20 Questions About My Games

My answers to 20 quick questions about how I run my games

Ability scores generation method?
3d6 in order or Diceless, depending on system
http://strangemagic.robertsongames.com/2009/11/diceless-character-creation-for-classic.html

How are death and dying handled?
Characters reduced to 0 Stamina Points by a non-lethal attack are knocked unconscious for the remainder of the fight. If a character is at 0 Stamina Points after being hit by a lethal attack they roll on a table to see what happens...

What about raising the dead?
Wishing the Dead back to life?  Are you sure you want to do that? :)

How are replacement PCs handled?

Take over an NPC (retainer) or we work in the replacement between sessions.

Initiative: individual, group, or something else?

Higher level (or hit dice) characters act first. Or something else depending on the system.

Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work?

I don't like critical fumbles -- they happen too often. "Double damage" or Max damage on a natural 20 in some systems. Usually not though.

Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?

If green slime drips on your head you sure do! A hat might do the same thing.

Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly?


Yes. If you shoot and miss you might end up shooting your friend.

Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything?

RUN!

http://strangemagic.robertsongames.com/2010/10/running-from-monsters.html
http://strangemagic.robertsongames.com/2010/10/more-running-from-monsters.html
http://strangemagic.robertsongames.com/2010/10/when-players-dont-know-to-run.html

Level-draining monsters: yes or no?

Don't stop to ask that! Keep running!

Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death?

Yes. d6 damage when you have 3 hit points is about the same as a 50/50 save.

How strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked?

Not strictly, but if you try and bring along heavy armour and gear you won't be able to run very fast. That'd be a bad thing. Light sources are tracked strictly.

What's required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time? What do I get experience for?

Characters gain levels and abilities between sessions. Spells may need to be discovered on adventures.
Either 1 session = 1 level, or the XP system of the game we're playing. (eg. B/X)

How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination?

If you describe how you search for something and it would located the trap -- you find it. There may be a dice roll to see if character luck / skill finds it at the last minute.

Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work?


Retainers are definitely enouraged for genres where they make sense. Dogs and animals will act appropriately and have more realistic stats (no 2HD retainers that work for free)

How do I identify magic items?

Testing and/or research (aka someone else does the testing)

Can I buy magic items?


In a fantasy RPG you might be able to buy minor magic items - potions, talismans, charms and similar things.

Can I create magic items? When and how?

If you're really high level... but you probably won't get there. You're too busy thinking about making magic items and not busy enough running.

What about splitting the party?

It'll probably slow things down and you'll end up outnumbered... but if everyone is okay with it, you can.