D&D General On simulating things: what, why, and how?

[jmartkdr2]

A PC in D&D could flip a car, it would just require some type of giant strength belt. Or a super-soldier serum potion.

True, but getting closer to OP's point, we can take it down a notch to "flip a wagon" which a really strong guy could do with exertion, but not every round. That sort of thing should be doable for sim, game, and story reasons.

 

[cbwjm]

Normally when I think of simulation in dnd, I think of world building rather than the small scale combat stuff. Things like how do different polities interact, what trade goes on, how does a town survive, or why does it even exist, based on nearby resources. I tend to not want to get too complicated though so nowadays I use keywords based on those found in dungeon world to quickly sort that sort of stuff out. I'm likely going to expand a bit on that based on the WoW d20 game that had rules for making settlements.

I've thought about defining things using the birthright campaign setting but I'm not sure that's really going to improve my game vs the amount of work that I'd have to put in. I've also looked at the becmi rules cyclopedia and their domain rules, but the most I do with those is think about the levels of nobility available in domains to get a number of barons, counts, and dukes with the kingdom.

 

[DND_Reborn]

True, but getting closer to OP's point, we can take it down a notch to "flip a wagon" which a really strong guy could do with exertion, but not every round. That sort of thing should be doable for sim, game, and story reasons.

I like the idea of being able to spend HD in such cases to allow PCs to beyond normal limits.

 

[jmartkdr2]

I like the idea of being able to spend HD in such cases to allow PCs to beyond normal limits.

I've been mentally playing around with a broader maneuvers/superiority dice system, and a maneuver of "add a superiority die to your Strength check" is definitely in the mix.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Normally when I think of simulation in dnd, I think of world building rather than the small scale combat stuff. Things like how do different polities interact, what trade goes on, how does a town survive, or why does it even exist, based on nearby resources. I tend to not want to get too complicated though so nowadays I use keywords based on those found in dungeon world to quickly sort that sort of stuff out. I'm likely going to expand a bit on that based on the WoW d20 game that had rules for making settlements.

I've thought about defining things using the birthright campaign setting but I'm not sure that's really going to improve my game vs the amount of work that I'd have to put in. I've also looked at the becmi rules cyclopedia and their domain rules, but the most I do with those is think about the levels of nobility available in domains to get a number of barons, counts, and dukes with the kingdom.

Yeah, that's mostly what simulation means to me too: worldbuilding. I use the domain system in ACKS to make the polities in my setting.

 

[cbwjm]

Yeah, that's mostly what simulation means to me too: worldbuilding. I use the domain system in ACKS to make the polities in my setting.

I like ACKS as a rules set as well, I think it's probably one of the better OSR clones out there.

 

[Oofta]

Now that's just not true. Studies clearly show that most monsters are in fact giant worms.

That would mean that a certain mother-in-law would be a giant worm. Maybe your on to something.

 

[Hussar]

It would of course require reconfigurating the system somewhat. But if we are talking about high level D&D game and what casters can do in it, I don't think balancing martials having a low-level always-on super strength would be at all impossible in that context.


Yeah, it is a matter of taste. But personally I would prefer the method that mostly models the physical reality. If the player wants to portray Captain America that goes on superpowered killing spree, then that's their choice.

But, here's the thing. Casters are balanced around the idea that they can only throw the car a limited number of times. And, "low level always on super strength" is kinda the problem since the line of "low level" is almost always drawn at the level of WAYYY below throwing a car.

 

[Blue]

Speaking about characters being mythic badasses and able to do things beyond real world levels.

Who claimed that?

WOW.

You did, among other people.

You claimed:
Post #157: "I want sufficient simulation that I can use my own experiences to understand my character's capabilities. If my character needs to jump 10 ft., that shouldn't be too trying if my character is fit. If I need to jump 25 ft., my character had best be Olympic level in fitness and wholly unencumbered. Or, have an angle, magic or otherwise."

This is directly contrary to your character following genre conventions and because you are a mythic badass who can go toe-to-toe with dragons can also perform every other natural feat at mythic hero proportions.

 

[Crimson Longinus]

But, here's the thing. Casters are balanced around the idea that they can only throw the car a limited number of times.

Yes. Different classes can be different. Casters can have somewhat more powerful but limited effects, martials somewhat less powerful but unlimited effects.

And, "low level always on super strength" is kinda the problem since the line of "low level" is almost always drawn at the level of WAYYY below throwing a car.

Yes. And so did I. I said "flipping a car." But it is not a problem.