Hints at the skill system?

[magg]

While doing some searches on a skill hack for an upcoming game, I accidently stumbled across this old blog post and thought people might find it interesting.

mearls: A Simple D&D Stunt and Skill System

Magg

 

[Mattachine]

Neat idea, and a peek into Mearls' mind.

Still, a skill system that focuses on ability scores the most means Multiple Ability Dependency (MAD) for skillsy classes, like rogues . . . unless they got a class feature to help them out.

 

[Savage Wombat]

Interesting insight.

I remember, though, back in the days of the Dungeoneer's Survival Guide et al, people complaining that their character couldn't be good at a particular skill because it was entirely dependant on their controlling stat, and not the character's focus. Like clerics being better at riding than cavaliers.

 

[MoonSong]

This sounds a lot like what they did to skills on 4e, and I hope a way more flexible aproach to skills in the next edition. I know there are lots of people who just say "use your imagination and roleplay what isn't on the skills", however I really like the skills perform, profession and craft, they give a way to put something on a chacrater background and for it to have a mechanical effect, that is mostly what disappoints me the most of the current system, yeah I'm not 'limited' by the rules to have my character be a good cook, or a good dancer, or whatever, but that no longer means something, no longer I can look into someone's character sheet and guess a background by the skills alone.

Ok, enough ranting, I don't really want to start edition warring, just wanted to exteriorize a feeling. I really like skills as focuses that could even override ability modifier penalties. With them even a very dumb character -but persistant - can beat a natural but unfocussed genius on knowing something. If such a simplistic skill system as described in the link is the default, I hope they at least provide a more customizable (but still functional and not just a reprint of the 3e one, I like it, but it is still far from perfect) alternative in the same book.

 

[magg]

The blog post actually is actually older than 4E so it might have been early musing about the 4E.
Personally, I see this system being more closely related to 2E NWPs than the 4E skill system.

 

[Frostmarrow]

Skill check being 1d20 + entire ability score versus DC 15, 20, 25, 30? Yes, I can imagine this for Next.

Here is an example: Warrior wants to kick in a door. Kicking doors can be tried untrained. DM sets DC for door at 20 (normal door). Warrior has Str 18.
"Can I get advantage (+2) for a running start?"
"Sure, there is plenty of room. The door flies open without even a die roll." 18+2+X>20

Will there be public outcry over sometimes you'll need to add up two two digit numbers?

 

[fjw70]

The MAD issue may not be a problem with a system that expects lower bonuses. A rogue getting a +2 or 3 to climbing might make him a really good climber even without a STR bonus.