Houserules - Yay or Nay?

[Destil]

I make large numbers of house rules changes, but I keep stuff that affects stuff during the game down as much as possible. Most of my house rules are for PC creation and class features and such. My house rules that need to be refrenced during games (opposed to bewteen games) are fairly slim.

 

[Scribe Ineti]

While it looks like the poll was slanted toward D&D, I do use extensive houserules in all my games, d20 and otherwise. Some rules just don't work for my group and I, and some rules I just don't care for as a GM.

 

[w_earle_wheeler]

It really depends on where I'm playing...

If I'm running a game at a game store for new players who are experienced, I don't use house rules. If they're inexperienced, I might simplify the rules.

At home, it's a toss up again. Just depends on the players.

Now, as a player, I prefer playing the RAW.

 

[Dykstrav]

The single biggest thing I've houseruled on is a general prohibition against save-or-die effects on both sides of the screen. This was mostly to protect the players. For example, they used to think it was bad-assed to throw out disintegrate left and right... Until they ran into a beholder.

Some players have been pressing me to integrate Heal checks in a way similar to Spot checks, to allow characters to tell how hurt their party members are at a glace. Apparently, some local groups are already doing this. I don't dig it so I haven't added this yet.

I don't roll for hit points. Everyone (players, NPC's and monsters) get full hit points on their first die and half max +1 on every hit die thereafter. This is because I've seen a 6th-level cleric with 22 hit points.

I also allow all characters to make untrained Knowledge (local) checks for their home region. I figure this is logical, because chances are that you know at least the basics about your own homeland.

Although it's more procedural than a house rule per se, I also have initiative rolled at the start of the session. This lets me start a fight with a surprise instead of giving the players the cue that it's about to hit the fan.

 

[Mechnomancer]

I voted for major changes, but i don't considder minor tweaks to classes and races to be major.

Paladins, instaed of remove disease 1/week, they get remove negative, non-plot related status effect 1/day subject to deity's discression, and half elves may choose a bonus feat at first level or the extra skill points.

 

[Emirikol]

Attached is our house rule book.