So, I know this thread is tagged “D&D General”, but it got me thinking about how my homebrew system would handle it. It aims for compatibility with B/X monsters and adventures, so I guess that makes it kind of adjacent even though it’s mechanically quite different.
You roll 2d6 + attribute + rank to use trained skills and specialties. I’m leaning towards allowing them untrained at 1d6 + attribute. Since spells are just another specialty, and everyone (except barbarians) has magic points (mp), the fighter could spend the map and attempt to cast Cure by rolling 1d6 + Piety (the casting attribute for divine spells).
I’m still working on a revision, so I’m not 100% on how the casting roll will interact with Cure, but assuming 1d6 is unlikely to generate an adequate result, the fighter can gain more dice by making sacrifices*. It doesn’t have to be a literal sacrifice. Taking on an obligation or service to a deity would be reasonable to gain at least +1d6.
So thanks @pemerton for the thought-provoking post!
* You can give up something to gain +1d6. You can gain another +1d6 if it’s large or high quality (or an additional +2d6 if it’s both). You can also trade on your reputation in this way, but that risks generating infamy as a complication.
