Hit Dice RPG Play Test
Hi folks, this week I am posting the play test document for a fantasy tabletop roleplaying game that has mechanics all related to Hit Dice. In old school tabletop roleplaying games, hit dice were fundamental to determining a character's or monster's health. These dice, typically ranging from four-sided (d4) to twelve-sided (d12), are rolled to establish hit points, which represent the amount of damage a character or creature can sustain before being defeated. The number and type of hit dice a character has usually depend on their class and level, with warriors generally having more hit dice than wizards. This mechanic adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to the game, as players never know exactly how resilient their characters will be.
In this game, players take on Classes and Vocations that give varying Hit Dice sizes (D4, D6, D8, D10, D120 and pool volumes (20-30). Dice a “Rolled” and “Kept” for the resolution of actions and checks, in to be added to meet or beat a target number set by the Game Master. Skills give a +1 to Roll values and Gear gives a +1 to Keep values. The use of extra-ordinary “Powers” and “Pushing” rolls means that the dice used in the target number generation, are subtracted from the Player’s total pool. Damage is subtracted after armour and HP rolls are made, in a similar fashion.
The play test document features a short GM section, all rules, a d66 background table, 5 classes, with 3 vocations in each and a page with a couple of character sheets.
Guardian - D12 “Tough”
Knight
Brute
Armourer
Skirmisher - D10 “Dangerous”
Martial Artist
Mystic Archer
Assassin
Expert - D8 “Skilled”
Thief
Swashbuckler
Ranger
Supporter - D6 “Helpful”
Priest
Bard
Alchemist
Mage
Wizard
Warlock
Druid
My initial thoughts for the play test will be to see tithe varying dice sizes, are balanced by giving more keep distribution and larger pool sizes. For example the Mage has a D4 HD but 30 Pool size, and 11 Keep distribution points, vs the Guardian that has a D12 HD, 20 Pool size and 6 Keep distribution points.
Check it out below and email me to let me know your thoughts!
