Original D&D Discussion - New "Optional" Combat System for S&S

« New "Optional" Combat System for S&S »

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.
May 25, 2013, 7:34pm

Original D&D Discussion :: Community :: Elf Lair Games :: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S

Author

Topic: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S (Read 849 times)

thegreyelf
Level 9 Sorcerer

member is offline

[avatar]

Elf Lair Games: The New Class of Old School!

Joined: Jul 2008
Gender: Male

Posts: 1,307
Karma: 43

New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Thread Started on Mar 19, 2010, 11:54am »

So as I've been working on Twelve Parsecs, an alternate combat system has come to light for O.R.C.S. (the engine that powers ELG's games). A number of people have told me their one issue with S&S is that they dislike consulting attack matrices for every attack.

This is rather mind-boggling to me, as it really takes no longer than consulting your attack bonus and performing the calculations every time you attack, but I have heard the complaints.

As such, a new entirely optional combat system will be added to S&S in future releases. It brings combat in line with the ability check system from the rest of the game, and borrows heavily from the "Target 20" concept of A/OD&D combat (so it should still appeal to old-schoolers, I hope).

How it works is thus:

1. Instead of an attack matrix, players make a standard ability check to hit (usually Dexterity, though Strength is recommended for heavy, 2-handed weapons), attempting to get 11 as always. Characters still get any "attack bonus" listed on their level progression chart. Thus, a third-level warrior still gets 3 attacks with one at a +2 (or 2 at +1, as he sees fit).

2. Each weapon, instead of a unique matrix, has a flat attack bonus. A long sword, for example, attacks as +4.

3. The attack roll is then modified by subtracting the opponent's AC.

Example: A character who is a third level thief with a Dex of 16 attacking an opponent wearing Plate Armor (AC 8) would calculate his attack as follows:

2d6 + 2 (Dex) + 2 (Level 3 Ability Check) +1 (Level 3 attack bonus) + 4 (Long sword) - 8 (opponent AC).

The total, then, would be 2d6+1, as the -8 cancels out the rest of the bonus. It ain't easy to damage someone in plate armor with a long sword.

If the opponent was wearing studded leather armor (AC 3), the total attack roll would be 2d6 + 6 vs. TN 11 (a pretty fair chance to hit).

Keep in mind also that in most cases (Wizards excepting) a third level character will have at least two attacks.

Just a preview of something that's come up in design. Still needs a shake down and the bonuses tweaked for proper probabilities, but it seems solid on its core. Please note, also, that this will not replace the default combat system. The Attack Matrices will remain--this is presented as an option for those who prefer bonus calculation to table consultation.

« Last Edit: Mar 19, 2010, 11:56am by thegreyelf »

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Jason Vey, The Grey Elf
President, Elf Lair Games
http://www.elflair.com/
D&D Resources: http://www.grey-elf.com

thegreyelf
Level 9 Sorcerer

member is offline

[avatar]

Elf Lair Games: The New Class of Old School!

Joined: Jul 2008
Gender: Male

Posts: 1,307
Karma: 43

Re: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Reply #1 on Mar 19, 2010, 8:12pm »

Thoughts, anyone?

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Jason Vey, The Grey Elf
President, Elf Lair Games
http://www.elflair.com/
D&D Resources: http://www.grey-elf.com

rhialto
Level 0 Flunky
member is offline

[avatar]

Joined: Jan 2010
Gender: Male

Posts: 7
Location: Virginia
Karma: 0

Re: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Reply #2 on Mar 20, 2010, 5:26am »

Having only read S&S, but not played it, this seems reasonable and elegant.

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

The Fiendish Dr. Samsara
Level 4 Theurgist

member is offline

[avatar]

I could so be Spider-Man!

Joined: Jan 2009
Gender: Male

Posts: 145
Location: Secret island lair on Maui
Karma: 7

Re: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Reply #3 on Mar 24, 2010, 4:47pm »

Well, I like it because I've done something similar.

I really grappled with the Target Number vs. Modifier issue in Under the Dying Sun. In the end (except that it isn't over cause it isn't done), I decided that I might as well use the base mechanic of roll 11+ and have the combat matrix provide modifiers. And then weasel a bit and offer a Target Number version of the matrix as an option.

I also wrestled long and hard on streamlining and playing with the whole Weapon vs. Armour Class thing. I'm pretty happy with how that worked out: Weapon Class vs Armour Class Table.

Basically, I reduced all weapons to broad Weapon Classes with modifiers against the various Armour Classes. Size only affects damage. So a Dagger, a Longsword, and a Claymore all use the Sword Class, but the Dagger does 2d6 take the lowest for damage, the Longsword does the standard 1d6, and the Claymore does 2d6 take the highest.

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

The Wheel of Samsara: Science Fantasy Blogging
The Onderland Campaign: old-school D&D with Spellcraft & Swordplay, Old English style.
My Sales/Trade Thread

thegreyelf
Level 9 Sorcerer

member is offline

[avatar]

Elf Lair Games: The New Class of Old School!

Joined: Jul 2008
Gender: Male

Posts: 1,307
Karma: 43

Re: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Reply #4 on Mar 25, 2010, 7:05am »

Great thoughts! I like what you've done. My method actually seeks to do away with weapon vs. armor type (as it's specifically for people who don't like that fiddly bit), but yours works out great, too.

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Jason Vey, The Grey Elf
President, Elf Lair Games
http://www.elflair.com/
D&D Resources: http://www.grey-elf.com

bluskreem
Level 5 Thaumaturgist

member is offline

Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 235
Karma: 9

Re: New "Optional" Combat System for S&S
« Reply #5 on Mar 26, 2010, 9:33pm »

I'm a chart guy, so I doubt I'll switch, but it looks good so far.

Link to Post - Back to Top IP:

Logged

Click Here To Make This Board Ad-Free