#becmi — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #becmi, aggregated by home.social.
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I had no interest in old #DnD versions before encountering the #OSR which settled on #BX as a base. (This is the version of Basic D&D that came before the famous "red box" BECMI one that was the first one I saw IRL.)
This led me on a journey to explore other versions - #HolmesBasicDnD, the #3LBB books, the supplements to those, retroclones like #SwordsAndWizardry and #WhiteBoxFMAG, and now I think I've done my exploration and ended up back where I started, with B/X. The difference being that I can explain _why_ now.
(Short version: it's more coherent and finished than Holmes and earlier, yet still without the complications and level/power inflation of #BECMI or #ADnD.)
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I had no interest in old #DnD versions before encountering the #OSR which settled on #BX as a base. (This is the version of Basic D&D that came before the famous "red box" BECMI one that was the first one I saw IRL.)
This led me on a journey to explore other versions - #HolmesBasicDnD, the #3LBB books, the supplements to those, retroclones like #SwordsAndWizardry and #WhiteBoxFMAG, and now I think I've done my exploration and ended up back where I started, with B/X. The difference being that I can explain _why_ now.
(Short version: it's more coherent and finished than Holmes and earlier, yet still without the complications and level/power inflation of #BECMI or #ADnD.)
-
I had no interest in old #DnD versions before encountering the #OSR which settled on #BX as a base. (This is the version of Basic D&D that came before the famous "red box" BECMI one that was the first one I saw IRL.)
This led me on a journey to explore other versions - #HolmesBasicDnD, the #3LBB books, the supplements to those, retroclones like #SwordsAndWizardry and #WhiteBoxFMAG, and now I think I've done my exploration and ended up back where I started, with B/X. The difference being that I can explain _why_ now.
(Short version: it's more coherent and finished than Holmes and earlier, yet still without the complications and level/power inflation of #BECMI or #ADnD.)
-
I had no interest in old #DnD versions before encountering the #OSR which settled on #BX as a base. (This is the version of Basic D&D that came before the famous "red box" BECMI one that was the first one I saw IRL.)
This led me on a journey to explore other versions - #HolmesBasicDnD, the #3LBB books, the supplements to those, retroclones like #SwordsAndWizardry and #WhiteBoxFMAG, and now I think I've done my exploration and ended up back where I started, with B/X. The difference being that I can explain _why_ now.
(Short version: it's more coherent and finished than Holmes and earlier, yet still without the complications and level/power inflation of #BECMI or #ADnD.)
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BECMI Binders
I saw this post on Facebook a bit ago, and I thought it was rather great. So some DriveThruRPG pdfs and Prime Day binders later, I have a full set of my own.
#dnd #becmi #80s
https://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2026/06/becmi-binders.html -
BECMI Binders
I saw this post on Facebook a bit ago, and I thought it was rather great. So some DriveThruRPG pdfs and Prime Day binders later, I have a full set of my own.
#dnd #becmi #80s
https://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2026/06/becmi-binders.html -
BECMI Binders
I saw this post on Facebook a bit ago, and I thought it was rather great. So some DriveThruRPG pdfs and Prime Day binders later, I have a full set of my own.
#dnd #becmi #80s
https://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2026/06/becmi-binders.html -
BECMI Binders
I saw this post on Facebook a bit ago, and I thought it was rather great. So some DriveThruRPG pdfs and Prime Day binders later, I have a full set of my own.
#dnd #becmi #80s
https://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2026/06/becmi-binders.html -
Ah yes, the two genders: evil, or reclusive scholar.
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Ah yes, the two genders: evil, or reclusive scholar.
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Ah yes, the two genders: evil, or reclusive scholar.
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Me?
Oh, nothing. Just completely revamping the damage progression for #BECMI Weapon Mastery.
You know, because I have a new campaign starting so I have to immediately tinker with the system I'm using instead of writing game content.
🤣
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Me?
Oh, nothing. Just completely revamping the damage progression for #BECMI Weapon Mastery.
You know, because I have a new campaign starting so I have to immediately tinker with the system I'm using instead of writing game content.
🤣
-
Me?
Oh, nothing. Just completely revamping the damage progression for #BECMI Weapon Mastery.
You know, because I have a new campaign starting so I have to immediately tinker with the system I'm using instead of writing game content.
🤣
-
Me?
Oh, nothing. Just completely revamping the damage progression for #BECMI Weapon Mastery.
You know, because I have a new campaign starting so I have to immediately tinker with the system I'm using instead of writing game content.
🤣
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In my YouTube channel, I only review or mention products or game rules that I've played or at least own and read cover to cover. I've been a big fan of Old-Schoo Essentials for 2+ years, and recently got Shadowdark (and love it). I'm also a BECMI grognard who cut his teeth on the purple box Basic Set (Moldvay) and AD&D.
