20 rules clarification
Ability
scores generation method?
For
OD&D/S&W I do 3d6 assigned to the stats straight down in
order.
If
I am using AD&D/OSRIC, then I use a point buy system OR
4d6-lowest with the player assigning them as they wish.
How
are death and dying handled?
Back
in the day, 0 HP was death, plain and simple. I am seriously
considering that being the rule for my Sylvaeon campaign... this
questionnaire is timely in that respect, because I have been
considering this hard. I have used other methods, such as up to CON
in negative damage (with possible Saving Rolls vs Death each round),
but I am open to input here.
What
about raising the dead?
A
rarity at best... an impossibility most of the time. However, I do
have a “secret” rule, where Elves reincarnate anywhere from 40
days to 1000 years later!
How
are replacement PCs handled?
In
Sylvaeon, I use the Arduin Hit Point System. Replacement PCs can
easily adventure along with an established party and be able to take
similar damage... of course, they do not have the same skills. If a
party is extremely high-leveled, I may bump the starting Class Level
of a replacement PC to ¼ of what the lowest party member has, if I
am in a good mood that day ;)
Initiative:
individual, group, or something else?
D10
(counting down) individual initiative for PCs. I may roll a group
initiative for similar monster types or individual for leveled
humanoid PCs and similar. I allow DEX bonuses to be counted to the
d10 if the current melee circumstances of a PC allow it.
Are
there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work?
Once
more, back in the day, I have had many characters of my own die
hideous and quick deaths because of a crit inflicted upon them using
the Arduin Critical Hit Table (or even the Fumble Table!). I used to
say what's good for the goose is good for the gander and have
monsters and NPCs do critical hits the same way. Now I have modified
it to double damage for Natural 20s for both monsters/NPCs and PCs,
EXCEPT PCs may get a critical upon an opponent if they roll the max
damage for their weapon type. I stole that last part from Michael
Moscrip, because I found it was a reasonable option and limited the
number of crits. Even though it isn't a perfect solution, it works in
practice very well.
Do
I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?
Yes,
your character has nice head gear and their noggin is protected from
head-specific damage.
Can
I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly
silly?
Yes!
It happens frequently in Sylvaeon when PCs fire into crowded combat
or misfire, etc.
Will
we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill
everything?
There
is a chance to “defeat” most encounters via combat or often times
in another way. Ot everything is for killing and I give experience
for overcoming encounters creatively. However, there are encounters
that will bring almost certain death if they are not avoided or
disengaged from. I let the dice fall where they may in such cases. I
have been foolish enough to hang around when death was imminent, but
there have also been times I have triumphed in the face of
overwhelming odds, so I cannot blame my players for doing either –
but they will suffer any consequences.
Level-draining
monsters: yes or no? No – I dislike level draining, but I do
substitute other types of damage that simulate this.
11.
Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death?
Rarely, yes, but that would be discretionary. I'd rather death
resulted as a consequence of actions, not random chance only. It
really depends on the actual situation. This question is a bit
hypothetical and open-ended for me.
How
strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked?
For
carrying treasure, yeah, I will use encumbrance. In Sylvaeon this is
important, because the PCs are extremely mobile and currently have no
base of operations to dump loot. Also, resources are critical in
Sylvaeon. If you don't have rations and don't hunt or run out of
water, you WILL die! Sylvaeon is a wilderness hex crawl and in
wilderness environments resources are critical to survival.
Note
to PCs: If you guys are keeping track, you would know that you only
have one day worth of rations left (except Brynn, who has more) :D
What's
required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells
automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I
have to wait for down time?
The
PCs in Sylvaeon are in a constant state of training. I allow for
leveling in the middle of an adventure. If there is a specific case
for training or other requirements for leveling (rare) I will have
them work that out in down time or in game time as I see fit. It
could make for a nice little side adventure :)
What
do I get experience for?
“Defeating”
encounters, for life-changing or special events, etc.
Sylvaeon
is not always about how many bodies you can pile up, nor is it about
loot earned. Experience for treasure is only given for how it is
used, if at all. Usually, treasure is its own reward.
How
are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination?
If
you are actively looking for traps, both methods come into play at
various times.
Are
retainers encouraged and how does morale work? At this point,
retainers are antithetical to the philosophy of the characters in
the Aeternal Realm of Syvaeon. The PCs are sworn to protect others,
not to use them as fodder. If there are ever followers or hirelings
that will be used in the game, how the CPs treat them affects their
Wyrd, their reputations and a host of other things.
How
do I identify magic items?
Almost
always by trying to use them or by subtle clues as to what the item
is. I never announce “This is a +1 sword!”. What does that mean
to the characters anyway? One could also visit a Loremaster or the
Hermetic Order of Wizardry for possible insight, but this option is
rare.
Can
I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions?
NO!!!
Can
I create magic items? When and how?
YES!!!
This is encouraged. PCs creating spells, items and such makes me
happy as a GM. They may need study time, components or whatever, but
if it is plausible I am all for it!
What
about splitting the party?
That
is often a bad idea, but sometimes it isn't. If the players want to
do that, I will let them.
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