Friday Chat: What Mechanics Do You Steal From A Game To Use In Another?
- Thread starter Reynard
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kronovan
Adventurer
The Journeying system from Adventures in Middle Earth. I've used it with Dragon AGE, 13th Age w/Midgard and Savage Worlds w/Beasts & Barbarians. I've always had good results with it, albeit I've needed to make some adjustments as at its default it's understandibly targeted at Middle Earth. I haven't used it with a SciFi RPG, but I can imagine it working well for any in which ground journeying takes time and is challenging. Could definitely see it working well for post apocalyptic.
Voadam
Legend
I used 4e monster solo/elite/normal/minion rules in my 3.5 and pathfinder 1e and 5e games. That would probably be my current favorite cross system rule.
I remember throwing an alien NPC from palladium into a 1e game, full mechanics like he got parries while the PCs had regular AC, he had a 6d6 frag grenade which worked fine with a breath weapon save for half, etc. It worked smoothly as a one off to give a different experience in the game.
I used GURPS cyberpunk/Cthulhupunk physical and psychic enhancement drugs in my AD&D 2e Ravenloft campaign which worked great for two PCs who made drug dealing/smuggling and drug using parts of their backstories and the mechanics worked fairly straightforward across systems as they ran down their supply of "potions."
As a DM in 5e I allow inspiration to do flashback type stuff to explain how a system works out to a PCs advantage ("Roy, is that you? You are working as a guard here now?" Or flashback to bribing the guard earlier, or to having packed the piece of equipment they need right now, or similar. I know second hand that games have mechanics like this, Blades in the Dark I believe and I would presume Leverage, but I have not really delved into those games for their specifics, I just really like the heist scenes in Netflix's Shadow and Bones.
I also prefer 5e D&D inspiration to be an after the fact reroll instead of a spend it on a guess ahead of time for an advantage the way it is in 2014 5e. I am sure that is mimicking some hero point type option from somewhere.
I remember throwing an alien NPC from palladium into a 1e game, full mechanics like he got parries while the PCs had regular AC, he had a 6d6 frag grenade which worked fine with a breath weapon save for half, etc. It worked smoothly as a one off to give a different experience in the game.
I used GURPS cyberpunk/Cthulhupunk physical and psychic enhancement drugs in my AD&D 2e Ravenloft campaign which worked great for two PCs who made drug dealing/smuggling and drug using parts of their backstories and the mechanics worked fairly straightforward across systems as they ran down their supply of "potions."
As a DM in 5e I allow inspiration to do flashback type stuff to explain how a system works out to a PCs advantage ("Roy, is that you? You are working as a guard here now?" Or flashback to bribing the guard earlier, or to having packed the piece of equipment they need right now, or similar. I know second hand that games have mechanics like this, Blades in the Dark I believe and I would presume Leverage, but I have not really delved into those games for their specifics, I just really like the heist scenes in Netflix's Shadow and Bones.
I also prefer 5e D&D inspiration to be an after the fact reroll instead of a spend it on a guess ahead of time for an advantage the way it is in 2014 5e. I am sure that is mimicking some hero point type option from somewhere.
LuisCarlos17f
Legend
Transhumanism (mind-upload and digital ego) from "Eclipse Phase".
Special game mechanics for supernatural creatures from World of Darkness and Chronicle of Darkness.
Sanity/Mental Health system from Unknown Armies.
Special game mechanics for supernatural creatures from World of Darkness and Chronicle of Darkness.
Sanity/Mental Health system from Unknown Armies.
1QD
Game Creator Extraordinaire
I try to never steal mechanics from other games. Mechanics are creative interpretation, and even though , thankfully , they can not be copyrighted, having gone through multiple copyrighting processes myself, by default I respect the authors work and try to be original. Naturally there will be crossover between systems that can not be helped. I am sure that there is to some degree a general consensus as to what feels right amongst Players and GM's alike.
I would hope that authors at the very least give credit to where they ...took... their ideas from, or at least give a nod to their inspirations. For example DnD 1rst and 2nd ed were my major influences. There will be some people who perhaps recognize elements within my own game. And to that end, it is sometime unconscious influence that inspires people with a great idea. I understand there are a great many, DnD clones that most likely demonstrate this concept.
All in all I think stating something like, Adapted from the "So n So gaming ruleset " would go a long way to show respect to those you ....take ....ideas from. While I understand it is part of the culture, I do not support a free-for-all mentality. I understand it happens, but I personally would support acknowledging the inspiration.
Edit: I would like to note that my perspective is as a game designer. As a GM however, it is your call, and what ever works is legit. In fact my expansions are being written to allow people from other systems to use them.
I would hope that authors at the very least give credit to where they ...took... their ideas from, or at least give a nod to their inspirations. For example DnD 1rst and 2nd ed were my major influences. There will be some people who perhaps recognize elements within my own game. And to that end, it is sometime unconscious influence that inspires people with a great idea. I understand there are a great many, DnD clones that most likely demonstrate this concept.
All in all I think stating something like, Adapted from the "So n So gaming ruleset " would go a long way to show respect to those you ....take ....ideas from. While I understand it is part of the culture, I do not support a free-for-all mentality. I understand it happens, but I personally would support acknowledging the inspiration.
Edit: I would like to note that my perspective is as a game designer. As a GM however, it is your call, and what ever works is legit. In fact my expansions are being written to allow people from other systems to use them.
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