[Mechanics] Game Mechanics and Serious Business

[Fil kearney]

This is where we are posting and discussing specific rules.

 

ship combat

ship design
material
crystal	--10/-DR,  120'mv, 10 defense,  -5 action mod
wood	-- 20/-DR, 100'mv, 15 defense, 0 action mod
metal	-- 30/-DR, 80'mv,  20 defense, +5 action mod
stone 	-- 50/-DR, 60'mv, 25 defnese,  -5 movement mod, +5 action mod
maneuverability
perfect	-- +10 movement mod
good	-- +5 movement mod 
average	-- no movement mod
poor 	-- -5 movement mod
clumsy	-- -10 movement mod
immobile	-- no movement allowed
fortification
light	-- +5 defense, -5 movement mod
heavy	-- +10 defense, -10 movement mod

naval combat
advantage as per stormwrack pg 25
advantage decides movement and action after opposition
advantage is contested when:
--combat begins with no clear advantage
--come about action is attempted
--ship with advantage loses maneuverability
--current commander does not spend a standard action to control ship
--ship with advantage fails to grapple, ram, or sheer
** a ship that becomes immobilized automatically loses advantage.

round is broken into action and move.. 
movement
open	-- create distance = mv+20'
hold	-- maintain dstance
close	-- reduce distance = mv+20'
action
come about -- apply movement mod or action mod to skill check to earn advantage
sprint 	-- add 20' to movement during movement to close or open
ram	-- action taken to damage and connect both ships after successfully closing witnin 0'
grapple	-- action to connect two ships after successfully closing  within 20'
shear	-- action to reduce enemy maneuverability by 1 degree after successfully closing within 20'
evade	-- apply movement mod  or action mod to defense and to oppose skillcheck actions and closing

attacking
with ranged/melee attack: to hit vs (defense+evade)
with balista or bombast: d20+bab+int vs (defense+evade)
with catapult or trebechut: 50% miss chance, d20+bab+int vs (defense+evade)

seige weapons
ram: hull damage = closing mv'/10 to target, 1/2 hull damage to attacker
light balista: d6 hull damage reload 2 men / round -- range 1500'
heavy balista: d8 hull damage reload 3 men / round -- range 1000'
bombast d10 hull damage  reload 3 men / round -- range 500'
light catapult d8 hull damage reload 2 men / round -- range 200' - 2000'
heavy catapult d12 hull damage reload 3 men / round  -- range 200' - 1500'
trebechut 2d6 hull damage reload 4 men / round -- range 200' - 1000'

updates:
I'll need to update that a hull point is worth 10 hit points.. so the tradesman really has in melee and spell terms 650hp on top of the DR
also the way I've rigged reloading is that a shot can be fired every round by siege machinery as long as they are fully crewed... a lheavy ballista with only one operator, for example, can shoot every 3 rounds.. but with three men, it can be fired every round. That should keep ship combat from being boring.
and a ballista doing 1d6HD does mean it will do 10-60 HP if targeting individuals... but hitting an individuals are hard to hit.
gargantuan = ship
colossal = -1
huge = -2
large = -4
medium = -8
small = -16
tiny = -32
... so really tough to hit people on a deck.

[Grenadier]

Explanation of Fil Kearney's E6 Trailblazer Gestalt—Layering Mega—Madness
There are three or maybe four ways that different mechanics interact. First, we have fixed mechanics--saves, feats, and ability scores. These things occur are a set rate and are unaffected by your class levels. Then, we have layered mechanics--HP and presumably skill points. These mechanics can layer over the top of one another to produce the most beneficial effect. Third, there are independent mechanics--BAB and BMB. This mechanic works by taking the single highest value and using that.

Accumulative might a possible fourth type of mechanic--class features. Individual class features are pooled together to a greater effect. However, the same class features work in an independent fashion, where the highest value overrides less values.

 

Fil Kearney has worked out a unique system of playing 3e/3.5 D&D using Trailblazer and E6 modules. Under these houserules, a character is limited to obtain sixth level in any base class or prestige class.

Very few mechanics stack the way they do in 3e, and in fact there a few different ways that different features interact. One design aspect of this very fluid character building system is that a character without six levels in a single class or prestige class will be at a distinct disadvantage. Players should consider taking six full levels of one class, and the following explanation assumes that they will.

Fixed: Saves, Feats & Ability Scores—These mechanics are based only upon your character level, and their base values are not effected by class levels, except for in the case of specific class features. These features cannot stack. A character will never obtain more than 6 HD and so they are limited to three feats, as well as a single ability score increase.

During character creation, assign two good saving throws and one poor saving throw. Although individual class features, feats, and magical items may affect a character's saves, actual class levels have no affect on saving throws. Saving throws instead progress based off the character's HD total.