Should I get Dolmenwood and add that to the mix? Is it different enough to be worth the time/expense?
#dnd #osr #ttrpg #Dolmenwood #Shadowdark #BECMI #ADND #OldSchoolEssentials
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In my YouTube channel, I only review or mention products or game rules that I've played or at least own and read cover to cover. I've been a big fan of Old-Schoo Essentials for 2+ years, and recently got Shadowdark (and love it). I'm also a BECMI grognard who cut his teach on the purple box Basic Set (Moldvay) and AD&D.
Should I get Dolmenwood and add that to the mix? Is it different enough to be worth the time/expense?
#dnd #osr #ttrpg #Dolmenwood #Shadowdark #BECMI #ADND #OldSchoolEssentials
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In my YouTube channel, I only review or mention products or game rules that I've played or at least own and read cover to cover. I've been a big fan of Old-Schoo Essentials for 2+ years, and recently got Shadowdark (and love it). I'm also a BECMI grognard who cut his teeth on the purple box Basic Set (Moldvay) and AD&D.
Should I get Dolmenwood and add that to the mix? Is it different enough to be worth the time/expense?
#dnd #osr #ttrpg #Dolmenwood #Shadowdark #BECMI #ADND #OldSchoolEssentials
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In my YouTube channel, I only review or mention products or game rules that I've played or at least own and read cover to cover. I've been a big fan of Old-Schoo Essentials for 2+ years, and recently got Shadowdark (and love it). I'm also a BECMI grognard who cut his teeth on the purple box Basic Set (Moldvay) and AD&D.
Should I get Dolmenwood and add that to the mix? Is it different enough to be worth the time/expense?
#dnd #osr #ttrpg #Dolmenwood #Shadowdark #BECMI #ADND #OldSchoolEssentials
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An old player reached out to me over the weekend. During our chat he brought up that time his thief rolled a nat 1 (99 on percentile, actually!) on a "move silently" check inside a hobgoblin lair (BECMI, "Keep on the Borderlands").
I laughed and said, "I made a YouTube video about that!"
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab7aNB3RE-Q
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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An old player reached out to me over the weekend. During our chat he brought up that time his thief rolled a nat 1 (99 on percentile, actually!) on a "move silently" check inside a hobgoblin lair (BECMI, "Keep on the Borderlands").
I laughed and said, "I made a YouTube video about that!"
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab7aNB3RE-Q
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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A "Memorable" #ttrpg session isn't always the same as a "Successful" one. :-)
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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A "Memorable" #ttrpg session isn't always the same as a "Successful" one. :-)
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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In this true table story, a group of first-level D&D adventurers plan a stealth mission into a hobgoblin lair. What follows is an epic failure in the most memorable way. It's a perfect example of why the chaos of bad dice rolls create the most unforgettable moments in tabletop RPGs.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming #epicfail
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In this true table story, a group of first-level D&D adventurers plan a stealth mission into a hobgoblin lair. What follows is an epic failure in the most memorable way. It's a perfect example of why the chaos of bad dice rolls create the most unforgettable moments in tabletop RPGs.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming #epicfail
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In this true table story, a group of first-level D&D adventurers plan a stealth mission into a hobgoblin lair. What follows is an epic failure in the most memorable way. It's a perfect example of why the chaos of bad dice rolls create the most unforgettable moments in tabletop RPGs.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming #epicfail
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In this true table story, a group of first-level D&D adventurers plan a stealth mission into a hobgoblin lair. What follows is an epic failure in the most memorable way. It's a perfect example of why the chaos of bad dice rolls create the most unforgettable moments in tabletop RPGs.
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ab7aNB3RE-Q [3 min 13 sec]
READ: https://ruckerworks.com/2026/02/perfect-plan-dice-fail/#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming #epicfail
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Can failure in your D&D game be more fun than success?
My next video drops tomorrow (THU Feb 11) where I describe a table-top D&D game that went horribly wrong in the most memorable way.
Stay tuned.
https://www.youtube.com/@ruckerworks/
#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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Can failure in your D&D game be more fun than success?
My next video drops tomorrow (THU Feb 11) where I describe a table-top D&D game that went horribly wrong in the most memorable way.
