Shadowdark Unless I am wrong

[Warpiglet-7]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

 

[Scribe]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

Yeah stats are mostly just the modifiers. Exception being Gear Slots.

 

[Retreater]

I suppose nothing stops you as a GM telling a player "You've got a 3 Strength, so you cannot attempt to lift that gate."
Shadowdark just doesn't have specific rules about much.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

It’s to my liking then. I don’t like picturing completely inept Warriors for example…or whatever.

 

[Reynard]

There is no point in SD where you will find a sign indicating You Must Be This Tall To Ride.

Also, that 3 Con character won't be in danger for long...

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Yeah stats are mostly just the modifiers. Exception being Gear Slots.

God even if I can’t get people to play shadowdark, gear slots for the win in D&D…encumbrance cool….calculating encumbrance not cool

 

[Bill Zebub]

One of my major turnoffs about low ability scores is not winning per se.

For me playing an int 4 character precludes good problem solving. Similarly, a 3 con character would pass out walking down stairs before getting into the dungeon.

As a result, I have not enjoyed how low scores map on the fantasy.

I only have the quick start pack so far, but it appears that shadowdark is just about penalties to rolls. A weaker character might be less likely to force open a door, but not outright excluded from it.

They might lift 100 lbs, but the difficulty is the difficulty. Their penalty means it’s less likely.

Does this sound right? A 5 int has a penalty but does not mean you are barely literate by default. Correct?

This is really the same debate going on over TTRPG General. Some people think that a 4 Int means you subtract 3 from all Int rolls. Other people think it means you have to roleplay an idiot and shouldn't be suggesting good solutions to problems.

I think the second interpretation is crazy.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

This is really the same debate going on over TTRPG General. Some people think that a 4 Int means you subtract 3 from all Int rolls. Other people think it means you have to roleplay an idiot and shouldn't be suggesting good solutions to problems.

I think the second interpretation is crazy.

Well in fairness…D&D has had labels and specifics about being able to speak and write and lift and son on…

But I did not see such a thing in my reading of shadowdark. It may only be because it is so succinct…or the creator did not want people on the sidelines.

But yeah, I hate number being tied to roleplay limitations. A penalty does not bother me in the same way