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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Feb 2, 2015 15:30:56 GMT -5
I've never really thought of it before but it dawned on me earlier that I tend to start every campaign using the rules as written except for just a few house rules such as placing ability score rolls by player choice and the option of either taking the average roll for hit points or rolling but you have to keep what you roll.
What's your take? Do you keep a running list of house rules OR do you start each campaign with a clean slate? What works for you and what does not when it comes to house rules?
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Post by Admin Pete on Feb 2, 2015 19:56:02 GMT -5
I have some house rules I use on an ongoing basis, but I also change things up bit here and there. Nothing is static, but ever changing. I have done hit dice a dozen different ways and will probably change them again. Same with my death rules, I change them up too.
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Post by Mr Darke on Feb 2, 2015 22:23:18 GMT -5
I used to do the same semi-retired gamer but, have decided that I am going to codify my rules to a standard set and only change when something doesn't work. I have just gotten tired of rewriting things each new campaign.
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Post by The Red Baron on Feb 10, 2015 12:16:33 GMT -5
I have trouble remembering that the house rules we play with are house rules.
The most obvious schisms from the by-the-book rules tend to be quickly discarded. Those house rules which stand the test of time are so ingrained into the game and fit so seamlessly with the rest of the rules, that I'll completely forget they aren't in the rulebook until someone points it out or I find them penciled into the margins of M&M or the PHB.
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Post by Admin Pete on Feb 10, 2015 12:23:54 GMT -5
I have trouble remembering that the house rules we play with are house rules. The most obvious schisms from the by-the-book rules tend to be quickly discarded. Those house rules which stand the test of time are so ingrained into the game and fit so seamlessly with the rest of the rules, that I'll completely forget they aren't in the rulebook until someone points it out or I find them penciled into the margins of M&M or the PHB. I have had the same experience, the house rules I have used the longest and most consistently, I tend to forget that they are house rules.  |
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Post by makofan on Feb 10, 2015 15:00:03 GMT -5
Every time I start a game I look at my previous house rules, and decide which to keep, and whether I want to create more. Often, this is with the idea of experimentation. For example, I have used MAX hit points at first level, best of two rolls, average hit points, take what you get re-rolling ones, and take what you get, period. I still have not decided the best method!
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Post by finarvyn on Feb 10, 2015 15:59:48 GMT -5
I have trouble remembering that the house rules we play with are house rules. The most obvious schisms from the by-the-book rules tend to be quickly discarded. Those house rules which stand the test of time are so ingrained into the game and fit so seamlessly with the rest of the rules, that I'll completely forget they aren't in the rulebook until someone points it out or I find them penciled into the margins of M&M or the PHB. I have had the same experience, the house rules I have used the longest and most consistently, I tend to forget that they are house rules. A good example of "we use it and don't know where we got it" is that I allow OD&D characters to bind wounds after a battle to heal up 1d4 hit points. For years I wondered where that rule came from, only that it wasn't in the LBB anywhere but we had played it that way for as long as I could remember. Eventually I found it in the old Judges Guild materials, which explains why I'd been playing that way since the 1970's but couldn't find the rule.  |
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Post by Von on Feb 11, 2015 2:58:56 GMT -5
I have trouble remembering that the house rules we play with are house rules. The most obvious schisms from the by-the-book rules tend to be quickly discarded. Those house rules which stand the test of time are so ingrained into the game and fit so seamlessly with the rest of the rules, that I'll completely forget they aren't in the rulebook until someone points it out or I find them penciled into the margins of M&M or the PHB. I have had the same experience, the house rules I have used the longest and most consistently, I tend to forget that they are house rules. I think everyone gets that way with a system over time, especially with convenient rulings which are smoother than by-the-book executions. It's human nature. Character generation tends to get the most attention from me - once we're in play I try to resolve everything through hit rolls or saving throws with various stats as modifiers. The objective is to use as few variant mechanics as possible and train the players to know what's needed when I say "save vs Spell with Charisma" or whatever. I do plan on taking a more codified approach to my current game as I expect to be using it for a good few years. |
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