Quirky conundrum: Encounter-based powers in PF-RPG?

[Jemstone]

So, here's my dilemma:

I'm crafting a custom class for a PF-RPG based game. Several, actually. However, for purposes of this thread, the same issue applies to all of them, and so I can address them individually.

Each of these classes will have a set of talent-trees to choose from (A-la D20 Modern/Star Wars Saga). Inside each of these trees are a number of talents, each of which can be triggered (N) times per encounter. (N) grows in value depending on the talent (some never go past 1N, for instance).

The question thus becomes:

Can I safely model this using the editor built into the PF-RPG ruleset?

If so, how?

If I cannot model this using the editor, I'm assuming that this is something the Authoring Kit would be useful for. Yes?

Any and all constructive assistance would be fantastic. Thank you!

 

[RavenX]

You sound like you are trying to convert encounter powers (4th edition D&D) into Pathfinder, unfortunately there is not a hard conversion between these editions but if you are looking at encounter powers I think one of the closer analogues to consider would be a limited use ability that recharges after a variable amount of time, or just give it a fixed number times per day the character could actually use the power, something like 3 + Int or Wis modifier.

 

[Jemstone]

You sound like you are trying to convert encounter powers (4th edition D&D) into Pathfinder, unfortunately there is not a hard conversion between these editions but if you are looking at encounter powers I think one of the closer analogues to consider would be a limited use ability that recharges after a variable amount of time, or just give it a fixed number times per day the character could actually use the power, something like 3 + Int or Wis modifier.

No, not 4E at all - As I said in my original statement, Star Wars Saga and/or D20 Modern.

The point, you see, is to completely disengage from the "Per Day" mechanic, since "(N) Per Day" mechanics lead to the 20-minute adventuring day. You know the problem - "Whoops, sorry, guys, I'm out of this (N) Per Day ability, we have to stop until it's back!"

Now, I have the classes written up, playtested, and completely ready to go. They work, and they work well. Quite balanced, easily integrated into the normal PF-RPG ruleset, all that jazz. But, I want to put them into Hero Lab so that they can be turned into characters quickly and efficiently. You know, all the things Hero Lab is fantastic for.

So when you say "recharges after a variable amount of time," that's not entirely out of the question, but a Per Day mechanic is right out.

 

[RavenX]

As I said, there is no analogue in Pathfinder for the Encounter powers you are describing. Saga system is very similar to 4e mechanically, Personally I preferred the old West End Games star wars RPG books. Had some fun times with the wild die.

You could go with a Recharge similar to that of dragon breath, something like 1d6 rounds before it can be used again. I forget how the force powers were handled in the d20 version of star wars though. I don't know if there is a SRD document out for that version of the product or not.

 

[Jemstone]

As I said, there is no analogue in Pathfinder for the Encounter powers you are describing. Saga system is very similar to 4e mechanically, Personally I preferred the old West End Games star wars RPG books. Had some fun times with the wild die.

You could go with a Recharge similar to that of dragon breath, something like 1d6 rounds before it can be used again. I forget how the force powers were handled in the d20 version of star wars though. I don't know if there is a SRD document out for that version of the product or not.

Star Wars Saga Force Powers are handled based on a "Per Encounter Per Purchase" method - IE, you take the Force Training ability (feat) and you gain X number of uses of Force Powers, where X is a value more than one (I don't have the book in front of me, but I'm pretty sure it's WIS based). You then assign those uses to your existing Force Powers.

Therefore, if you wanted to use your Force Push power more than once per encounter, you would assign those "picks" to Force Push. (You could also spend a Force Point on the power during the encounter to "recharge" it immediately) However, Force Powers aren't what I'm trying to model, here.

The "Per Encounter" items in question really come from the Talent Trees - such as a few Scoundrel abilities, or the Noble's "Inspire" ability - you gain the ability to do X-thing once during an encounter. Have fun, use it whenever you like.

Really, what I'm looking at here, is wanting to know if there's a way to add to, or modify without entering the authoring kit, an existing N-times/X-period framework within the PF-RPG ruleset. I could fudge it and simply tell my players "Everywhere it says 'per day,' it really means 'per encounter,'" but that defeats the purpose just a bit I think.

And, again, at this point it's too late to change the mechanic in the classes - they are built, done, and ready to go. At this point, the onus lies solely on the application mechanics.

 

[TCArknight]

When you're entering your abilities in the editor, for Custom Abilities I know at least there is the Charges information. In the dropdown named 'Usage Period" there is no '/encounter' entry, but you can use the 'New Tag' entry to create one.

Just use that instead of '/day' when you create the ability and you'll be good.

 

[malikinam]

what kind of ability i have entered in the editor??
i will edit my ability in the editor as soon bit how it will usefull for me??

 

[Jemstone]

When you're entering your abilities in the editor, for Custom Abilities I know at least there is the Charges information. In the dropdown named 'Usage Period" there is no '/encounter' entry, but you can use the 'New Tag' entry to create one.

Just use that instead of '/day' when you create the ability and you'll be good.

I'll give that a shot, thank you!

I had attempted something similar, but I think I either fat-fingered it, or used it incorrectly - either way I will take a poke at it. Thanks!

 

[ShadowChemosh]

I'll give that a shot, thank you!

I had attempted something similar, but I think I either fat-fingered it, or used it incorrectly - either way I will take a poke at it. Thanks!

This should work for you just fine. From the point of view of "Hero Lab" there is little difference between an ability that is usable 1/day or 1/Encounter. They both just use built in Trackers track the usage.