Tinkering

This Bastionland Editorial was originally sent as a reward to all Patreon supporters, and is released freely on this site a week after its original publication.

If you want to support my blog, podcasts, and video content then head over to my Patreon.

-----------------------------

Just some disjointed ideas today. Messing around with something ITO/EB based. Presented without any further context.

UNREADY: Characters who are caught unprepared, helpless, or  off-guard are Unready, and have 0hp until they ready themselves. Traps usually catch their victims Unready.

BULKY: Bulky weapons require two hands to wield. Anybody carrying 3 or more bulky items is considered Unready.

BURDENS: Characters can acquire Burdens on their soul. These count as a Bulky item. 

RECOVERY: HP is Refreshed by a moment of calm, wiping away the mud and blood. Ability Scores are Restored by a full week of recuperation under warm hospitality. Burdens are Relieved by completing a Quest or taking full season of reflection or indulgence. Other opportunities for recovery may present themselves but carry a cost. 

THE UPPER HAND: Where one side gains an advantage, the Referee grants the most appropriate bonus: +d6: Petty gambit (thrown dust) +d8: Tactical exploit (defensible position) +d10: Ruthless ploy (disarmed target) +d12: Overwhelming force (demon blood)

DIRE STROKE: Before rolling, an attacker can declare a Dire Stroke, making a brutal and ruthless assault. They gain +d10 to their attack but take a Burden. If they shatter their weapon in the process, increase this to +d12.

CATCHING BLOW: When an armed, clawed, or adequately monstrous attacker rolls the maximum possible number on any of their damage die they strike a Catching Blow. The effect depends on whether the attack is Evaded, causes a Scar, Wound, or a Critical Wound. 

EVADED - The target is driven onto their back or into a disadvantageous position. 
SCARRED - The target is enraged and gets +d10 to their next attack.
WOUNDED - The target bleeds, losing a further d6 STR at the end of their next turn unless they stop the flow. 
CRITICAL - The target is slain in a most bloody manner. 

SHATTERED ARMOUR: A combatant can automatically pass a STR Save to avoid a Critical Wound if they declare their shield or armour to be shattered beyond use. This must be declared before the Save is rolled.