Combat Adds and Magic

[Hogscape]

Here's an idea that I'm playing with at the moment.

First - on the subject of combat adds...
I'm considering allowing warriors to pick 2 of the attributes they use to make up the 3 (or 4 in 7e) on which combat adds are based.

I'm thinking DEX is a given but maybe the other attributes could be used too:
CHA: goading, taunting and intimidating
STR: brute force
INT: a combat style based on practiced set moves
CON: endurance
LCK: yep, lucky

Next is spell casting based on attributes but not using Power or Kremm.

Not using STR (for example) was certainly one of the first things I housed but since playing in Burke's forum game I can see there is a real case to be made for not using a custom attribute.

Mostly it's about resource management that adds a real edge to the tactical play, it also keeps PC and NPC wizards in check too. 7e has KREMM resistance to stem the dominance of magic but 5e with a custom attribute has nothing.

I'm thinking that Rogues will use LCK but human wizards can use 2 or 3 attributes which would clarify their style of magic.

STR: physical exertions (the warp spasm)
CON: ritual mutilation
CHR: force of will
DEX: somatics
LCK: favour of fate
INT: rote memory

However, I'm not going to force this on the players yet since I'm trying to play a 5e vanilla game at the moment. I will slip it in with some NPCS...

[jongjungbu]

Interesting concepts. Mostly, I like the idea of picking 2 attributes for combat adds. Gives some weaker rolled characters a fighting chance, but also 2 helps keep them from being a bit overpowered. An exalt for thee!

I think INT that you have listed is perfect. In Arena of Khazan for instance, INT/IQ is used as the SR attribute for tripping or avoiding being tripped. That, to me, is a combat maneuver.

[koraq]

Interesting indeed. Hmm. I think I overused LK for tripping and suchlike.

[machfront]

I once thought about (and posted somewhere around here) having different adds for different warrior character concepts. DEX, LK and CHA for a swashbuckler for example.
As cool as I think the idea is, there's something about it that isn't quite compelling enough for me to use. I'm not sure if it's because I settled on the idea that the usual adds were an outline for 'standard' combat (the usual things a usual skilled weapon-weilder would know) and that someone who wanted a 'swashbuckler' would simply pump his other stats for creative Erol Flynn combat SR use or...what... I don't recall.

The reasonings you've listed for the stats for both combat and magic are some cool outlines. It's sort of funny (as in both interesting and "ha ha") that one could actually make a case for every stat to be used as combat adds.

[Hogscape]

I use my Charisma to blind my bungling opponent with a dazzling smile then plant my poinard in his codpiece!

[machfront]

Sept 22, 2009 0:50:02 GMT -5 Hogscape said:

I use my Charisma to blind my bungling opponent with a dazzling smile then plant my poinard in his codpiece!

Cripes! Never saw Douglas Fairbanks do that! -lol- ;D

[Hogscape]

It was all above board and above the waist in those days Mach... Ah the good old days.

PS I realised I'd swiped an idea there about the adds - didn't realise it was yours though - humble apologies.

BTW, I'm not using it for PCs - I'm using it for my grinning NPCs!

[machfront]

Sept 22, 2009 7:48:31 GMT -5 Hogscape said:

PS I realised I'd swiped an idea there about the adds - didn't realise it was yours though - humble apologies.

BTW, I'm not using it for PCs - I'm using it for my grinning NPCs!

What the heck are you apologizing for? I actually thought you came up with it totally in a vacuum.
Besides, even if ya did swipe it, no need to say sorry.
And anyway, I've taken lots of your ideas and such plenty of times.

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

This got me thinking about the Warriors special abilities, I was thinking about the article I wrote about different kinds of berserkers and I had an idea.

What if Warriors get to choose three attributes for combat adds.

Rogues get one attribute plus Luck for combat adds.

Wizards Luck alone for combat adds.

We were talking awhile ago about balancing Warriors versus Wizards and this kind of made me think of that.

This would probably work better in 7+ where all abilities cost the same to increase, but I don't think it would be out of place in 5th or before editions.

Just a thought.

[Hogscape]

Sept 22, 2009 21:42:38 GMT -5 Toad-Killer-Dog said:

This got me thinking about the Warriors special abilities, I was thinking about the article I wrote about different kinds of berserkers and I had an idea.

What if Warriors get to choose three attributes for combat adds.

Rogues get one attribute plus Luck for combat adds.

Wizards Luck alone for combat adds.

We were talking awhile ago about balancing Warriors versus Wizards and this kind of made me think of that.

This would probably work better in 7+ where all abilities cost the same to increase, but I don't think it would be out of place in 5th or before editions.

Just a thought.

That is an excellent idea TKD and that might be just what I'm looking for. I'm thinking of going with 5e level ups equal to the level number added to which ever attribute(s) the player favours.

[koraq]

What's up with you TKD!? You seem to sprout ideas of pure genius twice daily. Impressive. Me like! Do you mind if I put this up on my blog as a nice house rule?

[Toad-Killer-Dog]

Please do, anything I can do to help T&T I'm happy to lend a hand. ;D

[machfront]

I really dig that, too. If I wasn't already using the tweaks to the Warrior from M6E, I'd certainly make use of that. I'd be tempted to take it back a bit to earlier editions and just take away combat adds for Wizards completely.

[jongjungbu]

Wow, very interesting idea TDK. So, I await to hear how it plays out in actual sessions. Is there any balance issue or what not, good or bad. Anyone who does, please share their experiences!