New RP System

[Error 420]

I have come up with a concept for an RP system, similar to D&D but not really at all. The working title is Energybender, because of the magic system. But I'm getting ahead of myself. The system only has d6 to simplify things, and every character has three stats, Mind, Charm, and Strength (nothing original thus far, hang on with me) and they dictate play. Classes aren't really a thing, there's just Fighters and Casters. Casters do get stronger over time, but fighters get better through better equipment and through learning things over time.

Fighters have bonuses on their strength-related skills, which I'll detail later. They also do lots of bonus damage with weapons or fighting styles they are proficient in.

Casters use magic, which in Energybender, is the pure expression of energy. They tap into an unknown realm of pure energy and manipulate it. There are three kinds of energy manipulation: Summoning, Destruction, and Life. Summoning is the creation of matter. Destruction is the release of energy as a weapon. Life is the manipulation of life, including healing, mind manipulation, and necromancy. Casters have a limited amount of energy they can use in a day but are not limited to a simple list of spells. They can use anything they can think of within their realm of casting at the cost of energy, to the DM's discretion.

The main strength in non-magic combat comes from proficiency. Through training or other means, you become adept at a weapon, skill, or strategy, such as longswords, grappling, or swimming. These can only be unlearned through very specific magic that simple casters cannot do.

Skill checks are not for every time a skill is challenged, only for when there is a very low chance of success. 3d6 are rolled, and the goal is to get under a certain threshold. Under 10 is easy, Under 7 is moderate, and under 5 is hard. Modifiers for these skills are based on your three stats. These stats (Charm, Strength, and Mind) can be rolled for or bought however, with a 10 being average for a human, 0 being minimum and 20 being maximum. They work like D&D.

The skills list so far would be
Strength:
Movement (swimming, climbing, running), Evasion (dodging), and Endurance (pain tolerance)

Charm:
Deception, Insight, and Diplomacy.

Mind:
Investigation (learning more about the environment), Intuition (knowing about what path to take), and Knowledge.

I don't have numbers figured out yet and I haven't gotten around to playtesting, but I was wondering if I could get some outside feedback.

 

[AlecTheTransPrince]

This is his friend typing while he watches.... He saw D&D and got really, really excited.

 

[Error 420]

I've built an example first version sheet for a non-caster here. Sheet 1 is blank, sheet 2 is the example.

I've decided to just use D&D 5e items and non-skill proficiencies, maybe as placeholders, maybe not. It doesn't have a lot of important stuff yet,

More elaboration:
I've decided to stick with a d20 roll on skill checks and not the 3d6. Although that may be more realistic, it's much more fun to have plenty of randomness.

The three base stats add up to zero in any way the player chooses, no higher than +10 and no lower than -10. A zero represents average human ability.

The three base stats are used for just more than their related skills. In game, the stat is a tool for the DM to decide when it is appropriate to ask for a skill roll. A +5 mind player probably won't need to roll to see if they can investigate who stole cookies from a cookie jar, while a -10 strength character will have to roll in order to properly open a door.

Characters will be proficient in certain skills. They usually start the game with two skills they are proficient in and add their proficiency modifier (+2 at first level) to those skill checks.

Proficiencies are a spooky territory for those used to hard and fast rules and mechanics. Proficiencies are based around the character's backstory and what they learn in game. They do have a specific mechanical effect, but it is solely up to the DM and the player to decide what proficiencies the character should have.

Combat, with some possible differences, will be most likely very similar to 5e.

If you have any feedback or ideas that would be lovely.