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Message: <blockquote data-quote="NotAYakk" data-source="post: 8146976" data-attributes="member: 72555">Big Damn Heroes<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You gain 1 additional HD (d6 for small races, d8 for medium races, d10 for dwarves and races with heavy build feature).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You gain 1 additional feat at level 1. (variant human is removed from choice; replace with standard human).  Your attribute bonuses at level 1 cannot exceed +2 in a single stat.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Your HP are based on the max value of the HD, not the rounded up average.  So d10 HD means 10 HP/level.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When you deal damage with a weapon, spell or class feature, add an additional die.  So a greataxe deals 2d12, battlemaster damage is +2d8 for 1 die, flame bolt is 2d10 at level 1, etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">All attributes increase by 2. Your maximum in attributes also increases by 2.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Whenever you are healed by magic (except regeneration), you must also expend a HD and you regain that HD in healing as well.  If you do not expend a HD, you do not regain HP (but healing magic does return you to 1 HP if unconscious).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">When you cast a spell using a spell slot or a class feature it is considered to be cast using a slot 1 level higher.  So a 3rd level fireball does 10d6 damage.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you have a 3rd level or higher spell slot, you can cast 1st level spells without expending a spell slot.  (do not add 1 to the slot level here)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you have 6th level or higher spell slots, you can cast 2nd level spells without expending a spell slot.  (do not add 1 to the slot level here)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you have 9th level spells, you can cast 3rd level spells without expending a spell slot.  (do not add 1 to the slot level here)</li> </ul>2 PCs using these rules can do adventures meant for 3-4, based off my napkin math.[spoiler]Design notes.Point 1 and 2 boost level 1 characters up to about level 2 power level.  This reduces the swingyness of Tier 1 (level 1-4), which for small parties is probably needed if you don't want to play with kid gloves.  Also feats are awesome.Points 3 and 4 almost double the brute power of characters.  Almost double HP, and almost double damage.  Static damage isn't increased.Point 5 helps round out utility more than a bit.  Lots of class features key off attributes, having a 22 max means you get (for example) more uses of bardic inspiration.Point 6 both boosts healing, and places a limit on it.  Later on healers are going to get at-will healing, and by limiting it to HD, we prevent it from getting silly.Point 7-10 prevents spellcasters from being overshadowed by brutes.Point 7's extra slot level with point 4s extra damage die helps damage spells keep up with the double-damage-dice on melee weapons, and makes utility magic stronger.  Hold Person hits 2 people right off the bat, for example.Point 8-10 give spellcasters something to look forward to.  Note that these don't get the extra slot boost, but do get the extra die.  So a level 5 wizard can cast an at-will level 1 magic missile for 2d4+1 times 3 (18), which isn't that much compared to a PAM 20 strength fighter.I went over the level 1-3 spells and the only ones I could find that are abusive repeatedly cast at the levels involved where healing magic.  But point 6 keeps that from breaking things.Wizard at-will spells and signature spells get the 1 level buff over these ones.  You could consider giving them a bit more.If you want to make it a story event, give 1 and 2 "for free" (I think they are good general houserules).  Then in a story event (blessed by the gods?  macguffin?) grant the rest.[/spoiler]</blockquote>

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