Re: (TFT) Re: TFT Digest V3 #643

[Peter von Kleinsmid <pvk@oz.net>]

At 10:19 PM 12/29/04 -0500, Sethkimmel@aol.com wrote:
> ... I don't know how this can be quantified except maybe as an optional die
> roll after damage; oh, say 1=character passes out -- 2-5=character reacts 
> as per standard ITL rules -- 6=character goes berserk and ignores damage 
> results
> until fight is over...

For one approach, see GURPS, where characters may have a variety of 
relevant traits such as:

Low Pain Threshold
High Pain Threshold
Berserker

and some others added later. Additionally, GURPS has various rules which 
make reactions to injuries unpredictable:

* Taking over half damage in one turn requires a health (in TFT, ST) roll 
or fall down.

* Being knocked backwards requires a DX roll to keep footing.

* Characters can take up to 6 times their ST-like stat before being 
automatically dead. After 1 times that stat, they get to roll each turn to 
keep fighting.

* Characters can be stunned by damage, but this effect goes away if the 
character makes a health roll.

Etc.

In TFT, the effects are more automatic, though again, the Berserk rules 
allow them to be ignored, and is another way to take into account some 
psychological effects. Generally, TFT fans who disdain GURPS don't want to 
add more die rolls. However, as much as I personally enjoy adding complex 
mechanics, I would point out that sometimes you can add a modifier like the 
-2 and -3 DX penalties from wounds in TFT, and the final net result can 
turn out to be very similar to the results you'd get from a more complex 
system. I.e., the DX penalties add a chance that a wounded figure will be 
messed up due to wounds, while leaving a chance they'll hit anyway. The 
chances of the two kinds of end results are still there - if the proposed 
system is just going to add a random chance not based on anything, it may 
as well just keep the existing modifiers, and let players interpret them 
however they like.

PvK
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