Sundren GUI Thoughts/Ideas

[Lollercide]

I've been quite impressed with the recent changes to the Sundren GUI and how it brings a lot to RP while also snuffing a lot of OOC arguments.

The improved interaction has gotten me thinking of other devices that could be implemented into the Sundren GUI that isn't really associated with any one particular skill or stat, but can be just as useful for guiding RP -- Actions! There are always a few actions players RP in game that don't fall on one skill or stat, and therefor are subject to cause a bit of OOC argument or confusion on how to respond properly. I've thought of a few that might help, but I'm pretty sure there are a few more out there to be thought of.

An 'Attack Roll' - Yep. A simple attack roll (AB+1d20 vs AC). It may not seem too great of a tool given the fact the game mechanics can handle attacks. However, there are many times I've seen people attack other people by RPing it out and using STR vs DEX/CON rolls to guide the outcome.

A 'Grab' roll - Essentially a touch attack roll to see if you can lay your hands on another RP wise.

A 'Hold' roll - After successfully grabbing someone, attempt to 'hold' or 'grapple' someone. A (Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + size modifier) roll.. And then the other player can choose to roll the same in attempt overpower, or instead roll escape artist to try and escape?

Aaand.. That's the best my brain can think of when it comes to 'actions'.

[Larando]

I could see where these would clear up some messy RP encounters. Good stuff, Loll. Though, my wizard never opposes a "grab" or "hold" because...well, he's just a wuss But, all the same, if I were a half-orc, there would be opposing rolls, for sure.

[Kaeldorn]

I totally agree, these things have sparked several arguments in situations I got involved in as well.

Another one to add could be an attack roll modified by dex against the opponent's touch AC to deal with throwing random objects at people.

And maybe bull rush/charge and trip attacks.

I also wonder (as said in another thread) if target specific modifiers could be added to the skill rolls. Just like the grapple check takes size into account, intimidate should do it as well (the halfling fighter doesn't intimidate as much as the half orc barbarian). Then there are the skill bonuses against favored enemies, as well as climb modifiers depending on surface (if targetable climbing is going to be implemented at all), handle animal bonuses depending on type of beast (if this skill is put in), etc.

[me_less]

I like the idea. Bump!

[Lollercide]

intimidate should do it as well (the halfling fighter doesn't intimidate as much as the half orc barbarian).

From what I understand, the staff is two steps ahead of this and have already been working on implementing this. They'll also make intimidate rolls against Paladins come up as instant failure due to their 'immunity' to fear/intimidation.


However, I really like the idea of a bullrush/trip action rolls.

[Gevaudan]

I may be mistaken but aren't some halflings immune to fear as well? or is that just a bonus vs fear I never remember that one.

I do know for sure that clerics with the Good domain are immune to fear they gain the same aura as the paladin.

[Urithrand]

It's a bonus vs fear. +2 I believe.

[Jai_V]

The only thing I have a problem with here is the assumption that a halfling couldn't inspire fear the same way a half-orc can. I don't have a PHB on hand at the moment, but the d20 SRD doesn't mention size as a factor.

Sure, it stands to reason that you're very rarely intimidated by someone smaller then you or more likely to be by someone larger then you, but this game doesn't work on reason all the time as much as it works on rules.

Disagree with that? Let me give you an example: In game, when someone intimidates you, they basically "punk you down" into being more cooperative. This is taking directly from the d20 SRD...

If you beat your target’s check result, you may treat the target as friendly, but only for the purpose of actions taken while it remains intimidated. (That is, the target retains its normal attitude, but will chat, advise, offer limited help, or advocate on your behalf while intimidated. See the Diplomacy skill, above, for additional details.)

I dare anyone to walk up to me in the street and try to intimidate me. If they succeed, they definitely won't get a cooperative response: they'll get a violent one. And I know a lot of people like that. I'm not too proud to say that I still have that backwards mentality of being immediately hostile against things I fear.

That's me, having grown up in a world without half-orcs, dragons, mind-flayers, etc. You mean to tell me someone who's dove into dungeons and fought against orcs, hobgoblins, etc is going to be more cowardly then someone who lives in this world? It doesn't make sense.

And it doesn't make sense that some little barely-three-foot-tall man can scare you as much as an almost-seven-foot-tall beastial man, but the rules don't seem to give that much consideration. So why should we?

However, if it's something the Dev's want to do, I'm not going to argue with it. Infact, I've said all I've got to say about it :-)

[nickbeat]

If it ain't in the SRD, I see no reason to add this. And never underestimate the intimidation of a little guy. Have any of you ever seen the terror of Tim Tom and Kevin on Venture Brothers?

[Sweet Spirit]

Eaither way, this post isn't about if halflings can instill fear into those that oppose him or her, this is about this awsome suggestion for a better way to roll for attacks through roleplay, I would believe. Although I have yet to run into this problem, I'm really sure I would in some time or another. If all the sundren teams are ALREADY wokring on something like that, then kudos to them!

I'm also sure a magic halfling could instill some fear, regardless of how small they are. But thats off topic isn't it? hehe <.<

[nickbeat]

Indeed! Way to keep it real Sweet.

[Lollercide]

but the d20 SRD doesn't mention size as a factor.

Read closer

Special

You gain a +4 bonus on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are larger than your target. Conversely, you take a -4 penalty on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are smaller than your target.

But lets get this topic back on the rail. I was wondering how feasible it would be to add a 'paralysis' effect on the person grappling a target, and the person he's grappling? Might be a lot more complicated than it has to be, but I had to ask.

[Llew Hy]

I think it also makes sense to get a bonus to intimidate when shifted. A dire bear is a lot more intimidating than your average druid. :-P

[nickbeat]

As I said, whatever the SRD says.

Paralysis effect would be really cool, but to be accurate then it must only persist as long as the grappler continues to beat the grappled players grapple check. They get a opposed roll check each round to break out.

Grapple rules are insanely complex and I don't know how far we can go to keep it real here. One trick might be to make it work like stunning fist perhaps.

The way you could do it now is just go hostile on subdual and wind them, maybe even do it unarmed just for coolness. That should keep em still for a while.

[Kaeldorn]

I think it also makes sense to get a bonus to intimidate when shifted. A dire bear is a lot more intimidating than your average druid. :-P

Considering a bear is large in size, I'd take that for granted