You Don’t Have To Leave Wolfy Behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' Your Companions Level Up With You!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BookTenTiger" data-source="post: 8448329" data-attributes="member: 6685541">This set of House Rules was inspired by another thread on how the amount of killing and death in D&D can be a little disturbing. This ruleset would be used to encourage characters to try and resolve conflicts without defaulting to killing their enemies.I don’t see this ruleset being used in a “traditional” hack-n-slash game. And before anyone says “play something other than D&D,” I think one fun aspect of D&D has been its hack-ability. I actively enjoy trying to fit different modes of play onto the ruleset of D&D.Escalating Conflict is inspired by my very hazy memories of running one or two games of Dogs in the Vineyard. Using this ruleset, conflicts would escalate through one, two, or three phases: Trial, Combat, and Deadly Combat.Escalating Conflict uses two other House Rules: Morale, and Momentum Dice. Extra Experience Points (or even treasure) can replace Momentum Dice, but because I don’t use XP in my games I’d use Momentum Dice.Morale: All enemies have a Morale Score of 4, 5, or 6. When an enemy is at half hit-points, they make a Morale Check at the start of their turn, rolling 1d6. If an enemy rolls above their Morale, they are defeated, either surrendering, fleeing, or becoming unconscious. Otherwise, their Morale is reduced by 1.Momentum Dice: At the end of certain conflicts, all characters will be rewarded a d4 Momentum Die. This die can be used to add to an Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw. Once used, the Momentum Die is lost. Characters also lose their Momentum Die during a Long Rest. If a character completes another conflict without using their Momentum Die, it “grows” to the next die size: d4 > d6 > d8 > d10 > d12 > d20 > d20+d4, etc.Escalating Stages of ConflictThese three stages of conflict describe and set boundaries for how characters engage with their enemies. All conflicts start as a Trial, then can be escalated to Combat and Deadly Combat. Conflicts cannot be de-escalated; even if a Combat becomes a Social Encounter, the consequences still apply.Stage 1: TrialAll conflicts begin in the Trial Stage. This is usually a time during which the characters are trying to resolve or avoid a conflict without bloodshed, perhaps by sneaking past an enemy, tricking a guard, or intimidating their foes.During the Trial Stage…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Initiative might be rolled, or the characters may be acting out of Initiative Order.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All combatants have the option to not deal damage when using attacks, spells, or abilities that deal damage (for example, a spell that knocks enemies prone and deals thunder damage could just knock enemies prone.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Enemies might make Morale Checks, if the DM finds it appropriate.</li> </ul>If a conflict resolves during the Trial Stage…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All characters gain a Momentum Die.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All characters gain the benefits of a Short Rest.</li> </ul>Escalation occurs if…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A combatant loses Hit Points due to the purposeful actions of another combatant.</li> </ul>Stage 2: CombatThe Combat Stage involves combatants swinging weapons, casting spells, and using abilities meant to harm their foes. This form of combat, however, is meant to injure or intimidate enemies, not necessarily end their lives.During the Combat Stage…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Initiative is rolled.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Combatants who reach 0 Hit Points are unconscious, but not dying or dead.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Enemies who are bloodied (at ½ Hit Points) start making Morale Checks at the start of their turns.</li> </ul>If a conflict resolves during the Combat Stage…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All characters gain an Escalation Die.</li> </ul>Escalation occurs if…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A combatant (or more than one) falls to 0 Hit Points.</li> </ul>Stage 3: Deadly CombatThe Deadly Combat Stage is the most dangerous stage, and often has a quick and bloody resolution. Sometimes characters, or even enemies, may flee or surrender at the start of the Deadly Combat Stage rather than face fatal consequences.During the Deadly Combat Stage…<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All damage is doubled.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Characters who reach 0 Hit Points are dying.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Enemies who reach 0 Hit Points are dead.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All enemies make Morale Checks at the start of their turns.</li> </ul>So, as an example...A group is trying to get through a door guarded by some troglodytes. The encounter starts as a Trial. The characters are encouraged to try stealth, negotiation, deception, intimidation, or trickery. If they have abilities that cause damage, they can choose to cause no damage. If they succeed, they gain a Momentum Die (or bonus XP) and the effects of a Short Rest.If damage is dealt (by the characters or troglodytes), then the conflict escalates to Combat. Initiative is rolled. When the troglodytes reach half-hit points, they start rolling Morale Checks. If the conflict ends (with the Troglodytes failing Morale Checks, or being frightened off, or hog-tied, or whatever), the adventurers gain a Momentum Die (or bonus XP).If one of the troglodytes, or one of the characters, falls to 0 HP, that combatant is unconscious (but not dead or dying), and the scene escalates to Deadly Combat. Now if there are no other combatants (for example, all the troglodytes are brought to 0 HP by a Fireball Spell), the conflict has ended and escalation doesn't occur.During Deadly Combat, all damage dealt is doubled. The Troglodytes make Morale Checks, even if they are not at half hit points. Combatants who reach 0 Hit Points are dead or dying.What do you think? What would a campaign with this House Rule look like? Do you think it would meet the goal of focusing play on non-deadly combat? What changes would you make? What have you tried in your games?</blockquote>

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