Hyrulean Guidelines - Revision history

Guy: /* Bonus die */

2022-01-21T18:00:00Z

Bonus die

Guy: re-ordered; removed stamina points as a class-specific feature shouldn't need to be listed here

2022-01-21T17:59:38Z

re-ordered; removed stamina points as a class-specific feature shouldn't need to be listed here

Show changes

Guy: /* Contents */

2022-01-21T17:32:32Z

Contents

Guy: /* No backgrounds */

2022-01-17T01:21:28Z

No backgrounds

Guy: Tentatively removing the inventory rules since they don't need to be core

2022-01-17T01:16:35Z

Tentatively removing the inventory rules since they don't need to be core

Guy at 04:39, 3 January 2022

2022-01-03T04:39:04Z

Guy: /* Other considerations */

2022-01-03T04:35:07Z

Other considerations

Guy: /* Magic points */

2022-01-03T01:31:23Z

Magic points

Guy: /* Magic points */ abbreviating; sages will use spell slots now anyway

2022-01-02T23:59:45Z

Magic points: abbreviating; sages will use spell slots now anyway

Guy: /* Monsters */

2022-01-01T21:56:06Z

Monsters

@@ Line 153: / Line 153: @@
 == Bonus die ==
 :''See [[Using Ability Scores]].''
-Some class features grant you a "bonus die" for certain [[ability check]]s, [[attack roll]]s, [[saving throw]]s, or [[damage roll]]s.  For example, an [[opportunist]]'s Sneakstrike feature adds bonus dice to certain damage rolls.
+Some class features grant you a "bonus die" for certain [[ability check]]s, [[attack roll]]s, [[saving throw]]s, or [[damage roll]]s.
 If you have several bonus dice which apply to the same roll, they do not combine.  Use only the largest bonus die that applies.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 * [[#No backgrounds|'''''No backgrounds''''']] are used during [[character creation]], but you can still add one at the cost of proficiency points&mdash;a part of your class which functionally replaces your background.
 * [[#Bonus die|'''''Bonus die''''']] is a die roll you can add to damage rolls or a d20 roll, and is granted by some effects like spells or feats.  You can't add more than one bonus die to a roll.
-* [[#Improved two-weapon fighting|'''''Improved two-weapon fighting''''']] helps to balance two-weapon fighters in Hyrule, and frees up the wielders' [[bonus action]].
+* [[#Improved two-weapon fighting|'''''Improved two-weapon fighting''''']] helps to balance two-weapon fighters in Hyrule, and frees up the wielder's [[bonus action]].
 * [[#Wisdom-based initiative|'''''Wisdom-based initiative''''']] not only closer represents how initiative would work in ''Zelda'' games, but arguably is more realistic and helps balance the six ability scores a little more.
 * [[#Other considerations|'''''Other considerations''''']] list a few quick notes that aren't vital information.
 __NOTOC__
 == Rupees replace coins ==
 :''See [[equipment]].''

