| Tom_Kalbfus |
Suppose we created an RPG that was like Pathfinder, compatible with it and 3.5, but one based in the classic space science fiction milieu, what would it be like? Basically I'm looking for improvements over the D20 Modern/Future rules, make them like Pathfinder/D&D 3.5 could be a subset of them meshing the rules perfectly together without the need for conversion from one set or rules to the other or fudging.
One idea is that modern/futuristic weapons should have a penetration factor that discounts armor ratings by a certain amount. If the opposing character is not wearing armor, then there is no armor factor and penetration does not apply. but when armor is worn then the penetration factor acts a bonus to hit for not more than the total armor factor of the opponent, thus if the armor factor is 6 and the penetration factor is 4, then the character using the weapon gets a +4 to hit, If however the armor factor is 3, and the penetration factor is 6, for instance, then the weapon user only gets a +3 to hit as 3 factor points is all the weapon can deduct with its penetration factor.
Futuristic armors typically have better armor factors than he medeval types.
I prefer to avoid fancy names for science fiction character classes. I don't see why you can't have a Fighter, or a Rogue in a science fiction setting, Barbarians fit into science fiction settings as well, they go in unaltered. Now with the Cleric and the Wizard, we have to find suitable substitutes. Clerics are generally healers, so we could have a character class called Doctor for instance. The Wizard converts to Engineer.
So now we have the Character Classes Fighter, Rogue, Barbarian, Doctor, and Engineer. We don't really need anything else. What do these science fiction characters do? They basically kill monsters and take their treasure, much as their fantasy counterparts do, and they gain experience points and gain levels, but there's no magic in this setting, instead we have technology. Typical technology is rayguns, and spaceships.
So lets mirror the various elements:
Fighter = Fighter
Barbarian = Barbarian
Rogue = Rogue
Wizard = Engineer
Cleric = Doctor
Horse = Spaceship
Crossbow = Raygun
Monster = Alien
Undead/Construct = Robot
So what do you think?