I wrote wargame rules where the dice changed more than the numbers. If you rolled a 4 or higher, you hit (this number is modified by cover and range, the harder the shot is the higher this number is). Different weapons use different dice, basic rifle d6, heavy weapon d10, ect. the best part about this system was you could have a squad of guys with all different weapons and have them shoot the same target, then roll all the different dice and immediately know how many hit and who.
A different kind of die modifier
Sun, 05/08/2005 - 20:40
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 02:35
#1
A different kind of die modifier
I tihnk I understand what you're saying. A +1 modifier would mean "Use the next biggest die" instead of "add 1 to your roll".
The purpose is to make it easy to tell at a glance which rolls were successful. No lookup charts, no math. You have a target number (4 in the previous post) and you roll dice depending on the unit/weapon and modifiers. Anything that meets/exceeds the target number is a hit!
Not a bad idea. So what can be done with this? What game system could be simplified with this system? And most importantly, have you looked at what this system does to the probabilities of hitting? For example, if the target number is 4, a d4 has a 25% chance of hitting, a d6 has a 50% chance, a d8 has a 63% chance of hitting, and a d10 has 70% chance of hitting (etc)
If you had to EXCEED the target number, then the chances of success are as follows (target = 4)
d4 0%
d6 33%
d8 50%
d10 60%
Which one fits the theme better depends on the game. It's probably better to say "exceed" so some dice simply won't be able to hit. Like if you're shooting at an airplane flying by, a pistol shouldn't have any chance of success. An Anti-Aircraft gun would have some chance, and a Surface to Air missile might have a better chance. Maybe this means that the target number for the plane is 4, the Pistol is a d4 weapon, the Anti-Aircraft gun is d6, and the STA Missile is d8.
- Seth
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 05:37
#2
A different kind of die modifier
I too like this idea. It's a simple mechanic, makes it easy to see the total number of hits in a glance (especially if all "to hit" numbers for the different units are the same), and I think people like the idea of rolling different shaped dice.
I think the math will work out a little better if the "to hit" number was always a 6, and the "worst" die was a d6. This would give you:
D6: 1 out of 6 = 16.7%
D8: 3 out of 8 = 37.5%
D10: 5 out of 10 = 50%
D12: 7 out of 12 = 58.3%
Nice. Good job.
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 06:12
#4
A different kind of die modifier
This is the exact mechanism used by the Ground Zero Games (www.gzg.com) range of wargames, including StargruntII and DirtsideII.
The type of dice you roll (D4,D6,D8,D10, D12,D20) is modified up or down by, firer stance, range, unit quality, suppression, and weight of fire etc. The enemy gets to roll defensive dice, based on his armour and any cover, and any of your dice rolls that beat his cause damage.
Its an excellent system, especially since they use coloured dice, which are reflected on the counters that represent unit quality etc, making for a quick visual indicator of what kinds of dice you need to roll.
#Phil
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 07:29
#5
A different kind of die modifier
Brahmulus wrote:
Also, if i am following this right, not sure how I feel about needing a 6 on a d6 to hit a simple infantry man even with my *worst* weapon (dice)
Perhaps if you were fighting with your bare hands?
Quote:
The type of dice you roll (D4,D6,D8,D10, D12,D20) is modified up or down by, firer stance, range, unit quality, suppression, and weight of fire etc. The enemy gets to roll defensive dice, based on his armour and any cover, and any of your dice rolls that beat his cause damage.
Ah, this is why I dislike most wargames. You got this excellent little combat system and then mess it up by throwing all kinds of modifiers in the mix to make it more "realistic".
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 07:44
#6
A different kind of die modifier
Yeh, nothing made easy eh?
Its a solid system, and it does indeed make rolling for multiple weapons/attacks etc dead straight forward. I dont think my description is totally accurate/clear to be fair!
#Phil
Mon, 05/09/2005 - 12:58
#8
A different kind of die modifier
I'm down, lets see 'em.
Intrigued.
A couple things...
What if a squad has all the same weapons, a large group of infantry with rifles, that quickly clips the nifty little identifying feature.
Also, if i am following this right, not sure how I feel about needing a 6 on a d6 to hit a simple infantry man even with my *worst* weapon (dice)
just sayin'