ancestral
2012-04-19, 12:32 AM
Hello everyone!
I’m working on a new variant d20 system which for now I’m calling Lucid.
In my experience, ability modifiers are needlessly complicated. They take extra work to derive and discourage odd numbered ability scores. My hope is to keep ability scores but remove ability modifiers altogether.
Additionally, I’ve decided to rework skills by paring them down and introduce a new point character creation system that works hand-in-hand with Traits. (I’m also working out some details with perks called “Titles” though I’m unsure exactly how (or when) these will be incorporated into the game… more details on this later.)
This is a work in progress, and is certainly subject to changes. Maybe you have suggestions and feedback? I’d love to hear it.
Without further ado, let me present what I have so far:
d20 Lucid
1. Ability Scores
Odd-numbered ability scores suck. At least, to most 3rd and 4th Edition gamers they do. Why? Because an odd number is no better than one number fewer for a variety of attack rolls, saves, skills and other special abilities. (To get a modifier, divide the ability score by 2 and round down, then subtract 5. Because of that rounding, odd numbers don’t get enough love.) For these cases, an 11 is no better than a 10. Of course, for a level 1 character, he’s just three levels from hitting the next modifier increase. However, most experienced players tend to agree that 2 14’s (+2 and +2 modifiers) are way better than a 15 and a 13 (+2 and +1 modifiers) since you get to play with that added bonus immediately. (Part of the problem may also stem from D&D’s point-buy system which favors even numbers unfairly. Pathfinder actually does it correctly.)
So really, how can we avoid this entirely?
There have been attempts to rid of ability scores and use ability modifiers exclusively. However, I think there’s actually value in the opposite. Lucid relies heavily on the character’s ability score, instead dropping all the modifiers. In some cases, DCs and defenses need to be boosted, but it now means incrementing ability score points has direct impact on the character.
Character Creation
What I’ve discovered with level 1 heroes is typically most characters have at least two really good scores. Maybe one is quite exceptional and the other is fairly good. There are enough points around to have two very decent scores, and it’s safe to assume they’re going to be 14 or higher. Virtually all players would re-roll a character using a standard creation process (rolling or point-buy) if there aren’t at least two scores 14 or higher. On the same token, most characters don’t have more than two ability scores below 10. So why not just save some time with the point-buy system? We know we’re going to have two scores with at least a 14 and maybe, two below 10, at the very most.
Tiered Point System
In this system, all characters start with 14/14/11/11/9/9. You can think of these as Good-Average-Poor if you like. Players can assign these base ability scores to any abilities he or she wants or the DM can place them in for the player beforehand. (Don’t worry, DMs can absolutely tweak these base scores if they are interested in a higher-powered or lower-powered game.)
And we’re almost done! Next, players will assign traits to their characters, which will add to these scores.
2. Traits
D&D largely ignores the character’s attitude and behavior. Some of this might be implied (a Barbarian is typically agressive and gruff). Sometimes the ability scores speak for themselves (a low Intelligence score means the character is probably uneducated) whereas most often heroes grow into their personalities through roleplaying, which is probably the best goal, as you can truly see character development as they progress.
For beginners sometimes it can be a challenge relating to this new character. (Who is she? We’ve never even met before!) Refining a character can help give an idea on how to play him or her. For veteran players I think it can be fun to piece something together with the limited resources, resulting in some interesting combinations. (Think magnetic poetry with fewer than 100 words.)
Players choose four traits. Each trait has two key abilities associated with it and a small, unique bonus or ability. Add 1 point to each key ability score after choosing the trait. (DMs can tweak the number of traits if they like.)
Traits List
(This list may change, and I don’t have the minor bonuses or abilities listed yet, but they will exist!)
