HELP! Horror checks

[GlassJaw]

Am I an idiot? :\ Ok, don't answer that...

The rules on Horror checks just aren't sinking in. Does anyone mind posting an example?

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

The rules on Horror checks just aren't sinking in. Does anyone mind posting an example?

Is this a Grim Tales related question? I browse in stealth mode, so I don't see (non-text) tags.

I'll assume it is, and plug on. I don't have my book with me, so this is off the top of my head.

It may help if you think of a Horror check as an analog to Turn Undead. Only, it's the PCs getting turned. Just as with Turn Undead, you roll to see "How Well" you affect them, and you also roll to see "How Much" you affect them. Same kinda thing.

1) The GM calls for a Horror Check.

2) If you're using the Fight or Flight rule-- and I recommend you do-- this is the time for it. The players are basically deciding whether or not they want to voluntarily run away, in order to prevent a possibly worse result from carrying on with the Horror check.

3) The Horror Check itself is a d20 check. PCs usually add some kind of bonus (I recommend base Wis bonus) to this check. They also add a bonus if they're higher EL than the horrifying encounter EL-- or they subtract points from the d20 check if they're lower EL.

4) The result of the Horror Check for each PC determines the POSSIBLE outcome, pending the Horror Threshold roll.

-- Again, using the Turn Undead analog, this is like rolling "Cleric Level +4" on the turn table. Yes, it means you could turn creatures up to Level +4, but until you actually roll the turn "damage" dice, you don't know. Same thing is about to happen here...

5) The GM rolls the Horror Threshold. This is usually 2d6, with modifiers, which can be fixed amounts or extra dice. Undead, the most common cause of Horror checks, always add +1d6, so they're up to 3d6 already. You also add the CHA modifier of the Horrifying monster (or leader)-- and undead usually have pretty good CHA scores, as well...

(Same bad situation for Dragons and Outsiders, both of which always add +1d6 and have good CHA scores.)

So... We've rolled Xd6+Y to determine the Horror Threshold.

6) For each PC who failed the d20 Horror check, compare the Horror Threshold to that PCs Charisma. If the Threshold equals or exceeds the PCs Charisma, he suffers the effects indicated by his failed d20 check.

Any questions? Do you still want a concrete example?

Wulf

 

[GlassJaw]

Cool. That helps a lot. I was working on the campaign planner for my campaign and I read the horror rules kind of quick. Since posting, I reread them a couple of times.

4) The result of the Horror Check for each PC determines the POSSIBLE outcome, pending the Horror Threshold roll.

Ok, that's what I thought. This is where I started to have questions.

6) For each PC who failed the d20 Horror check

Any by "failed" you mean those PC's that didn't achieve a 20 or higher (or a nat 20) on their Horror check right?

Also, what was the rationale for using the PC's Cha score to oppose the Horror Threshold? I can see the horrifying creature's Cha modifying the Horror Threshold but shouldn't the PC's Wis score oppose the HT?

Any questions? Do you still want a concrete example?

No example needed but I would like to address the "Severity" section on pg. 145.

It says "High-Charisma characters are less likely to succumb to Horror (requiring a higher Horror Threshold) but, conversely, they are more likely to suffer severe phychological disorders."

Why are they any "more likely to suffer severe phychological disorders" than low-Cha characters? I can see that they will only be affected by very severe Horrors (those with a high HT) but they are certainly equally susceptible as any other low-Cha character.

I guess the "more likely" phrase threw me for a loop.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Any by "failed" you mean those PC's that didn't achieve a 20 or higher (or a nat 20) on their Horror check right?

I was gonna say, "Anything other than no effect..." but it's the same thing. You need a 20 or higher pass a Horror Check.

Also, what was the rationale for using the PC's Cha score to oppose the Horror Threshold? I can see the horrifying creature's Cha modifying the Horror Threshold but shouldn't the PC's Wis score oppose the HT?

For much the same reason that Charisma is the governing attribute for Intimidate. Tied in with Wisdom's role in resisting a Horror check in the first place, the thought process might go a bit like this:

"I think this guy's gonna kick my ass... and I believe he can do it."

No example needed but I would like to address the "Severity" section on pg. 145.

It says "High-Charisma characters are less likely to succumb to Horror (requiring a higher Horror Threshold) but, conversely, they are more likely to suffer severe phychological disorders."

Why are they any "more likely to suffer severe phychological disorders" than low-Cha characters? I can see that they will only be affected by very severe Horrors (those with a high HT) but they are certainly equally susceptible as any other low-Cha character.

You're correct-- "severe" here is really only defined by the HT, which is going to have to be really high for high CHA characters, making any long-term disorder much harder to cure.


Wulf

 

[Calico_Jack73]

See... I'd go with a basic Willpower save since a Horror check shouldn't necessarily be to see if you are scared but to see if you can force yourself to continue to act despite that fear. Unfortunately the Warrior classes all have the worst saves in D&D but that really doesn't make much sense and each class can justify why it should have a good Horror save (heck... they are all adventurers).

 

[Serps]

I disagree. The Horror check doesn't go up in DC as the PCs level up - it only goes up when the Encounter Level is above what the PCs can handle (so they SHOULD be frightened).

I use the standard Wisdom modifier only. If the heroes want to be safe, they can run away

(also, I considered allowing the Iron Will bonus to affect Horror checks, but decided against it - PCs can go get an aura of courage if they want to be safer vs horror checks)

--

That reminds me: can PCs use action points on horror saves?

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

I disagree. The Horror check doesn't go up in DC as the PCs level up - it only goes up when the Encounter Level is above what the PCs can handle (so they SHOULD be frightened).

sniff sniff

I remember when the threat level system was just a gleam in my eye. It's so good to see it all grown up and... like... implemented and stuff.

That reminds me: can PCs use action points on horror saves?

Any d20 check is fair game for an action point. I can't think of a better use.

Finding new and devious ways to whittle away action points is one of the joys of GMing. I've gotten into the habit of asking players "Do you want to spend an action point on that saving throw?" even when they've just rolled a ridiculously high save anyway. You'd be surprised how often a 22 doesn't seem safe anymore when the GM asks that simple question.


Wulf