[RPG] Is it possible to mix different versions of AD&D

adnd-1eadnd-2econversionedition-comparison

Does anyone know if it is possible to mix different versions of AD&D? I'm hoping to mix Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 1st edition with the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd edition. What I would really like to know if there are any major differences between the two.

Best Answer

There are major differences, but nothing too insurmountable.

  • AD&D 1E adds non-weapon proficiencies in DSG, WSG, and OA, while they are core in AD&D 2E
  • 2E allows points to be spread amongst thief skills, rather than using a fixed table per skill.
  • 2E groups classes differently, and lacks the assassin and monk.
  • Minor differences in several tables
  • several spell changes.
  • minor NWP changes
  • Psionics are incompatible between editions - pick one, and only one, and use it exclusively.
  • 1E Class List: Fighter, Magic User, Cleric, Illusionist, Thief, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Monk, Assassin, Fighter/Thief/Bard; adding UA adds thief-acrobat, Cavalier and Barbarian. Dragon adds a dozen or more NPC classes of various quality levels. DLA adds 4 classes of knights ad 3 of wizards, plus tinkers. OA adds several oriental classes as well
    2E class list Fighter, Magic User, Cleric, Thief, Bard, Paladin, Druid, Ranger, PsiHB adds Psionicist. Sages and Specialists adds a dozen NPC classes, all pretty consistent power levels, and many playable as adventurers. Dark Sun adds a few more classes, including Gladiator, and in Dragon Kings, adds more thief abilities; the Thief abilities are in some later 2E Player's Option series books.

Most 2E DM's used some 1E materials. THe key is picking your core edition, and what you'll cross over. Monks and Assassins crossed over VERY easily. DSG/WSG non-character rules can be used as is.

Again, Pick your reference edition: the rules are subtly different in many places, and it trips people up. So use one as your ruleset, but allow the stuff you want from the others as a port-in.

Also, note that monsters from other 3E/3.5E/PF can be used easily enough simply by looking up THAC0 from HD, finding the AD&D AC by taking 20–(d20 AC), and spells directly across by name (even when they do very different things).

Note also, porting in monsters from 5E is equally as doable, with the same basic caveats as from d20. Advantage/Disadvantage is also easily imported. Magic weapons and armor are far less portable, because the scale of AD&D magic items is +1 to +5, with a few very rare +0's; 5E is +0 to +3, and +0 with a bonus of some kind is extremely common (eg: Flametongue weapons are +0 to-hit, but do +2d6 fire damage).