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Unusual TTRPG mechanics? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by naught101@lemmy.world to c/rpg@ttrpg.network

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What interesting mechanics exist out there?

I don't mean just "here's a new way to roll combinations of polyhedral dice", or "here's a new theme overlaid on a standard progress tracker", or "here's stress with another name".

I mean, actual new conceptual mechanics that produce new and interesting behaviours in-game. Things like CoC's push rolls, or Slugblaster's Beats/Character Arc, or Blades in the Dark's Flashbacks (these might not be the first games that those appeared in, but the point isn't the game, it's the mechanic).

Interested particularly in what those new mechanics bring to the table in terms of player interactions or story development.

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[–] roflo1@ttrpg.network 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (4 children)

In oWoD’s Hunter: The Reckoning, you can’t advance your Edges (supernatural abilities) with XP.

To do so, you have to gamble Conviction during the session, while using said Edges (those Conviction points gambled add dice to your pool, ideally improving your odds).

If you succeed at the task, you gain Virtues (with which you can later buy points in Edges).

if you fail the task, you lose Conviction points. If you run out of Conviction, you lose your ability to use Edges at all until you rest/meditate/recover for a full week.

Not sure if it qualifies as “conceptual” or non-mechanical to you. But I love it.

[–] naught101@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (3 children)

How does it affect the feel of the game?

[–] roflo1@ttrpg.network 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I suppose YMMV, but to me it’s central. You see, the Hunter becomes a hunter because she heard a higher calling, and believing in it is what keeps it going.

You can rename Conviction to Faith, and it probably shows what I’m hinting at. That faith can get you out of trouble (supernaturally so) but it’s also precious. You’re still human, flimsy and prone to errors, susceptible to doubt.

And you’re way out of your league. All the time.

[–] naught101@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

So basically higher stakes, and higher tension? And maybe more believable motivations?

[–] roflo1@ttrpg.network 2 points 1 day ago

Yeah. Very well summarized.

Perhaps I’d also add that the advancement is earned with blood and sweat. 😅

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