Dueling in D20...

[Tetsubo]

I am currently reading -Gentlemen's Blood: A History of Dueling by Barbara Holland-, which is quite good, and it has me thinking about duels. The D20 system can hand the classic duel with swords fairly well. So long as each combatant is similarly armed and armoured. But can you emulate the classic dueling with pistols? Is the combat within the D20 mechanics just too abstract?

Is there a system that *does* handle that sort of duel well?

 

[Aus_Snow]

What are the specific issues that do (or would) arise when trying to use d20 (which d20 is that, btw?) for such things?

Hit Points?
The amount of Hit Points?
Other types of abstraction?
Something else?

 

[Henrix]

Burning Wheel is a wonderful system to duel in.

 

[Raven Crowking]

I am currently reading -Gentlemen's Blood: A History of Dueling by Barbara Holland-, which is quite good, and it has me thinking about duels. The D20 system can hand the classic duel with swords fairly well. So long as each combatant is similarly armed and armoured. But can you emulate the classic dueling with pistols? Is the combat within the D20 mechanics just too abstract?

Is there a system that *does* handle that sort of duel well?

Excellent book!

 

[Quasqueton]

I am currently reading -Gentlemen's Blood: A History of Dueling by Barbara Holland-, which is quite good

Regarding that book, check out this discussion on it, specifically:
http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=63501

Quasqueton

 

[masshysteria]

Neglecting the discussion of the accuracy of your book, I believe Green Ronin's Skull & Bones book has rules on dueling. It has been awhile since I've read it, so I can't remember what it covers. But I do remember the book being 3.5 compatible.

 

[Tetsubo]

What are the specific issues that do (or would) arise when trying to use d20 (which d20 is that, btw?) for such things?

Hit Points?
The amount of Hit Points?
Other types of abstraction?
Something else?

I understand that firearms are not "wands of death" but they can kill with a single shot. That isn't reflected well in D&D and I'm not sure it is in D20 Modern.

When dueling with swords I can picture how high HP could be justified. Dodging, parries, blocks, etc. But that doesn't work as well with a gunshot wound. Either you hit or you don't. And many parts of the body can be take down wounds...

 

[Aus_Snow]

I understand that firearms are not "wands of death" but they can kill with a single shot. That isn't reflected well in D&D and I'm not sure it is in D20 Modern.

When dueling with swords I can picture how high HP could be justified. Dodging, parries, blocks, etc. But that doesn't work as well with a gunshot wound. Either you hit or you don't. And many parts of the body can be take down wounds...

Well, in d20 Modern, saves are generally lower. And the MDT is much lower. Usually, not very many magic items or spells to fall back on either.

Not a really deadly system, but I'd say more so than D&D, all else being equal (challenges faced, say.)

I guess Action Points help, but only so much per character level.

Hm. . . what sequence of events would you think of as a 'classic duel' involving guns, anyway?

 

[Tetsubo]

Well, in d20 Modern, saves are generally lower. And the MDT is much lower. Usually, not very many magic items or spells to fall back on either.

Not a really deadly system, but I'd say more so than D&D, all else being equal (challenges faced, say.)

I guess Action Points help, but only so much per character level.

Hm. . . what sequence of events would you think of as a 'classic duel' involving guns, anyway?

Beyond the role-playing aspects (the challenge, the seconds, etc.) I guess the classic standing at X paces, facing an enemy, firearm in hand awaiting the signal to fire... BOOM and you see who is still standing...

 

[Shroomy]

If I was trying to model a classic gun duel using D&D mechanics, I would do the following:

1. Each participant stands 10 paces apart.
2. Roll for Initiative as normal.
3. Each participant, in order of Initiative, take a full round action to take a shot.
4. If you are struck by a bullet, follow the coup de grace rules.