Extremely long post - part 1
After much squirreling away, comparing notes, consulting forums and a good stretch of typing for Britain, I have managed to birth (drum roll, please) the first complete copy of the core mechanics!
It’s a little scruffy around the edges and needless to say is in dire need of everyone’s attention and revision, but is nevertheless our very first draft copy. If everyone, and I mean everyone, on the editing board could look through scrupulously, point out flaws, make suggestions, post new material and all of the usual affairs, we can come to some sort of finalisation and move on to the bounteous realm of the rest of the guide.
And if everyone goes quiet, I will track each of you down and tickle you in your sleep.
Nevertheless, have a read through, download, post on the site or elseways do as you wish to the draft GUCK, which is included below for your reading pleasure!
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GUIDE TO UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE – COMPLETE CORE MECHANICS V0.2
The core mechanics found below are the product of many fruitful imaginations combining over at the EnWorld forums in what began as an editing and resulted in practically a rewrite of the d20 GUCK conversion. The rules below are intended to be homogenous, make reasonable sense and easily fit in to any campaign that would like to use them.
Before people start complaining about the quality of writing, presentation and suchlike, please bear in mind this is purely an accumulation of our work so far – impetuous individuals such as yourselves who could not wait for the full edition should be less picky. The draft copy below was designed to be simple, and as such lack the fancy titles, charts and other commodities that would be expected of the finished product, so don’t complain. Instead, you would be best advised to pop over to the ‘GUCK development forum’ at the EnWorld forums and mustering whatever ideas, advice and expressions of delight you can come up with.
Cheers,
Death By Surfeit, on behalf of VVrayven, Asher, Sorn, Kolvar, Bastoche, Gez et al.
March 2003
STATUS CONDITIONS
The following are additions to status conditions as found in Chapter 2 of the DMG. Physical arousal and mental horniness only affect those creatures with an active sexual alignment – constructs, elementals, plants, undead and vermin are immune to the following unless specifically stated otherwise.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS (AROUSAL)
These conditions overlap (do not stack) with each other; a given character only suffers penalties for the most profound of them. For the purposes of rules text, Peaked, Climaxed and Ecstatic characters are also considered ‘Aroused’, as Peaked, Climaxed and Ecstatic are stronger forms of Arousal.
Aroused
Aroused characters are physically aroused and ready for congress, males having become erect and females lubricated. Unless compensated for somehow, any attempts at conventional intercourse without being Aroused beforehand incur a -5 circumstance penalty on the Prowess check. Aroused characters suffer a -2 arousal penalty to all non-sensual attack rolls, skill checks and saves for five minutes (one minute if in inappropriate conditions, including combat). Successful spellcasting requires a Concentration check (DC 10 + spell level). An Aroused character that is not yet Horny must make a Will save (DC 5) each round or become so. A successful Spot check (DC 15 male, 20 female) will give away this condition in another person.
Peaked
Peaked characters are in a heightened state of arousal; their skin flushes with blood, their heart rate and breathing accelerates and they are on the approach to climax. The vivid sensations coursing through their bodies cause Peaked characters to suffer a -4 arousal penalty to all non-sensual attack rolls, skill checks and saves for five minutes (one minute if in inappropriate conditions, including combat). When this period expires, characters are Aroused instead. They require a Concentration check (DC 20 + spell level) to cast spells successfully, and if not Horny require a Will save (DC 10) each round to avoid becoming such. A successful Spot check (DC 5 male, 10 female) will give away this condition in another person.
Climaxed
Climaxed characters are overcome by waves of pleasurable sensation, either held in the rapture of an orgasm or teetering on the cusp of one. They are considered Helpless whilst the condition lasts (usually one round) unless they can make a Fortitude save (DC 30). If they are successful, they may act as if slowed but with a -8 arousal penalty to all non-sensual actions. Spellcasting requires a Concentration check (DC 30 + spell level) to be successful. The condition is obvious to all onlookers.
Ecstasy
Not all orgasms are equal and these are the best of them: an Ecstatic character is lost to courses of blissful pleasure, lost to the world and held deeply in the rapture of exquisite sensation. They are considered Helpless whilst the condition lasts (usually one round) unless they can make a Fortitude save (DC 40). If they are successful, they may act as if slowed but with a -16 arousal penalty to all non-sensual actions. Spellcasting requires a Concentration check (DC 40 + spell level) to be successful. The condition is obvious to all onlookers.
