phantomdoodler
Mongoose
This idea is based on the Freeway Warrior books. It adds a level of customization to character generation. In addition to Disciplines, which are class specific powers, every character has five Adventuring skills, which all characters have, to some extent.
Awareness (searching, lip reading, spot ambush)
Knowledge (remembering facts, speaking languages, reading and writing)
Persuasion (charm, intimidation, calming or controlling animals)
Stealth (sneaking, hiding, disguise)
Thievery (picking pockets, streetwise, lockpicking)
Each character starts with 15 Skill Points between their Adventuring skills, with each having rating from 0 to 9. Each time a character gains a new rank, they also gain a Skill point.
When making a Skill test, pick a random number, adding one of the characters adventurer skills points. This may be increased by any Discipline bonuses that apply. The total is compared to the test difficulty chosen by the Gm, typically 8 or 9.
For example, Bright Fox, a 5th Rank Kai Lord, is about sneak up on an opponent. The Gm rules that this requires Stealth test, and as the tunnel is brightly lit, and the guard is watching carefully, its going to require a difficulty of 11. Bright Fox has Stealth 4, and the Camourflage Discipline, so his player picks a number and adds 6. Fortunately they pick a 6, for a total of 12 - enough to just sneak by without being seen. Bright Fox says a silent prayer of thanks to Kai, and moves on.
Disciplines modify these values as follows:
Kai Disciplines
Animal Kinship: Add Bonus to all Persuasion and Knowledge tests involving animals.
Camouflage: Add Bonus to all Stealth tests when hiding, moving silently or trying to act like a native.
Healing: Add Bonus to all Knowledge tests involving medicinal drugs, herbs and potions.
Hunting: Add Bonus to all Stealth tests involving stalking prey, and Knowledge tests involving animals.
Tracking: Add Bonus to all Awareness tests when following tracks
Awareness (searching, lip reading, spot ambush)
Knowledge (remembering facts, speaking languages, reading and writing)
Persuasion (charm, intimidation, calming or controlling animals)
Stealth (sneaking, hiding, disguise)
Thievery (picking pockets, streetwise, lockpicking)
Each character starts with 15 Skill Points between their Adventuring skills, with each having rating from 0 to 9. Each time a character gains a new rank, they also gain a Skill point.
When making a Skill test, pick a random number, adding one of the characters adventurer skills points. This may be increased by any Discipline bonuses that apply. The total is compared to the test difficulty chosen by the Gm, typically 8 or 9.
For example, Bright Fox, a 5th Rank Kai Lord, is about sneak up on an opponent. The Gm rules that this requires Stealth test, and as the tunnel is brightly lit, and the guard is watching carefully, its going to require a difficulty of 11. Bright Fox has Stealth 4, and the Camourflage Discipline, so his player picks a number and adds 6. Fortunately they pick a 6, for a total of 12 - enough to just sneak by without being seen. Bright Fox says a silent prayer of thanks to Kai, and moves on.
Disciplines modify these values as follows:
Kai Disciplines
Animal Kinship: Add Bonus to all Persuasion and Knowledge tests involving animals.
Camouflage: Add Bonus to all Stealth tests when hiding, moving silently or trying to act like a native.
Healing: Add Bonus to all Knowledge tests involving medicinal drugs, herbs and potions.
Hunting: Add Bonus to all Stealth tests involving stalking prey, and Knowledge tests involving animals.
Tracking: Add Bonus to all Awareness tests when following tracks