@@ Line 129: / Line 129: @@
 == No backgrounds ==
-For a player-character using a Hyrulean [[classes|class]], using a formal "background" is optional.  The compendium encourages any player to create their own backstory independent of a background.
+For a player-character using a Hyrulean [[classes|class]], using a formal "Background" is optional. Any player is encouraged to create their own backstory independent of a Background.
-Each [[classes|class]] gains Proficiency Points which replace most of the practical benefits of a classic background.  Nonetheless, a player-character can forgo some of their Proficiency Points to gain any traditional background if that is desired.  This option is detailed under each class's description of Proficiency Points.
+Each [[classes|class]] optionally gains Proficiency Points which replace most of the practical benefits of a Background.
 <!--
 ==Difficult climbing and swimming==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==Contents==
 * [[#Rupees replace coins|'''''Rupees replace coins''''']], with one rupee equaling one silver piece.
 * [[#Quick rest|'''''Quick rests''''']] are used to speed up [[short rest]]s, making it feel more like a ''Zelda'' video game.
@@ Line 19: / Line 17: @@
 * [[#Other considerations|'''''Other considerations''''']] list a few quick notes that aren't vital information.
 __NOTOC__
 == Rupees replace coins ==
 :''See [[equipment]].''
@@ Line 178: / Line 164: @@
 ==Wisdom-based initiative==
-:''See [[combat]].''
+:''See [[combat]] and [[Variant Rules#Initiative|variant rules for initiative]].''
 Hyrulean races and classes are balanced assuming {{wis}} is used for [[initiative]] checks instead of {{dex}}.  In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, notice vulnerabilities, and make decisions.  It is much less considered a measure of physical agility; this is partially why {{wis}} is used in place of {{dex}}.
+<!--While not for everyone, it can accelerate combat to give a more ''Zelda''-like feel, and is particularly suitable for smaller groups of three or fewer players.
-Also consider using the [[Group Initiative]] [[variant rule]].  While not for everyone, it can accelerate combat to give a more ''Zelda''-like feel, and is particularly suitable for smaller groups of three or fewer players.
+--><!--
 While ''Zelda'' doesn't feature turn-by-turn combat, it often employs a back-and-forth in which the protagonist(s) are looking for their chance to strike.  This may be best represented with {{wis}}-based group initiative.
@@ Line 195: / Line 180: @@
 -->
-To help speed up combat, it is suggested that the narrator have initiative scores for monsters rolled in advance.  Consider also including [[Variant Rules#Round-Table Initiative|Round-Table Initiative]], [[Variant Rules#Moxie Dice|Moxie Dice]], and narrative transitions between turns.
+To help speed up combat, it is suggested that the narrator have initiative scores for monsters rolled in advance.  Consider also including [[variant rules]] for initiative like [[Variant Rules#Group Initiative|Group Initiative]], [[Variant Rules#Round-Table Initiative|Round-Table Initiative]], and [[Variant Rules#Moxie Dice|Moxie Dice]]. Narrative transitions between turns can help smooth out initiative, too.
 == Other considerations ==

