Basics

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition (AD&D 2E), published by TSR in 1989, is one of the most iconic tabletop roleplaying systems. Here’s a breakdown of its basic concepts:

1. Core Rulebooks

• Player’s Handbook (PHB): Rules for character creation, spells, and gameplay mechanics.
• Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG): Advice, treasure tables, optional rules, and tools for running the game.
• Monstrous Compendium: A collection of creatures, from goblins to dragons, used in the game.

2. Core Mechanics

• Dice: The game uses a variety of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20) to determine outcomes.
• d20 Rolls: Most checks (like attacks or saving throws) involve rolling a d20 and comparing the result to a target number.
• THAC0 (To Hit Armor Class 0): A system for determining if an attack hits. Lower THAC0 and Armor Class (AC) values are better.
• Formula: THAC0 - Enemy AC = Number needed to hit on a d20

3. Character Creation

• Ability Scores: Characters have six primary attributes, rolled using 3d6 or 4d6 (drop the lowest).
• Strength (STR): Physical power.
• Dexterity (DEX): Agility and reflexes.
• Constitution (CON): Health and endurance.
• Intelligence (INT): Reasoning and memory.
• Wisdom (WIS): Perception and insight.
• Charisma (CHA): Influence and social skills.
• Races: Options include humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, half-elves, and gnomes. Each race has unique traits and limitations.
• Classes: Defines a character’s role, such as Fighter, Cleric, Wizard, Rogue, or hybrids like Ranger or Paladin.
• Each class has specific requirements, abilities, and XP progression.
• Alignment: Moral and ethical orientation of a character, combining Law-Chaos and Good-Evil axes (e.g., Lawful Good, Chaotic Neutral).

4. Game Mechanics

• Combat:
• Initiative: Determines who acts first in a round (d10 roll + modifiers).
• Actions: Players can move, attack, cast spells, etc.
• Saving Throws: Rolls made to resist specific effects (e.g., poison, spells).
• Non-Weapon Proficiencies: Skills like Riding, Tracking, and Swimming. These add depth to non-combat activities.
• Magic:
• Spells are divided into schools for Wizards and spheres for Clerics.
• Magic is prepared in advance (Vancian magic system).

5. Experience Points (XP) and Leveling

• Characters earn XP for defeating enemies, solving problems, and roleplaying.
• Each class has unique XP requirements for level progression.

6. Exploration

• Movement and resource management (e.g., rations, torches) are key parts of the game.
• Adventuring involves exploration, puzzles, and environmental hazards.

7. Dungeon Master (DM) Role

• The DM narrates the story, adjudicates rules, and controls NPCs and monsters.
• Prepares adventures or runs modules like Keep on the Borderlands.