Unearthed Arcana - Which rules do you use regularly?

[Glyfair]

It's been over 3 years since Unearthed Arcana was released. At the time it was one of the favorite WotC books, although the enthusiasm seems to have died down to a simmer.

What rules have you found yourself using regularly?

I admit, I've pretty much only allowed minor elements so far. Buying down EL is allowed, but never been used as no one has ever taken an LA based character.

I'm strongly considering variant characters, especially since I'm allowing most of the variant class features from recent WotC books (which is essentially what these are). I'm also considering using fractional BAB and saves.

Which are you using? Are you satisfied with the rule (since some of you are players who may have been outvoted in your group)?

For those who forget all the options here is the WotC checklist of all the alternate rules,

 

[Mycanid]

I actually like the slight racial stat and ability variations based on environment.

Personally I also have a bit of a fondness for the racial paragons for short adventures too ... a little like the old Basic/Expert DnD idea of race for class. That's all the jumps to mind at present.

 

[MerricB]

None. Seriously, we tried several options out, but I really didn't like most of them.

The house rule I do use comes from Andy Collins via some other designer: Raise Dead causes a "permanent" negative level that is only removed when you gain your next level.

Cheers!

 

[Tharkun]

I've not had the chance to use any optional rules from the UA yet.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Next level, my gnome illusionist/bard picks up gnome paragon as his third class, on his way to being the Gnomiest of All Gnomes!

 

[Greg K]

Off the top of my head, my campaign uses the following although not every class and race option has been used by players:

1. Environmental Races
2. Variant classes.
- barbarian hunter*
- bard: sage, divine, savage.
- cloistered cleric, champion of good (replaced the paladin, but the paladin will be reintroduced with the spell less variant from Complete Champion)
- Thug variant of fighter(actually the PHB version)
- Monk: Fighting Styles, steadfast monk (along with Andy's other variants from Dragon)
- Ranger : Urban Ranger
- Rogue: Martial (Feat based) rogue, Wilderness Rogue
- Sorcerer: Battle Sorcerer

3. Variant Class Abilities
- Favored Terrain: mandatory for barbarian hunter
- specialist Wizard variant abilities: mandatory for wizard specialists

4. Weapon Groups
5. Action Points
6. Magic
-Spontaneous Casting for Divine Casters (Note: spell lists are tailored to specfic deities with all clerics sharing only a handful of spells (spells for communing with the deity, planar ally, etc.)
-Spell point w/ revitalizing for arcane casters
7. Armor as Dr

Would have used, but the following, but the rules were horribly implemented or not fleshed out enough (imo of course):
- WP/VP or the Damage Save
- class based defense

 

[Vigilance]

I use the three class structure (Warrior, Expert, Spellcaster) and damage save quite a bit, because I run True 20 quite a bit.

I believe the three class structure originated in UA and made its way into True 20, while the damage save was obviously something that came from GR.

I also use the component metamagic and variant class abilities.

I've used the contacts rules in both fantasy and modern games, and I've used the event-based Reputation quite a bit as well.

 

[Greg K]

I use the three class structure (Warrior, Expert, Spellcaster) and damage save quite a bit, because I run True 20 quite a bit.

If I had the extra money (or could have gotten through to GR yesterday for the free offering), I would probably be running True20- especially now that RPGObject is producing for it. GR and RPGObject are my two favorite d20 companies and both you and Steve Kenson are my favorite d20/OGL designers.

 

[Vigilance]

If I had the extra money (or could have gotten through to GR yesterday for the free offering), I would probably be running True20- especially now that RPGObject is producing for it. GR and RPGObject are my two favorite d20 companies and both you and Steve Kenson are my favorite d20/OGL designers.

Hey thanks. Seriously though, free or not it's worth a look. M&M intrigues me, and I have some plans there, but right now, d20 M, True 20 and D&D are still my passions and the systems I most love to design for.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

What I use:

Reducind Level Adjustments
Paragon classes
Wilderness Rogue (in addition to the Standard Rogue)
Specialist Wizard Variants
Prestige Paladin
Craft Points
Item Familiars