How would YOU change Shadowdark?

[Grognard79]

I'd add concentration. Maybe only for the light spell.

Also for the new permanence spell, I'd make it last for only as long as the caster lives. Maybe it could be a new thing like Concentration, call it Lifetime. Not sure of a name.

Shadowdark already has concentration. It's called "Spell Focus" (core rule book pg. 50). You have to roll every turn for a focus spell to see if you can maintain it. You also have to roll immediately if you are distracted; e.g. if you take damage.

 

[darjr]

Shadowdark already has concentration. It's called "Spell Focus" (core rule book pg. 50). You have to roll every turn for a focus spell to see if you can maintain it. You also have to roll immediately if you are distracted; e.g. if you take damage.

yup, concentration would be less burdensome. I suspect it's why the light spell doesn't have Duration: Focus.

 

[darjr]

It only lasts one year, so even if it outlives the caster, it won't for long.

But that doesn't make the casters sweat.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

But that doesn't make the casters sweat.

Darkmantles. Lots and lots of darkmantles.

And probably a few custom NPC spells and monsters that specifically dispel light sources.

 

[darjr]

Darkmantles. Lots and lots of darkmantles.

And probably a few custom NPC spells and monsters that specifically dispel light sources.

I was running for folks the other day and a goblin ran up out of the darkness and just grabbed their torch and ran away. The look I got. It ended in a TPK and everyone immediately rolled up new characters.

 

[Shardstone]

I'd give characters flat HP that doesn't increase, but starts at a higher amount. I'd also make increasing stats be something auto done at certain levels or require training. Then I would replace those boring options on the class feature roll tables with something a lot more meaningful and cool.

 

[Shardstone]

You are making it more complicated than it needs to be. this is not a game designed with granular rules and explanations for every circumstance. It is the GM's job to answer questions like "Can I backstab." All the GM has to do is look at the circumstances in the moment and make a ruling.

Why is this ok in OSR, but when it's done in 5E, people say it's a flaw of the game -- despite the designers saying that this is the intent.

 

[Shardstone]

Actually, she mentions 5e more than older editions. But while you can't admit the influence, she clearly does.

I wish instead of spending so much time being snarky, you would have explained why rolling to cast spells is bad. The thread you linked is 7 pages of people debating things with no clear consensus. Why can't you take the time to explain your point instead of assuming its objectively correct?

 

[Bill Zebub]

I was running for folks the other day and a goblin ran up out of the darkness and just grabbed their torch and ran away. The look I got. It ended in a TPK and everyone immediately rolled up new characters.

Oh that is hilarious.

What level were they?

 

[Bill Zebub]

I wish instead of spending so much time being snarky, you would have explained why rolling to cast spells is bad. The thread you linked is 7 pages of people debating things with no clear consensus. Why can't you take the time to explain your point instead of assuming its objectively correct?

I've asked them several times now. /crickets