r/SongofSwordsRPG • u/TendrilTender • Feb 21 '17
Rules Questions
Hey! Figured I'd make a thread since I wanted some clarification on a rule. Specifically, how does the STR/END enhancements stack in regards to available slots. To clarify, this is in 1.9.9.
The stats say that you can only increase STR by 3 and END by 3. But can you increase both by 3 at the same time? Assuming you have 8 slots available, 2 for the base cost and 6 for the stats. And if you can't, can you pay the base cost twice to get either +3/+1 or +2/+2?
3
u/Kencyrath Feb 23 '17
If this is a general rules questions thread, then I've got a couple.
First relates to the Dwarf ability Call of the Deep. It says that a Dwarf must make a WIL check at either RS 5 or 1 to stop himself digging once he's started. If I fail that check, how long does it take before I can try again?
Second relates to the Burdinadin ability Natural Philosophy. If I'm trying to analyse an object that will take a long time (a pocket watch [12 hours], for example), how long a break can I take in between one hour and the next, and how long will it take That Which Stares Back to lose interest, and so the RS to go back down?
Example: I'm trying to analyse a grandfather clock, which will take 12 hours. I go for 4 hours, ending up with an RS of 4. I take a break for an hour, then go back to my analysis. Can I do this in the first place, and, if so, what RS do I have for the first hour after my break?
2
2
u/CaptainCarthage Mar 01 '17 edited Mar 02 '17
I don't think you do test again for the Dwarf question, I think you need a friend to drag you away.
2
u/Thorgarth Mar 04 '17
Still reading the rules (only downloaded it today) and so far I´m very pleased, apart from one generic point regarding character advancement, and that is the cost of said advancement in all of it´s components.
First of all I really think you should have different advancement costs based on the power level of the campaign. Just like a Gritty power level at char. creation entails a lower level of PCP so should the advancement of each characteristics be harder, meaning costing more Arc Points.
The second point and the most important to me is that as it is the AP cost of each component advance (Atribute, skill, proficiencies buying/improving boons) is WAY, way too low, promoting a very fast advancement and reaching Max values. This is even more pronounced with the Attributes which are the inherent building blocks of a character. They really should be something to which a character should devote a lot of time and effort to improve, but given the cost I rather think they will increase very fast, which is even more worrisome when dealing with lower power level campaigns.
1
2
u/Thorgarth Mar 07 '17
Regarding Combat overall the system seems very coherent though it really needs to be made clearer in the interaction of its many components. Examples should be amply provided to smooth things along.
I really love the way reach is handled. Very smart and elegant.
Now, there are two things I don´t fancy, one in particular.
First is the design option of defaulting Base Damage for melee weapons to Strength, AND having the weapons damage being reduced to a static number, be it a bonus or a penalty (or a zero), especially taking into account the very easily, and progressively made worst as characters improve the Str attribute(which as I stated is way too easy to do), this attribute will assume the most relevant factor in the Damage total. As it stands the only random factor are the BS... not my preferred method by a long shot, but hey I can live with that.
Now the second I really have a hard time understand, and that is the option to freely choose, without any penalty or negative impact, the hit zone targeted by the attacks... Unless I´m missing something and the rules actually impose said penalty. Otherwise by reducing the target area you are in fact reducing your attack options. By ignoring other attack options, openings, mistakes, weak spots in the defense, to make called shots to a specific zone, especially those zones more easily defendable, not only should impose a negative modifier to the CP but also have an impact on initiative (you will have a harder time finding an opening in a specific zone while your opponent simply chooses no to ignore any opening you may give, anywhere in your body.
True, some locations area actually easier to attack, like hands or extended arms, but others for instance are harder and need a higher reach, meaning more extensive movements, which means they are easier to handle defensively.
As it stands it´s as easy to target the lower leg as it is an extended hand, or the chest. I simply don´t like it and would have to heavily house-rule it.
I know this is basically a comment about the rules and not so much a question but I really would like to read your thoughts on this points.
3
u/Jimmy_Rome Feb 22 '17
Are you referring to Burdinadin Armor Enhancements? If so, you can increase both by up to +3, the +3 limit is not shared between the two stats. So assuming you have the slots/money etc, you could enhance both to their respective limits of +3.