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Has anyone thought of using the 2e hero point system in a 1e game? I'm looking at running the Tyrant's Grasp AP next and I really want to lean into the survival horror aspect. From what I've read from reviews, campaign journals, and actual play podcasts, the first 2 books especially can be a grind.
I want a mechanic that the players won't hoard to the very end of the campaign (like mine did with the harrow points from Carrion Crown). In that respect the 2e hero points are great. You start with 1 each session, can gain a max of 3, and you lose them at the end if you don't use them.
In focusing on horror, I want to use rules from Horror Adventures so I'd like the 2e style hero points to do a little more than just provide a reroll or save from imminent death. But I don't want the laundry list of options from the 1e APG hero points.
Gaining the hero points will be much like 2e. One to start, then one each hour of play if a PC exhibits some excellent RP, attempts a deed of greatrenown, skill, or bravery, tempts fate and succeeds through extraordinary luck they gain 1 hero point. They can also earn a hero point when they roleplay into the horror of the adventure or otherwise take in-character actions that show they are reacting to a horrific trigger.
So what else would be a good option to spend hero points on besides a reroll or saving your skin? Reducing a madness (sanity rules) from greater to lesser perhaps?
--Vrocky Horror
Just keep in mind that anything you add to make the game easier will.... make the game easier. And that will very likely reduce the impact of the horror you are trying to generate.
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Just keep in mind that anything you add to make the game easier will.... make the game easier. And that will very likely reduce the impact of the horror you are trying to generate.
The horror comes more from the atmosphere and the situations the Players will experience rather than the bare bones hp, ability, or sanity damage their characters suffer.
That being said part of me wants to give some mythic tiers along the way so when they actually face the Whispering Tyrant (unlike the bait and switch they faced in Carrion Crown) they will be able to actually participate in the combat without immediately becoming roadkill.
I'm also recommending they make 3 characters, just in case!
--Vrocky Horror
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Has anyone thought of using the 2e hero point system in a 1e game? I'm looking at running the Tyrant's Grasp AP next and I really want to lean into the survival horror aspect. From what I've read from reviews, campaign journals, and actual play podcasts, the first 2 books especially can be a grind.
I can confirm that the first two books don't really pull any punches. I am nearing the end of the 2nd book (as a player) and the kinds of creatures and challenges we come across are NOT to be trifled with. I'm talking some instant freaking death effects that only slightly care about your level and the DCs are a BIT too high even if you were properly geared for them (hint: you are not).
I want a mechanic that the players won't hoard to the very end of the campaign (like mine did with the harrow points from Carrion Crown). In that respect the 2e hero points are great. You start with 1 each session, can gain a max of 3, and you lose them at the end if you don't use them.
Using what I call 'meta-game currency' like hero points doesn't really unbalance the game. It generally gives to an average of +5 to whatever roll you used it on.
So what else would be a good option to spend hero points on besides a reroll or saving your skin? Reducing a madness (sanity rules) from greater to lesser perhaps?
Re-roll and saving of skin is pretty much all you'd need it for.
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I am not a big fan of the "1 point per session" approach. Desperate or sneaky players might do their best to shorten the session or prolong dangerless situations (like intraparty RP), once they are out of hero points. Especially after they got hit hard from the AP's creatures in previous sessions. Rather I'd go with the 1e approach of "1 point per level" - more bookkeeping, less empowerment (for good or bad) and little chance to exploit.
Anyway, hero points don't necessarily undermine survival horror. The knowledge that your PC barely evaded death is nearly as horrifying as PC death itself, and the horror is strengthened by the fact that you are now out of hero points, not knowing whether you will need them again (too) soon.