OSR D&D Sanity Mechanics

RPGPundit · September 11, 2022, 10:50:31 PM

How to make mental trauma or "sanity" rules that work for an OSR/D&D game, and that balance player agency with solid mechanics. And aren't just "mental hit points".
#dnd #ttrpg #osr

GeekyBugle · September 12, 2022, 05:15:11 PM

Dude, STAAAAHP! I can't aford the book right now!

Seriously tho, I liked how you described it, as soon as I can I'll buy the book to see what I can steal from it for my campaigns/games.

Wisithir · September 13, 2022, 10:52:57 AM

Better than mental hit points, short of my preferred system, but probably about right for OSR.

My preference is for the system used by Unknown Armies. Multiple condition tracks for different kinds of trauma with linked skills getting corresponding buffs and debuffs. For example, the violence track might oppose empathy with intimidation. The more notches a character has on it, the bigger the bonus to intimidate and the penalty to empathy. Furthermore, progression along the track indicates what level of exposure would call for a check to resist. The check is only made once and the track progress past is, but failure indicates the development of a condition.

Brooding Paladin · September 13, 2022, 11:48:56 AM

Really great video! Got me thinking on a lot of levels. I really like the concept of "regular work with the esoteric" starts requiring cumulatively more challenging sanity checks. And the detail you went into with levels of insanity and specifically how that looks/works is great. I think you've made a sale!

I agree that the GM wresting control of the character is the least favorable approach. What I've done in the past is have a detailed outline printed out as a "note" I can pass the affected character so they have some parameters on how to act/behave in game. So it's not a complete wresting of control but guardrails are installed to channel the player's play.

RPGPundit · September 13, 2022, 07:50:19 PM

Quote from: GeekyBugle on September 12, 2022, 05:15:11 PM
Dude, STAAAAHP! I can't aford the book right now!

Seriously tho, I liked how you described it, as soon as I can I'll buy the book to see what I can steal from it for my campaigns/games.

Thanks!

RPGPundit · September 13, 2022, 07:51:27 PM

Quote from: Brooding Paladin on September 13, 2022, 11:48:56 AM
Really great video! Got me thinking on a lot of levels. I really like the concept of "regular work with the esoteric" starts requiring cumulatively more challenging sanity checks. And the detail you went into with levels of insanity and specifically how that looks/works is great. I think you've made a sale!

I agree that the GM wresting control of the character is the least favorable approach. What I've done in the past is have a detailed outline printed out as a "note" I can pass the affected character so they have some parameters on how to act/behave in game. So it's not a complete wresting of control but guardrails are installed to channel the player's play.

Thank you, I'm guessing you'll quite enjoy it.

Brooding Paladin · September 14, 2022, 10:43:32 AM

Made good on my word this morning. Softcover and PDF bought through DriveThruRPG and I'm looking at the PDF now. Thanks again, Pundit! It's timely as I have a good bit of occult activity happening in my current (not OSR) game so I'll be borrowing heavily.

RPGPundit · September 20, 2022, 11:18:00 AM

Quote from: Brooding Paladin on September 14, 2022, 10:43:32 AM
Made good on my word this morning. Softcover and PDF bought through DriveThruRPG and I'm looking at the PDF now. Thanks again, Pundit! It's timely as I have a good bit of occult activity happening in my current (not OSR) game so I'll be borrowing heavily.

I'm very glad to hear that, and I'm sure you're going to find an absolute wealth of stuff to mine!