As a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) player, you know how exciting it can be to add new challenges and environments to your game. One unique scenario that you might consider is creating a THAC0 for D&D on a ship.
THAC0, or the To Hit Armor Class 0, was a popular game mechanic in earlier editions of Dungeons and Dragons. It’s a way of determining whether an attack from one character successfully hits another character’s armor class. The lower your THAC0, the easier it is for you to hit your target.
When you’re playing on a ship, you’ll face different challenges and opportunities. Here are some ideas to help you create a THAC0 for D&D on a ship:
- Consider the ship’s movement. Ships can be unpredictable, especially if there are waves or strong winds. When you’re creating your THAC0, take into account the ship’s movement, as this can affect the accuracy of ranged attacks and spells. For example, if the ship is swaying back and forth, characters might have a harder time hitting their targets with a ranged attack.
- Factor in the weather. Weather conditions like rain, mist, and fog can create challenging conditions for battles on a ship. Create penalties or bonuses for attacks based on the weather conditions. You might make it harder to see your target in the fog or easier to aim in a clear day with bright sunlight.
- Include obstacles and terrain. A ship provides a unique environment with lots of obstacles and terrain to consider. Railings, masts, rigging, and portable objects or barrels on the deck can provide cover or limit movement. You might consider giving penalties or bonuses to creatures based on their position on the ship, such as if they’re standing on a slippery surface or in a cramped space.
- Add environmental factors. Think about situations that could interfere with attacks or spells, such as heavy rain or freezing conditions. Maybe an icy ship deck makes characters lose their balance or the heat from explosives affects spellcasting. Environment factors make for an excellent challenge, keeping players alert and adaptive.
Designing a THAC0 for D&D on a ship can add an extra dimension of excitement to your game. By including the ship’s movement, weather, obstacles and terrain, and environmental factors in your calculations, you can create a unique experience for your players. It’s a great way to shake up the gameplay and keep even your highly experienced players guessing.
As a Dungeon Master, your job is to challenge your players and create immersive worlds, and designing a THAC0 for D&D on a ship does just that!
Lauren Bills is a seasoned Dungeons and Dragons player who has been tinkering with the game since the early 2000s. Over the years, she has developed an enormous love for the art of story creation and has become an expert in the game's mechanics, particularly the infamous THAC0 rule.
Whether she's battling dragons and rescuing princesses, or putting pen to paper and sharing her thoughts with the world, Lauren Bills consistently delivers excellence in all that she does. It is clear that her passion for writing and her love of Dungeons and Dragons shines through in every aspect of her life.
