Episode Details

Dan and Paul celebrate the 50th anniversary of Swords & Spells, Gary Gygax's 1976 rules for bringing large-scale battles to Original Dungeons & Dragons.

What was the history and reception of what could be considered the final supplement in the OD&D line? How did Swords & Spells attempt to bridge the gap between D&D and its wargaming roots? And how can mass combat work at the table as part of an old-school D&D campaign?

Dan brings his own perspective as the author of Book of War, his mass combat rules designed for compatibility with Original D&D. Together, Dan and Paul take a look back at Swords & Spells and discuss the challenges of putting armies, heroes, and adventurers on the same battlefield.

• Check out Dan's "Original Edition Delta: Book of War" rules for mass combat here