Under this rule magic items that grant bonuses to skill checks would instead allow to re-roll natural rolls equal to their bonus.
For example, a Nature +2 item would not grant +2 to Nature, but instead allow to re-roll any Nature check if you roll a natural 1 or 2.
Maybe this could be extended to attack and defenses bonuses but I have no idea how.
The rationale behind this idea is that magic items should be something more special than bland bonuses. Re-rolling is fairly unique among player abilities, bonuses are plentiful. I'm mainly trying to change flavor, possibly not altering result averages if possible.
The idea of "bland" mechanics, is that they won't get in the way of the story by making you have to memorize 50 things.
Brutal 1 exists because noone carries around D7 and D5 dice around.
However, why would a +2 Elven Cloak provide the same benefit to Stealth as a +6 Elven Cloak?
You were onto something with the whole comparison to the brutal weapon quality. +1 items should allow rerolls on natural a 1 or 2, +2 items should allow rerolls on a natural 1-4, +3 items should allow rerolls on a natural 1-6, and so on. Won't use the system in my game, but hopefully it'll work for your game.
EDIT: Didn't catch the "only on a natural 1 or 2" clause. Okay, that might work better than what I originally thought you meant but still, if you're not getting the actual bonus to the skill or combat check the math won't work out in practice.
TS
I can't comment on the Brutal property, but I do have to agree with Anubis that rerolls can become a real nuisance. I don't want to be rolling six attack rolls every turn with my epic character because of my +6 weapon or implement -- it slows the game down and it's likely unbalanced, one way or the other. Rerolling skill checks probably wouldn't be such an extreme issue, but it depends on the situation. Imagine getting just one or two rerolls per skill check during a skill challenge, or even in common Perception vs. Stealth situations. Do you really want rogues to be rolling half a dozen Stealth checks every time he/she sneaks? Also consider that bonuses seem blander than rerolls because they're more common. But if rerolls become more common, than bonuses will become less bland.
EDIT: Didn't catch the "only on a natural 1 or 2" clause. Okay, that might work better than what I originally thought you meant but still, if you're not getting the actual bonus to the skill or combat check the math won't work out in practice.
TS
Okay so perhaps re-rolls aren't such a good idea if they are indeed common. But I'm having trouble thinking of anything that could replace bonuses. And I really want them gone from magic items (and I'm not talking about transfering them from items to level benefits -that's just different window dressing)
Okay so perhaps re-rolls aren't such a good idea if they are indeed common. But I'm having trouble thinking of anything that could replace bonuses. And I really want them gone from magic items (and I'm not talking about transfering them from items to level benefits -that's just different window dressing)
Well to be honest, your options are kinda limited. Rather than transferring the bonuses from items to the PCs, you could remove them and then cut a few bonuses off of your monsters. Other than that, I don't know what to suggest because those bonuses are an inherent part of the game that its mechanics are largely balanced around.
TS
I have to say, this thread is getting a little too confusing. Exactly what's the problem with items granting bonuses to stuff again? lol
They are A) boring/not something magic is supposed to do in my book and B) they add another layer of complexity (another type of bonus) for no apparent benefit.
I guess I'm just gonna ditch the bonus on all items and instead change +1/2 level bonus to everything into +2/3 bonus. That way all characters will have +20 at 30th level which is the same as normal +15 and +5 from item.
That's not nice!!
/endwhateverthehellthatwas
Seriously instead just give inherent enhancement and not 2/3 level. Start at level 3 and increase enhancement by one every five levels.
Which incidentally makes magic items much less important to characters.
. Besides, characters in my game are tweaked anyway (free multiclass feat for everyone and few free powers from other class) because I only have 3 players and like to run them against enemies designed for a 5 player party. I also give them action point every fight.