Time for my first REAL post in this thread.
As one of the players in e1ven's game, I must say that I love the 3.3 GnG system We don't use it as written, as he already said. Seasong created the YAARGH! (Yet Another Armor Revision, Good Heavens!) system for armor that gives both Defense and Protection, as well as reducing the number of Armor Feats (Flexable and Rigid, instead of Light Medium and Heavy) and some other stuff. It's neat, but the basic idea is that You have an even split between Defense and Protection, with odd points going to Defense. Chainmail is 3/2, while Full Plate is 4/4. This reduces the need to power through armor, while still keeping it worthwhile. We got rid of the Defense penalty for Armor, as it was counterproductive at this point. The downside of armor is it's weight, armor check penalty, need for feats, and max dex, which is enough to keep many, many people from wearing it.
We use Strength to hit, and all the PC's at this point either have, or are going to have, Weapon Finesse. We've actually been thinking about expanding the weapons that can be finessed, because the game mechanics reason for restricting the finessable intrinsic to low-damage weapons isn't necessary. (It costs a feat, damnit, I should be able to be as good as Brawney McStrong, at hitting, because I spent this feat.) We're also seeing a lot of characters picking up abilities that grant Int bonus to damage instead of Strength.
We use the Called Shot table, and it's been great, since we hit 9th level. We use a derivation of action points, and they get spent on Called shots a lot. Without them, I doubt they'd see as much use as they do, which is a shame. For the benefit you get, the penalties are rather steep, though once you get an extended threat shot at a vital organ that hits, you'll see why.
So far, good system, especially with our modifications. (I'm suggesting we switch Defense and Protection gained from Armor, giving Protection on odd numbers ie: Chainmail 2/3. Protection doesn't come up as often as real DR does, which is a pity.) the GnG system should be perfect for a Midnight game. Wish I could play in that!
- Kemrain the Unofficial Grim and Gritty v3.3 Spokesbeing.