Base Save Progression
HD Total Good Saves Poor Saves 1 +2 +0 2 +3 +0 3 +3 +1 4 +4 +1 5 +4 +1 6 +5 +2

Since players are encouraged to take six levels in a single class, most characters should have three feats (level 1, level 3, level 6) and one ability score increase (level 4). Under the Trailblazer system, a character chooses two good saves and one poor save, which has the values of +5 and +2 respectively at level 6. Without six levels in a single class, the character may miss out on feats and ability points.

Layered Mechanics: Hit Points & Skill Points—These mechanics do not stack as normal, but more beneficial numbers layer over less beneficial ones. For example:

Hit Point Example
Level Pyrokineticist 6 Duelist 5 Lasher 1 Total 1 1d8 1d10 1d10 10 2 2d8 2d10 -- 20 3 3d8 3d10 -- 30 4 4d8 4d10 -- 40 5 5d8 5d10 -- 50 6 6d8 -- -- 58

The above character has 5d10+1d8 hit points (take the max value). The 1d10 from lasher does not stack with the 5d10 from duelist, but the duelist HD layer over the sixth d8 from pyrokineticist.

Skill Point Example
Level Fighter 6 Ranger 4 Rogue 2 Total 1 4 6 8 8 2 4 6 8 16 3 4 6 -- 22 4 4 6 -- 28 5 4 -- -- 32 6 4 -- -- 36

The above chart represents another character's skill points. The two levels from rogue layer over the four layers of ranger, which in turn layer over the six levels of fighter. The character then gains a number of bonus skill points equal to the INT modifier times six.

Because of this layering mechanic, a character without six levels in a single class will not be able to stack up hit points or skill points.

Independent: BAB & BMB—These magics never stack together. A character selects their highest value for either stat from any single class or prestige class. For example:

BAB
Level Pyrokineticist 6 Duelist 5 Lasher 1 1 +0 +1 +1 2 +1 +2 -- 3 +2 +3 -- 4 +3 +4 -- 5 +3 +5 -- 6 +4 -- --

Comparing the classes, the highest single value is +5, and so that is the character's BAB. The first level of lasher is canceled out by the first level duelist. The duelist BAB from duelist does not layer over that from pyrokineticist, and so it is not increased beyond +5.

BMB
Level Bard 6 Monk 2 Wizard 1 1 +0 +0 +1 2 +1 +1 -- 3 +2 -- -- 4 +3 -- -- 5 +3 -- -- 6 +4 -- --

The BMB from the above example is +4, since the value from bard is the single highest from the individual class pools. The level from wizard does not increase the bard BMB, but it does allow the character to cast first level wizard spells.

Class Features: Additive... or Independent—A major advantage of this system is that a character is about to acquire a diverse array of class features. Generally, individual class features are additive, all of their effects contribute to a single pool of what the character can do. However, in the case of duplicate class features, they act as an independent mechanic, and the character takes the single highest value for the feature.

For example, a rogue that has taken warlock can make sneak attacks with their eldritch blast. However, if a rogue 6 also has assassin 3, then their sneak attack still remains at +3d6, which is their single highest value (from rogue). The +2d6 sneak attack from assassin does not stack.

 

Application of Rune Stone Rules
This campaign makes use of the OGL Trailblazer modules, which are best access through my houserule thread, the rune stone. Below, I will try to clarify which of my houserules are and ar not applicable to this project. Keep in mind, much of the Trailblazer material scales to level 20. Anything beyond level 6 does not apply to this campaign.

I. Fundamentals—Disregard the Starting Ability Score Generation and Defense Bonus Sections. All other sections are applicable to this campaign.

II. Races—Updated core races are given a Norse naming convention, but otherwise they are Trailblazer material.

III. Classes—Currently, all of the classes in this section are Trailblazer material. In the future, only core classes are applicable to Fil's E6 Trailblazer Layering Gestalt Madness: Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer and Wizard.

IV. Prestige Classes—All of the prestige classes in this section are homebrew material for my campaigns, and not applicable to Fil's project.

V. Skills—Contains a condensed list of Trailblazer skills and update descriptions applicable to this game. This list does not included Concentration or other specialty 3.5 skills such as Psicraft, Martial Lore, and Truenaming.

Pending Autohypnosis may be condensed into the Concentration skill

VI. Feats—This section contains several cores feats, including several that have been slightly modified. Fil is allowing us to choose from any 3e/3.5 feats, but this material is still applicable to this game. Please note that while my campaign rules allow for crafting consumables, Fil's campaign does not allow any item creation. Also, the Leap Attack feat is homebrew.