Acrobatic +1 CON, +1 DEX
Adaptive +1 STR, +1 CON
Agile +1 STR, +1 DEX
Agressive +1 STR, +1 WIS
Alert +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Altruistic +1 INT, +1 CHA
Ardent +1 STR, +1 CHA
Assertive +1 STR, +1 INT
Athletic +1 STR, +1 CON
Attractive +1 CON, +1 CHA
Beguiling +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Calculated +1 INT, +1 WIS
Cautious +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Charming +1 CON, +1 CHA
Chivalrous +1 INT, +1 CHA
Clever +1 DEX, +1 INT
Combative +1 STR, +1 DEX
Commanding +1 STR, +1 CHA
Composed +1 CON, +1 INT
Courageous +1 STR, +1 WIS
Courteous +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Covert +1 DEX, +1 INT
Creative +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Curative +1 CON, +1 INT
Deceitful +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Deceptive +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Defensive +1 CON, +1 DEX
Devout +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Dexterous +1 STR, +1 DEX
Diplomatic +1 INT, +1 CHA
Disciplined +1 INT, +1 WIS
Dynamic +1 STR, +1 CHA
Elusive +1 DEX, +1 INT
Empathetic +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Enduring +1 CON, +1 WIS
Energetic +1 CON, +1 CHA
Expressive +1 STR, +1 CHA
Ferocious +1 STR, +1 WIS
Focused +1 CON, +1 WIS
Graceful +1 CON, +1 DEX
Healthy +1 CON, +1 INT
Hearty +1 STR, +1 CON
Incisive +1 STR, +1 INT
Industrious +1 CON, +1 INT
Influential +1 INT, +1 CHA
Inquisitive +1 DEX, +1 INT
Intimidating +1 STR, +1 CHA
Keen +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Lively +1 CON, +1 CHA
Lucky +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Manipulative +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Martial +1 STR, +1 DEX
Mercantile +1 INT, +1 WIS
Persuasive +1 INT, +1 CHA
Pious +1 INT, +1 WIS
Popular +1 CON, +1 CHA
Prepared +1 STR, +1 INT
Primal +1 STR, +1 WIS
Proficient +1 DEX, +1 INT
Protective +1 STR, +1 INT
Receptive +1 CON, +1 WIS
Resilient +1 CON, +1 WIS
Resistant +1 CON, +1 INT
Sneaky +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Speedy +1 CON, +1 DEX
Spirited +1 STR, +1 WIS
Steady +1 STR, +1 DEX
Strategic +1 STR, +1 INT
Studious +1 INT, +1 WIS
Swift +1 CON, +1 DEX
Tenacious +1 CON, +1 WIS
Tough +1 STR, +1 CON
Vigilant +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Vigorous +1 STR, +1 CON
Virtuous +1 WIS, +1 CHA
For example, Owen, who is a 1st level Human Ranger, starts with the scores 14/14/11/9/11/9. His first trait chosen is Keen, which gives him an attack bonus to using bows and perception checks. He also gets +1 to Dexterity and Wisdom, the key abilities for Keen. Owen also has Sneaky, which gives Owen a bonus to stealth skills and +1 more to Dexterity and Wisdom; Athletic, giving a bonus to his Athletic skill and +1 to Strength and Constitution; and Elusive, which gives Owen an evasion and initiative bonus and +1 to Dexterity and Intelligence. Owen now is sitting at 15/17/12/10/13/9.
3. Skills
There are too many skills in 3.5 in my opinion. And I know I’m not the first to suggest that. So I’ll be paring these down. Many skills have been combined and there are some that have been eliminated altogether, for the better. You may notice it has a bit of a 4th Edition feel, or even that of SW Saga. Sure, they had the right idea, but hopefully this implementation gets it better.
Skills List
Acrobatics (DEX)
Arcana (INT)
Athletics (STR)
Bluff (CHA)
Commerce (INT)
Concentration (CON)
Crafting (INT)
Diplomacy (CHA)
Engineering (INT)
Geography (INT)
History (INT)
Insight (WIS)
Law (INT)
Linguistics (INT)
Medicine (WIS)
Nature (WIS)
Perception (WIS)
Performance (CHA)
Religion (INT)
Stealth (DEX)
Streetwise (CHA)
Thievery (DEX)
Characters have a number of known skills equal to Intelligence and may choose from any on the list. Of these skills, characters have a number of trained skills equal to (INT + Class skill bonus − 10). Ranks are as follows:
Trained Class skill = (Level) + Key ability score + 4
Untrained Class skill = (Level) + Key ability score
Trained Cross-class skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score + 4
Untrained Cross-class skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score
Unknown skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score − 10
DCs should be roughly 15 points higher.
