D&D 3E/3.5 Reaction Rolls for 3E

[LostSoul]

Here is a reaction table for 3E, based on B/X:

Reaction Rolls (CHA check): DC 6
Check			Result		Modified Roll
Failed by 1-4		Unfriendly	1 or less
Failed by 5+		Hostile		2-5
Success			Indifferent	6-15
Succeeded by 10-14	Friendly	16-19
Succeeded by 15+	Helpful		20+

This will allow you to set a default NPC attitude when you have no idea what it may be. Maybe a better way to write it up is like this:

DC			Result
1			Unfriendly
2			Hostile
6			Indifferent
16			Friendly
20			Helpful

The 6 and 16 stick out, so maybe you could change it to 5 and 15. Yeah, that's easier to remember. Final version, then:

DC			Result
1			Unfriendly
2			Hostile
5			Indifferent
15			Friendly
20			Helpful

 

[ExploderWizard]

Mechanically on its own, it might work ok. What about the implications of using it as it relates to the rest of the system? So long as xp is still awarded by defeating encounters of a given CR, will a 'helpful' reaction roll be considered a victory for the encounter?

If so players will soon catch on and try to CHA roll their way through encounters to avoid resource expenditure. The entire game is designed around a series of encounters.A reaction roll in that setup is just another 'I win' button.

Reaction rolls worked well in older editions because they fit within the entire framework. Monsters didn't really need to be fought if treasure could be won without doing so. The encounter was a part of the game but not primarily the way to keep score.

Keep in mind what the effect to the overall game will be when implementing rules modules.

I personally LOVE reaction rolls, and morale checks. When used within an overall framework that supports them they provide some of the very best moments in gaming.