Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

For me, it's reaction rolls and morale. B/X style.

Ascending AC.

3d6 in order, 6 times.

Reaction rolls and morale. I like BX's versions over 5es as it is less moving parts and good for the quick idea of moods or nerve.

I tend to also carry over the raise dead save.

Been considering carrying over the INT limits on what spell levels can attain from AD&D.

2d6 for reaction and morale, yup. No other system works as well; d20 Wisdom saves for morale certainly don't!

Rolling a 20 is a critical and causes double damage.  No threat, no confirmation, just a crit.

Quote from: RPGPundit;1038013Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

For me, it's reaction rolls and morale. B/X style.

None. There are conceptual sacred cows, but not mechanical ones. Using your examples, I always make a world were never talking but instead always fighting is a recipe for disaster for the PCs, and I always make opponents run away when they are against the ropes, but I don't always use the specific reaction rolls and morale rules. I certainly haven't always in the past. I spent entirely too long trying to hammer 3e into BECMI, and we used the diplomacy/intimidate/etc. skills (mind you, I acknowledge this as a failed experiment). Likewise, I love the idea of gp=xp as a basic conceptual framework ('incentivize a vague type of behavior, and then let your players choose how to advance their adventuring careers'), but I certainly don't stick to that exact metric.

Quote from: RPGPundit;1038013Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

For me, it's reaction rolls and morale. B/X style.

I use the original D&D reaction/morale for everything.

Dead at 0 HP

B/X Morale rolls

For a long time there wasn't, but if I haven't used cyclic initiative since midway through 3E, and doubt I ever will again.  Now, the exact implementation of side initiative might vary to accommodate a particular edition, but I'm going to use some form of it.

Quote from: RPGPundit;1038013Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

For me, it's reaction rolls and morale. B/X style.

If you fall into lave then your character dies, no saving throw.

Quote from: RPGPundit;1038013Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

For me, it's reaction rolls and morale. B/X style.

Meta Rule: don't play with assholes. Every time I've broken this rule, I've regretted it.

Actual D&D Rule: B/X combat as a whole. Trying to understand AD&D combat, surprise, weapon speed, initiative, etc., is just beyond my brain power anymore, especially when drinking.

Quote from: RPGPundit;1038013Is there some rule, not found in every edition of D&D, that you'll use in any edition (or OSR variant) that you run, regardless?

I know it's not popular, but I use: 1 minute combat rounds.

Until the dice hit the table, before a pencil hits the paper: Nothing is sacred. Once we start, the Rasczak rule comes into play - "Everybody fights, no one quits. If you don't do your job, I'll kill you myself!"

Quote from: tenbones;1038071Until the dice hit the table, before a pencil hits the paper: Nothing is sacred. Once we start, the Rasczak rule comes into play - "Everybody fights, no one quits. If you don't do your job, I'll kill you myself!"

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