MENTAL CONDITIONS (HORNINESS)
These conditions overlap (do not stack) with each other; a given character only suffers penalties for the most profound of them. For the purposes of rules text, Lustful and Delirious characters are also considered ‘Horny’, as Lustful and Sexually Delirious are stronger forms of Horniness. The penalties incurred by arousal and horniness do not stack; a given character only takes one set of arousal penalties and makes one Concentration check for spellcasting, taking the most severe value in each case.
Horny
Horny characters are mentally psyched up and raring to go. Characters can typically become Horny by their own discretion unless extenuating circumstances prevail; DMs should feel free to set a Will save in such circumstances.
Unless they can make a Will save (DC 10) for each minute they remain in this state, characters will approach any desirable partners present with advances, regardless of how out-of-place their comments may seem. They need a similar check each round to abstain from sexual activity should the opportunity present itself.
Indecent thoughts cloud the mind of a Horny character, causing them to suffer a -2 arousal penalty to all non-sensual attack rolls, skill checks and saves for five minutes (one minute if in inappropriate conditions such as combat), and twice this amount to saves against arousal effects, seduction and spells with the [Arousal] descriptor. Successful spellcasting requires a Concentration check (DC 10 + spell level). A successful Sense Motive check will give away this condition in another person (DC 20).
Lustful
A Lustful character not only desires sex, they crave it - their mind is consumed by lust and they seek to lose themselves in the sweet dreams of a libido without bounds. Such powerful desire seldom has a mundane basis, and can typically only be brought about by powerful sexcraft, carnal magics or exotic substances.
Unless they can make a Will save (DC 20) each minute they are in this condition, a Lustful character makes moves toward any possible partners, in accordance with their sexual alignment. If rebuffed, characters of evil alignments or low wit may attempt to rape the subjects of their attentions; others are likely to masturbate until they find relief. A successful check allows them to act normally, but with the penalties listed below. Should an opportunity arise, the character needs to make a similar Will save each round to avoid indulging.
Lustful characters suffer a -4 arousal penalty to all non-sensual attack rolls, and twice this amount to saves against arousal, seduction and spells with the [Arousal] descriptor. Lustfulness typically lasts ten minutes, regardless of circumstances, before residing to Horniness. If the condition is brought about by a spell effect with a fixed duration, Lustfulness lasts that long. Successful spellcasting requires a Concentration check (DC 20 + spell level). A successful Sense Motive check (DC 10) gives away the condition in another person.
Delirious
A Delirious character is beyond the reach of the world and lost in a private world of sensuality, devoid of the will to do anything but satisfy an all-consuming desire for base pleasure. This is not by any means a natural state - only through the machinations of powerful enchantments or by having their Wisdom reduced to 3 or lower whilst aroused can a character enter this state.
Unless the character succeeds in a Will save (DC 30) each round, they are considered Helpless, incapable of taking any action beyond seeking out the nearest source of sexual relief and indulging themselves They lack the awareness to make seduction attempts, instead throwing themselves at whatever looks most satisfying - sexual alignment plays a role where there is a choice of partners, but beyond that a Delirious character will consent to pretty much anything and anyone. They fail any saves they are required to make, and are suggestible as if hypnotised.
If the check is successful, the character may act with a -8 arousal penalty to all non-sensual actions (twice this amount to saves against arousal, seduction and spells with the [Arousal] descriptor), spellcasting only being possible with a Concentration check (DC 30 + spell level). They will remain in this state until the spell’s duration expires (if the condition was caused by a spell effect), more likely, they pass out through over-exertion. A Delirious character’s condition is obvious to the most casual look.
OTHER CONDITIONS
Unwilling
If a character does not wish sexual activity, they may declare themselves Unwilling as a free action. At the DM’s option, arousal and horniness may be impossible to incur in an Unwilling partner. Otherwise, the character gets a bonus of between 1 and 20 (according to the campaign setting) to Fortitude and Will saves to resist arousal and horniness, and to Concentration checks made under their effect. Becoming horny negates the benefits of being Unwilling.
Fatigued
In addition to standard penalties to Strength and Dexterity, the DC for Prowess checks to arouse a Fatigued character is increased by 2.
Exhausted
In addition to standard penalties to Strength and Dexterity, the DC for Prowess checks to arouse an Exhausted character is increased by 6. As Exhaustion overlaps Fatigue, only apply the largest penalty of the two.
