Character generation is similar to most D20 systems. You role 3d6 (three six-sided dice), six times to determine your Ability Scores; Charisma, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Strength and Wisdom. Players start at 'Level 0', similar to in Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC).
Classes
The class system is similar to AD&D and DCC, where you are a human or a non-human race. The classes in LotFP are [human] Cleric, Fighter, Magic-User, and Specialist. The other races, called 'demi-humans' are Elf, Halfling, and Dwarf. As in every other D20 system each class has a certain die (hit dice/HD) that they role to determine health points (HP). Each time a player levels up they role the proper hit dice. Though in LotFP, after level ten each class adds a fixed HP value for every level afterwards.
LotFP has a unique saving throw mechanic. Instead of having individual saving throws for spells and items, each class has its own set of Saving Throw DCs (Difficulty Check). These categories are: Paralyzation, Poison, Breath Weapon, Magical Device, and Magic.
- Paralyzation covers any effect where the target is unable to move (like a Hold Person, or Web spell).
- Poison is for any situation where HP is irrelevant, and where a fail could result in unconsciousness or death.
- Breath Weapon is used for area of effects.
- Magical Device is for when the target is being effected of a magical item, such as a wand, ring, staff, etc.
- Magic is resistance against spells or magical abilities.
I'm not sure how I feel about this set of rules just yet.
Alignment
Alignment is not as stark black and white as in other systems. You have only three alignments to choose from, Lawful, Chaotic, and Neutral. I think I prefer this to the Alignment charts of Pathfinder or D&D. It gives the world a more 'grey' tone.
Encounters
Most experienced RPG players are familiar with the term 'encounter'. But for those of you that a reading this that are not experienced RPG players; an encounter is usually some form of combat, though not always. Meeting a monster or NPC and trying to best them. Encounters are typically the main way to gain experience points (XP). They are usually governed by initiative, the order in which the characters and NPCs act. A turn or round, of an encounter (when every character in initiative has acted) usually lasts anywhere from five to thirty seconds of in-game time, depending on the game you are playing. I use turn as in, 'Each character has a turn every round'.
There are two methods of initiative in LotFP.
There is nothing about Monsters in the 'Rules and Magic' book. Though looking through the two modules I have It appears that monsters do not have the usual 'stat block' of other RPG systems. It gives you an Armor Class, Movement, Hit Dice, HP, Attack, and Morale, and then any any special attack or ability the creature has. I'm not so sure how this will play out in-game but it does make reading monster stats a lot simpler.
Encounters
Most experienced RPG players are familiar with the term 'encounter'. But for those of you that a reading this that are not experienced RPG players; an encounter is usually some form of combat, though not always. Meeting a monster or NPC and trying to best them. Encounters are typically the main way to gain experience points (XP). They are usually governed by initiative, the order in which the characters and NPCs act. A turn or round, of an encounter (when every character in initiative has acted) usually lasts anywhere from five to thirty seconds of in-game time, depending on the game you are playing. I use turn as in, 'Each character has a turn every round'.
There are two methods of initiative in LotFP.
- One player rolls a d6 for the PC's side and the GM rolls a d6 for the opposition. The winner acts first.
I personally don't like this. I feel it could potentially lead to an encounter becoming one sided. - The second method is more to my liking. Each player rolls a d6 and the GM rolls a d6 for each different type of creature they are facing.
There are lost of different things one can do on their turn, and I won't go into it here.
Monsters
There is nothing about Monsters in the 'Rules and Magic' book. Though looking through the two modules I have It appears that monsters do not have the usual 'stat block' of other RPG systems. It gives you an Armor Class, Movement, Hit Dice, HP, Attack, and Morale, and then any any special attack or ability the creature has. I'm not so sure how this will play out in-game but it does make reading monster stats a lot simpler.
All in all I can't wait to play this for Free RPG Day. I like the dark feeling I get by reading the modules. and the system seems very clean and non-spread sheet like.
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