[PF] Armor Damage Conversion

[AlchemicalMyst]

I've always loved implementing the rule that armor converts an amount of lethal damage taken to nonlethal and ignores nonlethal damage taken equal to it's rating. Attacks that bypass a defense obviously bypass the conversion for it as well. I have some issues that always come up though and was wondering if anyone has ideas for solutions. Also, no, don't use the rule is not a viable one! :smalltongue:

Issues:
• Problem creatures: Creatures that are immune to nonlethal damage or that have regeneration get a huge buff in power. Essentially they gain a stackable DR of [armor bonus]/-. I have yet to come up with a solution other than just not applying the rule to them. However, this leads to it's own balance issues.
• Magical healing: Magical healing gets a major increase in power considering nonlethal and lethal are healed for the same amount. At first I thought was horrible but realized it balances out wince it effects both sides. It would still be nice if someone has an idea to bring it back a tad.
• What bonuses count?: Currently I've ruled that only Armor and Natural Armor bonuses are used as conversion. Any other inputs there?

Idea:
I've also toyed with the idea of removing Armor and Natural Armor bonuses from AC and using them solely for damage conversion. The effect, in relation to default RAW, would essentially be getting hit more often but being mortally wounded a lot less. The only reason I have thought about doing it this way would balance out the huge healing buff and make the problem creatures above less problematic. Still, too wary on the balance issues it'll bring to playtest this one...

[Slipperychicken]

Have you considered something like Armor as DR (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/adventuring/armorAsDamageReduction.htm)? I know it's a 3.5 variant, but it could be applied to PF.

[Ravens_cry]

Have you considered something like Armor as DR (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/adventuring/armorAsDamageReduction.htm)? I know it's a 3.5 variant, but it could be applied to PF.
There is a similar system in PF proper (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/other-rules/armor-as-damage-reduction). It's in Ultimate Combat if you want the book.

[AlchemicalMyst]

I'll refer you to:

Also, no, don't use the rule is not a viable one! :smalltongue:



But yes, I have played with both variant rules Armor as DR and Armor as Damage Conversion which are both originally from the 3.5 books. I much prefer the conversion variant.