How to Bring Concentration Back (NEW RULES)

[quest-master]

Okay, so Concentration was dumped for being a useless skill that became an unnecessary drain on spellcaster skill points. That doesn't mean it couldn't be useful though.

I'm definitely not suggesting bringing it back for the loss-of-spell rules. I also believe those should be caster-level based rather than Spellcraft based otherwise Spellcraft becomes an unnecessary drain on all non-Int based spellcasters. A sorceror doesn't need to know how her magic works, just practice how she does it.

Concentration is already used for certain classes, prestige classes and items so bringing it back would increase compatibility with splatbooks.

The question is how do we make it useful without the original pain-in-the-ass use for it?

Here are a few ideas for using Concentration checks:

a. Remain conscious when brought to and while at 0 or less hit points.
b. Replace the Autohynosis skill (see Psionics section of SRD) in which case use Wis instead of Con for the check.
c. Replace Constitution checks for prolonged strenuous activity such as running. This is the difference between an olympic athlete (athletics skills) and an olympic marathon athlete (athletics skills + Concentration).
d. Use as an optional replacement for environmental Fortitude saves (ex. heat). Players can choose whether to use their skill bonus or their save bonus.
e. Become a balancing mechanic to maintain or shake off telepathic effects. Getting hit with a confusion spell for example could give you a chance to act normally on a successful Wis-based Concentration check (making the check each turn to maintain your focus). Hideous Laughter is another spell that could (probably should) be balanced with this.

What do you guys think? Would this work? Are there any more ways you can think of to make Concentration worth bringng back?

[Mortagon]

quest-master wrote:

Okay, so Concentration was dumped for being a useless skill that became an unnecessary drain on spellcaster skill points. That doesn't mean it couldn't be useful though.

I'm definitely not suggesting bringing it back for the loss-of-spell rules. I also believe those should be caster-level based rather than Spellcraft based otherwise Spellcraft becomes an unnecessary drain on all non-Int based spellcasters. A sorceror doesn't need to know how her magic works, just practice how she does it.

Concentration is already used for certain classes, prestige classes and items so bringing it back would increase compatibility with splatbooks.

The question is how do we make it useful without the original pain-in-the-ass use for it?

Here are a few ideas for using Concentration checks:

a. Remain conscious when brought to and while at 0 or less hit points.
b. Replace the Autohynosis skill (see Psionics section of SRD) in which case use Wis instead of Con for the check.
c. Replace Constitution checks for prolonged strenuous activity such as running. This is the difference between an olympic athlete (athletics skills) and an olympic marathon athlete (athletics skills + Concentration).
d. Use as an optional replacement for environmental Fortitude saves (ex. heat). Players can choose whether to use their skill bonus or their save bonus.
e. Become a balancing mechanic to maintain or shake off telepathic effects. Getting hit with a confusion spell for example could give you a chance to act normally on a successful Wis-based Concentration check (making the check each turn to maintain your focus). Hideous Laughter is another spell that could (probably should) be balanced with this.

What do you guys think? Would this work? Are there any more ways you can think of to make Concentration worth bringng back?

I've been thinking about something similar. By using caster level as a base this would benefit full casters the most and multiclass "gish" builds would suffer slightly, although this would be mostly fixed with the combat casting feat. Here is what I got so far (which is in no way complete, but a start.)

Concentration, alternative system

Caster level/Manifester level check + relevant spellcasting modifier (int for wizards, wis for clerics etc.)

Combat casting grants +4 to caster level checks for this purpose

Casting defensively: DC=10 + Spell level + 2 For each opponent that threatens you

In a grapple: DC= Opponents Cmb+spell level

Against damage: DC 10+damage taken+Spell level

Vigorous motion DC 15+Spell level etc.

[Matthew Morris]

Actually concentration was dumped because it touched Jason in the swimsuit area (per Origins 2008)

I think it's spellcraft that needs to go bye-bye, and autohypnosis should be rolled into concentration.

Oh, and there's a lovely bit of concentration vs spellcraft in Small Favour. Harry's having Molly work on holding a spell while the rest of her family pelts her with snowballs. The spell's up and running, it's, well, concentrating on it while being hit by snowballs that takes the effort.