From:	David Buehrer <dbuehrer@******.CARL.ORG>
Subject:	Re: A rules question
Date:	Fri, 5 Dec 1997 09:34:16 -0700

Ben Murray wrote:
/
/ Well, its my first post, and possibly something you are all very sick of
/ hearing about on this list. If so, then I abjectly apologise, but...

Welcome. And don't worry about asking questions. I haven't seen this one
in over a year :)

[snip]

/ Are there any house rules presenting an alternative way of dealing with
/ difficulties and dice rolling based situations? Has anyone come up with,
/ had experience using, or even shaken the Pointy Sticks of Wrath at any
/ alternative difficulty/dice rolling system type thang. If so, where can
/ such a beast be found?

I've seen an attempt at a full blown conversion to Earthdawn's
system, but I don't know if it's on the web or not.

The problem with adjusting SR's system is the fact that there are
three types of tests. Your basic skill(4) test, opposed tests, and
damage resistance tests. I've been working on converting SR to a d12
system (for a broader range of target numbers), but I can't get past
the power/force of attacks and damage/drain resistance tests.
Skill(4) tests become skill(7) tests. Opposed tests become
skill/attribute(7) tests. My first thought was to double the
power/force of attacks but then that gives spells twice as many
dice. And it doesn't do anything for the strength of characters in
melee combat. No problem, double all stats and modifiers... yeah,
right. My players would revolt completely if I told them they'd have
to go out and buy twice as many d12s as they currently have d6s.

And that's the most basic problem with changing SR's system, you have
to do a full-blown conversion that affects every aspect of the game.
My d12, double all numbers, is the simplest you'll find but it's
still a pain in the ass.

If you *and* your players want to do it, go for it.

-David
--
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.
Art is knowing which ones to keep."
--
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1068/homepage.htm