Damage and Infirmity [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
SpellFiltcher

01-25-05, 11:29 AM		Greets Everyone. I just wanted to see what you thought of a house rule that we are going to be using with our next Ravenloft campaign. The way its going to start is that all PCs are normal, everyday people who have to be one of three classes (modified to be balanced with each other) based off of randomly chosen social standing: Upper Class (aristocrat), Middle Class (expert), and Lower Class (commoner). We were thinking about real life and how no matter how skilled you may become, a knife to the side is going to be a detriment, albeit a small one if you're well trained. So, we came up with the following systems, though we're not sure which to use. They are conceptually the same, but one is a bit harsher than the other. This is where you guys come in. Let me know what you think of the idea and which you feel is a better option. Keep in mind, these rules will apply to ALL creatures with the exception of undead and constructs.

1) For every 10% of your hit points that you lose, you suffer the following:
* -1 to all rolls
* -10% to movement

or

2) For every 25% of your hit points that you lose, you suffer the following:
* -2 to all rolls
* -25% to movement


The idea I'm looking at is even the slightest wound may be enough to hinder your movement, sap your willpower, and distract you at the worst possible moments.


Thanks for your ideas ahead of time
Sian

01-25-05, 01:11 PM		The only trouble with this is that D&D is an abstract system as far as damage is concerned, and taking damage doesn't necessarily mean that you've been significantly injured. In fact, it goes right from unimpaired to being unable to take actions (if you skip the 0-point 'staggered' condition).
If you're staying with this, I wouldn't start handing out penalties until at least the 50% max HP mark, counting the previous 50% to getting tired out, burning luck, and inconsequential scrapes and bruises.

if you're using the alternate VP/WP system, that's taken care of already, with noticable penalties once you've taken WP damage.