Idea for Low Level, Low Magic, High Powered Game

[Stalker0]

So I had an idea for a spyish type game where the players would have some strong power but it would have the gritty feel of 1st level. Here's the idea.

All players are 1st level. They have 8+int skill points, +0 BAB, d8 HD, 30 point buy. From there it gets interesting.

Every player gets 15 feats. The normal stacking rule for feats do not apply, you can take any feat up to 4 times. In addition; class, BAB, skill rank, and other similar requirements no longer apply to feats.

So one player could take weapon focus 4 times at 1st level, could even take weapon spec another 4 times. You could take dodge a couple of times, but would still need the 13+ dex.

This lets players specialize and customize their characters. You could have an amazingly tough guy (lots of toughness), a nearly unhitable guy (lots of dodge with high armor), an incredible jumper (skill focus jump: 4 times), etc. But, the players still have low hitpoints in general, they can't just wade into combat necessarily...they have to plan and execute manevers.

What do you all think?

 

[Nifft]

Interesting... but I think players would want to level their PCs. Part of the enjoyment of the game is boosting your little dude, giving him new boosts, and watching him kick butt slightly (but noticeably) more effectively.

Why I don't like 0 BAB + 15 feats: the feats are still really limited. You can't do anything useful with Combat Expertise or Power Attack, for example.

So, here's a proposal in the same vein of your concept.

1/ Max HP at 1st level. You get your Con bonus at this level and only this level, but Con increases do boost your HP retroactively.
2/ One-fourth of your HD on all following levels. Keep track of the fractions.
3/ Spells never deal more dice of damage than their spell-level. Scorching Ray deals 2d6 and that's it. Fireball deals 3d6 and that's it. You only ever get one Magic Missile.
4/ Somehow, spellcasting is restricted even more than that, because any mid-level Cleric would easily dominate melee combat.

You'll still have very low HP characters, direct-damage spells will be about as effective, and PCs will still have roles they can choose and the ability to advance every X sessions.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Stalker0]

This is mainly designed as a couple of one shots instead of a campaign, so I don't think that will be a problem, although I could offer 3 feats instead of a "level" if it went that far.

Your points about PA and CE are well taken, I may just eliminate those feats and allow feats that use them as prereq without the prereq.

 

[Nifft]

Your points about PA and CE are well taken, I may just eliminate those feats and allow feats that use them as prereq without the prereq.

Thing is, PA and CE kinda define styles of fighting (especially PA). Charge + PA + Cleave is a fantastic "opening move", if you will. Even at 2nd level, charge translates into +4 damage with your greatsword, and if you crit, you will probably get to cleave. CE is a great "You Shall Not Pass!" feat, or a good feat for a Rogue's flanking buddy.

So I suggest 4th to 6th level, but with greatly reduced hit points.

Cheers, -- N

PS: Have you seen UA's Generic classes ? They seem to mesh with your "many feats to customize" theme.

 

[Stalker0]

Thing is, PA and CE kinda define styles of fighting (especially PA). Charge + PA + Cleave is a fantastic "opening move", if you will. Even at 2nd level, charge translates into +4 damage with your greatsword, and if you crit, you will probably get to cleave. CE is a great "You Shall Not Pass!" feat, or a good feat for a Rogue's flanking buddy.

So I suggest 4th to 6th level, but with greatly reduced hit points.

Cheers, -- N

PS: Have you seen UA's Generic classes ? They seem to mesh with your "many feats to customize" theme.

They are in a normal game, but with so many other options I don't think the party will mind. If they want damage, they can take weapon spec a few times. AC, take dodge.

 

[Wystan]

So I had an idea for a spyish type game where the players would have some strong power but it would have the gritty feel of 1st level. Here's the idea.

I say look at Spycraft

 

[Land Outcast]

Something to introduce in such a game would be opposed checks (Attack vs. Defense) instead of AC system (and armor/nat armor as DR)... it wouldn't slow combat too much (given lethality of combat) and would give some interesting twists...

Also, mention all skills are class skills.

 

[GlassJaw]

You should look at Conan. The system is very good. It's gritty and brutal but the classes are strong and have a lot of options. The magic system is one of the better low-magic systems I've seen as well.