| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
LordOrlando Novice
Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:07 am Post subject: Alternate dice Mechanic? |
|
|
| I really like the many types of polyhedrals used in SW, but some of my players find this dice mechanic confusing and/or too random. So my question is: Is there a simple alternate dice mechanic out there (=simple to convert to), like for example a fudge dice or a d6 pool system, to be used with SW? Would be very grateful, TIA! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Timon Heroic

Joined: 21 Feb 2011 Posts: 1088 Location: Haarlem in the Netherlands
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
Welcome to the forums!
Are your players new to RPGs or are they used to a different system?
The dice in SW are rather "swingy" if you are used to some other systems, but that is actually part of the design: it represents the wild luck and crushing misfortune of high adventure. The problem with replacing the dice mechanic is that you then need to revise how skills, attributes and modifiers apply in the game. It changes so many things that you end up with a different game.
Are your players having difficulty knowing what dice to roll, or are they unhappy with the results they get? I assume that you know about the wild die and the use of Bennies.... _________________ Biting! It's like kissing but there's a winner!
The Doctor's Wife |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
LordOrlando Novice
Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 2
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 4:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hello and thanks for the warm Welcome!
Well, after 8 or so sessions thery arent complete newbies anymore. Now they know rpg from WoW Just kidding, they really seem to enjoy p&p,always asking when the next session would be.
But yes, some of them still have troubles finding the right dice, and for some the results feel a bit too random or binary. A sentiment i can understand.
Since im reading a lot on many different rpg systems, i stumbled upon a fate game using a dice step mechanic similar to SW(heck, even the TN is 4!),where fate games usually use fudge dice. I found that fudge dice produce nice bell shaped probability curves,( but are a little bit...boring, you know.)
Anyway, i was wondering if someone has done just that with SW, ie toyed with different mechanics, so i gave it a shot. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
jpk Legendary
Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 2178 Location: Tazewell, East Tennessee, USA
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 4:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
As far as getting the right dice more easily, I'd suggest you go somewhere you can buy individual dice and outfit the table with dice sets that are identical and color-coded. Say all d4s are red, all d6s are blue, all d8s are yellow, and so on.
At that point, it's probably worth it to print the character sheets in color or use highlighters on the die notations on the sheet. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Wiggy Legendary

Joined: 03 Sep 2003 Posts: 5600 Location: TAG me. I dare you!
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jpk wrote: | As far as getting the right dice more easily, I'd suggest you go somewhere you can buy individual dice and outfit the table with dice sets that are identical and color-coded. Say all d4s are red, all d6s are blue, all d8s are yellow, and so on.
|
Seconded. My wife still has problems telling dice apart after years of gaming, so she has different color dice. Only takes a second for me to say "The red one, dear." _________________ Wiggy
Creative Director Triple Ace Games
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
marshal kt Legendary

Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 2403 Location: west palm beach, fl
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 6:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
most of the SW character sheets had th shape of the dice on them.
Just circle the correct shape for the die to roll. _________________ "I'm Hotep" |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Timon Heroic

Joined: 21 Feb 2011 Posts: 1088 Location: Haarlem in the Netherlands
|
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 6:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I introduced a bunch of teenagers to RPG, so my first action was to make them each a present of cool-looking dice. I depends on your budget, but you can get exceedingly attractive dice on-line from, for instance, Q-Workshop.
Though I agree that colour coding can be useful, most people become handy with dice once they have their own set. It is kind of a gamer right of passage and for some a life-long rotten, bad, addiction.
Remember also that you can minimize the rolls they need to make by not having everybody roll notice to hear the funny sound and not letting everyone try to defuse the bomb. _________________ Biting! It's like kissing but there's a winner!
The Doctor's Wife |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
xxlgeeklord Seasoned

Joined: 21 Nov 2011 Posts: 249
|
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 3:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If your players are having problems telling dice apart get them their own dice sets. As the timon said once a player has his own set of dice it becomes like an addiction: a familiar pain.
But seriously, it would probably help. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Bavix Seasoned

Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 111 Location: Indianapolis, IN
|
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
For new players, I also try to limit the dice they have in front of them to the ones they actually need. If their character has no attributes or skills at say d10 or d12, then there's no reason for the player to have those. Heck, I once made some convention characters that used nothing except d6s and d8s. The entire session ran with two dice. _________________
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Other Mike Seasoned

Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 312 Location: Rochester, NY
|
Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 8:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Chuckle, that's good advice for us old time players as well. I usually put away the dice I don't need, just to save space and to keep them from distracting me.  _________________ My delusions of grandeur are way bigger than yours! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|