Stay tuned.
https://www.youtube.com/@ruckerworks/
#dndstories #rpg #dungeonmaster #ttrpg #becmi #dnd5e #dndmemories #tabletopgaming
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Number of spells for "magic user/wizard" (equivalent) in core rulebooks (excluding sorcer, warlock, illusionist, etc.):
1. OSE Basic Fantasy – 12
2. Mentzer Basic Set – 14
3. Shadowdark – 16
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – 27
5. AD&D 1e PHB – 34
6. 5e 2014 PHB – 49
7. 5e 2024 Core – 61 -
Number of spells for "magic user/wizard" (equivalent) in core rulebooks (excluding sorcer, warlock, illusionist, etc.):
1. OSE Basic Fantasy – 12
2. Mentzer Basic Set – 14
3. Shadowdark – 16
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – 27
5. AD&D 1e PHB – 34
6. 5e 2014 PHB – 49
7. 5e 2024 Core – 61 -
Number of spells for "magic user/wizard" (equivalent) in core rulebooks (excluding sorcer, warlock, illusionist, etc.):
1. OSE Basic Fantasy – 12
2. Mentzer Basic Set – 14
3. Shadowdark – 16
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – 27
5. AD&D 1e PHB – 34
6. 5e 2014 PHB – 49
7. 5e 2024 Core – 61 -
Number of spells for "magic user/wizard" (equivalent) in core rulebooks (excluding sorcer, warlock, illusionist, etc.):
1. OSE Basic Fantasy – 12
2. Mentzer Basic Set – 14
3. Shadowdark – 16
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – 27
5. AD&D 1e PHB – 34
6. 5e 2014 PHB – 49
7. 5e 2024 Core – 61 -
Combat between four 1st level characters and four hobgoblins, assuming no grid-heavy tactics, and rules used mostly as written:
1. Shadowdark – About 15 to 25 minutes.
2. BECMI – About 20 to 30 minutes.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – About 20 to 30 minutes.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – About 25 to 40 minutes.
5. AD&D 1e – About 30 to 45 minutes.
6. 5e 2014 – About 40 to 70 minutes.
7. 5e 2024 – About 40 to 70 minutes, possibly toward the higher end early on. -
Combat between four 1st level characters and four hobgoblins, assuming no grid-heavy tactics, and rules used mostly as written:
1. Shadowdark – About 15 to 25 minutes.
2. BECMI – About 20 to 30 minutes.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – About 20 to 30 minutes.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – About 25 to 40 minutes.
5. AD&D 1e – About 30 to 45 minutes.
6. 5e 2014 – About 40 to 70 minutes.
7. 5e 2024 – About 40 to 70 minutes, possibly toward the higher end early on. -
Combat between four 1st level characters and four hobgoblins, assuming no grid-heavy tactics, and rules used mostly as written:
1. Shadowdark – About 15 to 25 minutes.
2. BECMI – About 20 to 30 minutes.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – About 20 to 30 minutes.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – About 25 to 40 minutes.
5. AD&D 1e – About 30 to 45 minutes.
6. 5e 2014 – About 40 to 70 minutes.
7. 5e 2024 – About 40 to 70 minutes, possibly toward the higher end early on. -
Combat between four 1st level characters and four hobgoblins, assuming no grid-heavy tactics, and rules used mostly as written:
1. Shadowdark – About 15 to 25 minutes.
2. BECMI – About 20 to 30 minutes.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – About 20 to 30 minutes.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – About 25 to 40 minutes.
5. AD&D 1e – About 30 to 45 minutes.
6. 5e 2014 – About 40 to 70 minutes.
7. 5e 2024 – About 40 to 70 minutes, possibly toward the higher end early on. -
Complexity of leveling up a character from 1st to 3rd level:
1. Shadowdark – Few choices, minimal calculations.
2. BECMI – Simple procedures, limited advancement options.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – Same simplicity with clean tables.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – More features added during leveling.
5. AD&D (1e) – Multiple lookups and procedural steps.
6. 5e 2014 – Many decisions and subclass choices.
7. 5e 2024 – Additional early features increase decisions. -
Complexity of leveling up a character from 1st to 3rd level:
1. Shadowdark – Few choices, minimal calculations.
2. BECMI – Simple procedures, limited advancement options.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – Same simplicity with clean tables.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – More features added during leveling.
5. AD&D (1e) – Multiple lookups and procedural steps.
6. 5e 2014 – Many decisions and subclass choices.
7. 5e 2024 – Additional early features increase decisions. -
Complexity of leveling up a character from 1st to 3rd level:
1. Shadowdark – Few choices, minimal calculations.
2. BECMI – Simple procedures, limited advancement options.
3. OSE Basic Fantasy – Same simplicity with clean tables.
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy – More features added during leveling.
5. AD&D (1e) – Multiple lookups and procedural steps.
6. 5e 2014 – Many decisions and subclass choices.
