Varying Damage

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A couple weeks ago, I declared that I didn't like the damage algorithms that ask you to pick the smallest or greatest of two dice for small and large weapons respectively. I still agree with this, at least as presented, but I've come around to a variation.

Rather than distinguishing between small/medium/large weapons, just distinguish between one-handed or two-handed weapons. One-handed is normal, but if you wield a weapon in both hands (whether that means the weapon is two-handed or you're wielding one weapon in each hand) you take the best of two dice. That way, we are relating damage to how many hands are busy, so to speak. One hand, one die. Two hands, (best of) two dice.

Then, we can vary the die size itself by different factors, such as the wielder's size (rather than that of the weapon) or by the weapon's material, depending on what you're going for. This part is less important to me than the above, but I do think it's useful to have basically two axes of variation.

We can even use damage types to offer a third variable factor, impacting neither die size nor how many are rolled, but whether the opponent is resistant or vulnerable to the type of damage dealt. Maybe you're wielding a two-handed d8 warhammer and you roll an 7, but against a slime that's only as good as 3 hp damage.

Just brainstorming! Keeping track of handedness and damage type feels easier than having weapon tables or a bunch of separate qualities.

Comments

  1. JoshJune 7, 2023 at 7:23 AM

    I had a "rule of 2" in my old OSR house rule set back in the day. Two handed weapons: +2 damage. Shield: +2 AC. Dual wielding: Roll twice and take best.

    ReplyDelete
  2. hdpJune 8, 2023 at 6:35 AM

    "two axes of variation"

    The funny thing about axes of variation is that under your proposed rule, dual-wielding them provides more consistent damage, not less.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marcia B.June 11, 2023 at 9:05 AM

      i mean that's an outcome some people want to have, but it's not one i'm really interested in specifically modeling---someone holding one big weapon or two normal weapons will prob deal more pain than someone holding just one normal weapon, and that's as much detail as i want to consider

      Delete
    2. hdpJune 11, 2023 at 10:23 AM

      I agree, I just couldn't resist the pun.

      Delete
    3. Marcia B.June 12, 2023 at 5:06 AM

      OH i get it now, sorry about that!!! 😂 i was like, "oh my god why are they nitpicking"

      Delete

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