Adjusted Class Skill Bonuses
Because of the changes to skills, classes need new skill modifiers:
Barbarian +0 skills
Bard +3 skills
Cleric +1 skill
Druid +1 skill
Fighter +0 skills
Monk +2 skills
Paladin +1 skill
Ranger +2 skills
Rogue +4 skills
Sorcerer +2 skills
Wizard +2 skills
4. Attack and Defense
Because of this change to ability scores, numbers will seem inflated. Also, AC takes on a new style. I’m reverting AC back to the traditional style; which is now Dexterity score + 10.
Hit Points = CON + Class Hit Die
AC = DEX + 10 + Armor Bonus
Fortitude = STR or CON + Class Fortitude Bonus
Reflex = DEX or INT + Class Reflex Bonus
Will = WIS or CHA + Class Will Bonus
Initiative = DEX
Melee attack = STR + Class attack bonus
Ranged attack = DEX + Class attack bonus
Melee damage = Weapon damage +STR − 10
Ranged weapon damage = Weapon damage +DEX − 10
5. Magic
Magic works a little different in Lucid. Spellcasters have a Stamina attribute which they will need to have enough in order to meet a spell’s requirement. Wizards start with (Level + INT − 10) Stamina points and gain Stamina points equal to the new level. A level 1 Wizard with 15 Intelligence has 6 Stamina; when she reaches level 2, she gets 2 more stamina points, for a total of 8 Stamina.
Spell Stamina costs are equal to the spell’s level.
If a spell caster runs out of Stamina, she must make a Concentration check, accounting for Spell Level. If she fails, the spell fizzles and she suffers HP loss equal to 1d6 + Spell’s Level and cannot attempt again for another round.
That’s all I have for now, but stay tuned for more.
I’m working on a new variant d20 system which for now I’m calling Lucid.
In my experience, ability modifiers are needlessly complicated. They take extra work to derive and discourage odd numbered ability scores. My hope is to keep ability scores but remove ability modifiers altogether.
Additionally, I’ve decided to rework skills by paring them down and introduce a new point character creation system that works hand-in-hand with Traits. (I’m also working out some details with perks called “Titles” though I’m unsure exactly how (or when) these will be incorporated into the game… more details on this later.)
This is a work in progress, and is certainly subject to changes. Maybe you have suggestions and feedback? I’d love to hear it.
Without further ado, let me present what I have so far:
d20 Lucid
1. Ability Scores
Odd-numbered ability scores suck. At least, to most 3rd and 4th Edition gamers they do. Why? Because an odd number is no better than one number fewer for a variety of attack rolls, saves, skills and other special abilities. (To get a modifier, divide the ability score by 2 and round down, then subtract 5. Because of that rounding, odd numbers don’t get enough love.) For these cases, an 11 is no better than a 10. Of course, for a level 1 character, he’s just three levels from hitting the next modifier increase. However, most experienced players tend to agree that 2 14’s (+2 and +2 modifiers) are way better than a 15 and a 13 (+2 and +1 modifiers) since you get to play with that added bonus immediately. (Part of the problem may also stem from D&D’s point-buy system which favors even numbers unfairly. Pathfinder actually does it correctly.)
So really, how can we avoid this entirely?
There have been attempts to rid of ability scores and use ability modifiers exclusively. However, I think there’s actually value in the opposite. Lucid relies heavily on the character’s ability score, instead dropping all the modifiers. In some cases, DCs and defenses need to be boosted, but it now means incrementing ability score points has direct impact on the character.
Character Creation
What I’ve discovered with level 1 heroes is typically most characters have at least two really good scores. Maybe one is quite exceptional and the other is fairly good. There are enough points around to have two very decent scores, and it’s safe to assume they’re going to be 14 or higher. Virtually all players would re-roll a character using a standard creation process (rolling or point-buy) if there aren’t at least two scores 14 or higher. On the same token, most characters don’t have more than two ability scores below 10. So why not just save some time with the point-buy system? We know we’re going to have two scores with at least a 14 and maybe, two below 10, at the very most.
