From the AD&D 1E DMG, in the discussion of encounters, combat and initiative (p61): "As has been detailed, hit points are not actually a measure of physical damage, by and large, as far as the characters...are concerned. Therefore, the location of hits and the type of damage caused are not germane to them... Are crippling disabilities and yet more ways to meet instant death desirable in an open ended, episodic game where participants seek to identify with lovingly detailed and developed player-character personae? Not likely!" (Emphasis added.)
Yes, the DMG did describe using callers, the example given in the DMG has the other players speaking freely to the GM and each other, while the LC (lead character) is the one who tells the DM the final version of their plans are to prevent argument. However, the magic user doesn't need to confer with the LC before wrenching the spider off her back, for example, nor does the cleric need to clear his exploration of the pool with his magically illuminated staff (and the LC has already indicated that they should call off the search). OK, none of the characters have names or personalities, but they're also all first level characters in the players first dungeon. I don't think my initial forays had much by way of those either.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2008-03-11 03:04 pm (UTC)Yes, the DMG did describe using callers, the example given in the DMG has the other players speaking freely to the GM and each other, while the LC (lead character) is the one who tells the DM the final version of their plans are to prevent argument. However, the magic user doesn't need to confer with the LC before wrenching the spider off her back, for example, nor does the cleric need to clear his exploration of the pool with his magically illuminated staff (and the LC has already indicated that they should call off the search). OK, none of the characters have names or personalities, but they're also all first level characters in the players first dungeon. I don't think my initial forays had much by way of those either.