The level of Detect Lie should say, "Level: 4."
Correction 49A
Cure Critical Wounds: The following sentence should
say, "Its reverse, cause critical wounds, operates in
the same fashion as other cause wounds spells,
requiring a successful touch to inflict the 6-27 hit
points of damage."
Correction 58A
Water Breathing: The components should say
"Components: V, S."
Correction 73A
Explosive Runes: Saving throw should be altered to
say, "Saving Throw: None or 1/2."
Addition 87A: Corrected in Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth print
Delayed Blast Fire Ball: Add to the components so it
reads, "Components: V, S, M."
Correction 120A
The Outer Planes: Number 21 should read, "The
furnaces of Gehenna of evil lawful neutrals."
NEW COPY --
CHARACTER RACE TABLE III: ABILITY SCORE
MINIMUMS AND MAXIMUMS
The limitations given for races on the Ability Score
Table are intended to apply to the entire race, not just
player characters. Therefore, several inconsistencies
between the maximum scores and the player
character racial adjustments are not mistakes. For
example, although player character elves have a -1 on
their constitution, the racial maximum for constitution
of elves is 18. This is because, as explained in the
Dungeon Masters Guide, exceptional non-player elves
may have a constitution of 18. Likewise, although it is
impossible for a player character halfling to roll the
maximum 19 constitution, a non-player halfling could,
due to the bonus received on constitution for NPC
halflings in the DMG.
 AD&D 1st Edition Monster Manual
Type III (Glabrezu)
Trapper (page 95) DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-12/2-12/1-3/1-3/2-5

Number of attacks is 1; damage is 4 + the victim's Page 27, DINOSAURS:

armor class.
Teratosaurus
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3
From the Monster Manual Errata Sheet: DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-3/1-3/3-18

Page 9, BEETLES, GIANT. Page 46, GNOME:

Statistics for the stag beetle. Hit Dice: 1

Stag Page 47, GOBLIN:

FREQUENCY: Common
NO. APPEARING: 2-12 TREASURE TYPE: Individuals K, Lair C
ARMOR CLASS: 3
MOVE: 6" Page 60, LEOPARD:
HIT DICE: 7
% IN LAIR: Nil SPECIAL DEFENSES: Rear claws for 1-4 /1-4, and
TREASURE TYPE: Nil surprised only on a 1
NO. OF ATTACKS: 3 MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 4-16/1-10/1-10
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil sic: my copy of the monster manual reads:
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard SPECIAL ATTACKS: Rear claws for 1-4 /1-4
INTELLIGENCE: Non- SPECIAL DEFENSES: Surprised only on a 1
ALIGNMENT: Neutral MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
SIZE: L (10' long)
PSIONIC ABILITY: Nil
Attack/Defense Modes: Nil
Page 76, ORC:

Correct text for the bombardier beetle's start: DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-8 or by weapon type

Bombardier Beetle: This beetle is usually found in
wooded areas above ground. It feeds on offal and
carrion primarily, gathering huge heaps of such
material in which to lay its eggs. If this beetle is
attacked or disturbed there is a 50% chance each
melee round that it will turn its rear towards its....
Page 10, BEHOLDER:
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Special
This refers to the monster's eleventh eye. The Anti-
magic Ray can be used to protect the Beholder
from magic of all forms.
[what is interesting is how the sub-chief and guards
do 2-7 damage and while chiefs & bodyguards do
2-8; likely standard orc damage was once 1-6...)
Fourth paragraph start should read...
Orc lairs are underground 75% of the time, in an
above ground village 25% of the time. There will
always be the following additional orcs when the
encounter is in the creatures' lair: a chief and 5-30
bodyguards (AC 4, 13-16 hit points, attack as
monsters with 3 hit dice.
sic: in my copy the entire sentence is...