VII. Action Points—All material in the Action Point section is core Trailblazer and applicable to this campaign. Fil has decided on 4 AP total per level instead of 6 AP.

VIII. Equipment—As per 3.5 SRD. The Adventuring Packs listed in this section are not applicable to Fil's E6 Trailblazer Gestalt project.

IX. Combat—All of the material from this section should be applicable to this campaign, although Fil may reserve the right to make modifications as he sees fit.

X. Magic—All rules regarding the magic system is applicable to this game. These same limitations apply to psionics. (See Below)

 

Psionics
1. Psionics use the same Universal Spellcasting Progression. They may freely convert their spell slots to the number of power points required to manifest a power of that level. (1—1, 2—3, 3—5)

2. Psions receive two bonus power points per class level. These power points can only be used to manifest and augment psionic powers and cannot be converted to spell slots.

 

Other Notable House Rules
1. Ability Scores—All ability scores begin at level 12. Points may be transferred from one ability to the other as the player desires. Before racial modifiers, starting stats must be between 8 and 16.

2. HP—Max HP per HD.

3. Initiative—Fil has stated that he will not use initiative rolls for this campaign.

Other Resources & References
List of Spelljammer Deck Plans

Right from Fil:

 

Originally Posted by Fil_Kearney

With the cosmology we've got in place, it takes 3 rounds for someone to "dive" from Border Ethereal into Deep Ether.. if you choose to do so, then you drop your material items not Uncarnated and you "materialize" in the Deep where you can remain indefinitely to wander the multiverse... if you come upon a "shoreline" of Border Ethereal, you can take the 3 rounds to "come ashore" and then pop uncarnation to transition back into the material world incorporeally wherever that may now be... which is the same process for entering outer and elemental planes.

 

Originally Posted by Fil kearney

There is an idea in there called the "deathflag" which basically means I will not be able to kill your character (I can drop you to 0hp easily enough, but you'll eventually recover... sometimes after days of being comatose.. but you'll revive) this is particularly handy in PbP where so much can get wrapped around the actual characters' stories, less so about the action-of-the-moment... if you decide to expose your character to potential death, you get an extra 3 action points immediately to use as you wish, but you'll have to spend 3 AP to put the safety back on your character.

now, if you go with the deathflag and deside to shoot yourself in the face "for funzies" I'll break the oath as out of combat suicide is taking off the safety by default... but honestly trying to jump from one boat to the next and botching a 1 on the jump will not send you tumbling to your death below. we'll find a way for you to have survived without suspending disbelief too heavily.

 

Originally Posted by Fil kearney

Divine Meta Magic tricks are permissable, but I won't grant access to a feat you can't normally use... like, persistent metamagic spell can technically be qualified for in E6, since it only has extend spell as a prequal, but it requires a spell slot 6 levels higher than the spell being modified... e6 will never have a 6th level spell slot, so persistent spell is not viable.

Same for maximize spell with it's +4 level bump reaching beyond the scope of e6 casting.

Originally Posted by Fil kearney

DMM gets around level requirements by blowing turn attempts, but to take DMM persistent you have to first take normal persistent as a prereq... and since E6 does not allow 4th or higher spell slots, persistent metamagic is "unavailable", even though the prereq for persistent is only extend metamagic.. a sorcerer could never persist a spell and without DMM neither could a cleric, so it's bad form to have it available in game.
DMM silent, or empower could be allowed, but then DMM maximize is not allowed.

The gist is, if a 6th level character could normally have access to something, then it is permissible.

[Sir Alex]

Cool!

My character:
Like I said, I'm thinking she'll be a scholarly explorer type, who happens to have good heals, a big sword, and a griffon named Princess. My character is still a WIP on a mechanical level. Now that I realize how cheap templates are, for example, it makes them tempting due to our low base attributes. It's hard to justify keeping the 2 marshal levels when I could take the half-nymph template. I can always pick up class levels later, but racial templates are now or never.

Questions/Comments:
On that note, Evilted I believe the Saint template has 3 exalted feats as a prerequisite, but you don't have any exalted feats in your character table. If folks see anything that doesn't jive on my own character sheet, please let me know.

Is there a limit on how many levels we can use for templates? Otherwise I might worry about game balance, what with a Half-Dragon Lich of Legend being available, etc.

What is our starting gold? 13,000g

[Admin Dirk]

okay, boss, how would we qualify for a PRC like shadowdancer, that requires 10 skill ranks?

[Fil kearney]

1. max stealth ranks by taking a class with stealth as a class skill to level 6.. this nets 9 ranks due to the class skil boost.
2. Take the E6 feat Skill Beyond Your Years

Originally Posted by E6

Skill Beyond Your Years
Prerequisites: Character Level 6th
Benefit: Choose a skill that is a class skill for you.
Your maximum ranks in that skill increases from Character Level plus 3 to Character Level plus 6.

