Chris Rice's suggestion for to-hit rolls

[Chris Rice]

I'd like to thank Skarg for giving some serious attention to the method. I've used it for quite some time and have never noticed any problems with it, but then I'm only playing with a small group of players who're not really rules focussed, so I may be unaware of some obvious flaw.

One thing that's been mentioned is that this method is "not TFT", I'm not sure why anyone would think this. TFT requires a single roll against DX to achieve a hit in combat (for example). This method does exactly the same, but also takes into account the opponents DX using a very simple mathematical model. It's still a single roll against DX.

I don't think it would be necessary for Melee (which I see as a basic introduction to TFT; though it is a game in its own right. But I've found it very useful for the expanded game, especially as an RPG and helps considerably once characters have higher attributes.

I've also used it for Spells. The Wizard in my games compares his IQ to the spell Level IQ. This gives him a modifier to his casting DX. I like this as it seems obvious to me that lower level spells should be easier to cast.

Thanks again Skarg.

[Rick_Smith]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

...
One thing that's been mentioned is that this method is "not TFT", I'm not sure why anyone would think this. TFT requires a single roll against DX to achieve a hit in combat (for example). This method does exactly the same, but also takes into account the opponents DX using a very simple mathematical model. It's still a single roll against DX.
...

Hi Chris,
I try not to post unless I think I am adding something useful to the thread, so I don't make a lot of, "I agree", type posts.

However, I would like to say I do agree with you. Sure this is a TFT variant. We have suggested LOTS of variants, in the forum. And this fixes a key problem in old TFT, so even if someone does not want to use it, I think it is worthy of serious consideration.

Warm regards, Rick.

[JLV]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

...snip...

I've also used it for Spells. The Wizard in my games compares his IQ to the spell Level IQ. This gives him a modifier to his casting DX. I like this as it seems obvious to me that lower level spells should be easier to cast.

Now that's an intriguing idea! I'm going to have to play around with this some!

[GlennDoren]

Ignoring the skill/DX of the defender (relative to the attacker) is probably my biggest issue with TFT (and I still love the game). Frankly, I would LOVE to have an official solution like this to fix this hole (in my opinion, of course) in the system.

And the additional math is negligible--it really is not that much, and would become second nature quickly.

[larsdangly]

There are variants of these ideas that I suspect would work well in play, but let's not forget the all important element of play testing: most of the ideas that come up in 'white room' discussions are not good at the table. I've made enough house rules and fantasy heart breakers to know this from experience!

[Jim Kane]

Originally Posted by larsdangly

There are variants of these ideas that I suspect would work well in play, but let's not forget the all important element of play testing: most of the ideas that come up in 'white room' discussions are not good at the table. I've made enough house rules and fantasy heart breakers to know this from experience!

Well said! And, let us also never forget:

What may work in the confines and isolation during testing on the Melee Arena map, may not translate down In The Labyrinth, where it really matters over the long-term.

JK