So a while back I've played a few games of Ironsworn. If you haven't played it, it's a game of quest-driven characters seeing their stories unfold in a perilous land. Nothing grand about the setting, but I did like some of its subsystems and the way it frames usual gaming constants like initiative and supply.
But for now I'd like to toy with its momentum subsystem, which is a core part of the game. It gives the play a heroic and dramatic feel: accumulated successes lead to point where you can grab control a crucial moment in your journey. At the same time, continuous failures will make your usual strong moments a bit more risky. It won't make the game swingy, like how usual meta-currency subsystems work.
So I tried converting it for d20 games. Usable in D&D 5E, D&D 4E, Knave, or any d20 game that has a roll over DC/TN resolution system.
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Each character starts with a momentum score of 12. This is also your momentum reset value by default.
A high momentum score means things are going your way. You feel in control and can position yourself for success.
A low momentum score means fate has not been kind. You are off your rhythm and uncertain of your odds.
Your momentum persists through out your adventure and between sessions. When you finish a session, write down your current momentum score. Then, pick up where you left off when you return to the game.
Before making an attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, you can ask the GM if the DC of the action you're making is less than your current momentum score. If so, you can burn your momentum and treat that action as if you rolled a d20 and beat the DC. Treat the roll as a hit if it's an attack roll, a success if it's a skill check, and a pass if it's a saving throw.
Burning momentum is always a choice. Even if the DC of your next action is less than your momentum score, you can choose to roll as normal and save your momentum for a more crucial moment.
After you burn momentum, you must reset your momentum to its reset value.
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Haven't really tested it so feel free to comment or suggest if you think something is off, or the wording needs clarity.
But for now I'd like to toy with its momentum subsystem, which is a core part of the game. It gives the play a heroic and dramatic feel: accumulated successes lead to point where you can grab control a crucial moment in your journey. At the same time, continuous failures will make your usual strong moments a bit more risky. It won't make the game swingy, like how usual meta-currency subsystems work.
So I tried converting it for d20 games. Usable in D&D 5E, D&D 4E, Knave, or any d20 game that has a roll over DC/TN resolution system.
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image from Ironsworn book. used without permission
Momentum Score
Momentum is a mechanic that represents your accumulated successes or setbacks in your adventure. Your momentum score can range from 1 to 20.Each character starts with a momentum score of 12. This is also your momentum reset value by default.
A high momentum score means things are going your way. You feel in control and can position yourself for success.
A low momentum score means fate has not been kind. You are off your rhythm and uncertain of your odds.
Your momentum persists through out your adventure and between sessions. When you finish a session, write down your current momentum score. Then, pick up where you left off when you return to the game.
Gaining Momentum
Whenever you make attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks and surpass the DC by 5 or more, you gain +1 momentum. If the d20 roll is a natural 20, you gain +2 momentum instead. If this is a contested roll, treat the opponent's d20 result as the DC to beat.Losing Momentum
Whenever you make attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks and miss the DC by 5 or more, you suffer -1 momentum. If the d20 roll is a natural 1, you suffer -2 momentum instead. If this is a contested roll, treat the opponent's d20 result as the DC to beat.Burning Momentum
At the right moment, you can choose to burn your high momentum to deliver a decisive result or to avoid dire failure. You can only burn your momentum when your momentum score is 11 or greater.Before making an attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, you can ask the GM if the DC of the action you're making is less than your current momentum score. If so, you can burn your momentum and treat that action as if you rolled a d20 and beat the DC. Treat the roll as a hit if it's an attack roll, a success if it's a skill check, and a pass if it's a saving throw.
Burning momentum is always a choice. Even if the DC of your next action is less than your momentum score, you can choose to roll as normal and save your momentum for a more crucial moment.
After you burn momentum, you must reset your momentum to its reset value.
Resetting Momentum
Your momentum always adjusts to its reset value after burning it. The default reset value is 12. This value may be lowered when your character suffers a negative condition. For each negative condition affecting you, your momentum reset value is lowered by 1. You cannot lower the value by less than 10.Suffering Low Momentum
When your momentum is less than 10, your rhythm is off and have low momentum. When you make a d20 roll, if the unmodified result is equal to 20 minus your current momentum score, treat that roll as if you missed the DC. Treat the roll as a miss if it's an attack roll, or a failure if it's a saving throw or a skill check.Minimum Momentum
Your momentum score cannot drop lower than 1. This is your minimum momentum value. If you would normally lose momentum and your momentum is already at its minimum, you will instead get a level of exhaustion.Max Momentum
Your max momentum value starts at 20, and is reduced by 1 for every negative condition affecting you. You cannot lower the value by less than 18.- - -
Haven't really tested it so feel free to comment or suggest if you think something is off, or the wording needs clarity.
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