ofCthulhu's one-shot od&d rules (V 0.1)

27 May, 2025

Intent

These are the house rules i use for od&d ones shots. My goal is to move away from the strategic survival horror style play of od&d, and reward reckless over the top action. They are meant for short pick-up games where mayhem and chaos make for a more entertaining game than careful planning and logistics.

they are a mix of stuff i’ve gotten from here, there, and everywhere.

Character Generation

1. Starting Level:
   • Characters begin at Level 3.
   • Starting gold: Roll 3d6 × 30 GP.
2. Ability Scores:
   1. Roll 4d6 6 times. Drop the lowest roll.
   2. Assign scores to attributes freely.
3. Hit Points:
   • Re-roll any 1s when rolling hit dice (HD).
4. Roll for see if you get a magic item.

Magic Item Determination Table

When determining if a character has a magic item, roll 1d6 and consult the table below:

Ability Bonuses

1. General Rules:

   • Abilities 13+ give a +1 bonus.

2. Strength (STR):

   • 13+: +1 to hit and damage (all classes).

3. Intelligence (INT):

   • 13+: +1 additional 1st-level Magic-User spell.

4. Wisdom (WIS):

   • 13+: +1 additional 1st-level Cleric spell.

5. Dexterity (DEX):

   • 13+: 1 point bonus to AC.

6. Constitution (CON):

   • 13+: +1 HP per HD.

7. Charisma (CHA):

   • 13+: +1 to Reaction Rolls.

Combat Rules

Combat Round Structure

1. Determine Surprise:
   • Each side rolls 1d6.
   • 1-2: The side is surprised for 1 round.
   • 3 or more: No surprise.
2. Roll Initiative:
   • Both sides roll 1d6.
   • The higher roll acts first; ties resolve as simultaneous actions.
   • Within simultaneous actions, Dexterity determines the order.
   • Casters who lose initiative and are hit before their turn lose their spell.
3. Resolve Actions:
   • Actions are resolved by side:
     • High initiative group acts first.
     • Low initiative group acts second.

Critical Hits

• A natural 20 adds +1 damage.
• The attacker may target the opponent’s head (if desired). Helmets negate this effect.

Charging

• Grants a 1-round bonus of:
  • +1 to hit.
  • +1 to damage.
• Imposes a 1 point penalty to AC during the round.

Weapon Damage

• Standard weapons deal 1d6 damage.
• Exceptions:
  • Giants and creatures larger than Trolls/Ogres: 2d6 damage.
  • Two-handed weapons: 1d6 + 1 damage.
  • Two-handed fighting: 1d6 + 1 damage (only one attack per round).
  • Improvised weapons and fists: 1d6 - 3 damage.
  • Charging with a lance or spears set vs. charge: +1 damage.

Fighting Styles

• One weapon + shield: Grants +1 AC.
• Helmet doesn't not grant a bonus to AC. It just prevents your brains from getting splattered all over yourself, your friends, and your opponents on a critical hit.

Unconsciousness and Death

1. Unconsciousness:
   • A character is unconscious at 0 HP.
   • Unconscious characters cannot act and are prone.
2. Death:
   • A character dies when their HP drops to negative levels equal to their character level.
   • Example: A 3rd-level character dies at -3 HP.

#house-rules #odnd