Games With Frontiers

[Birmy]

Are there any systems in place for when characters participate in games such as pool, darts, etc. (aka bar games?). In the absence of an applicable Perform skill I just used a Con check followed by a Dex check (in this case, darts) when it came up recently. Is there a better way to go about this? Maybe do it as an attack role? Or is there a system already in place for this kind of thing that I'm missing (very likely)?

 

[DreamChaser]

Are there any systems in place for when characters participate in games such as pool, darts, etc. (aka bar games?). In the absence of an applicable Perform skill I just used a Con check followed by a Dex check (in this case, darts) when it came up recently. Is there a better way to go about this? Maybe do it as an attack role? Or is there a system already in place for this kind of thing that I'm missing (very likely)?

As a rule, I think games in play falls into one of a few categories:

Non-game affecting - No roll needed; the character is simply good at pool.
Used for roleplaying effect - Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or Perform (depending upon the purpose) check. Style over substance.
Attempting to make money - Profession (gamer) check, perhaps modified by Dexterity, depending on the game in question.


When it comes down to it, if there is something plot critical about the outcome of a game in the course of an adventure, it should never come down to a single die roll (or even two). If it is a simple matter of seeing if a character wins 3 silver off a mook in a bar, why is the player wasting time everyone's game time on 3 silver? If it is a matter of a character's MO to support himself with gaming, then Profession is the most appropriate skill.

DC

 

[the_mighty_agrippa]

The original 1E DMG had scads of games and associated mechanics.

 

[Birmy]

The original 1E DMG had scads of games and associated mechanics.

Anything that I can apply to 3.5e (at least in concept)?

 

[frankthedm]

Would not darts come down to Opposed Attack rolls? Maybe a 1d12 for deviation around the "clock".

 

[Kafkonia]

With darts being found in the SRD (as a weapon) I'd just do it as a series of attacks against a relatively low AC (5 or so.) The better the result, the higher the score.

I think you'd do fine using Dex -- perhaps modified a bit by Int -- for pool/snooker/billiards.

 

[frankthedm]

If it is a simple matter of seeing if a character wins 3 silver off a mook in a bar, why is the player wasting time everyone's game time on 3 silver?

Because the same rules should be used when the stakes are raised to 300 platinum.

 

[nittanytbone]

When abstracted ("I go play pool for a week of downtime") it'd be profession: Gambler.

A performance check might also make sense given the "one night stand" nature of many gambling games.

If you're playing out a poker game for some reason then you can get specific with the various skills involved: Bluff, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand (if cheating), Spot (to detect cheating), etc. could all be useful. I'd apply a +2 synergy bonus to any of those skills if the character had five ranks in Profession: Gambler.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

'Tournaments, Fairs, & Taverns', by Ranger Wickett, has material regarding the play of Bar games and thier ilk.. as well as some about the whole tournament contests. It is 3.0, but the system still applies nicely.

There was also an old Dragon mag article on Jousting and Archery contests...

 

[BlackSeed_Vash]

Cityscape has rules for "games of skill", "feats of accuracy", "feats of strength", "games of chance", and "drinking games".

With these rules one can play poker, darts or try to drink ones friends under the table!!!
>^_^<