Contests of Strength

[Shinanofran]

Are there any rules for combat that handle contests of strength?

For example, if two fighters clash swords and try to force each other into a prone state, back 5 ft., etc.

I a case like this, would there be any AC penalties for the participants, and what bonuses (besides strength) would apply?

Please post.

 

[dr_nukem]

I'd say most of those actions are already covered within the scope of the rules.

Push someone prone? Sounds like a type of a trip to me...use the trip attack rules.

Back 5'? Sounds like a type of bull rush to me...use the bull rush rules.

I think there are rules for your cinematic results.

Cheers,

Nukem

 

[hong]

Knocking someone prone is a trip attempt, and involves opposed Str rolls (or Dex for the defender). [PHB p.139]

Pushing someone back is a bull rush, and again involves opposed Str rolls. [PHB p.136]

Wrestling someone would be a grapple followed by a pin. [PHB [p.137]

Contests of Strength outside combat aren't given any specific treatment in the rules. However, Natural 20's Tournaments, Fairs and Taverns book may have stuff on this topic.

 

[Plane Sailing]

One thing you might want to consider in (nearly) pure tests of strength is a house rule to up the effective difference between different Str values.

The core rules give you two options
a) pure test of Str, highest score wins.
b) roll d20+str mod, highest wins.

Unfortunately, the latter makes it quite possible for a 3 Str OAP to win against an 18 Str blacksmith since you are matching d20-4 to d20+4. There just isn't that much difference.

Two possible house-rule suggestions to better reflect a middle option:

a) use d20+double Str bonus
b) use d20+Str score.

Either of these gives a small (but much less) chance of the weedy person winning, but makes it much more likely that the strong person will win.

Cheers

 

[Black Omega]

Contests of Strength outside combat aren't given any specific treatment in the rules. However, Natural 20's Tournaments, Fairs and Taverns book may have stuff on this topic.

So we may finally have rules for Dwarf Tossing?

 

[hong]

The core rules give you two options
a) pure test of Str, highest score wins.
b) roll d20+str mod, highest wins.

Unfortunately, the latter makes it quite possible for a 3 Str OAP to win against an 18 Str blacksmith since you are matching d20-4 to d20+4. There just isn't that much difference.

I'm not sure when was the last time I saw a Str 3 weakling take on a brawny Str 18 guy in a contest. Actually, I'm not even sure when was the last time I saw anyone in D&D with Str 3, PC or NPC.

If excessive variability of results is really bothering you, just assume the contestants take 10 by default. Give the player the option of rolling the dice; this way, he always has a chance of defeating even guys stronger than him (if he takes the option, and rolls well).

 

[Jeremy]

I've been using the "d20+strength score" variant for quite a while for opposed strength checks and it's been working beautifully. There are still upsets, but there is some advantage to the stronger person now instead of relying almost purely on the dice roll.

I've even started using this variant on strength checks though this is somewhat harder as you have to set a DC.

The method I've been using is simply to say, ok, catching a falling compatriot who weighs only around a 100lbs would be easy for an 18 strength body builder, so he'd roll a 5 for a DC of 23. So for you to catch him it's DC 23, d20 plus strength score.

Alternatively you can guesstimate how strong someone would have to be to have a 50/50 shot at something and add that hypothetical strength score to 10 for the DC, though I found the first method of setting the DC easier.

YMMV, works great for me so far.

 

[RangerWickett]

So we may finally have rules for Dwarf Tossing?

Yes, we do. Well, sorta. It's an alternate rule for the Halfling Toss game.

 

[hong]

Yes, we do. Well, sorta. It's an alternate rule for the Halfling Toss game.

I'm "tossing my halfling" RIGHT NOW...

Um, well, no, it's not really half-sized. Why do you ask?


Hong "have I said too much?" Ooi

 

[Genysys]

I'm "tossing my halfling" RIGHT NOW...

Just as long as you aren't flogging the gnome.