THE PROWESS SKILL
This skill is in addition to the skills normally available to characters, as found in Chapter 3 of the PHB.
PROWESS (Cha)
Use this skill to bewilder your sexual partners with an array of exotic techniques. Prowess is a class skill for all characters.
As with the Perform skill, each rank in Prowess gives you a technique within which you can apply your rank bonus to checks – you may not apply your Prowess bonus to any application for which you do not have the appropriate technique.
The techniques are listed below, organised into groups. Each technique found is chosen from those examples in brackets. If the group is open-ended, you are free to design your own additions, providing they remain within the nature of those preceding it.
Proficiencies:
Bondage (By type – Contortion, Hanging, Inverted, Ties etc.)
Caress (By type – Breasts, Erotic Massage, Stroking etc.)
DSM (Domination, Submission)
Masturbation (Male, Female)
Oral (Cunnilingus, Fellatio)
Penetrative (By position – Cross, Frontal, Half-facing, Inverted, Matrimonial, Negresse, Rear, Riding, Scissors, Standing etc.)
Sodomy (Receiving)
Toys (By item – Dildos, Wands, Wizards’ Staffs, etc.)
Special: Regardless of circumstances, it is impossible to take 10 or take 20 on a Prowess check, due to its unpredictable nature.
THE PROWESS CHECK
Performing a Prowess check on someone (including yourself) is a miscellaneous full-round action incurring attacks of opportunity. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Prowess checks can only be made against an Unwilling partner if they are grappled, helpless or immobile.
It is possible to make Prowess checks against more than one partner as the same full-round action; if your character wishes to do so, a penalty of –4 per additional partner is applied to all checks. You cannot make more simultaneous checks than (1+Dex bonus) at any time, unless otherwise stated.
When making a Prowess check, you may apply as much or as little of your rank bonus as you desire, but the declaration must be made BEFORE you make the roll. Consult the table below for DCs according to your partner’s present condition, where the numbers on the left represent a male partner, and the ones on the right a female one.
After the check is made, the partner’s Arousal is changed to fit the highest DC the character achieved. They may resist this change by rolling a Fortitude save against a DC equal to the character's Prowess check, adding an Unwilling bonus where applicable. If successful, they remain in their current state and no additional arousal is gained.
Table X-XX: Arousal DCs
Current Arousal - None - Aroused - Peaked - Climaxed - Ecstatic
None <13/<16 13/16 26/32 52/64 104/128
Aroused <7/<9 7/9 14/18 28/36 56/72
Peaked <4/<5 4/5 8/10 16/20 32/40
It is possible to keep a partner in Climax or Ecstasy for more than one round, although this may result in adverse effects (see Status Conditions for more details). In order to do so, use the DCs listed for a Peaked character, but double it for each round spent in Climax or Ecstasy. Thus, a Peaked male character would be DC 16 to raise to Climaxed initially, DC32 the round after that, DC 48 on the third round and so on. If the DC for Climaxed is not sustained, male characters lose all arousal; female characters reside to Aroused instead.
However, after the first round spent in Climax or Ecstasy, each further round spent in Climax does one point of temporary Wisdom damage; each round spent Ecstatic does 1d3 points of temporary Wisdom damage.
When a partner is using a Penetrative technique against them, characters always make a Prowess check back, if only by virtue of just lying there. In the round in which the check is made against them, they must make a Prowess check back on their initiative pass. If they do not add their rank bonus to this, it is considered a free action and does not impose any penalties against any other checks they may wish to make.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL MODIFIERS
The DC of the above Prowess check is subject to modifiers based on the technique used, the external circumstances, the sexual inclinations of those involved, and so on. Where relevant, apply the modifiers listed below (largest modifier from each sec
Subject Status
+2 when subject of check is Fatigued
+6 when subject of check is Exhausted
+8 when subject of check is male, within 10 minutes of last Climax
Technique
+2 unusual technique
+5 inappropriate technique
+10 very inappropriate technique
+4 per subject of the Prowess check past the first
Circumstances
+2 awkward circumstances (eg. in public)
+4 dangerous circumstances (eg. in combat)
Fetishes & Frets
-fetish bonus (according to fetish) when used on a partner with the fetish
+fetish bonus (according to fetish) when used on a partner without the fetish
+fret penalty (according to fret) when appropriate
Damage
+total damage received in round if subject is not masochistic
-total damage received in round if subject is masochistic
-total damage dealt to partners in round if subject is sadistic
Sexual Alignment
+2 subject is of an unsuitable sexual alignment
+4 subject is of an incompatible sexual alignment
TECHNIQUE SUITABILITY
Not all Prowess techniques have equal application – some are best used to initially Arouse a partner, whilst others are best for bringing them to Climax. Switching techniques is considered a move-equivalent action, meaning that Prowess checks cannot usually be used in the same round. Listed below are the modifiers to the DC for bringing a partner to different levels of arousal (as mentioned under circumstantial modifiers), based on groups of techniques.
