Ravages of Time

I'm increasingly looking toward using a heavily modified D20 system instead of the Mutants and Masterminds system. Most of the problem with the M&M system lies in the Toughness save. While a great idea in a superhero game, it causes problems when the characters are meant to be vulnerable, and gives the potential for even low-level minions to laugh off attacks from grenades and anti-material rifles. The current +Damage system used by M&M makes certain character builds hideously OP and others laughably weak. Also, it's too easy to make a highly OP character for anyone who knows game mechanics. Thus, the switch to a more rigid system may be called for.

On the same token, D20 has flaws that make it too rigid and difficult to play for my taste. Low-level characters are weak and nearly useless, Massive Damage Threshold makes many characters nigh-helpless unless they cross-class into Strong and pump Con. Cross-classing in and of itself is a mechanic that renders certain combinations too powerful. Using dice to determine total HP can leave unlucky characters horribly gimped. Attacks of opportunity discourage risk-taking by players, something that should never be done in a game. Taking risks, especially calculated ones, should greatly pay off for players brave enough to do so. Nothing feels better than taking a well-calculated risk and watching it pay off handsomely, and AoO prevents players from doing so. GMs should commend or reward such things when they happen.

The more I think about it, the more I begin to believe that I may need to build a whole new system. Admittedly, this gives a great deal of flexibility, but means I have alot of questions involving balance and game mechanics to sort through. In the end, it might just be worth it though. Although in truth, I think this would make a better video game.

I do believe that Toughness has a place. It should not be a save, but instead a method of base Damage absorption from armor and some abilities. This will enable players to face massive hordes of foes at higher levels.

The feeling of being a skilled, highly trained warrior is the focus of the entire gaming experience. The player should feel they have gone from a lowly trainee to the highest echelon of soldierdom, fighting fiercely for their cause. The squad should know that it is their skill, their bravery and their unrelenting tenacity that carry them through all their challenges.