Basic to Advanced conversion using templates

[hcobb]

My suggestion is to have an Advanced system that floats on top of the Basic system with minimal effort.

In addition to the attribute points have say four talent slots each hero starts with (additional slots can be taken by expending attribute points of course.)

To convert a Basic Warrior or Mage to Advanced just apply a template that will soak up the initial talent slots to produce exactly the same effects in Advanced as that character had in Basic. (At least for arena combat.)

There are other templates for rogues, clerics, monks, etc., but all templates are optional and any player can design an Advanced character from scratch, balancing off attributes, talents and skills as needed.

Advanced would also have a broader range of Techniques. Each Technique gives a list of prerequisites (talents, skills, attribute minimums, etc.) and any special notes. Any character can attempt any technique at any time. For each missing prerequisite they are at minus four to the roll and their fumble chance advances by one.

Wizard lacking sword skill, melee weapons talent, off-hand weapon talent, and dual weapons talent attempts to strike with two broadswords at the same time. For the main hand he's down three prerequisites for -12 to DX to hit and fumble at (18 -3) or 15 or higher on the roll. For the off hand he's down four prerequisites for -16 to DX to hit and fumble at (18 -4) or 14 or higher on the roll.