Libram Novus #8 -- Opinions Wanted...

[imported_Rasyr]

I am working on Libram Novus #8, and wanted to get some opinions on a new option that I am planning on including...

The option is basically called "Critical Damage".

In short, hit points are basically pain/bruising damage (i.e. you cannot die from going too low on hits, only unconscious). Boon Points would be used to do Critical Damage (i.e. 1 Boon Point == 1 point of Critical Damage, and 1 point of CD = -1 Con at the moment - see below)

Opinions Wanted for the following:

Instead of Con, should I create a Life Points stat?
Should Life Points be equal to Con?
Should Life Points be something along the lines of "5 + Con Bonus" (I am leaning towards this, as it would allow for potential 1-shot kills on average people if the roll is good enough)
Should I allow for Saving throws to prevent the character from taking this Critical/Life Point Damage?

I want to hear your thoughts.. (and remember, this would be for an OPTION, not any sort of change to the core rules).

[Fidoric]

My first thought is that critical hits may be hard to achieve if you keep the 10 points above TN as per core rules.
I am not sure I understand your intent well with Life Points. If you give an average joe 5+Co bonus=5 LP, it is very hard to kill him with one strike as this would require 5 boon points. IIRC, for 5 boon points Under core rules, you can have an instant kill effect too.
IMO, such an option would be useful to make a deadlier combat system. Maybe you could consider a fixed amount of critical damage by weapon (1for small weapons, 2 for medium, 3 for large ?).
Saves may come from the armor you wear. I mean, rather than make a Con Save for example, you could roll and add you AR or something like that, thus making heavy armors predious assets.

Those are my first reactions. I haven't take time to think this through. 

[imported_Rasyr]

Some very good suggestions there...

[Trentin Bergeron]

1) You should always enhance Novus so new rules are optional. So I would keep hit points just as is and called hit points. You can "re-skin" them via description (hit points represent your ability to avoid being hit and stay up in combat and stressful situations...).

2) I think you should enhance the existing boon point options for Combat Boons. These would function exactly like a "critical" (Boons are basically a critical, yes?). There should be options based on the number of Boon Points spent.

Example;

Lasting Wounds = a wound that takes longer to heal than basic HP damage. Characters suffering from a Lasting Wound have all base difficulties increased by one step (Average becomes Hard, or Hard becomes Challenging). If a TN is already specified, it is increased by 5. The healing times stated can be reduced by half (min one day) if the character rests and is attended by a skilled healer. If the character embarks on normal adventuring, the rest period doesn't take affect (you have to wait the full time listed to be healed).

1BP = Your attack inflicts a lasting wound that takes 3 days to heal.
2BP = Your attack inflicts a lasting wound that takes 1 week to heal.
3BP = Your attack inflicts a lasting wound that takes 2 weeks to heal.
4BP = Your attack inflicts a lasting wound that takes 1 month to heal.
5BP = Your attack inflicts a lasting wound that takes 3 months to heal.

Gritty but doesn't ruin the character.