Inspired by "Prince of Redhand" and delvesdeep's treatment of the Demonskar Ball, I've been working on something similar for my homebrew campaign.
One of the things I wanted to feature was billiards, but I'm not sure how to go about building the mechanics of shooting pool.
A simple opposed check of Profession (gambler) is unsatisfying, but I don't want to overburden the session with an endless series of rolls.
What I've come up with so far is a game of 9-ball (to reduce the amount of time needed to play a round).
A Spot check is made to find the best shot available, the higher the Spot check roll, the easier it is to sink a ball.
Shooting takes the form of an attack roll, the AC of the target determined by the results of the Spot check above. The AC rating of the shot takes into account the distance, proximity of the ball to a pocket, etc. without the DM having to figure out where the cue ball is in relation to the other balls in play.
Critical hits allow a second attack roll, potentially sinking another ball.
Levels in Profession (gambler) allow a synergy bonus to Spot checks, reflecting a gambler's expert eye on lining up her shot. Similarly, Profession (gambler) grants a bonus to hit as well as increasing the threat range for critical hits.
Those with Profession (gambler) skill can also attempt a trick shot (DC 35), which allows two attack rolls, either of which will sink a ball if a hit is rolled.
That's the nutshell form of what I have. Please, let me know what you think. Comments, suggestions, and the like are welcome.
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What I've come up with so far is a game of 9-ball (to reduce the amount of time needed to play a round).
A Spot check is made to find the best shot available, the higher the Spot check roll, the easier it is to sink a ball.
In my opinion,after the first shot its all about where you leave the cue ball, especially in 9 ball. Its a game of setting up the next shot. In keeping with that maybe the difference between the number needed to hit and the actual roll can somehow be used. This could give you how well your leave was, making the next shot easier by that much.
Same mechanic could be used for hooks i'm guessing
Sounds like you have a good thng going, best of luck.
That's the nutshell form of what I have. Please, let me know what you think. Comments, suggestions, and the like are welcome.
By every 5 that they beat the AC of their shot, you should award them a bonus (probably +1) on the next shot's spot check.
I would also suggest using ranks in spot, but with an Intelligence modifier as opposed to wisdom, to better show the sheer logic necessary to line up the angles.
-c
Here's a few things that I would do:
1. Spot is generally a reactive skill. Search is an active skill, and in my opinion is a better skill for finding the best shot, since your typical billiards player walks around the table and surveys the area of play from different angles. That's really not what the Spot skill does.
2. You should forgo the attack roll in favor of a simple Profession (gambler) check, setting a standard DC for sinking a ball, and a more difficult DC for trick shots. While the attack roll seems cool, your rules neglect many of the basic principles of the game. This is okay by me, but your players might react negatively when told that their Dexterity doesn't have an impact on the shot, nor does their Base Attack Bonus (though you know them better than me).
I've heard (though I'm no expert) that if you can't line up a good shot in a billiards match that it's a good stategy to put the cue ball in a bad location for your opponent. You might represent this with a basic roll, with no chance of sinking a ball, but every point over 10 you roll is added to the next players roll to sink a ball.