Alternative rules, largely changes that KJD-MOD, but smaller than KJD-SYS. Where KJD-MOD might change a feat or a spell, and KJD-SYS reworks an entire system, KJD-ALT might provide a feat tree that replaces a set of class abilities (as with my Evasion and Sneak Attack feat groups, or my alternate rules for spell specialization.
Weapon speeds in D&D – expressed as modifiers to initiative rolls – have always bothered me. I was delighted to see them removed in D&D 3.x after having stuck around through AD&D. Real Life In my experience and observation, both of which I will admit are limited but are verified …
I recently posted a description in a comment to a blog post of how I handle experience and level gains that I thought I should include on my own site. In considering how to write it, I realized it might be worth exploring a few other models of character development …
In considering how to handle ‘fatal blows’, specifically how to cause a particular death blow, I wanted to find a way to target specific body parts. I can see cases where a particular killing blow would be useful (staking a vampire or decapitating it both come to mind). I believe …
In looking at the current monster types, I see a number of cases where the differences between types are fairly small. I think several of these may be merged, reducing the number of monster types in the game.
All clerics in a RAW game can either Turn Undead or Rebuke Undead. This doesn’t seem right to me because it seems to me that not all settings or religions would put enough emphasis on undead to make it relevant. Also, I don’t really like the way turning works — …
A focus and specialization feat tree is used to make a character better at two aspects of a particular ability. These improved abilities apply to a subset of items the character is proficient with, such as a particular type of armor, a particular type of weapon, or a particular school …
Saving for half damage is nice, but avoiding all the damage is nicer yet.
These feats allow you to do additional damage to opponents who are unable to defend themselves effectively, by striking a vital spot. Your character does additional damage any time your opponent is denied Dexterity bonus to AC. Only creatures susceptible to critical hits (living creatures with discernible anatomies) are subject …
This article describes a variant of the Vitality and Wound Points rules from Unearthed Arcana Chapter 4: Adventuring. In considering how to synthesize d20 and HERO system, I considered various hit point and damage models. Vitality and wound points look like they come close, with some modifications. Definitions Vitality points …