Page 18, DEMONS: There will always be the following additional orcs
when the encounter is in the creatures' lair: a chief
and 5-30 bodyguards (AC 4, 13-16 hit points, attack

24
 as monsters with 3 hit dice and do 2 - 8 hit points
damage), females equal to 50% of the number of
males, young equal to 100% of the number of
males.
Page 79, PORTUGUESE MAN-O-WAR, Giant:
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Standard
Page 83, Rust Monster:
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
DAMAGE/ATTACK: Nil
This monster only attacks metal objects, it will not
physically harm an adventurer.
Page 94, TITAN:
MOVE: 21" or 15"
The larger Titans move slower than the shorter
Titans.
Page 100, WIGHT:
Second paragraph. Cross out the portion of the third
sentence that reads; "Plus the hit die for the level
drained." The sentence should read, "The creature
so hit, looses both the hit points of damage scored
(1-4), plus a level of ability, i.e. a 9th level character
struck by a wight becomes 8th level!"
My book reads...
25
The creature so hit loses the hit points of damage
scored (1-4) plus one experience level and all the
bonuses derived from that level, i.e. hit dice, class
bonuses, thief abilities, spell levels, etc. A 9th level
magic user struck by a wight loses 1-4 hit points
and he becomes an 8th level magic user; he has
the spells and the hit points of an 8th level magic
user, and he melees as an 8th level character of his
class.
Page 102, WRAITH:
Cross out:
% IN DICE: 5 + 3
Page 102, XORN:
NO. OF ATTACKS: 4
Page 103, YETI:
Second paragraph last sentence:
For each level above 1st add 5% chance of spotting
a yeti at normal distance, i.e. a 2nd level character
has a 5% chance of spotting one.
sic: in my copy, this is the third paragraph and the
sentence appears in parenthesis:
(For each level above 1st add 5% chance of
spotting a yeti at normal distance, i.e. a 2nd level
character has a 5% chance of spotting one.)
 Moldvay Basic and Cook/Marsh Edited Expert Sets: c. 1980-1981
Steve Marsh seems to have done most of the actual
editing and finalizing for the expert rulebook,
according to posts he made on the Dragonsfoot
forums. Likewise, on the inside cover: "EDITOR: Dave
Cook with Steve Marsh." Note that Steve Marsh
admitted to making his own changes in the expert
rulebook, such as favoring Dwarves and Halfling when
it comes to saving throws.
While this was a continuation of D&D, It diverged from
the original 3 books in various ways. The general gist
is that Gygax did indeed come up with the idea of two
rules sets and played a major role in trying to decide
what to include in AD&D and what to include in the
D&D books. But he was busy and employees tended
to try to do what they wanted and made their own
edits and "improvements"...
never been answered, but the easiest observation is
that 6 x 6 = 36 and various D&D-ers were fans of d6s.
I often muse that 9th level is name level and
characters start setting up their own "households" -
castles, temples, thief gangs and towers. Perhaps by
18th they are ruling over a large region as kings;
maybe at 27th they are emperors; and by 36th they
rule planets.
Average Values for Treasures
The average value for certain treasure types as given
on page X43 of the Expert book is off: type M is off
quiet a bit (15,000 in the book versus 50,000+ by
calculations). The Expert book compiled by Frank
Mentzer corrects these somewhat (on page 41.)

It is also possible TSR was purposefully diverging
from older rules due to Dave Arnessons' claims
towards certain D&D elements. There seemed to have
been various changes made to help reduce the
chance of various contributors claiming credit and
partial ownership of the game.
Thus, this book continued the D&D line as such, but
also changed various elements.
The publishing dates can be misleading: the Basic
and Expert rulebooks were published and available
the same year at the same general time.
1,110 s.p. vs. 1,100 g.p. (Sample
Adventure in Basic Book)
In the example of stocking a dungeon page B56, room
#4:
"Rolling 3d6 to determine its value, the result of 11
means that the piece of jewelry is worth 1100 sp."
It is interesting how the tables can result in everything
from no treasure to hundreds of thousands of gold
pieces in treasure, illustrating how truly random they
are.
"Avg (Average)", "Low", and Max (maximum), are
mathematical numbers weighted by multiplying the
chance of a column occurring times the minimum /
average / maximum g.p. value that can occur. Thus
10% chance or 1,000 to 6,000 g.p. (min 1,000;
average 3,500; max 6,000) has a value of 100 low;
350 avg; and 600 max. A 10% chance or 1,000 to
6,000 s.p. (min 100; average 350; max 600 in g.p.)
has a value of 10 min; 35 avg; and 60 max in gold.
The minimum value is 0 (zero; as in no treasure is
found); the average is basically the mathematical
tendency over a lot of die rolls; while low is a typical
low treasures and maximum is what would result if the
DM made perfect rolls for all treasures. The value of
magic items is very subjective, so they are not
included.

