I'm tired of counting hit
points and keeping track of hundreds of numbers during combats.
This is an idea that sprang
out of a supplement I wrote for the d20 System concerning zombies. In it,
zombies do not have hit points, instead they have what could be termed a damage
threshold. This threshold is different for different parts of the zombie's
body, but that wouldn't be necessary for this idea. When a specific location is
struck, if the damage dealt does not exceed this threshold, there is no effect.
For zombies, exceeding the threshold in an area will completely destroy that
area, with a subsequent alteration in the combat capability of the zombie.
Hitting and destroying the head is the only real way to kill the zombie.
Now, to adapt this concept to
an RPG will require a bit of refinement. Specifically, I will concentrate on
the d20 System, since I am well familiar with it.
To calculate a character's
damage threshold, start with his Constitution (CON) score. To that, add his CON
modifier. To this add the modifier(s) for taking the Improved Damage Threshold
feat. To this add any similar modifiers that the character may gain through
other feats, class abilities, racial modifiers, or size modifiers.
Essentially, the equation
looks like any other used for the d20 System:
Damage Threshold = CON + (CON) modifier + any other
modifiers
When engaged in a combat
situation, characters on both sides will be trying, of course, to remove their
opponents from the fracas in many frighteningly inventive ways. In d20 Modern,
that will usually involve firearms. The combat system itself isn't changed;
roll to hit your opponent and if your to-hit roll equals or exceeds his defense
you have struck him and then you roll the appropriate dice for damage.
This is where the magic
happens...
If the damage dealt by the
attack is greater than the character's Damage Threshold, the character in
question then needs to make a Fortitude save with a DC equal to (10 + the amount
beyond the DT). If the save fails, the character has been seriously wounded and
is out of action. This is already a part of the d20 Modern System; in D&D
3.x, the Mass Damage Threshold is 50 points and I'm not sure why it's
different.
Now, if the character is a PC
(or a special NPC that has been given Action Points) then the character then
functions as if reduced to 0 hit points (meaning Staggered). If it is a monster
or a regular NPC, then it will function as if reduced to -1 hp, that is
unconscious and bleeding out.
If the damage roll is less
than the character's DT, then there is no effect on the character at all.
Unless, that is, the damage is equal to or greater than 10 points. If this is
the case, the character's DT is reduced by 1.
I haven't gotten into the
mechanics of healing yet, or magic, or area effect damage, or anything more
interesting than guns and pokey metal bits. I wold like comments, and the
opportunity to playtest this core concept. Playtesters I gots. What I would like are your thoughts on the matter.
Thanks
