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Message: <blockquote data-quote="THExFALLEN" data-source="post: 9558931" data-attributes="member: 7036643">The Evolution of Combat: A New Paradigm in Stamina and StrategyMy players and I found, the separation between non-lethal and lethal damage can feel cumbersome and confusing.What if we could streamline this process, crafting a system that not only simplifies gameplay but also enhances strategic possibilities? Introducing the Stamina Point (SP) system—where clarity and creativity reign.The Stamina Point System: A Balanced ApproachEach character's maximum Stamina Points equals their maximum Hit Points (HP) multiplied by two.This innovative approach means that as Stamina Points wane, characters begin to suffer penalties that reflect their state of fatigue.When SP falls to 50% or lower, a character becomes fatigued, their actions hindered. At 25% or lower, exhaustion sets in, leaving them vulnerable.Once SP reaches zero, the character loses consciousness, and additional damage then begins to impact their HP.Action Economy: Spending SP for Tactical MovesWithin this framework, characters can expend SP to perform specialized actions with specific weapons.Additionally, “Martial Techniques” enable them to execute refined attacks and defensive maneuvers.While these abilities are designed to be less potent than those featured in the "Tome of Battle," they offer a more accessible means to engage in combat dynamics, making every encounter thrilling.Unlocking Metamartial Maneuvers: Accessible MasterySpecial credit goes to Upper_Krust, whose ingenuity in developing metamartial maneuvers within the "Immortal's Handbook: Ascension" has inspired the creation of Martial Techniques which I will go over some down below within this new system.The setting I use primarily, still uses metamartial maneuvers however they run a bit differently, they can be utilized without locking charactersinto specific feats—provided they meet the prerequisites.To perform these powerful maneuvers, characters under this system can simply spend SP equivalent to the maneuver's penalty to their Base Attack Bonus (BAB).For instance, the "Quicken Attack" maneuver, which typically incurs a -5 BAB penalty, can be executed by spending 5 SP and having the necessary prerequisites. Which in this case would be a BAB of +5 or you may substitute that with 6 ranks martial technique (Offensive)This flexibility allows characters to harness these abilities without needing a BAB of 5.This system empowers even those who don’t boast perfect BAB to access metamartial maneuvers sooner;it allows knights, fighters, and barbarians to focus on skill advancement without being sidetracked by the constraints of limited feat selection, opening up a wealth of tactical options.Should a character wish to take one as a feat they may, and by doing so the benefit would be it would work as written for the most part and not require any stamina point cost.[Martial Techniques]Martial Technique: Piercing StrikeType: Offensive Martial TechniqueWeapon: Long SpearAction: Standard ActionStamina Point Cost: 5 SPPrerequisites: 4 ranks in Martial Technique (Offensive), Weapon Focus (Long spear), and Combat Expertise feat.Description:The Piercing Strike allows a martial character wielding a long spear to deliver a powerful thrust that combines precision and force.When executing this technique, the user aims for the opponent's vital points, making it a calculated attack that enhances both accuracy and damage output.Upon using Piercing Strike, the character gains a +2 bonus to their attack roll for this attack.If the attack hits, it deals an additional 1d6 damage on top of the weapon's regular damage roll.Additionally, if the target is of a size category smaller than the character (e.g., the attacker is Medium and the target is Small or Tiny),the target must succeed on a Strength check (DC 10 + ½ the character's level + the character's Strength modifier) or be knocked back 5 feet and fall prone.Martial Technique: Devastating ThrustType: Offensive Martial TechniqueWeapon: LongspearAction: Charge ActionStamina Point Cost: 7 SPPrerequisites: 4 ranks in Martial Technique (Offensive), Weapon Focus (Longspear), and Power Attack.Description:The devastating thrust allows a martial character wielding a longspear to deliver a devastating thrust that ignores 5 points of damage reduction on the target.By charging towards their opponent and focusing their energy, the user gains a significant advantage against their opponent's defensive layers.Upon using Devastating Thrust, the user's attack roll gains a +3 bonus. This bonus does not stack with the normal +2 bonus to attack roll when charging with a longspear (as per the Charge action).If the attack hits, the longspear deals an additional 2d6 damage on top of its regular damage roll.Martial Technique: Guardian’s StanceType: Defensive Martial TechniqueWeapon: LongspearAction: Immediate ActionStamina Point Cost: 5 SPPrerequisites: 4 ranks in Martial Technique (Defensive), Weapon Focus (Longspear), and Combat Expertise.Description:The Guardian’s Stance allows a skilled martial artist wielding a longspear to adopt a defensive posture that enhances their ability to withstand incoming attacks.When activated as an immediate reaction to an incoming attack, the user channels their energy to boost their defenses at a critical moment, increasing their chances of survival.The user can activate Guardian’s Stance in response to an attack roll made against them. This reaction must be declared before the result of the attack roll is known.Defensive Bonus:The user receives a +4 bonus to their AC for that specific attack. This bonus increases by +1 for every two ranks in martial technique (Defensive)If the incoming attack still hits after applying the AC bonus, the user also takes 3 stamina damage regardless of the amount dealt. This reflects their strenuous effort to brace against the incoming blow.Guardian’s Stance can only be used once per combat encounter, representing the toll this heightened defensive maneuver takes on the user’s stamina.</blockquote>

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