Jewelery is worth 300 to 1,800 gold pieces and hence Type Low Max Avg Book
page B56: A 15,110 96,660 17,814 17,000
B 2,860 17,680 2,016 2,000
"The largest hobgoblin has a locked iron box which C 1,860 10,520 994 1,000
contains 500 sp and a jeweled necklace worth D 2,360 23,280 3,890 4,000
1100 gp. " E 2,860 31,300 2,323 2,500
F 8,150 59,400 7,688 5,000
36 Levels of Experience G 16,650 91,600 23,219 25,000
H 50,830 282,240 60,109 50,000
Why standard D&D specifically goes to 36th level has I 7,500 64,000 11,125 8,000

26
 J 110 340 26 25 Page B3 promised a D&D Companion Set which
K 600 1,600 180 125 would provide information for levels 15 to 36. This did
L 200 800 250 250 not appear and those in the know at TSR have said
M 30,100 183,600 50,433 15,000 there were barely any notes. Instead, Frank Mentzer
N 0 0 0 took the reigns and compiled a revised version of
O 0 0 0 Dungeons & Dragons that was published in 1983: it
eventually included all 36 levels and included
P 0.03 0.24 0.14 Companion as well as Master and Immortal rules.
Q 0.30 1.80 1.05 Various fan have made companions, each with their
R 1.00 6.00 3.50 own take on what the extra rules would have been.
S 2.00 8.00 5.00
T 5.00 30.00 17.50 Damage
U 62.56 256.10 159.33
V 125.39 538.50 331.94 In the original 1974 booklets (using the d20
combat system), all attacks did 1-6 (1d6) points of
Bandits = Thieves (B30) damage - including attacks by monsters. Monsters got
only one attack each and did not have attacks such as
"Bandits" is the title used for an NPC thief encounter, claw/claw/bite. Some monsters (like giants) were
much the same way "Acolyte" is a cleric encounter, given 2 dice +1, 2+2 dice, or 3 dice damage and so
"Veteran" is a fighter encounter, and "Medium" a on.
magic-user encounter. There are also specific The Greyhawk supplement introduced variable
encounters defined for NPCs and NPC parties. On the damage for everyone, both PCs and monsters, and
table for Wandering Monsters: Level 2 (page B54) is monsters were given such familiar attack routines as
an encounter with Veteran of levels/hit die 1, 2, 3 - claw/claw/bite. Some PC weapons had higher
thus whoever jiggered the game was not necessarily damage ratings against large creatures.
using the class experience level titles as written. In the The Holmes introductory booklet of 1977 started a
second level wandering monster table, Noble has a hit trend whereby player character attacks were limited to
die/level of 1, 2, 3 - given how player characters have 1-6 damage - but monsters still got variable damage.
to reach 9th level to become a noble, that is odd, to Thus a normal elf could do 1-10 points damage while
say the least. a PC elf only did 1-6.
In the Moldvay basic rules continued the Holmes
Bat: (B31) trend and variable damage was offered as an option
for PCs. Damage against large creatures was not
Note the colon after the name... pursued, limiting character effectiveness against large
creatures.
Character Creation (B5)
Detection Spells (Comparison)
"Part 4 of this booklet (The Encounter) contains
an explanation of these numbers and how they are The original D&D (published 1974) and AD&D both
used." treated detection spells as informational: the caster
LEARNED whether or not something was detected;
Part 5 is The Encounter. the spells did not make items glow. The Cook/Moldvay
rules changed this: detect magic causes magic items
to glow, for example, meaning a person or object
Cleric Spells at the 6th level of under an invisibility spell would glow if detect magic
was cast and they entered its radius, making the
Experience: detect invisible spell tricky to define.
The spell slots a cleric receives at the 6th level of
experience in the Basic Set (B18) is not the same as Detect Invisible Spell (B16)
what is shown in the Expert Set (X5).
This spell was shown in the spell lists on page B16 but
not detailed in the book. Given how the detect magic
Companion Rules spells make things glow (in these rules: not in AD&D

