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Post by shaungamer on Aug 11, 2010 20:09:00 GMT -5
I decided to start another thread to work out what people thought should be done about racial differences for Heroes. It looks like we will be using Human, Elf, Dwarf and Halfling. The general consensus seems to favor "ability choice" as a main difference. With that in mind, what abilities (From the current Character Book CB_v3.5.pdf) should we make available at a cheaper cost, to the above races? Currently Dwarves get Runes at a cheaper price. Are there any other suggestions or comments that relate to racial differences?
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erf_beto
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Posts: 369
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Post by erf_beto on Aug 13, 2010 13:03:07 GMT -5
Ok, let's get the ball running! Human Quick Learner, Willpower, Unbreakable Elf Acrobat, Dodge, Nimble, Magic School, Elemental Memory, Weapon Skill (bow and arrow), Dark Sight Dwarf Weapon Skill (axe and hammer), Willpower, PitDweller, Dark Sight, Extra Tough, Hard Headed, Rune crafter* Halfling Acrobat, Dodge, Nimble, Simple LockPicking, Stealth, Trap Trickster *Rune Crafter: the cheaper dwarven runes, is that an ability?
How about that? What do you guys think? Some suggestions: I guess the humans need a boost. Quick Learner for free? They were the only race without a level cap in D&D 2e... Maybe the elves could have a 456 ability for WIT checks, some immunity to sleep or charm. Dwarves could have resistance to poison (from drinking so much dwarven ale ), and maybe some underground navigation skills, that allows rerolls on the construction charts...
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Post by dan on Aug 13, 2010 18:42:32 GMT -5
I agree Humans should have Quick Learner, as it seems fitting that humans are more flexible...but maybe just giving them some amount of extra points with which to buy abilities could work as well.
Elves: Nimble, Acrobat
Dwarves: Unbreakable; Cheaper runes
Halflings: Dodge, Sneak Attack
These are what I am thinking, a few less overall, so that there is a bit less to keep track of. I know these are different costs, but it could be balanced by giving different amounts of "discounts".
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erf_beto
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Posts: 369
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Post by erf_beto on Aug 14, 2010 9:26:00 GMT -5
I agree Humans should have Quick Learner, as it seems fitting that humans are more flexible...but maybe just giving them some amount of extra points with which to buy abilities could work as well. I like extra Ability Points for humans. We just have to balance it carefully, because you wouldn't have the option to NOT take the free points, while an elf has the chance to take something else over Nimble or Acrobat. But I suppose that's the same with the dwarves and the cheaper runes. And I agree with your "less is more" approach. Though personal preferences will probably make it harder to narrow down the options. LOL Perhaps each race should give you a set benefit (extra AP, cheaper runes, etc) AND a discount on 2 or 3 abilities. Another idea (though I'm not exactly a fan of it): make some abilities harder to get, like elves are more "frail", so should they pay extra AP for some abilities. For example (just don't pay attention to the numbers): Elf: Nimble -50, Acrobat -25, Unbreakable +50, Extra Tough +25 and Hard Headed +50
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Post by dan on Aug 15, 2010 11:35:13 GMT -5
Maybe if abilities were categorized by type, something like Fighting Skills, Resolve Skills, etc, then it would be a little easier to set bonuses or restrictions, like Elves get -25 to cost of all Dexterity skills, but +25 to Defense Skills...it's kind of along the same lines without naming specific skills, thus allowing expansion if more skills are invented later.
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Post by shaungamer on Aug 15, 2010 17:51:48 GMT -5
Sorry I was so late replying! Thanks for the great ideas and suggestions. I am quite torn between how I should go.
I like the simple idea of just a few skills being available to each of the races at a reduced cost. This is easy to track but it does almost force players to take those skills for their character, or lose the racial benefit. However I guess players can ignore the racial benefit if you want.
The next idea I like, is to catagorize all the skills and have particular races get cost reductions for specific catagories. Players get a bit more variety to choose from and skills can be more easily matched to the theme of the character.
I will have a go at putting the abilities into catagories (if I can) and go from there!
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Post by shaungamer on Aug 15, 2010 23:28:20 GMT -5
I have posted a new character Book CB_v3.5pdfThat has the Abilities catagerized. Insight Agility Defence Attack Fey Stealth Humans may purchase Insight and Attack Abilities at 20pts less Elves may Purchase Fey and Agility Abilities at 20pts less Halflings may purchase Stealth and Agility Abilities at 20pts less Dwarves may purchase Defense Abilities at 20 pts less (and cheaper Runes) Let me know what you think?
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erf_beto
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Artwork Wizard
Posts: 369
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Post by erf_beto on Aug 16, 2010 10:17:36 GMT -5
Nice! I'll have a closer look later, but I can already see this is an improvement to the ruleset! Well done!
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Post by dan on Aug 16, 2010 17:31:57 GMT -5
At first glance, I like it, seems pretty well balanced.
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Post by shaungamer on Aug 16, 2010 18:01:24 GMT -5
Thanks Guys! I should point out that I tried to give a little variety to the groups if I could. For example Dual Weapons and Sneak Attack are really Attack Abilities but they seemed to fit where I put them.
As a side effect I notice that people now tend to choose Elves as Magic users, Dwarves as Warriors and Halflings as Thieves, so it must be having an effect! ;D
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Post by dan on Aug 18, 2010 18:38:17 GMT -5
This seems to work out well, it kind of encourages the stereotypical roles of fantasy races, while not railroading anyone into them. I really like how well the categories seem to be working out.
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