Tiered Point System
In this system, all characters start with 14/14/11/11/9/9. You can think of these as Good-Average-Poor if you like. Players can assign these base ability scores to any abilities he or she wants or the DM can place them in for the player beforehand. (Don’t worry, DMs can absolutely tweak these base scores if they are interested in a higher-powered or lower-powered game.)
And we’re almost done! Next, players will assign traits to their characters, which will add to these scores.
2. Traits
D&D largely ignores the character’s attitude and behavior. Some of this might be implied (a Barbarian is typically agressive and gruff). Sometimes the ability scores speak for themselves (a low Intelligence score means the character is probably uneducated) whereas most often heroes grow into their personalities through roleplaying, which is probably the best goal, as you can truly see character development as they progress.
For beginners sometimes it can be a challenge relating to this new character. (Who is she? We’ve never even met before!) Refining a character can help give an idea on how to play him or her. For veteran players I think it can be fun to piece something together with the limited resources, resulting in some interesting combinations. (Think magnetic poetry with fewer than 100 words.)
Players choose four traits. Each trait has two key abilities associated with it and a small, unique bonus or ability. Add 1 point to each key ability score after choosing the trait. (DMs can tweak the number of traits if they like.)
Traits List
(This list may change, and I don’t have the minor bonuses or abilities listed yet, but they will exist!)
Acrobatic +1 CON, +1 DEX
Adaptive +1 STR, +1 CON
Agile +1 STR, +1 DEX
Agressive +1 STR, +1 WIS
Alert +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Altruistic +1 INT, +1 CHA
Ardent +1 STR, +1 CHA
Assertive +1 STR, +1 INT
Athletic +1 STR, +1 CON
Attractive +1 CON, +1 CHA
Beguiling +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Calculated +1 INT, +1 WIS
Cautious +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Charming +1 CON, +1 CHA
Chivalrous +1 INT, +1 CHA
Clever +1 DEX, +1 INT
Combative +1 STR, +1 DEX
Commanding +1 STR, +1 CHA
Composed +1 CON, +1 INT
Courageous +1 STR, +1 WIS
Courteous +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Covert +1 DEX, +1 INT
Creative +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Curative +1 CON, +1 INT
Deceitful +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Deceptive +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Defensive +1 CON, +1 DEX
Devout +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Dexterous +1 STR, +1 DEX
Diplomatic +1 INT, +1 CHA
Disciplined +1 INT, +1 WIS
Dynamic +1 STR, +1 CHA
Elusive +1 DEX, +1 INT
Empathetic +1 WIS, +1 CHA
Enduring +1 CON, +1 WIS
Energetic +1 CON, +1 CHA
Expressive +1 STR, +1 CHA
Ferocious +1 STR, +1 WIS
Focused +1 CON, +1 WIS
Graceful +1 CON, +1 DEX
Healthy +1 CON, +1 INT
Hearty +1 STR, +1 CON
Incisive +1 STR, +1 INT
Industrious +1 CON, +1 INT
Influential +1 INT, +1 CHA
Inquisitive +1 DEX, +1 INT
Intimidating +1 STR, +1 CHA
Keen +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Lively +1 CON, +1 CHA
Lucky +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Manipulative +1 DEX, +1 CHA
Martial +1 STR, +1 DEX
Mercantile +1 INT, +1 WIS
Persuasive +1 INT, +1 CHA
Pious +1 INT, +1 WIS
Popular +1 CON, +1 CHA
Prepared +1 STR, +1 INT
Primal +1 STR, +1 WIS
Proficient +1 DEX, +1 INT
Protective +1 STR, +1 INT
Receptive +1 CON, +1 WIS
Resilient +1 CON, +1 WIS
Resistant +1 CON, +1 INT
Sneaky +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Speedy +1 CON, +1 DEX
Spirited +1 STR, +1 WIS
Steady +1 STR, +1 DEX
Strategic +1 STR, +1 INT
Studious +1 INT, +1 WIS
Swift +1 CON, +1 DEX
Tenacious +1 CON, +1 WIS
Tough +1 STR, +1 CON
Vigilant +1 DEX, +1 WIS
Vigorous +1 STR, +1 CON
Virtuous +1 WIS, +1 CHA
For example, Owen, who is a 1st level Human Ranger, starts with the scores 14/14/11/9/11/9. His first trait chosen is Keen, which gives him an attack bonus to using bows and perception checks. He also gets +1 to Dexterity and Wisdom, the key abilities for Keen. Owen also has Sneaky, which gives Owen a bonus to stealth skills and +1 more to Dexterity and Wisdom; Athletic, giving a bonus to his Athletic skill and +1 to Strength and Constitution; and Elusive, which gives Owen an evasion and initiative bonus and +1 to Dexterity and Intelligence. Owen now is sitting at 15/17/12/10/13/9.
