On Rolling Primes (SIEGE mechanics question)

[Lobo316]

So I am considering an option from the CKG on rolling SIEGE checks. When rolling primes the CK treat all checks as a base of 18, then has the players just add 6 to thier check if it is a Prime.

Is anyone else doing this? Any problems with using this method?

[Ozreth]

I like the sound of this and would like to hear some thought as well.

[serleran]

It makes no difference at all. A base of 12 is the same as a base of 18 with a +6 bonus. All it really does is make it easier to explain, and 'show off' that the Prime attributes give a large bonus.

[Lobo316]

Yea, I'm of the thought process that it might make the resolution even smoother if I put the prime bonus in the hands of the players.

I know the book also suggests that if your using the standard 12 and 18 values, that when players call off thier rolls you have them state "prime"...ie: "17 prime" so you don't have to constantly ask them "Is that a prime?", just for clarity.

Seems to me it'd be even smoother to just assume all CC have a base of 18 and just have the player add 6. Just wondering if anyone had any practical experience with it yet.

[Just Jeff]

It's been my approach from the get go. I thought it was easier to explain, and I'm all for elegance.

[alcyone]

I like hearing the primes from the players, helps me remember, and in return I sometimes take their primes into account for things that don't really require a roll.

But it doesn't really matter either way.

[Dead Horse]

The Base 18 plus 6 prime is how i have done it always.
Very easy to explain and keep track of.

[Demiurge]

I use this method as well.

[Lobo316]

Wow, very neat to hear several of you already do this! I think if i do it, which I think I will, I'll have the player tall me on the result if it's a prime or not, just to re-enforce the idea, and remind me when they are using a prime...

"23 Prime" for example. Now I know they did not forget thier Prime.

[Lobo316]

Removed, double post

[Omote]

Just have the PC roll the dice and tell you how much they beat their target number by. That way you don't really need to worry about whether or not it's prime. The PC will roll the die, add their level and/or modifiers. The PCs already know they need to roll over a 12 or an 18. When they do that, just have them tell you how much they beat the roll by. Let's say Suzie has to make a STR save. She rolls and get's a 22. That beats her non-prime Strength score by 4. Suzie tells you she beat the STR save by 4. As CK, you already have the CL (Challange Level) figured out in your mind. Was 4 enough to make the roll? The CK will know.

Forget about the CK doing all the work. Just have the PCs tell you how much they beat the roll by and, voila!

~O

[Lord Dynel]

Just have the PC roll the dice and tell you how much they beat their target number by. That way you don't really need to worry about whether or not it's prime. The PC will roll the die, add their level and/or modifiers. The PCs already know they need to roll over a 12 or an 18. When they do that, just have them tell you how much they beat the roll by. Let's say Suzie has to make a STR save. She rolls and get's a 22. That beats her non-prime Strength score by 4. Suzie tells you she beat the STR save by 4. As CK, you already have the CL (Challange Level) figured out in your mind. Was 4 enough to make the roll? The CK will know.

Forget about the CK doing all the work. Just have the PCs tell you how much they beat the roll by and, voila!

~O

This here. That's how I have handled it. I even have a couple of the players, who have got it down what I'm actually doing, to say, "I [hit/rolled/beat] CL 4." A few of them weren't quite understanding at first, then they stared understanding that if they beat the CB, I wanted to hear the difference. Once they got that down, it was easy for me to shorthand some encounters (traps, social encounters, etc) where all I really need is a CL.