27
nor the original rules) and how invisibility is gained
through magic, I wonder if there was a debate about All
including detect invisible at all... Wands -
Includin
The version in the Basic rulebook compiled by Frank g
Mentzer is: Class & Death Polymor Drago Staves
Ray ph or n &
Detect Invisible Range: 10 per Level of the Magic- Level or Paralyzat Ston Breath Spells
user Poison ion e
Duration: 6 turns Fighting- 1-3 12 13 14 15 16
Effect: The magic-user only Men
Fighter 4-6 10 11 12 13 14
When this spell is cast, the magic-user can see all Fighter 7-9 8 9 10 10 12
invisible creatures and objects within range. The
range is 10 for each level of the magic-user. For
example, a Conjurer can use this spell to see invisible Equipment - Flail
things within 30.
A flail was not included in the weapons choices on
page B12 nor X9, although they had appeared in
Dwarf and Halfling Saves Saving Throws OD&D and Holmes 1977 intro set and are mentioned
on page X4. Perhaps the editors were anti-flail bigots.
In the basic rulebook (on page B26) Dwarf and
Halfling saves are as follows (4 levels higher than a
human fighter, if you look at the saving throw tables Light Catapults (X64, 3-18 has no 3d6)
shown in the expert book on page X24):
"3-18" has no 3d6 immediately afterwards.

Death Paralysis Rods, 1-6 hull points damage also does not have a (1d6)
Ray or Magic or Turn Dragon Staves, note after it.
Poison Wands To Stone Breath or Spells
Living Statue (B37)
10 11 12 13 14
The "Attacks:" row does not exist.
In Expert rulebook on page X24 the saves were
changed (except dragon breath, which remained the
same) - the others are 6+ levels higher than a human Magic Armor Encumbrance
fighter. Below are the saves for levels 1-3 for example.
B48 (roughly 40%)
Death Paralysis Rods,
Ray or Magic or Turn Dragon Staves,
Poison Wands To Stone Breath or Spells Die Type of Normal Magical Encumbrance of
8 9 10 13 12 Roll Armor AC AC Magical Armor
1-2 Leather 7 6 75 coins
Steve Marsh was the actual editor and commented 3-6 Chain mail 5 4 150 coins
that he favored the little guys. Dwarves originally 7-8 Plate mail 3 2 200 coins
saved "4 levels higher than humans" in the original
booklets (separate saving throw tables were not used
for races). When the new Basic/Expert series was X48 (50%)
produced, rather than breaking dwarf and halfling
saves out in levels 1-2, 3-5, they based them on Die Type of Normal Encumbrance of
increments of 1-3: note how 3 + 4 = 7. The saves in Roll Armor AC Magical Armor
the cook basic rules were based on 1 + 4 = 5th level 1-2 Leather 7 100 coins
fighter; those in the expert book used 3 + 4 = 7 for 7th 3-6 Chain mail 5 200 coins
level fighter. 7-8 Plate mail 3 250 coins

