Has any RPG ever done grappling well? At all?

[Malkur]

I'm a huge grappling fan. I do it in real life.

Which is why it frustrates me when DMs ban me from using grappling characters either due to cumbersome rules or simply OP mechanics.


So, has there ever been an RPG which does grappling both quickly AND at least some what usefully. I don't want a rule system in which my only options are 'grapple and hit my opponent'.

I'd like to be able to break limbs, choke folks out either unconscious or to death. Ya know, the works. It doesn't need to have it all, but in a dream world it could.

 

[Umbran]

I
I'd like to be able to break limbs, choke folks out either unconscious or to death. Ya know, the works. It doesn't need to have it all, but in a dream world it could.

I don't know of any game that does what you're asking for.

It seems to me that most systems are built around settings in which the notable fights for your life are with things that human-ish characters aren't likely to be able to plausibly choke to death. And broken limbs call for hit locations, where most systems tend towards more abstract damage mechanics, in large part because "detailed system" and "easily useful system" are usually at odds.

 

[MortonStromgal]

GURPS Martial Arts? maybe, maybe not...

 

[Nagol]

I'm a huge grappling fan. I do it in real life.

Which is why it frustrates me when DMs ban me from using grappling characters either due to cumbersome rules or simply OP mechanics.


So, has there ever been an RPG which does grappling both quickly AND at least some what usefully. I don't want a rule system in which my only options are 'grapple and hit my opponent'.

I'd like to be able to break limbs, choke folks out either unconscious or to death. Ya know, the works. It doesn't need to have it all, but in a dream world it could.

The martial arts system in CHAMPIONS offers holds, choke holds, strikes, throws, nerve strikes, and more for those trained in the techniques.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

Check out 'Grappling for Begginners' for 3x and the sequel, an alternate rule set written by [MENTION=1]Morrus[/MENTION] a while back. It should be available via the EnWorld store.

It does an excellent job of providing a streamlined ruleset that doesn't make me go crazy as a DM. It might not go to the level you want, for that you might want to pull out Ken Hood's Feats and Skills Martial Arts system.

Other game systems? I have ported the CP2020 martial arts system over into Star Wars {WEG} and StarTrek... but that is probably not what you are looking for.

For 4e.. honestly I think the devs went to far to the other side of the pendulum in regards to the power of grappling. 3x base rules were just insanely powerful. 4e rules are... well, not so much.

I would be interested in a meld of the Grappling for Dummies, Ken Hoods Skills and Feats, and the 4e stunt system

 

[RangerWickett]

In Conan, my friend played a grappler who by level 8 could hold one guy to use as a human shield, throw another guy as a projectile, and then grab a third guy, dealing his unarmed strike damage to Constitution instead of HP.

So that was overpowered. There wasn't a lot of nuance, though, if you're looking for stuff that mimics actual moves. Of course, D&D also doesn't bother itself with volleys of feints, parries, ripostes, disengages, and redoublements. You just make an attack roll, and the other guy goes 'ow.'

 

[Evenglare]

HERO syytem , or GURPS... In fact they do pretty much everything correctly.

 

[Argyle King]

GURPS for sure.


Even just the Basic Set has detailed grappling rules. Beyond that there's the Martial Arts book which is an entire book dedicated to... well, dedicated to Martial Arts.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Another hearty vote for HERO (a.k.a Champions)...and a grudgingly respectful vote for GURPS.

 

[pawsplay]

GURPS. Hero also pretty much does it all, albeit with less detail. But GURPS Martial Arts includes mechanics for every bone-breaking, joint-twisting, pildedriving, unbalancing, footsweeping move you can think of.