Example of Play

Setting the Scene

The party—composed of three adventurers—has been hired by a Sundabar merchant to locate a caravan lost en route to Silverymoon. The adventurers have tracked the caravan to a rocky gulch near the foothills of the Nether Mountains. As they approach the wreckage, they spot orcs scavenging through the remains.

The Party

• Thaldrin Ironfist (Dwarven Fighter, Level 4): AC 3 (chain mail + shield), HP 35, THAC0 17, wields a battle axe.
• Lyssa Moonsong (Half-Elf Ranger, Level 3): AC 5 (studded leather), HP 24, THAC0 18, wields a longbow and longsword.
• Rivven Amakiir (Human Mage, Level 3): AC 9 (no armor), HP 12, THAC0 20, spells: Magic Missile, Sleep, Web.

Example of Play

Dungeon Master (DM): You crest the ridge and see the shattered remains of the caravan below. Several wagons lie overturned, goods spilled across the ground. Five orcs are rummaging through the wreckage, weapons close at hand. One of them looks up and snarls, pointing in your direction. Roll for surprise.

Thaldrin: Let’s take them down before they regroup. Rolls a d10 for surprise. Party rolls a 5; the orcs roll a 3. The party is not surprised. The orcs are surprised.

DM: The orcs seem startled, giving you a chance to act first. You’re about 50 feet away. Declare your actions and roll for initiative.

Thaldrin: I charge down the hill with my battle axe raised! Let’s give these orcs a fight to remember.
Action: Charge.

Lyssa: I stay up here and use my longbow. Target-rich environment.
Action: Shoot at the closest orc.

Rivven: I cast Sleep on the group. Let’s make this easier.
Action: Cast spell.

Everyone rolls initiative. Thaldrin rolls a 5, Lyssa a 2, Rivven a 3. The orcs roll a 4.

DM: Lyssa acts first. Roll to hit with your longbow.

Lyssa: Rolls a d20. Rolls a 14 + 3 (Dexterity bonus, specialization) = 17. That hits AC 3.

DM: The orc’s AC is 6. That’s a hit! Roll for damage.

Lyssa: Rolls a d8 for longbow damage. Rolls a 6. Six points of damage!

DM: Your arrow sinks into the orc’s chest, and it collapses with a gurgling snarl. One down. Rivven, your spell goes off next.

Rivven: Rolls 2d4 to determine how many hit dice of creatures are affected by Sleep. Rolls a 5. That should catch the rest.

DM: Three of the remaining orcs slump to the ground, snoring loudly. Only one orc remains standing, clutching a rusted axe. Thaldrin, you’re up.

Thaldrin: I charge and swing my axe. Rolls a d20. Rolls a 12 + 1 (Strength bonus) = 13. Does that hit?

DM: That’s a miss. The orc ducks under your swing. It’s his turn. He retaliates with his axe. Rolls a d20. Rolls a 9. That’s not enough to hit your AC. He swings wide.

DM: New round. Declare actions.

Thaldrin: Swing again!
Action: Attack.

Lyssa: I shoot the last one.
Action: Shoot.

Rivven: I draw my dagger and move in case Thaldrin needs backup.
Action: Move.

The group rolls initiative again. Thaldrin rolls a 6, Lyssa rolls a 4, Rivven rolls a 2. The orc rolls a 3.

Lyssa: Rolls a d20. Rolls a 19 + 3 = 22. That’s a hit.
Damage: Rolls a d8. Rolls a 7. Seven points!

DM: Your arrow punches through the orc’s neck. He drops his axe and falls face-first into the dirt. Combat is over. Three orcs are asleep at your feet, and two are dead.

Post-Combat Skill Check

DM: As the dust settles, you search the wagons. Roll Find/Remove Traps to check for anything suspicious, Lyssa.

Lyssa: Rolls percentile dice for her ranger's special abilities. Rolls a 45 against a 20% chance. No luck.

DM: You don’t find any traps, but you do locate a locked chest under one of the wagons. Thaldrin, do you want to force it open?

Thaldrin: Absolutely. I use my Strength to break it open. Rolls a d20 vs. Strength (16). Rolls an 8. Got it!

DM: Inside the chest, you find a pouch containing 50 gold pieces, a silver necklace, and a sealed letter bearing the symbol of the Zhentarim. That could be important.

The session continues with the party deciding whether to interrogate the sleeping orcs or investigate the letter. This showcases AD&D 2nd Edition's mix of combat, skill checks, and roleplay.