HEROIC FIGHTS (option)
This is an option to convey a more ‘heroic’ feel to fights in BiD.
As a caveat, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the mechanics as they are, and I realize that fights are deliberately punishing in BiD, since the point of the game is mostly about trying to avoid physical confrontation. What I’m exploring here is just an option that may suit some situations (e.g. a swashbuckling sequence) or possibly other more combat oriented settings.
Mechanics:
Handle characters’ attacks as usual, but on a 1-5 result, allow the option to take a Defense roll without using Stress. Let’s call this a ‘Soft Defense’ roll: on a 6 avoid all damage, on a 4-5 it decrease damage by one step, on a 1-3 don’t mitigate anything.
The normal Defense roll is still available, using Stress to completely negate damage, but it is either this or the Soft one that the player has to choose before attempting the roll.
This will make fights last a bit longer a be a bit more tactical, but it could be fine for a change of pace.
Feedback is welcome.
