Survival of the Fittest (Judges Guild)

Survival of the Fittest is a group scenario for character levels 1-2 that requires no GM to play. The player characters are put to a test of their skills, and they must pass or die.[1]

It is a solitaire dungeon scenario designed to accommodate from 1-4 1st or 2nd level characters of any class or race.[2] Thieves, Assassins, Monks, Rangers, and Paladins go through the dungeon as fighters. However, each gets a special ability because of his class. Clerics, Druids, Illusionists, and Magic Users are limited to using spells. The use of magic items is restricted.[2]

Survival of the Fittest was written by Michael Mayeau, and was published by Judges Guild in 1979 as a 32-page book.[1]

Patrick V. Reyes reviewed Survival of the Fittest in The Space Gamer No. 39.[2] He comments that "It's called Survival of the Fittest because it's a good way to get rid of really weak 1st or 2nd level characters."[2] Reyes notes that "Survival of the Fittest uses a page and number solitaire system, similar to Metagaming's Microquest series."[2] He continues: "The scenario is a good way to for low to average beginning characters to get e.p.'s, treasure, magic items, or even a chance to improve their characteristics. Although good for weak characters, Survival of the Fittest is a breeze for stronger-than-average characters. The dungeon is very simple, making mapping unnecessary. Lastly, the pages include a lot of unneeded paragraphs - you never run into them unless you happen to go to the wrong number. Instant death for your character is a little too high a price to pay just because you happened to misread the directions."[2] Reyes concluded his review by saying, "If you want an easy way to advance characters to 3rd or 2nd level, along with grabbing treasure and magic items along the way, get Survival of the Fittest. But if you want a real challenge stick to your local DM."[2]

• Different Worlds #6 (Dec 1979)