He loved playing. He took a copy of the rules home so he could play with a friend. I liked it when the MU cast a sleep spell and took damage and he said "Magic hurts but sure is powerful." It put a fear of magic and MUs. something that is hard to do. After going back to town he stayed clear of a man in robes sitting at the bar.
He is coming down tomorrow, barring snow and blizzards, and we are going to play. After reading the above posts I think I will try hit points as Strength bonus + 6 for first level. keep up the great work on this. It is simple, fast, and captures the feel of OD&D.