A simple attack & damage system

[nnms]

Thanks. I don't lick gimmicks myself, so I'm glad to hear this doesn't come across like one.

I do like the idea of knowledge checks being mechanically defined like that as well. It's a bit more work, but perhaps I will work up a list of keywords, strengths and weaknesses for various monsters as I prep them. Perhaps alongside some false ones. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Random Bystander]

Thanks. I don't lick gimmicks myself, so I'm glad to hear this doesn't come across like one.

I do like the idea of knowledge checks being mechanically defined like that as well. It's a bit more work, but perhaps I will work up a list of keywords, strengths and weaknesses for various monsters as I prep them. Perhaps alongside some false ones. Thanks for the idea!

You're welcome; I have some curiosity as to whether the mechanic could be the base of an entire system. I must admit, its use was not immediately apparent, so I would still recommend devoting a paragraph to defining the reasoning behind it in the introductory chapter.

I believe one of the most useful things a game system can have, is sidebars explaining why certain mechanics exists. Deduction can explain why a mechanic exists and works the way it does, but clarity is, in general, preferable over confusion.

 

[nnms]

The fundamental purpose of most resolution systems in traditional RPGs is to answer the question of whether or not a given action is successful and how successful it is. That's what most mechanics in most RPGs are about. Many non-traditional games have taken the mechanics and applied them to other areas as they are not about finding out if a given action is successful and how successful it is. They might be about what is dramatically appropriate, who gets narration rights, what theme colours the narration and a great many other things.

Since this is about an RPG/Miniature game hybrid, it's going to end up quite traditional. Like OD&D with miniatures and a grid, but with the rules being transparent to all participants.

I think the Dummies line of books has a pretty solid approach to communicating information. Sidebars, explanations, tips, etc., all abound in their books. When I do finally get this into a document format, there will definitely be those sort of elements.