[DF] What's worked? What hasn't?

[Edges]

Salutations All,

I'm considering starting up a Dungeon Fantasy campaign using most of the supplements in that line. I have read most of the books and some related Pyramid articles. I'm looking for advice from those who have played it. I am particularly interested in any pitfalls that may have been encountered and in house rules that have been used either successfully or unsuccessfully.

Some areas that I am curious about:

• Were there any particular supplements that you felt were indispensable? Were there any that you found problematic or unnecessary for your game?
• How rigidly have you stuck to the templates? Have you encountered players who felt restricted by them and if so, how did you handle it?
• I have heard claims that some templates tend to dominate combat and make things less fun for the others (specifically the Scout and Swashbuckler but there may be others). Have you found there to be any truth to these claims? If so, how would you suggest addressing them?
• What templates have you allowed/disallowed and why?
• Have you developed any custom templates?
• Have you used The Last Gasp with DF? How does it interact with magic?
• Do you have any custom Magic Styles to share?
• I have heard that some spells in GURPS Magic can be problematic. Do you have any warnings for me when it comes to DF?
• Have you used alternate magic systems in DF? How did it go?
• Have you used the Extra Effort rules as written? Were you happy with the results?
• Do you use the armor from Basic or Low-Tech? Or do you house rule armor?
• What, if anything, have you done to address the issue of ST-based weapons penetrating armor too easily? Is it worth it to do in DF?
• What system(s) have you adopted for point awards? What would you recommend for someone who was raised on the "slow" advancement of AD&D?
• How have you treated the purchase of enchanted items?
• Have you used any harsh realism rule options (bleeding, etc.)? How did it go? Did it bog things down too much for DF?
• How has healing gone? Have you used any optional/house rules for it? In actual play, are HP and healing spells the object of resource management that they seem to be intended to be? How do you treat healing potions?

Please don't be limited by the above list. I am interested in discussing any ideas you have on the subject.

Also, is there an index somewhere of published DF material? Which Pyramid issues contain which DF articles? (A sentence or two on what each article contains at a glance would be awesome.)

Thanks in advance y'all. I really appreciate the thoughtful input this forum has to offer.