Post/Author/DateTime	Post
pukunui 01-11-07, 11:36 PM	Hi there, I'm considering introducing Action Points to my homebrew campaign, but I'm not sure which version to use: the one from Unearthed Arcana/SRD or the one from the Eberron Campaign Setting. The ECS version is simpler and appears to be slightly weaker whereas the UA/SRD version has more uses and comes across as potentially more game-affecting. Main Points of Difference: ECS Any unused action points are lost when a PC gains a level Can only be used for two things: 1) modifying a d20 roll 2) taking a special action Special actions cost 2 points There are only two special actions: stabilize and gain additional use of class feature (the third one pertains only to artificers and so is irrelevant in a game without that class ...) UA/SRD Doesn't specify whether unused action points are kept or lost when a PC levels up Can be used for a number of things: 1) modifying a d20 roll 2) taking a special action 3) improving a feat Special actions only cost 1 point There are many more options in the special actions category: activate a class ability, boost defense, emulate feat, extra attack, spell boost, spell recall, and stabilize The improving feat section only gives examples - I would need to determine myself whether it can be used with feats not specifically mentioned (more work on my part) Here is a link to the UA/SRD version: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/adventuring/actionPoints.htm Can anyone give me any advice as to which version is better? Thanks in advance. Cheers, Jonny
Saberus 01-12-07, 01:03 AM	UA I say UA over anything! Seriously, I always thought they were the same, that UA "Borrowed" from ECS.
Darth Sephiroth 01-12-07, 01:19 AM	Yeah, the UA version is a much nicer use of it. Personally, when I have the choice I swipe the Spycraft Action Die instead of AP
im_robertb 01-12-07, 01:23 AM	ECS. I like simplicity, and don't like needing to remember lists that have as many options as the grapple rules. If spellcasters complain that they don't have many d20 rolls to modify, use more monsters with SR.
aristotle91 01-12-07, 02:24 AM	i prefer the ECS. been using them for the past couple of years.
pukunui 01-12-07, 05:05 AM	Yeah, the UA version is a much nicer use of it. Personally, when I have the choice I swipe the Spycraft Action Die instead of AP What is the Spycraft Action Die? I've never heard of it. I, too, prefer the simplicity of the ECS version, but at the same time, the UA version is attractive for only ever requiring you to spend 1 point on anything (as opposed to the ECS, which requires 2 points for the special actions). The UA is also attractive because it doesn't say anything about whether unused points are kept at level-up time ... so you could read it that they are.
Darth Sephiroth 01-12-07, 05:49 PM	Spycraft Action Die are a lot more potent and basically work similarly and increase in effect as you level up. One major thing is that they are awarded by session rather than by level which makes things interesting.
Morwen 01-12-07, 05:56 PM	There are only two special actions: stabilize and gain additional use of class feature (the third one pertains only to artificers and so is irrelevant in a game without that class ...) [/list] You can also use it them for a large number of Prestige Class abilities, plus rage, wild shape and smite evil are also class features :)
ccerose 01-12-07, 06:04 PM	Our group previously used action points from UA. However, once we started playing Eberron, we prefer that system, even in our non-Eberron games.
pukunui 01-12-07, 07:18 PM	Spycraft Action Die are a lot more potent and basically work similarly and increase in effect as you level up. One major thing is that they are awarded by session rather than by level which makes things interesting.Where can I find this Spycraft Action Die? Is it an actual die? Or a set of rules akin to Action Points? You can also use it them for a large number of Prestige Class abilities, plus rage, wild shape and smite evil are also class features :)Yes, but they all fall under the one category ... Our group previously used action points from UA. However, once we started playing Eberron, we prefer that system, even in our non-Eberron games.Is that because the Eberron system is simpler?