28

Medallion of ESP
Medallion of ESP is defined briefly in Expert (X50)
and thoroughly in Basic (B50).
Monster Hit Points (B29)
"The DM will always use eight-sided dice to find a
monster's hit points."
This is annoying because some "monsters" are actual
definitions of encounters with NPCs, not monsters, so
some people use it as an excuse to give NPC clerics,
magic-users, and thieves 1d8 hit points per level (as
in, "Screw the players! Yuck, yuck, yuck!")
Sharks (Movement rate = inches)
The shark movement rate uses the original convention
of 18" rather than 180' (60').
Skeleton vs Zombie Speed
Despite being "slow fighters" zombies are faster
(120') than skeletons (60'). This was changed to
zombies (60'/6") than skeletons (120'/12") in AD&D.
Staff of Power (X49)
Damage per spell is noted as "6-48 (8d6)" damage,
which should be "8-48 (8d6)".
Staff of Wizardry Area of Blast (X49)
Staff of wizardry (X49). Note how the blast radius is
20' or 30'.
"The final strike will create a fire ball effect for 8 points
of damage per charge remaining in the staff to all
within 20'. All creatures within 30' of the final strike
(including the wielder) will take the indicated amount
of damage."
Strength Bonuses & Opening Doors:
Strength bonuses are positive for high scores,
negative for low scores, yet open doors is a 1-2 on
29
1d6. Thus the bonus would not be added to the die
roll but rather to the number range (the sign should be
flipped and then added to the die roll; or the sign left
as-is and subtracted from the die roll).
Swimming (3,000 coins treasure...)
X51: "For example, a fighter trying to swim in rough
choppy seas while wearing plate armor and carrying
3000 cn of treasure might have a 99% chance of
drowning."
In case you do not see it: a character can only carry
1,600 coins maximum. Likely this is supposed to read
"carrying 300 cn of treasure"
Thieves versus Other Classes and
Finding Traps:
B10 (under the thief description): "They are the only
characters who can open locks and find traps without
using magic to do so."
Page B22 under Traps: "Any character has a 1 in 6
chance of finding a trap when searching for one in the
correct area. Any dwarf has a 2 in 6 chance."
In the orginal Greyhawk and Gary Gygaxes' pre-
Greyhawk notes, thieves were mainly concerned with
small traps:
" remove small trap devices (such as poisoned
needles)"
Note that Frank Mentzer's BEMCI rules set repeated
this very same thing, perhaps better explaining that
there were traps a thief could find but not others.
Thief Skill Climbing Description
Moldvay Basic book: Page B8, thief skills: "Climb
Sheer Surfaces" is titled "Climb Steep Surfaces" in
text.
Wand of Fireball (6d6 after damage)
Interesting how they did not put a (6d6) after the 6-36
damage.
 Dungeons & Dragons c. 1983 (Frank Mentzer Compilation)
Dungeons & Dragons evolved through the 1974 three
book set (and supplements), the 1977 Holmes edited
Introductory booklet, and the 1980-81 rules edited by
Tom Moldvay and Dave Cook/Steve Marsh to yet one
more iteration, a set of booklets compiled by Frank
Mentzer (and edited by others) with publishing started
in 1983. These were:
Basic Rules Set (levels 1 to 3). Split into a Players
Book and Dungeon Master's Book.
Expert Rules Set (levels 4 to 14). A single book
since it contained the Isle of Dread module, edited
and revised for the rules.
Companion Rules Set (levels 15 to 25)
Master Rules Set (levels 26 to 36)
Immortals Rules Set (immortality and so on)
It is common to abbreviate the books as BECMI.
The Companion, Master and Immortals rules added
custom information not previously published in rule
books.
Damage
The damage system pretty much follows that of
the Moldvay/Cook rules.
Doors (Forcing)
In the Holmes and Cook/Moldvay rules doors
were forced on a 1-2 (the strength modifier had to be
added to the number needed or subtracted from the
die roll.) In This book it was changed to 5 or 6 on 1d6
allowing the modifier to be added to the die roll. (DM's
Basic Rulebook page 6.)
Dwarf and Halfling Saves Saving Throws
See the discussion of the Cook/Expert booklets as
the Cook edited Expert saves were used for Mentzer.
Maximum Level For Elf
Expert rulebook, Player's section page 3:
"Page To help keep all the character classes in
balance, a halfling may only rise to 8th level;
dwarves and elves may not progress beyond 12th
level."
30
Actually:
"An elf may only advance to 10th level"
Equipment - Crowbar
The Cook (Marsh) Expert rule book had included a
crowbar in the equipment list, but not the Mentzer
edited rules.
Equipment - Flail
As with the Moldvay/Cook (Marsh) edited rules, a flail
was not included as a weapon. One of those cosmetic
annoyances.
Finding Traps: Thief versus other
Characters
Page 43 of the players Booklet in the Basic Set:
"Thieves are the only characters that can open locks
and find traps without using magic." This was copied
word for word from the Moldvay basic set rule book.
Page 57 under Traps:
"You might have no chance to find a small trap, such
as the type on a door or treasure. Thieves have a
percentage chance at detecting any type of trap.
Dwarves have better chances at finding large traps
(such as pits) than other characters."
DM's Rulebook, page 15:
The traps a dwarf can find are those involving
large dungeon features, such as a falling ceiling, floor
pit, and so forth. The traps a dwarf may discover does
not refer to all traps. For example, a dwarf would have
no chance at detecting a small dart trap on a chest;
this could be detectable only by a thief.
Roll 1d6. If the result of the roll is 1 or 2, the
attempt is successful - if there is anything there to find.
The attempt takes about 1 turn per area (up to about a
30 x 30 area, or the DMs choice). You may wish to
change this to less or more time. If the player says Ill
check for all those dwarven things, remind the player
that it will take 4 turns (1 for each of the 4 abilities),
and ask the party if they want to do anything while the
dwarf is searching. You may change this to 1 turn for
all 4 abilities if in a smaller area or single room.
DM's Rulebook, page 21: Rat
Normal Giant
All DMs should be familiar with the special abilities Armor Class:
of thieves. If you are not, turn to page 44 of the Hit Dice: 9 7
PLAYERS MANUAL and read the descriptions. Most Move: 1 hit point 1/2 (1-4 hit
dungeon designs include several traps for only points)
thieves to (hopefully) find and remove, locks for Swimming: 60 (20) 120 (40)
them to open, and sheer walls for their special Attacks: 30 (10) 60 (20)
climbing skills. Damage: 1 bite per pack 1 bite each
No. Appearing: 1-6 + disease 1-3 + disease
Save As: 5-50 (2-20) 3-18 (3-30)
Green Slime: Basic Set Player's Rulebook Morale: Normal Man Normal Man
page 31 Treasure Type: 5 8
Alignment: L C
"Alignment: Lawful" XP value: Neutral Neutral

