Three Stat Blocks for Horror D&D

I just can’t be bothered with stat blocks if running old D&D in a more or less mechanically faithful manner. Compared to BRP-alikes (I recommend some form of competence band), PbtA or pure fiction like some FKR, it feels weirdly off to me.

Since my gaming with D&D is shifting towards fully embracing the tenets of horror gaming (and therefore PCs have static HP as God intended), I devised three simple stat blocks to be used for most monsters. They hopefully work regardless of whether I’m doing pulp horror or a more purist approach. Small adjustments by one degree may be done by type, but this is the basis.

Thoughts on Horror Roleplaying: D&D Combat

Artist unknown.

The hobbyist’s natural instinct is to tinker, like a rules goblin. Such is natural, and, I believe, more effective as a direct result from play. A campaign is the rules text more than the actual ruleset you bring with you in many schools of gaming, and it will take priority over the written word if it can.

Careful with That Light – Old D&D Rule

Art by Valin Mattheis

If this has already been presented elsewhere (and it most definitely must have been), let me know. This presumes you are using a Move stat from some version of old D&D.