Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
Share Thread:
[AiF] Book I - Hit Point Determination
#1
This is not so much an issue but a note about an easy fix I came up with. In my opinion the formulas I remember from the rule books are written in a format that is not so user-friendly. For example, here is the Hit Point Determination formula on page 4:

Strength =A, Stamina = B, Dexterity = C

A/2 + B/3 + C/4 = Hit Points (Round Up.)

It isn't hard to comprehend but why should it be written like a College Algebra problem? If we're going to make changes or even do a fan re-write, then why not make it easier to grasp and use? So, I suggest that this formula be re-stated as:

STR/2 + STA/3 + DEX/4 = Hit Points

That is a lot easier to use and you do not have to consult the paragraph that explains how to do this procedure. All you have to do is look at the formula and you can instantly tell what needs to be done.

I am also making the suggestion that any and all formulas that can be restated in this fashion should be.
I sporadically blog (mostly) about role-playing topics at The Semi-Retired Gamer.

Currently reading Dave Arneson's True Genius by Robert J. Kuntz.
Reply
#2
Semi-Retired Gamer Wrote:This is not so much an issue but a note about an easy fix I came up with. In my opinion the formulas I remember from the rule books are written in a format that is not so user-friendly. For example, here is the Hit Point Determination formula on page 4:

Strength =A, Stamina = B, Dexterity = C

A/2 + B/3 + C/4 = Hit Points (Round Up.)

It isn't hard to comprehend but why should it be written like a College Algebra problem? If we're going to make changes or even do a fan re-write, then why not make it easier to grasp and use? So, I suggest that this formula be re-stated as:

STR/2 + STA/3 + DEX/4 = Hit Points

That is a lot easier to use and you do not have to consult the paragraph that explains how to do this procedure. All you have to do is look at the formula and you can instantly tell what needs to be done.

I am also making the suggestion that any and all formulas that can be restated in this fashion should be.

I goofed up and it won't let me edit for some reason. The formula should have a divided by 5 at the end. So, it should look like this:

(STR/2 + STA/3 + DEX/4) /5 = Hit Points
I sporadically blog (mostly) about role-playing topics at The Semi-Retired Gamer.

Currently reading Dave Arneson's True Genius by Robert J. Kuntz.
Reply
#3
Semi-Retired Gamer Wrote:If we're going to make changes or even do a fan re-write, then why not make it easier to grasp and use? So, I suggest that this formula be re-stated as:

(STR/2 + STA/3 + DEX/4) /5 = Hit Points

That is a lot easier to use and you do not have to consult the paragraph that explains how to do this procedure. All you have to do is look at the formula and you can instantly tell what needs to be done.

I am also making the suggestion that any and all formulas that can be restated in this fashion should be.
I like your equation re-write, and I agree that for our purposes we ought to look for ways to "modernize" and/or streamline the equations. I think that one thing that turned folks off of AiF is the fact that it reads in a very crypic manner, so making it easier to read would increase the chance of folks trying it out. Big Grin
Marv / Finarvyn
Member of The Regency Council
Visit my Blackmoor OD&D board
OD&D since 1975

"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!"
- Dave Arneson

[Image: Giladan.png]
Reply
#4
Agreed. Your presentation is much easier to understand.

Am I the only one thinking that basing HP on three different attributes is a little unusual? Wouldnt this result in very little variation between characters of how much HP they would have?

-Havard
Currently Running: The Blackmoor Vales Saga
Currently Playing: Daniel S. Debelfry in the Throne of Star's Campaign
Reply
#5
Havard Wrote:Agreed. Your presentation is much easier to understand.

Am I the only one thinking that basing HP on three different attributes is a little unusual? Wouldnt this result in very little variation between characters of how much HP they would have?

-Havard

I kind of thought using the three different attributes was a little weird myself. This might need some modification.
I sporadically blog (mostly) about role-playing topics at The Semi-Retired Gamer.

Currently reading Dave Arneson's True Genius by Robert J. Kuntz.
Reply
#6
Semi-Retired Gamer Wrote:I kind of thought using the three different attributes was a little weird myself. This might need some modification.

It seems to ensure a fairly stable HP pool :

(STR/2 + STA/3 + DEX/4) /5 = Hit Points

(50/2 + 60/3 + 40/4) /5 = 25+20+4/5= 49/5=10

(100/2+99/3+100/4)/5 = 50+33+25/5= 108/5 = 22

Given that weapons normally do 1d6 per the standard system and more if the optional rules, combat is going to be quite deadly. OTOH armor helps ALOT if the optional rules for those are used.


-Havard
Currently Running: The Blackmoor Vales Saga
Currently Playing: Daniel S. Debelfry in the Throne of Star's Campaign
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)