So let’s go over some issues you’ve probably noticed about Opposed Roll Combat (O.R.C.). Here’s some questions I think you’re asking:
- So what about creatures with a natural armor class from tough hide, scales, etc? You can do one of two things. First the easy way. Just keep the A.C. and proceed as normal. Two, give them an A.R. based on their A.C. For example, a medium Basilisk has a +7 to its armor class due to thick, spiny hide. You can use that +7 to give it the same basic stats as half plate armor. The only difference is that it doesn’t have a maximum number of damage points it can absorb. Every time the basilisk is hit, the GM would roll 7d10 and subtract that amount from the damage. Luckily, the basilisk can neither parry nor block (unless the GM wanted it to be able to block using its tail…something I wouldn’t do) and since it has a -1 DEX bonus, it can barely dodge. It’s a lot easier to hit, but damn difficult to really cut into.
- How do you repair armor? It’s going to need constant maintenance, especially the light armors. Good question. The skill Craft, with a specialization in Armor, can be used during rest times to patch holes, fix tears, etc. The DC for tasks such as this would be equal to 10 plus the old Armor Class of the armor. For example, splint mail had an A.C. of +6, so the DC to repair it would be equal to 10+6, or 16. If the roll is successful, the person fixing the armor rolls 1d8 per rank of Craft and adds that back to the A.R. This task can be completed in just a few hours, or a “short rest” time period.
- How do you parry monster (X)’s attack? This would have to be up to the GM, on a case by case basis, but generally if the creature has a weapon, or a natural weapon that is used like a hand held weapon (like claws on its hand), then a parry would be appropriate. You might not be able to parry a large tail attack, but I don’t think a block would be out of the question.
That’s all I can think of right now. I will cover magical repairs soon… I’m sure there’s already some spell or spells out there for fixing stuff, I just gotta figure out how to apply them to O.R.C.
Any ideas?
