| #1abattiorJun 13, 2010 17:49:56 | I want to try to create a Massive Damage System, however the main intention of this system is not for the PCs but for the monsters.
The Goal:
1) Help maintain suspension of disbelief for powerful creatures.
2) Create a system in which large amounts of damage result in additional adverse effects, ideally unconsciousness.
3) Explore possibilities of introducing this option to PCs, NPCs & regular monters.
The idea for this system stems primarily from d20 Modern, which actually had different options for Massive Damage rules. In a world that relied heavily on guns, I think it was a necessary system to maintain the suspension of disbelief in the game.
The Rules:
If a monsters attack deals damage greater than Con + level the target must make a saving throw to avoid being knocked unconscious.
If the target fails the saving throw they fall unconsious but retain their current hit points after the attack, then must either:
1) Succeed on a saving throw
2) Be awakened by another creature(standard action)
3) Be the target of a power with the healing keyword.
In order to end the unconscious condition.
More Thoughts:
My intention isn't to make all creatures work like this, it would be primarily for some of the more fantastic creatures like Dragons, Immortals, Giants, etc. Creatures that due to size or supernatural power are so threatening that even a normal attack carries with it the chance of being knocked out.
It definitely works better for certain roles than others, so it would require a bit more planning in order to make sure encounters aren't imbalanced.
I also think it would also be a better rule to implement during the mid-Paragon to Epic tiers of play, rather than during the heroic tiers. From what I hear Epic tier starts getting very out of hand in terms of PC power, perhaps this could be a way to even the odds somewhat for the Epic monsters.
Although it's not meant to be a system used by PCs, NPCs, or other less fantastic creatures, I think there should be some way it could be used by them as well. Unfortunately the problem with this is, that if it remains a damage based system, then it heavily favors strikers who already tend to stand out for their damage alone.
This is where I want to open up the idea for discussion or advice. Also, please offer any suggestions or insight for the above proposed system for fantastic monsters. |
| #2pluisjenJun 14, 2010 5:14:37 | Don't make it a rule, make it a power. As a rule, this is going to be both silly (knocked out by a Dragonbreath?), overpower monsters (Because you'll not really remember this when designing the monster and assigning XP) and be forgotten a lot.
On the other hand, if the monster has a Knockout Blow power which deals normal damage + knocks unconsious for one round or save ends that can recharge or be an encounter power, I think it'll work much better. It'll automatically be for iconic monsters only, players can't whine that they want one too, etc.
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