Your stealth is now 12 ranks.
3. abuse vigorously.

[Admin Dirk]

thanks...

[Fil kearney]

Originally Posted by Grenadier

Are you going to run Dodge Bonus like Trailblazer Dodge (flat +1 to AC)?

yes

Originally Posted by Grenadier

I'm not sure about calculating my hit points. I've got 5d10 hit die and 1d10 hit die and 6d8 hit die.

5d10 = 50 the dangling d8 remainder = 8 + base 12 bonus due to Trailblazer says so
total of 70HP.

Originally Posted by Grenadier

Also, should we pick out Action Point Enhancements?

be welcome to yes.

Originally Posted by dirkoth

thanks...

this trick can unlock Loremaster... which is frikken awesome.

[Grenadier]

I updated my first post with a character sheet. I've got a better idea how to implement the same character as being raised, so I should have that sorted out tomorrow.

Edit: I added what I am calling a summary of Ward's past. I added the bone template/intelligent skeleton into his past and then later had him reraised. Many of his powers revolve him channeling his ghostly terror phase, and so he becomes skeletal when he sheds his body and such.

In addition to the complexities of a Lhazaad prince returning to life, there is the issue the he also hunted them down as a ghost rider. As for his involvement in the Silver Flame, I imagine it would be attributed to his experience in dealing with fiends, particularly if Oxrapop had been involved at some point.

[Sir Alex]

Question: Can we still buy 3.5 items that give a bonus to concentration checks? I know it's a caster level check rather a skill, in Trailblazer, but I'd argue the principle of the magic item would be the same.

[Grenadier]

Fil said he wanted to keep Concentration as a skill earlier. I took it as a prerequisites. I imagine Concentration items are still viable.

Talking about skills I added a skill list to the rune stone. Some of the skills have been condensed, so a list should make checking to to see which skills are still around. Note, it does not include specialty skills like psionics skills or those from Tome of Battle (or Concentration).

I plan on making a few more improvements over the weekend, particularly to the tables. Any suggestions are welcome.

[Sir Alex]

Folks may wish to use the Pathfinder character sheet when making the character. I think that will simplify things. We're using CMD, CMB, the +3 to class skills, and all that jazz. If you've already made a sheet, then I imagine it's not a big deal to just list things in a note.

Oh and if you haven't read up on Combat Defense, you could check that out in the Fundamentals section of the Trailblazer content. My character doesn't seem to need armor, since she gets free invisible full plate.

[Grenadier]

Originally Posted by Sir Alex

Oh and if you haven't read up on Combat Defense, you could check that out in the Fundamentals section of the Trailblazer content. My character doesn't seem to need armor, since she gets free invisible full plate.

Sorry, this is my houserule based on the Unearthed Arcana variant. Not Trailblazer content, and not applicable to Fil's game. Currently, this and the prestige classes are the only houserule material in that thread. ... And the Adventuring Packs under equipment.

But yes--it is totally awesome. My rules are designed to be multi-class crazy, so you get awesome swashbuckling defense rating... that also applies to touch attacks. Great for cleric 1/sorcerer 1.

[Sir Alex]

Ok, so the skills are the same as Trailblazer except add Concentration per 3.5e. And I noticed you took Weapon Focus (Slashing), and Phil mentioned a few other feats in there so the feats are available too? Plus the base class changes? And spellcasting, and Action Point mechanics?

But we are mostly keeping the 3.5e combat mechanics, then? Are we not doing CMD/CMB, or the -2/-2 attack penalty for two swings at +6 BAB, etc?

It might help to have one post that was a master list for what is not available from your posted content. Just to keep everyone on the same page. From what I've seen mentioned, it sounds like most of the content is carrying over into our game.

[Grenadier]

I think most of the Traiblazer stuff will apply. CMC/CMB, iterative attacks, and all. There are some feats that are changed, too many to list. If you are familiar with Pathfinder, then it is some of the same changes (Dodge). I don't know Pathfinder though, so I can't tell you which ones.

I am going to use my first post in this thread (second post) to clarify what is and is not in the rune stone, especially once I get my character information migrated somewhere else. I know this would have been helpful from the start, but it is hard enough managing that thread for my own purposes.

If its okay, I'll help check everyone's builds like I do in my own game. With so many little changes, I find it easier to go case by case.

[Eviltedzies]

Originally Posted by Sir Alex

Questions/Comments:
On that note, Evilted I believe the Saint template has 3 exalted feats as a prerequisite, but you don't have any exalted feats in your character table.

I had completely forgotten about that.... looks like it's back to the drawing board.