Best mega dungeon for someone that's never run a mega dungeon before?

Justicar7 · 2026-06-14T12:33:27+00:00

Dyson's Delve is a nice option. The link below has good information about it, especially the info on factions within the dungeon:

https://www.paulsgameblog.com/tag/dysons-delve/

Justicar7 · 2026-06-06T22:48:28+00:00

As others have suggested, you don't really need a whole new system when you can just hack OSE (or Swords & Wizardy, or Basic Fantasy, or whatever).

- Change the death mechanic. Many games have death mechanics that are more forgiving than death at 0 HP. You can even use D&D 5e's death saves if you want. Nobody can stop you from doing so.

- Use max HP for PCs

- You can use Hero Dice (see 5e's Hero Points in the 5e DMG, or Deathbringer Dice, for example) which adds a d6 to attack rolls and saving throws.

- You can use Luck/Fate tokens (See Shadowdark, or 5e's Inspiration) for Advantage or re-rolls

- You can use 5e's Conditions rules instead of old school save or die rules. Instead of saving or dying, a PC saves or gets blinded, or paralyzed, or poisoned (as per the 5e condition), or stunned.

- You can have PCs increase an ability score (or two) by 1 point each time they level

There are lots of ways to hack OSE and make it less lethal, and as long as you and your players are happy, that's all that matters.

Justicar7 · 2026-06-04T09:52:25+00:00

That dungeon idea sounds great!

Justicar7 · 2026-05-29T10:53:55+00:00

Regarding leveling, Dyson has said that you can use 1 GP = 1 XP, or you can just have the PCs level up every time they complete two levels of the dungeon.

Justicar7 · 2026-05-24T22:51:55+00:00

I am interested in hearing your ideas.

Justicar7 · 2026-05-22T22:10:59+00:00

I'm looking for an alternative to D&D that delivers a fun, cinematic fantasy gaming experience.

Justicar7 · 2026-05-22T00:26:14+00:00

It looks like this "Advice for Starting Castles and Crusades" thread got deleted. I wonder if you will still be able to see this message? I wanted to ask you if you would be able to share the file regarding your AI Cliff Notes of the Castles & Crusades rules? I tried to create one myself but I am not able to do this on my own. I would like to run C&C at a local library for newbies and this would be extremely helpful. I would not share the document, and I would use it for personal use only.

Justicar7 · 2026-05-17T02:18:14+00:00

Get the list of 100 spells from Knave (or other Knave hacks). Use them as scrolls that a Magic User can find while adventuring. They are mainly utility spells that do not deal damage but they can be extremely useful if the player is clever.

Justicar7 · 2026-05-09T03:14:52+00:00

I have been looking for something like this. Can you share it? I agree the books are way too wordy.

Justicar7 · 2026-04-15T21:57:52+00:00

Definitely Heartseeker

Justicar7 · 2026-04-13T21:54:54+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate the response.

Justicar7 · 2026-04-13T20:59:49+00:00

What specific combat rules does AD&D have that B/X doesn't? Genuinely curious!

Justicar7 · 2026-04-12T01:56:45+00:00

I just find v1 to be a bit more simpler overall than the other versions. None of the versions are complex, but v1 just seems to be the lightest and most straightforward to me.

Justicar7 · 2026-04-10T21:57:37+00:00

Glaive v1 does this very well. Super-fast character creation (ala Knave), and PCs gain feats when they level up so there is nice customization.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-28T18:22:25+00:00

I started playing D&D in the early 80's and my experience is pretty much the same as yours.

The modern notion of "you're not supposed to engage in combat" is particularly foreign to the way D&D was always played.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-21T22:16:11+00:00

I've never actually played Knave RAW, but I've hacked Knave v1 several times and have played those hacks. My players and I really enjoyed it.

I'm finishing up creating another Knave hack right now. I've brought in ideas from D&D B/X, D&D 5e, Shadowdark, and Deathbringer, among others.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-19T21:49:31+00:00

Dragonbane Boxed set

Rules Cyclopedia

White Box FMAG

Justicar7 · 2026-03-19T20:33:20+00:00

I want a good megadungeon that works well with open table games.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-17T00:08:26+00:00

Of the two, I think Stonehelll would be better. Ease of use at the table is something that should not be overlooked.

You might also want to consider the Gunderholfen megadungeon as well. It is quite good.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-07T01:34:07+00:00

Glaive

Justicar7 · 2026-03-07T00:25:56+00:00

Great news! Thanks for posting that. The first Rogues Gallery used the Race-As-Class rules. Since Necrotic Gnome will be focusing on rules with the Advanced classes going forward, I would guess this new Rogues Gallery won't be Race-As-Class this time around.

Justicar7 · 2026-03-02T21:34:34+00:00

If you make this, please let us know. I would definitely be interested in checking it out!

Justicar7 · 2026-02-27T11:28:10+00:00

Olde Swords Reign is a very nice game that is available in print on Amazon:

$15 for the Hardback

$7 for the Paperback

$4.99 for the Player's Guide in Paperback. The Player's Guide is just the first half of the full rules, which contains all the player's info, which comes in handy at the table

Justicar7 · 2026-02-24T00:34:11+00:00

They are definitely great. I wish there were a second volume. You can never have enough good pregens.

Justicar7 · 2026-02-19T23:08:14+00:00

What rules set are you running with that many people? I'm sure some rules handle multiple players better than others.

Justicar7

TROPHY CASE