7. 5e 2024 – Additional early features increase decisions. -
Number of race/class combinations for a first-level character (assuming core rulebooks only):
1. BECMI: 7
2. Old-School Essentials Basic: 7
3. Shadowdark: 24
4. AD&D 1e (PHB only, single-class only): about 30
5. Old-School Essentials Advanced: 67
5. D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 108 -
Number of race/class combinations for a first-level character (assuming core rulebooks only):
1. BECMI: 7
2. Old-School Essentials Basic: 7
3. Shadowdark: 24
4. AD&D 1e (PHB only, single-class only): about 30
5. Old-School Essentials Advanced: 67
5. D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 108 -
Number of race/class combinations for a first-level character (assuming core rulebooks only):
1. BECMI: 7
2. Old-School Essentials Basic: 7
3. Shadowdark: 24
4. AD&D 1e (PHB only, single-class only): about 30
5. Old-School Essentials Advanced: 67
5. D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 108 -
Number of race/class combinations for a first-level character (assuming core rulebooks only):
1. BECMI: 7
2. Old-School Essentials Basic: 7
3. Shadowdark: 24
4. AD&D 1e (PHB only, single-class only): about 30
5. Old-School Essentials Advanced: 67
5. D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 108 -
Comparing complexity of standard character sheets between editions:
1. Shadowdark: simplest to read and use during play
2. BECMI: almost as simple, but with a few extra legacy elements
3. OSE Basic Fantasy: essentially the same complexity as BECMI
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy: similar to AD&D
5. AD&D: noticeably denser sheet
6. 5e 2014: most complex sheets of the group
7. 5e 2024: most complex sheets of the group -
Comparing complexity of standard character sheets between editions:
1. Shadowdark: simplest to read and use during play
2. BECMI: almost as simple, but with a few extra legacy elements
3. OSE Basic Fantasy: essentially the same complexity as BECMI
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy: similar to AD&D
5. AD&D: noticeably denser sheet
6. 5e 2014: most complex sheets of the group
7. 5e 2024: most complex sheets of the group -
Comparing complexity of standard character sheets between editions:
1. Shadowdark: simplest to read and use during play
2. BECMI: almost as simple, but with a few extra legacy elements
3. OSE Basic Fantasy: essentially the same complexity as BECMI
4. OSE Advanced Fantasy: similar to AD&D
5. AD&D: noticeably denser sheet
6. 5e 2014: most complex sheets of the group
7. 5e 2024: most complex sheets of the group -
Comparing complexity of standard character sheets between editions:
1. Shadowdark: simplest to read and use during play
2. BECMI: almost as simple, but with a few extra legacy elements
3. OSE: essentially the same complexity as BECMI
4. AD&D: noticeably denser sheet
5. 5e 2014/2024: most complex sheets of the group -
Average time to roll-up a new 1st level character, assuming basic familiarity, no digital tools used, rolling abilities at the table (with real dice), and ordinary choices w/o optimization-shopping:
BECMI: 5–10 minutes
OSE Basic Fantasy (B/X-style, race-as-class): 5–10 minutes
Shadowdark: 5–15 minutes
OSE Advanced Fantasy (race + class): 10–20 minutes
AD&D 1e (PHB only): 10–20 minutes
D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 20–40 minutes
D&D 5e 2024: 20–40 minutes -
Average time to roll-up a new 1st level character, assuming basic familiarity, no digital tools used, rolling abilities at the table (with real dice), and ordinary choices w/o optimization-shopping:
BECMI: 5–10 minutes
OSE Basic Fantasy (B/X-style, race-as-class): 5–10 minutes
Shadowdark: 5–15 minutes
OSE Advanced Fantasy (race + class): 10–20 minutes
AD&D 1e (PHB only): 10–20 minutes
D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 20–40 minutes
D&D 5e 2024: 20–40 minutes -
Average time to roll-up a new 1st level character, assuming basic familiarity, no digital tools used, rolling abilities at the table (with real dice), and ordinary choices w/o optimization-shopping:
BECMI: 5–10 minutes
OSE Basic Fantasy (B/X-style, race-as-class): 5–10 minutes
Shadowdark: 5–15 minutes
OSE Advanced Fantasy (race + class): 10–20 minutes
AD&D 1e (PHB only): 10–20 minutes
D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 20–40 minutes
D&D 5e 2024: 20–40 minutes -
Average time to roll-up a new 1st level character, assuming basic familiarity, no digital tools used, rolling abilities at the table (with real dice), and ordinary choices w/o optimization-shopping:
BECMI: 5–10 minutes
OSE Basic Fantasy (B/X-style, race-as-class): 5–10 minutes
Shadowdark: 5–15 minutes
OSE Advanced Fantasy (race + class): 10–20 minutes
AD&D 1e (PHB only): 10–20 minutes
D&D 5e 2014 PHB: 20–40 minutes
D&D 5e 2024: 20–40 minutes
