Luck Attribute?

Psikerlord# · Dec 28, 2015

Just some ruminations on introducing a 7th attribute, Luck to an OSR / d20 hybrid game. What do you think?

http://dndhackersguild.weebly.com/blog/december-28th-2015

Waller · Dec 28, 2015

I left my reply in an envelope under my pillow. What do you think?

zabom · Dec 29, 2015

I was just talking about this the other day with my group. We play D&D 3.5 modified with a few rules from 5.0. We came to the conclusion that any luck attribute would have to be an overall bonus to all rolls and as such would be OP as an attribute. Everyone would make that their highest attribute nullifying the need for such, while adding a need for the DM to raise DCs. It would also lower the importance of the other six attributes and trained skills. In the event that you need a straight luck roll, just use an unadjusted d20. If you want to make it more interesting, add the inspiration dice system from D&D 5.0.

Morrus · Dec 29, 2015

In my game, I use a replenishable pool of luck dice which the players can use at-will (until they are gone). They add to attribute checks and the like, or deduct from enemy's checks.

zabom · Dec 29, 2015

Morrus said:
In my game, I use a replenishable pool of luck dice which the players can use at-will (until they are gone). They add to attribute checks and the like, or deduct from enemy's checks.

I like that. I was thinking of just giving players 2 d6 per day luck dice and see how that plays out.

Psikerlord# · Dec 29, 2015

zabom said:
I was just talking about this the other day with my group. We play D&D 3.5 modified with a few rules from 5.0. We came to the conclusion that any luck attribute would have to be an overall bonus to all rolls and as such would be OP as an attribute. Everyone would make that their highest attribute nullifying the need for such, while adding a need for the DM to raise DCs. It would also lower the importance of the other six attributes and trained skills. In the event that you need a straight luck roll, just use an unadjusted d20. If you want to make it more interesting, add the inspiration dice system from D&D 5.0.

Hmm what about a reroll based Luck pool, rather than adding a static modifier, that way you dont need to adjust DCs?

Psikerlord# · Dec 29, 2015

Morrus said:
In my game, I use a replenishable pool of luck dice which the players can use at-will (until they are gone). They add to attribute checks and the like, or deduct from enemy's checks.

Ahh that deduction from an enemy roll is an interesting twist! Reminds me of the 5e bard ability (forget the name of it!)

zabom · Dec 29, 2015

Psikerlord# said:
Hmm what about a reroll based Luck pool, rather than adding a static modifier, that way you dont need to adjust DCs?

That is definitely better, but I am intrigued by what Morrus said. The luck modifier based on the same formula for the other attributes, (Atribute-10) / 2 rounded down could be the number of daily luck dice your player gets. That would allow for a "not everyone is equal in luck" system without making it overly important.

religon · Dec 29, 2015

I use a path-system with B/X… essentially at 4th level the character class allows specialization like 2nd Edition kits. Luck is a path available to thieves rather than an attribute. Re-roll once per play session so long as it is not a life-or-death roll. Also +20% for games of chance or other non-combat tests that depends on luck. As an attribute, I think it would overwhelm the game.

Psikerlord# · Dec 29, 2015

religon said:
I use a path-system with B/X… essentially at 4th level the character class allows specialization like 2nd Edition kits. Luck is a path available to thieves rather than an attribute. Re-roll once per play session so long as it is not a life-or-death roll. Also +20% for games of chance or other non-combat tests that depends on luck. As an attribute, I think it would overwhelm the game.

Yes I can definitely see it working as an aspect of the thief, thanks for your thoughts!