Cook/Marsh Expert: The Encounter

"Part 5: The Encounter" incorporated additional material from OD&D vol. 3 "The Underworld & Wilderness Adventures" but also introduced new rules.

Evasion:

The evasion table on page X23 in the Expert rulebook is based upon a similar table in OD&D vol. 3, likely adapted from Dave Arneson's "Blackmoor" campaign material (see "The First Fantasy Campaign: Into the Great Outdoors").

Saving Throws:

It's mentioned that a character's normal equipment is spared if the character survives an attack requiring a saving throw, but fails if the character dies.

A simplified system for magic item saving throws is introduced (chances equivalent to the character's saving throw, plus a bonus equal to the object's bonus in combat).

Variable Weapon Damage:

Values for the javelin, staff, and lance are given (new weapons, introduced on page X9), as well as rules for lance combat (double damage with a successful hit, charging on horseback).*

*in "Part 6: Monsters" it's stated that "hits on charging creatures by spears or pole arms braced against the ground will do double damage"

Illustration by Bill Willingham.

Unarmed Combat:

A simple system for unarmed combat is introduced (1-2 points of damage per successful hit, plus any strength modifiers).*

*used in module X2 "Castle Amber", where it's further stated there's a 5% chance of a knockout, lasting 1-10 rounds, whenever maximum damage is rolled (ie. 50% of the time)

Mass Land Combat:

"Chainmail" is recommended for large-scale battles in OD&D, whereas "Swords & Spells" is mentioned in the D&D Expert rulebook.

Naval Combat:

Covered in "Part 9: Special Adventures".*

*underwater combat is not covered in the D&D Expert rulebook

Aerial Combat:

Rules for aerial combat are based upon a similar section in OD&D vol. 3, likely adapted from Dave Arneson's "Blackmoor" campaign material (aka "Battle in the Skies")*

*it's stated that casting spells requires a stable means of support, and that "a mount that flies by flapping its wings is definitely not stable!"

Morale:

Reproduced from Moldvay Basic, possibly for those using the Expert rulebook together with Holmes Basic.