OD&D's Classes as Social Position
I have long been fascinated with Original Dungeons and Dragons, but I've also long found it confusing. Late last year, I decided to put my head down and figure it out — by running my own solo game. Honestly, this has been more difficult than I originally imagined. Much is left up to interpretation, but I've been trying to meet the game where it's at. In that vein, I've been thinking a lot about the game's classes. How does one change class if they aren't an elf? Why is it not recommended, aside from the prime requisite requirement? Why can clerics not use bladed weapons? Why can't human magic-users wear armor, but elves can "use magic armor and still act as Magic-Users"? Looking closely at the elf type description, I get even more confused. They can freely switch class between adventures, but they gain the benefits of both classes? Then... why would they need to switch class at all? I've seen this interpreted as elves needing to choose which...