The Wound Save - a combination of damage save and wound points

[Matrix Sorcica]

>snip<

Okay, I was unaware that this was intended for a new system. I was under the impression that this should have been able to work with normal D&D, the way that damage save more or less are today. My bad.

Considering what you’re posting about this new system, your points are very reasonable. On the other hand, it’s not easy to make counterpoints without insight into the system.

My aim was to create something that could be used without too much hassle in D&D. A new system entirely, not just for hits, have limited appeal (for me at least). I would like to point you to the Grim N’ Gritty rules ver. 4 by Ken Hood, available on rpgnow. It’s very good, and very close to what you’re aiming for. You could do a lot worse than getting inspired by it. The reason I ended up not using G n’G, is again, that it is closer to a new system all around, than just a damage mechanic.

On another note, I think that your ideas for spellcasting look very promising! Looking forward to seeing more of this.

 

[RangerWickett]

Alright, so in this alternative system, a few things work differently. Let's start with humanoids.

Ability scores have the same modifiers, so 10 is +0, 12 is +1, etc. However, I'm considering that 10 could be the baseline for all stats, regardless of size. A giant with average strength for a large creature would have a 10 Strength. A pixie with average strength for a diminutive creature would have Strength 10. However, Strength checks would always be modified by size, with a +4 difference per size category, so a mighty human (Str 18, no size bonus, +4 mod) could wrestle an average giant (Str 10, size bonus, +4 mod) and be evenly matched. Likewise, Dex and Con too would primarily sit on a 3 to 18 scale, whether you're a halfling or a titan (or a halfling titan).

Hmm. Maybe that's a stupid idea. The intention was to reduce the amount of calculation required for massively high ability scores, but I think people would rather deal with a bit of calculation than have to say, "My half-Orc character has a Strength of 20. That dragon only has Strength 10."

However, I do dislike mediocre stat-boosting items. I'd like a belt of giant strength to grant you the ability to fight as if you were one size category larger, rather than one that just gives you a dinky +2 to Strength.



Humanoids have a base number of wound points determined by size and Constitution. We'll say that number is 10 + Con score for medium humanoids, so your typical elf would have 18, human 20, and dwarf 22. The toughness feat would get you a few extra wound points . . . perhaps half the normal size-based WP for your race (that way tough giants actually benefit, rather than getting just +3).

You don't gain WP from leveling. Instead, you increase your Defense, which makes you harder to hit, and gives you more stamina for enduring in fights.

Classes still provide an attack bonus and bonuses to the three saving throws. Also now, however, your base attack bonus provides an equal bonus to your defense.

 

[Bayonet_Chris]

Hmm. Maybe that's a stupid idea. The intention was to reduce the amount of calculation required for massively high ability scores, but I think people would rather deal with a bit of calculation than have to say, "My half-Orc character has a Strength of 20. That dragon only has Strength 10."

However, I do dislike mediocre stat-boosting items. I'd like a belt of giant strength to grant you the ability to fight as if you were one size category larger, rather than one that just gives you a dinky +2 to Strength.

I had the same realization yesterday when I was pondering this exact same mechanic.

For wounds, I have thrown around just the Con value, Con x2, or Str+Con as possibilities, all modified by size, with medium as the base (x1 multiplier). It's still a work in progress.

 

[Verequus]

Upper_Krust has created a size system, which scales indefinately and uses +10 str for each category above medium. Along with the inherent +5 modifier for lifting weight this gives the critters enough strength to support their own weight. You would have to recreate this, if you are taking reality into account.