Group - Aroused / Peaked / Climaxed / Ecstatic DC modifiers
Bondage - Aroused +0 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +10 / Ecstatic +10
Caressing - Aroused +0 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +10 / Ecstatic +10
DSM - Aroused +0 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +10 / Ecstatic +10
Masturbation - Aroused +2 / Peaked +0 / Climaxed +2 / Ecstatic +5
Oral - Aroused +2 / Peaked +0 / Climaxed +2 / Ecstatic +5
Penetrative - Aroused +10 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +0 / Ecstatic +0
Sodomy - Aroused +10 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +0 / Ecstatic +0
Toys - Aroused +10 / Peaked +2 / Climaxed +0 / Ecstatic +0
SEXUAL FATIGUE
Congress, whilst enjoyable, is often a tiring experience for those involved. As such, partners may induce a state of Fatigue, Exhaustion or even unconsciousness as a result of overstretching themselves. These conditions are as those described in Status Conditions, above, and reside at an identical rate.
Male characters can sustain one round of Climax or Ecstasy before being considered Fatigued. Once Fatigued, they can sustain a further (1 + Con bonus) rounds of Climax or a single round of Ecstasy before being rendered Exhausted. Furthermore, males undergo a ‘recovery period’ of 10 minutes after each Climax or Ecstatic state, in which the DC to all Prowess checks made against them is increased by 8; this does not not stack with modifiers for fatigue.
Female characters can sustain (1 + Con bonus) rounds of Climax or a single round of Ecstasy before being considered Fatigued. Once Fatigued, they can sustain a further (Con score) rounds of Climax or a single round of Ecstasy before being considered Exhausted.
Once Exhausted, characters are best advised to steer clear of sexual activity: each round of Climax deals 1 point of subdual damage per HD possessed by the character. Each round of Ecstasy in this state deals sufficient subdual damage to render the character unconscious, plus an additional point of subdual damage per HD.
SIZE MATTERS
So the saying goes, and with the myriad of diverse species of the Great Wheel are concerned, it becomes an ever more significant factor. When using a Penetrative, Sodomy, Toys or similar technique, compare the size of the phallus to the orifice concerned and consult the table below for the effects to the recipient.
The owner of the phallus may also be damaged – where the difference is one-and-a-half size categories or more, the owner of the phallus receives damage as if the difference was one size category than it actually is.
Note that although larger phalli give bonuses to Prowess checks, the damage caused makes the check harder – in most cases, it’s best to have an even match.
Smaller still: Fruitless. No appreciable sensation of any kind.
Two sizes smaller: Pathetic. Both Prowess checks incur a -8 size penalty. When using the Soft Focus rules, this penalty is reduced to -4.
One and a half sizes smaller: Dismal. Both Prowess checks incur a -6 size penalty. When using the Soft Focus rules, this penalty is reduced to -3.
One size smaller: Disappointing. Both Prowess checks incur a -4 size penalty. When using the Soft Focus rules, this penalty is reduced to -2.
Half a size smaller: Weak. Both Prowess checks incur a -2 size penalty. When using the Soft Focus rules, this penalty is reduced to -1.
Same size: No special rules.
Half a size larger: Chunky. Both Prowess checks gain a +2 size bonus. The recipient incurs 1 point of subdual damage each turn, unless they can succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 10): work affairs out hard-focus in case of incurring unconsciousness (!).
One size larger: Dangerous. Both Prowess checks gain a +4 size bonus. The recipient incurs 1 point of subdual damage for each Hit Dice they possess each turn. A successful Fortitude save (DC: 10 + partner’s HD) reduces this to just one point per turn. Apply hard-focus rules, as unconsciousness is likely.
