I have thoroughly enjoyed using these Beyond the Wall (BtW) books for running games. In order to encourage players to participate in AD&D/TTRPG type games, one has to make it as simple, yet as engaging as possible. Once the players connect, all sorts of rules can be added to suit later. In the meantime, BtW allows you to do what it says - ie generate characters and start an adventure within an hour or so. That was all it took. Use the scenarios provided, or generate your own.
I was surprised at how potent mages are from the get go. And any character can have a few 17's or 18's to start with. Fortune points give the characters a bit of a leg up, yet a death may be imminent. This gives the players hope whilst always keeping them on edge.
The BtW collection is great for a beginner DM or an experienced DM to run an adventure at a moments notice for players who want that 70's AD&D feel in a rules light environment.
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