Player "rolling" defense

[ThePat]

Guess this is my first post on this forum, so let me open with saying that I feel Novus is a turning out as a great game   Pat

[imported_Rasyr]

Hmmm.. that is definitely something to think about...

I doubt, however, that I would include something like that in the core rules, but I could see doing it or something like it as an official option at some point.

Using the math you provided. If a PC has a DEF of 19 normally, and the NPC has a Attack Bonus of 7, you are saying that the PC's DEF in this instance would be 8 (19 - 11 =

[li]While this reduces rolling for the GM, it increases rolling for the Players, thus doesn't reduce the overall amount of rolling done[/li]
[li]This DOES limit the potential damage that CAN be done to the PC, making the game much less deadly for players overall (since NPCs cannot roll exploding dice using this sort of rule.[/li]
[/list]


Like I said, interesting....[/list]

[ThePat]

The main issues that I see here are...

1.While this reduces rolling for the GM, it increases rolling for the Players, thus doesn't reduce the overall amount of rolling done
2.This DOES limit the potential damage that CAN be done to the PC, making the game much less deadly for players overall (since NPCs cannot roll exploding dice using this sort of rule.

First - thanks for your prompt feedback. Regarding the issues you pointed out:
ad 1. Number of dice rolls stays the same - but this is not the objective of this modification
ad 2. Can't player's roll "implode/explode downwards?" So you could end up with negative test results - in the end the math should be the same and PC can take unlimited potential damage.

[imported_Rasyr]

Yes, player's rolls can explode downwards (i.e. implode), but that implosion has a average maximum limit of -19 or so on the dice, where as for exploding, there is no limit to the potential on how high it can go.

Remember, when dice explode, that means that it rolled 10. When the dice implode, that means it rolled a 1. A 9 point difference between the two...

Some other effects of using such an option are as follows:

1) It becomes increasing unlikely that the NPC will ever get/use any sort of Boon Point for increased or special effects when they make an attack. This option would effectively limit Boon Points to ONLY the PCs. It also eliminates the possibility of the NPC ever fumbling and earning a Snag point...

2) It would require keeping an extra set of numbers for the NPC (the normal DEF and AB for use against the players' attacks AND the modified set for NPCs' attacks).

3) It requires using a different resolution method for NPCs, which kinda breaks the nice "single resolution mechanic" theme Novus was trying exploit.