Best Single Non-TSR Supplement for OD&D
Hands down, the best single non-TSR supplement for Original Dungeons & dragons is the second edition of the Judges Guild Ready Ref Sheets booklet. In not only has combat tables, but a double-sided sheet with every standard OD&D monster summarized in a couple of lines and all the rules suggestions from the first six guildmember installments. Things like the social level and justice system from the City-State, ideas for advertising for hirelings, poison, enchantment, trade, caves & lairs, searching, prospecting, and much more. I rediscovered my copy last night. It's great stuff.
It's available in PDF form from DriveThruRPG.com for $2.99 (on sale for $1.99 as I write this). Assuming the reproduction is good, that's a great price as my original was $2.99 back in 1978!
June 13, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Yep! It's a great, straight forward no nonsense resource that goes a long way in helping organize the often haphazard feel of OD&D, AND providing many useful house rules. I reread a large portion of the DMG by Gygax recently, and I couldn't help but feel as though some of the sections in it were inspired by the Ready Ref Sheets.
June 14, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I agree that Ready Ref Sheets is #1. Though I'd place the Arduin Grimoire at a respectable #2 for the amount of inspiration and can-do spirit it delivers.
June 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Ironically, I was planning to do a review of this product on my own blog in the coming week. You are spot-on in your assessment.
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