Evolution of Magic Missile

From Iamtim on the S&W boards:

• OD&D Supplement 1 (Greyhawk) says that MMs do 2-7 points of damage, with two additional missiles every 5 levels. No comment is made about rolling to-hit or not.
• Holmes Basic D&D says that MMs do 2-7 points of damage, with higher level casters firing more than one missile. A to-hit roll must be made as if it were fired from a long bow.
• Moldvay Basic D&D says that MMs do 2-7 (1d6+1) points of damage, with two additional missiles every 5 levels. They automatically hit any visible target.
• Mentzer Basic D&D echoes Moldvay Basic D&D.
• The D&D Rules Cyclopedia echoes Moldvay Basic D&D.
• The AD&D 1E PHB says that MMs do 2-5 (1d4+1) points of damage, with one additional missile every 2 levels. They unerringly strike their target.
• The AD&D 2E PHB echoes the 1E PHB.
• The 3E D&D PHB echoes the 1E PHB.

Labyrinth Lord, both the standard and the new Advanced Edition Companion, give an automatic hit, 1d6+1 damage, and two additional missiles every five levels. Just like Moldvay.

Tags: spells