Shadowdark Unless I am wrong

[Warpiglet-7]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

 

[Scribe]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

Yeah stats are mostly just the modifiers. Exception being Gear Slots.

 

[Retreater]

I suppose nothing stops you as a GM telling a player "You've got a 3 Strength, so you cannot attempt to lift that gate."
Shadowdark just doesn't have specific rules about much.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

It’s to my liking then. I don’t like picturing completely inept Warriors for example…or whatever.

 

[Reynard]

There is no point in SD where you will find a sign indicating You Must Be This Tall To Ride.

Also, that 3 Con character won't be in danger for long...

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Yeah stats are mostly just the modifiers. Exception being Gear Slots.

God even if I can’t get people to play shadowdark, gear slots for the win in D&D…encumbrance cool….calculating encumbrance not cool

 

[Bill Zebub]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

This is really the same debate going on over TTRPG General. Some people think that a 4 Int means you subtract 3 from all Int rolls. Other people think it means you have to roleplay an idiot and shouldn't be suggesting good solutions to problems.

I think the second interpretation is crazy.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

This is really the same debate going on over TTRPG General. Some people think that a 4 Int means you subtract 3 from all Int rolls. Other people think it means you have to roleplay an idiot and shouldn't be suggesting good solutions to problems.

I think the second interpretation is crazy.

Well in fairness…D&D has had labels and specifics about being able to speak and write and lift and son on…

But I did not see such a thing in my reading of shadowdark. It may only be because it is so succinct…or the creator did not want people on the sidelines.

But yeah, I hate number being tied to roleplay limitations. A penalty does not bother me in the same way

 

[Reynard]

Threads like this one reinforce the idea to me that stats that are "characteristics" (like Intelligence and Charisma) are a bad idea. Your ability scores should not limit your roleplaying or invite the GM to penalize you further.

 

[GMMichael]

Some people think that a 4 Int means you subtract 3 from all Int rolls. Other people think it means you have to roleplay an idiot and shouldn't be suggesting good solutions to problems.

I think the second interpretation is crazy.

It's crazy that you should role-play your character? Is the other thread not about a role-playing game?

But I did not see such a thing in my reading of shadowdark. It may only be because it is so succinct…or the creator did not want people on the sidelines.

Or the creator believes in the power of GMs. That was my takeaway from a skim or two.

Threads like this one reinforce the idea to me that stats that are "characteristics" (like Intelligence and Charisma) are a bad idea. Your ability scores should not limit your roleplaying or invite the GM to penalize you further.

Six abilities provide a quick description of every creature's physical and mental characteristics . . . Is a character muscle-bound and insightful? Brilliant and charming? Nimble and hardy? Ability scores define these qualities--a creature's assets as well as weaknesses.

I'm pretty sure they're characteristics. But yes, GMs generally shouldn't penalize PCs. Unless, you know, PCs invite penalization with their decisions.