2d10 skill checks

[kreynolds]

[] Now, 10d2 checks would make a lot more sense. that would be an average of 15, a +4.5 bonus to the skill roll. This seems like a good substitute for SF, and quite balanced.[/]

Actually, I think it would make a great feat. I can see it now...Improved Take 10 [General].

 

[Jens]

Um . . . a game with that feat wouldn't be d20 system.

So how about changing the "2d10" for "the middle (median) result when rolling d20 three times"? The result is largely similar to 2d10 but allows 1s as well:

1 or 20: 0.73%
2 or 19: 2.08%
3 or 18: 3.28%
4 or 17: 4.33%
5 or 16: 5.23%
6 or 15: 5.98%
7 or 14: 6.58%
8 or 13: 7.03%
9 or 12: 7.33%
10-11: 7.48%

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Sure, Jens, I think that would work too. It would not have as much of a bell curve as 2d10 would, but it would be similar. And it has the advantage of allowing you to roll more dice. More dice, more fun!

By the way, how did you calculate your probabilities? The statistics get more complex when you have three dice. The math at that point is beyond me.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Instead of 2d10', how about 10d2's?

I use 20d1s.

 

[kreynolds]

I use 20d1s.

That's gotta be murder on your tabletop. How do you find them when their edges are facing you?

 

[der_kluge]

I don't think I'd spend a feat on being able to get a 0.5 increase in my skill check for a few skills.

Make it apply to every skill across the board, and it might be worth it.

 

[Anubis]

Changing 1d20 for 2d10, contrary to the average result, would result in LOWER rolling, not higher.

I would advocate a variation of the Warhammer 40K rules here. Simply have the feat allow you to roll 2d20 instead of 1d20, and take the better result between the two dice. Let people take the feat multiple times with the effects stacking or going toward a different roll. (Attacks, Saves, Skills)

 

[Jens]

Sure, Jens, I think that would work too. It would not have as much of a bell curve as 2d10 would, but it would be similar. And it has the advantage of allowing you to roll more dice. More dice, more fun!

By the way, how did you calculate your probabilities? The statistics get more complex when you have three dice. The math at that point is beyond me.

Afraid I have to disappoint you on the calculation - I made a quick spreadsheet with all 8000 possibilities and counted the frequency for the middle result. Now you've got me thinking about how to calculate it...

The number of ways to roll 'X': #(X) = (X-1)*(20-X)*3! + (20-1)*3 + (1)*1 = (X-1)*(20-X)*6 + 58

(You get the probability by dividing by 20^3 = 8000. 1st term: All three dice different (one must be smaller, one must be bigger, times 3*2*1 permutations), 2nd: Two equal (the third can have 20-1 values, the third can be one of the 3 dice), 3rd: All three equal (only one way to do that).)

 

[Drawmack]

I can see this as a feet if you critical fumble skills.

For example picking a lock rolls a 1 = breaks picks.

Then this feat would work because you cannot roll a 1. Basically you need a bit more of a benefit then the bonus because of skill focus.