Social Combat #1 - Willpower Points

A similar system can be created around the notion of Hit Points in DND5E. Recent discovery in the field of Psychology is that Willpower is also a finite resource.

Here are some points on how this system can work. This can be fully expanded into a printed product once the OGL for 5E is finalized.

Willpower Points (WP) is a function of how mentally resilient a PC is. Willpower is calculated exactly like hit points except that Charisma modifier is added to the Willpower Dice when a level is gains. A PC whose willpower is Zero loses control of his PC to the DM who will play the PC out as he see fit for the situation. The PC can also be made to automatically fail a Will save when under the control of the DM.

Class	Willpower Dice
Monk, Barbarian, Druid, Warlock	d6
Cleric, Sorceror, Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, Wizard	d8
Bard, Rogue	d10
Noble ( New Class )	d12

Recovery of WP should be similarly to rules on the recovery of HP, a short interlude can take place when no one is trying to actively influence the PC and when the PC has a meal. Willpower dice can be spent to recover WP in such a case. A long interlude, equivalent to a long rest, can only take place when the PC engages in entertainment or carousing. They recover all their WP and half of their WP in such a case.

The DM is free to implement a system of Autonomy saves when a PC reaches 0 WP to allow PCs to maintain control of their character unless they fail their Charisma saves three times.

This blog is going to showcase some D&D 5E ideas.

With the arrival of the DMG, I've started a new blog to just share with rest of the Web some D&D 5e ideas I have. My group has just concluded Hoard of the Dragon Queen and I am taking a break from DMing to play Monte Cook's Numenera ( possibly as a Mighty Glaive Cyborg ).

Before I start writing about the formal hacks I have made to the D&D5e game, I would perhaps just share some areas in which 5e can be improved which would be subject to future articles on this blog.

Here are some ideas which I think deserve some attention from DM's who home-brew their games :

a) Intrigue and Social Combat

One of the first ideas I would share on this blog is the idea that a parallel combat system can be built around social combat. Imagine Willpower Points (WP) as an analog of hit points but based on the Charisma attribute. A Disposition Class (DC) as an analog of AC based on Wisdom, and an array of taunt, rumor mongering, charm and miscellaneous insinuation social attacks base on Intelligence. Characters with 0 points of resolve lose control of their characters to the DM who then allows the NPC to successfully manipulate them towards their ends.

b) Non-magical Campaigns

The introduction of a social combat system can form the basis for a non-magical or low magic campaign such as those inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire.

c) The Noble character class

In 5e there are three non-magical classes : Fighter, Barbarian and Rogue. A non-magical wizard like class is a Noble class who has a high Resolve and have a series of intrigue powers which can bend the will of many NPCs within a campaign.

d) Fixing the Beastmaster Ranger

There is a lot of feedback on the Beastmaster and DM should be prepared to retool this archetype to balance the class against Druids who can control 16 pixies in a fight at 7th level. I would like to put some consideration into that.

e) General Wizard

I would also like to try out at creating a simpler General Wizard class which is simpler than existing specialist wizard archetypes.

f) Mage Class

Another idea which I am toying with is idea of a Mage Class which runs completely on Spell points and can convert spells into wizard spells but have some limited power to shape spell effects spontaneously like the Mage the Ascension game. As a bonus idea, I want to see if game design can be made so simple that it is possible for casual games to have a fun time instead of having only the Champion build to play with.

Over the next few months, I will shape each idea and invite feedback on what other DMs.