The "random benefit" character fleshing out

[Aberzanzorax]

I'll use 3e for examples here, but I think that this fits any game.


In 3e the DM could give a +2 "situational bonus" to characters, basically for "what makes sense."


I'm thinking about turning this on its head. What about, for each "challenge"....convincing the guards, beating an encounter, breaking in to the bank...the DM rolls among the players to determine who gets a random +2 bonus?

Then the character can apply it to whatever they like but must use "in character rationale" to explain it.



The idea here is to add situational flavor that is character dependent, and to spice obstacles (both noncombat and combat) up a bit.


I also think that, especially in non-combat situations, this might help draw in people who think they "can't do anything"...by making them think about their bonus and their character.



EXAMPLES:
So in a fight with ghouls, perhaps the mage, who smokes a pipe all the time, gets the +2 bonus. He applies it to ac, saying that the ghouls smell the leatheryness of his skin and just aren't into chewing on his flesh.

Or in a "make nice with the nobles/royal ball diplomacy" the rogue gets the +2. The rogue is shy (-2 cha mod) and doesnt' thing he'd much benefit from diplomacizing himself....but he still puts it into diplomacy...aiding another by causing a distraction of some sort.

 

[El Mahdi]

deleted

 

[Theo R Cwithin]

Something like this would certainly be useful to encourage in-game thinking, especially for the more jaded players among us Also gives some "plot ownership" to the players.

I like it

 

[weem]

Ditto the above sentiments - it's an interesting idea that I just might try in my next game (day after tomorrow). I can already think of a few places where this would come in handy

 

[Aberzanzorax]

Thanks for the kind comments all.

If you do use it, please let us/me know how it worked out!