How does IH actually play?

[Ry]

The complexity will just be the fact that we keep D&D's maneuver system. That's what gives it some tactical depth.

 

[ruleslawyer]

I was initially excited about the idea of this, but in play was very turned off by it because of having to make a somewhat time consuming d20 check [the stunt check] in order merely to find out if you get a fairly modest bonus to a second d20 check [the attack roll]. This approach reads well theoretically (and would seem to encourage "exciting maneuvers" and such), but the rule's game play, ironically, has the opposite effect by unexcitingly slowing game-play down.

Some people like the extra roll, though. Adds an element of chance and an "Oh crap!" or "Awesome!" factor.

Note that the Simple Stunts rule is similar to what you mention. IMHO, the value of the full-on stunt mechanic is that it adds to chanciness, which some people find exciting.

 

[McBard]

Some people like the extra roll, though.

You're quite right--I might very well be in the minority.

For what it's worth, the armor DR die roll was another instance of something that struck me as cool when I read the rules, but less-than-cool fairly soon into the campaign. Ditto for the token system--fun to read about; a bit gummy to play.

The upside to IH? The feat mastery system is simply brilliant, and for any DM who loves to house rule and tinker like I do, IH must be bought if for no other reason than this.

 

[Infernal Teddy]

What was that about the system being sold to someone?

 

[Ry]

Crowroadaw (Adam Wilson?) has the rights, and is working on a revised /erratta'd version of the pdf. Fiery Dragon will put it out.

 

[Pbartender]

Crowroadaw (Adam Wilson?)

Adam Windsor... "Capellan" here, "Crowroadaw" on the Official IH boards.

 

[Infernal Teddy]

BTW, has anyone thought of trying to use Mongoose's EA: Chaos Magic with IH?

 

[onuryn]

BTW, has anyone thought of trying to use Mongoose's EA: Chaos Magic with IH?

Not me, but Green Ronin's True Sorcery has an AWESOME class for the Arcanist, all packed and ready to go with IH. Just make sure your player have a pre-generated list of spells before the game, since the system is very mathematically oriented.

I've also tried to convert the Psychic, from the Psychic's Handbook, but the results have been less than stellar... I wish we had an official conversion, since I love the class in Vanilla D&D.

Regards
Onuryn