One and a half sizes larger: Perilous. Both Prowess checks gain a +6 size bonus. The recipient incurs 1 point of subdual damage for each Hit Dice they possess each turn. A successful Fortitude save (DC: 15 + partner’s HD) reduces this to just one point per turn. Apply hard-focus rules, as unconsciousness is likely.
Two sizes larger: Lethal. Both Prowess checks gain a +8 size bonus. The recipient incurs 1 point of actual damage for each Hit Dice they possess each turn. A successful Fortitude save (DC: 20 + partner’s HD) reduces this to subdual damage. Use hard focus rules: affairs are likely to be very brief.
Larger still: All pain, no gain. Concerted attempts simply incur damage as if two sizes larger: see above.
A VERY SOCIAL ART
Noteworthy performances can result in NPC attitude changes, allowing you to sleep your way to success if necessary. A given character can only have their attitude shifted by one performance at a time; the attitude changes overlap (do not stack). These alignment changes are not permanent; they are the result of emotional attachment, and your own actions may negate this bonus as the DM sees fit.
A character whose attitude is shifted one rank above Helpful is considered charmed, if shifted two ranks above Helpful they’re considered dominated, three changes and they’re considered to be in your thrall, all as the spells of the same name. Use one of the two systems below to work how satisfying a partner you have been:
Soft Focus rules:
When two consenting partners are involved and you wish to keep affairs out of the spotlight, simply make a Prowess roll for each partner, taking all appropriate modifiers into account, and consult the Gratification table. Techniques, Carnal Arts and other special mechanics are not used on this roll.
For the purposes of game mechanics, both partners are assumed to take 20 on each individual Prowess check necessary; hence under usual situations, a check under Soft Focus takes a minimum of six minutes, and both partners will Climax once.
(Author’s Note: This will be a sidebar variant rule in the final copy)
Hard Focus rules:
To devote more attention to a given lovemaking session, work things out round by round using the Prowess check mechanics, as explained in ‘The Prowess Check’. When a character becomes Climaxed, they receive a gratification point for every 5 points by which the test exceeded the necessary DC, rounded down to a minimum of 1. Keep a tally of this for each partner and consult the Gratification table at the end of proceedings.
Table X-XX: Gratification Table:
Soft Focus / Hard Focus / Performance
<10 / <1 / Disappointing
10 / 1 / Satisfactory
15 / 2 / Enjoyable
20 / 5 / Memorable
30 / 10 / Fantastic
40 / 15 / Extraordinary
50 / 20 / Heavenly
60 / 25 / Rapturous
Disappointing performance - You have failed to satisfy your partner, leaving them yearning for more with little place to turn to. The frustration your partner feels manifests in a negative attitude change (from Neutral to Unfriendly, for example) for the next week.
Satisfactory performance - Your partner has achieved satisfaction, and that is always good, as we all know. But it was nothing remarkable.
Enjoyable performance - You exhibited a bit more flair than the standard lover and may have even showed your partner a new trick. Your partner experiences one positive attitude change (from Neutral to Friendly, for example) for the next day.
Memorable performance - Your sensual skills have made an impression that will serve as a delightful memory for some time. Your partner experiences one positive attitude change (from Neutral to Friendly, for example). With time you may get a local reputation as an artful lover.
Fantastic performance - Even the most jaded of lovers would be impressed by the wondrous talent you’ve displayed. Your partner experiences two positive attitude changes (from Neutral to Helpful, for example) for the next day, and one positive attitude change thereafter. With time you may garner a regional reputation as a lover of significant note.
Extraordinary performance - You are likely the best lover your partner has ever experienced, leaving them memories they will keep for the rest of their lives. Your partner experiences two positive attitude changes (from Neutral to Helpful, for example) hereafter. With time, your reputation as a lover may even spread nationwide.
Heavenly performance - Things were done in the bedroom that are the stuff of legends and ribald pornographic etchings! The gods and goddesses of lust would be proud of you. In time, you may even draw their notice and be whisked away to visit them! Your partner experience three positive attitude changes (from Neutral to charmed, for example) for the next day, and two positive attitude changes thereafter.
Rapturous performance - You utterly consumed your partner and touched their very soul with your pleasurous abilities. Your acts arise as a beacon to the sensual gods above, drawing your presence ever closer to them. Your partner experiences three positive attitude changes (from Neutral to charmed, for example) from now on.
(end of part one)