3. Skills
There are too many skills in 3.5 in my opinion. And I know I’m not the first to suggest that. So I’ll be paring these down. Many skills have been combined and there are some that have been eliminated altogether, for the better. You may notice it has a bit of a 4th Edition feel, or even that of SW Saga. Sure, they had the right idea, but hopefully this implementation gets it better.
Skills List
Acrobatics (DEX)
Arcana (INT)
Athletics (STR)
Bluff (CHA)
Commerce (INT)
Concentration (CON)
Crafting (INT)
Diplomacy (CHA)
Engineering (INT)
Geography (INT)
History (INT)
Insight (WIS)
Law (INT)
Linguistics (INT)
Medicine (WIS)
Nature (WIS)
Perception (WIS)
Performance (CHA)
Religion (INT)
Stealth (DEX)
Streetwise (CHA)
Thievery (DEX)
Characters have a number of known skills equal to Intelligence and may choose from any on the list. Of these skills, characters have a number of trained skills equal to (INT + Class skill bonus − 10). Ranks are as follows:
Trained Class skill = (Level) + Key ability score + 4
Untrained Class skill = (Level) + Key ability score
Trained Cross-class skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score + 4
Untrained Cross-class skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score
Unknown skill = (Level / 2) + Key ability score − 10
DCs should be roughly 15 points higher.
Adjusted Class Skill Bonuses
Because of the changes to skills, classes need new skill modifiers:
Barbarian +0 skills
Bard +3 skills
Cleric +1 skill
Druid +1 skill
Fighter +0 skills
Monk +2 skills
Paladin +1 skill
Ranger +2 skills
Rogue +4 skills
Sorcerer +2 skills
Wizard +2 skills
4. Attack and Defense
Because of this change to ability scores, numbers will seem inflated. Also, AC takes on a new style. I’m reverting AC back to the traditional style; which is now Dexterity score + 10.
Hit Points = CON + Class Hit Die
AC = DEX + 10 + Armor Bonus
Fortitude = STR or CON + Class Fortitude Bonus
Reflex = DEX or INT + Class Reflex Bonus
Will = WIS or CHA + Class Will Bonus
Initiative = DEX
Melee attack = STR + Class attack bonus
Ranged attack = DEX + Class attack bonus
Melee damage = Weapon damage +STR − 10
Ranged weapon damage = Weapon damage +DEX − 10
5. Magic
Magic works a little different in Lucid. Spellcasters have a Stamina attribute which they will need to have enough in order to meet a spell’s requirement. Wizards start with (Level + INT − 10) Stamina points and gain Stamina points equal to the new level. A level 1 Wizard with 15 Intelligence has 6 Stamina; when she reaches level 2, she gets 2 more stamina points, for a total of 8 Stamina.
Spell Stamina costs are equal to the spell’s level.
If a spell caster runs out of Stamina, she must make a Concentration check, accounting for Spell Level. If she fails, the spell fizzles and she suffers HP loss equal to 1d6 + Spell’s Level and cannot attempt again for another round.
That’s all I have for now, but stay tuned for more.