To THAC0 or Not To THAC0: To Hit Rolls in Lords & Wizards
I’ve always been in the middle of arguments about which combat systems are better: Descending AC or Ascending AC, To-hit Tables, THAC0 (To Hit AC 0), Base Attack Bonus, etc. I’ve used some version of just about all of these over the years. In fact, I used them all at one time or another in the 1977-1982 era I’m basing Lords & Wizards on. While I could put all of them in the book and let each table of players decide which they wish to use, this makes writing up combat procedures, monsters, and the like much more complex (and probably confusing) than it really needs to be.
Looking back over my rules notes from back then, I think my favorite system may have been “none of the above” but instead 1d100 -based to-hit tables as this allowed each class to advance in combat ability at a different rate while allowing a small increase at every level for every class. Of course, this system is quite alien to the d20 combat system used in one form or another in D&D since 1974. I don’t think I’ll use this, especially as my Sunday game players all hate it. They prefer Ascending AC and Base Attack Bonus based combat. I’m tempted to just go with this because it is probably what most players today are familiar with. However, I know a lot of old school players really dislike this option.
So I thought I’d give everyone who wishes to a chance to give their preference and the reason why they think Lords & Wizards should use that system as it main (or perhaps even as its only) combat system. I’m truly undecided so this is your chance to have a major influence on Lords & Wizards. I could put up a poll, but I’m less interested in numbers than in the reason(s) why you believe Lords & Wizards would be best served by the To-Hit system you prefer.
As the saying goes, “Speak now or forever hold your peace!”