In many rules sets, there is the concept of rules that are essential to the game, and optional but official rules that can be used if desired.
6
votes
4answers
362 views
Is there an alternate rule to allow different stats for Male/Female?
I want to introduce a variant that allows for stat adjustments for males/females, but I would like something more in-depth than just a bonus and penalty to stats. Are there any existing variants or ...
10
votes
2answers
333 views
Is that blackguard riding a dragon? Nope, but their pony sure looks evil
In Elder Evils, there is a bodak blackguard who has a really cool mount. It's a flying construct with a nightwing's essence bonded to it. Very reminiscent (perhaps borderline steal?) of the Hobgoblin. ...
3
votes
1answer
154 views
When should hit locations be determined randomly in GURPS 4e?
I may, once again, be drowning in the details, but would like to know when GURPS 4e calls for random hit determination. Do attacks always default to torso?
I have run a combat with hit locations ...
16
votes
10answers
813 views
What variant rules can promote a less kick-in-the-door mindset?
My group has long had a very kick-in-the-door attitude towards combat. Characters were min-maxed for DPS, and there was very little strategy to any combat. Characters would charge in, hit it till it ...
6
votes
1answer
251 views
What are the rules for called shots?
The d20pfsrd presents variant rules for called shots here. The source information for this page claims they come from the core rules, but I can't find them in the Core Rulebook. What source can I find ...
8
votes
1answer
647 views
Using Pathfinder's variant “Wounds and Vigor” rules
I am in the early sessions of running a science-fantasy Pathfinder game. I'd like a grittier feel to the game and came across the "Wounds and Vigor" variant rules.
For those who have used these ...
10
votes
6answers
524 views
Anyone know of a good generic moral/alignment tracking system?
More specifically, system for tracking a characters morals/alignment, like Humanity in Vampire or darkside points in Star Wars. I'm looking for a system that's either designed to be generic, or could ...
8
votes
2answers
464 views
Optional rules to replace various XP costs in DnD3.5?
Are there any official optional rules to replace various XP costs (that characters have to pay for things like potion making and so on) with something else in D&D3.5?
If not, do you have any ...
6
votes
2answers
730 views
How do you improve Death Saves for the character?
I don't know if my group is particularly incompetent in combat or if its our own feckless dice at fault, but we frequently find ourselves locked in desperate combat, with multiple members of the party ...
8
votes
3answers
673 views
Which issues of Paizo's Dragon magazine had alternative rules to replace 3.x familiars?
I've seen this mentioned under this question: Alternatives to Familiars in DnD 3.X, and I do remember having read, ages ago, an issue or two (?) of Paizo's Dragon that dealt with optional rules that ...
5
votes
4answers
444 views
Optional but official rules that balance “instant death” threats in DnD3.5?
I'm looking for optional rules from (semi)official publications that offer players (and their characters) a chance to avoid "instant death" threats (such as the petrifying gaze of a (CR7) medusa) ...