Wonder what the green slime heroes are off crusading

about... Sample Characters

Healing page 34 cleric:

6 tinder box torches
There seems to be little reference to healing.
Sprite Statistics
Intelligence table - Basic Players Book
Page 38 basic DM book. Off one line.
page 51
Sprite
Cut short (covers 3 to 8).
Armor Class: 1/2* (1-4 hp)
Module X1: The Isle of Dread Hit Dice: 60 (20)
Move: 180 (60)
The Mentzer expert set included a revised form of the Flying: 1 spell
standard X1 module, changing such things as the Attacks: See below
Damage: 3-18 (5-40)
2. CROCODILE BAY (Use Map 1.) which used to be No. Appearing: Elf: 1
bull sharks.... Save As: 7
Morale: S
6. LAIR OF THE WATER TERMITE which used to be Treasure Type: Neutral
a giant squid. Alignment: 6
24. THE SEA HYDRA (Use Map 1.) originally a sea XP value:
dragon.

Random encounter table for the central plateau.
Deleted wooly rhino and replaced by increasing the
cave bear encounter from 2 to 2 or 3.
Replaced #10 titanothere with triceratops.
Thief Skills Progression
Early versions used the progressions for thieves from
the early rules edited by Molvay/Cook (Marsh) where
they reached 100% plus at level 14 or so. This was
changed by Frank in later printings to allow for longer
though slower progression at higher levels.

Rat statistics Typos

Page 36 basic DM book. Off by one line. Basic, DM book

31

pg 19; The DM may decide to adjust a Morale Check
by a penatly of + 2 or +1, no adjustment, or a bonus of
- 1 or - 2.
"penatly" = "penalty"
Basic Player Book, page 49:
"It you wish to play a non-human character, you must
have high Ability Scores in certain areas." should be
"If you wish to play a non-human character, you must
have high Ability Scores in certain areas."
Paragraph not shaded:
A Cleric with Strength and Wisdom of 15 drops the
Strength by 6 (to 9) and raises the Wisdom by 3 (to
18).
Basic Player Book, page 57:
Your character is then using Strength to open it,
which may be successful if the door is merely stuck
quite (quite common in dungeons).

32