EZ20 Feedback Thread

[jdrakeh]

Whether you've actualy played EZ20 or not, I'd like a bit of feedback from you (i.e., the ENWorld community) regarding its current form. I'd ask that you at least read the game, of course (see my .sig for a free copy of the latest reiterration). Also, when offering suggestions, please keep in mind that the ruleset is intended primarily for new gamers (so the decision to keep it as simple as possible is a conscious one).

Currently, I'm considering making combat rolls opposed, though this deviates from standard d20 philosophy quite a bit and from EZ20's own 'one roll for everything' approach. Also, I've been thinking about providing rules for variable damage/healing magnitudes (a firm staple of d20, but originally omitted from EZ20 for the sake of simplicity). Right now, if possible, I'd like to keep the feedback confined to those two areas.

Also, if you're afraid that you may not have enough time to fit a reading of EZ20 into your busy schedule, I should point out that it is only ten pages long (including the cover, character sheet, and full-page OGL rendering).

 

[jdrakeh]

I guess that I should mention Level 0 characters or creatures, too (since somebody just asked about them). Though it is implied in EZ20 by way of omission, the substance of Level 0 characters (mentioned in the conversion notes) is never directly discussed. The reason for this is simple. There is none.

A Level 0 character (e.g., a serving wench) or creature (e.g., a housecat) in EZ20 is window dressing. While they could conceivably cause harm to a PC, its simply either not in their nature to do so or the harm that they're capable of causing is inconsequential (no, low level EZ20 PCs can't be instantly killed by an angry housecat).

Swarms of rats, bats, etc are typically Level 0 creatures, as well. They fulfill the same role that they do in film and fiction -- to provide atmosphere. If you absolutely must threaten PCs with unusually deadly mice, cats, or bar maids, draw them up as Level 1 opponents with the standard four traits.

 

[Mark Causey]

Jim, I really like your ideas! Also, Kumquat Tattoo sounds really cool.

I've started a thread at another forum I prefer:

Story Games

 

[jdrakeh]

Jim, I really like your ideas! Also, Kumquat Tattoo sounds really cool.

I've started a thread at another forum I prefer:

Story Games

Thanks! I've applied for a Story Games account, though, in the meantime I figure I can address some questions here:

I wish there were more examples, though.

EZ20 is the bare-bones, in development, rule set for a much larger free-press project (Swords of Strange Aeons) that will be released late this year or early next year. The complete product will have plenty of examples

Did I miss what the difficulty is to actually affect someone in conflict? I've read it over three times, and can't tell, but I'm notoriously bad at screen-reading .pdfs.

The DC to hit/affect somebody in combat is the standard DC for all checks in EZ20, 15. This is intentional (see comments further up this thread). If you're wondering where this came from, it came from that crazy, megaversal, RPG that likes to hit people who mention its name on forums with cease and desist orders

For all of its failings, the aformentioned system's use of a standardized target difficulty makes it very easy for newcomers to master the basic combat roll. I just expanded that approach to all die rolls, in an effort to keep things simple. And, as you'll note, simple was/is the primary design goal of EZ20

The thing I don't like about the EZ20 system is that it doesn't allow for gradations of, e.g., dexterity.

This comes back to simplicity. EZ20 isn't a stripped down d20, so much as it is a simple game system intended for hobby newcomers. Excess fiddly bits and a narrow focus on simulation don't make for great introductory RPGs, so I've tried to avoid them in EZ20.