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 * [[#Other considerations|'''''Other considerations''''']] list a few quick notes that aren't vital information.
 __NOTOC__
 == Item slots ==
 :''This replaces "Carrying Capacity" or "Encumbrance."''
@@ Line 59: / Line 58: @@
 For the sake of simplicity, the narrator could elect to use only green rupees (1 sp each) for all transactions.  If converting from gold pieces, simply times the amount by ten&mdash;or add a zero on to the end.
+{{clear}}
 ==Quick rest==
 {{Aside|1-Hour Short Rest Alternative|If ''LoH'' content would be starkly underpowered if using 1-hour short rests, a sidebar such as this one will feature a suggestion for empowering the content to be more useful in a campaign that uses 1-hour short rests.}}
@@ Line 97: / Line 96: @@
 Spells in Hyrule are ranked not by spell level but by '''magic points''', a variant of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide.''
-Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a ''D&D'' spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.  The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.
+Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a classic spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.  The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.
 The [[researcher]] and [[scion]] classes each provide a pool of magic points, and casting a spell requires spending a number of these magic points equal to the spell's point value.  Some game effects can provide a player-character with a pool of magic points too, or increase the pool they otherwise have.  Any character with magic points always regains them all upon finishing a [[long rest]].
@@ Line 110: / Line 109: @@
 === Point values ===
-Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a ''D&D'' spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.
+Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a classic spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.
 The most magic points you can expend on a single spell when you cast it is your "magic limit."  Your magic limit is determined by your class(es) and level.
 === Overpowering spells ===
-Like normal D&D spells, some Hyrulean spells can be cast "At Higher Levels."  To '''overpower''' a spell, you must spend extra magic points as the spell describes.  For example, casting {{Spell|Life}} normally costs 2 magic points.  You can improve the amount of {{hp}} it recovers by expending extra magic points when you cast it.
+Like normal classic spells, some Hyrulean spells can be cast "At Higher Levels."  To '''overpower''' a spell, you must spend extra magic points as the spell describes.  For example, casting {{Spell|Life}} normally costs 2 magic points.  You can improve the amount of {{hp}} it recovers by expending extra magic points when you cast it.
 When overpowering a spell, the number of magic points you expend at once still cannot exceed your magic limit.
@@ Line 146: / Line 145: @@
 For a player-character using a Hyrulean [[classes|class]], using a formal "background" is optional.  The compendium encourages any player to create their own backstory independent of a background.
-Each [[classes|class]] gains Proficiency Points which replace most of the practical benefits of a ''D&D''-style background.  Nonetheless, a player-character can forgo some of their Proficiency Points to gain any traditional ''D&D'' background if that is desired.  This option is detailed under each class's description of Proficiency Points.
+Each [[classes|class]] gains Proficiency Points which replace most of the practical benefits of a classic background.  Nonetheless, a player-character can forgo some of their Proficiency Points to gain any traditional background if that is desired.  This option is detailed under each class's description of Proficiency Points.
 <!--
 ==Difficult climbing and swimming==
@@ Line 172: / Line 171: @@
 :''See [[combat]].''
-The following rule replaces the more restrictive rule used in official ''D&D'' for two-weapon fighting.  Essentially, a character can gain the full benefits of using two weapons without having to lose their bonus action, and Hyrulean classes are balanced around this change.<!-- For example, unlike a rogue's Sneak Attack, an opportunist's Sneakstrike cannot trigger from the extra attack without spec.-->
+The following rule replaces the more restrictive rule used in official material for two-weapon fighting.  Essentially, a character can gain the full benefits of using two weapons without having to lose their bonus action, and Hyrulean classes are balanced around this change.<!-- For example, unlike a rogue's Sneak Attack, an opportunist's Sneakstrike cannot trigger from the extra attack without spec.-->
 When you take the Attack action and attack with a [[Weapon Properties|light]] melee weapon or an [[unarmed strike]] using one hand, <u>as part of that same action</u> you can use your other hand to attack with an unarmed strike or a different light melee weapon.  If you can otherwise make multiple attacks as part of your Attack action, you can still only make one attack with your other hand.  You don't add your ability modifier or any [[bonus dice]] to the damage of this additional attack, unless that modifier is negative.
@@ Line 185: / Line 184: @@
 Also consider using the [[Group Initiative]] [[variant rule]].  While not for everyone, it can accelerate combat to give a more ''Zelda''-like feel, and is particularly suitable for smaller groups of three or fewer players.
 <!--
-While ''Zelda'' doesn't feature turn-by-turn combat, it often employs a back-and-forth in which the protagonist(s) are looking for their chance to strike.  This may be best represented in ''D&D'' with {{wis}}-based group initiative.
+While ''Zelda'' doesn't feature turn-by-turn combat, it often employs a back-and-forth in which the protagonist(s) are looking for their chance to strike.  This may be best represented with {{wis}}-based group initiative.
 Combat is structured with groups instead of individuals.  All player-characters make a {{wis}} check for initiative (instead of a {{dex}} check), and the median result of these checks is used on behalf of the player-characters' group.  The narrator makes a similar roll on behalf of the antagonistic group.  The higher roll wins the initiative; re-roll ties if they occur.  When it is a group's turn, all members of that group can act in any order they choose, or even act simultaneously.
@@ Line 193: / Line 192: @@
 In Hyrule, initiative mostly represents the character’s ability to perceive enemies, detect threats, notice vulnerabilities, and make decisions.  It is much less considered a measure of physical agility; this is partially so {{wis}} is used in place of {{dex}}.
-In vanilla ''D&D'', {{dex}} is such an overwhelming useful ability score in part because everyone uses it for initiative, AC, attack, rolls, the most common saving throw, '''''and''''' damage rolls.  Consequently this rule also helps keep one ability from being so overpowered compared to the other five.
+In official material, {{dex}} is such an overwhelming useful ability score in part because everyone uses it for initiative, AC, attack, rolls, the most common saving throw, '''''and''''' damage rolls.  Consequently this rule also helps keep one ability from being so overpowered compared to the other five.
 -->

@@ Line 199: / Line 199: @@
 == Other considerations ==
-What follows are not transformative rule changes, but veteran ''D&D'' players may wish to note these differences:
+What follows are not transformative rule changes, but veteran players may wish to note these differences:
 * "Hit points" and "Hit Dice" are instead referred to as "heart points" and "Heart Containers," respectively.  This is a purely aesthetic change.
 * [[Feats]] are an inherent part of the game.  Under [[Character Creation|default rules]] a player of any [[race]] can gain one as early as 1st level.
 * [[Downtime]] is structured differently.
 * Typically, Hyrulean content which grants a bonus to [[Armor Class|AC]] includes the following line: "{{ACLimit}}"
-* The ability score limits present in ''D&D'' are more clearly codified in [[Using Ability Scores]].
+* The ability score limits present in classic material are more clearly codified in [[Using Ability Scores]].
 ===Classes===
 * When you gain a level in a Hyrulean class and choose to roll for heart points, you can re-roll a 1.  (This makes the average equal to the reliable choice, instead of being slightly lower.)
-* Subclasses have a much larger effect on a character's capabilities than they typically do in official ''D&D.''
+* Subclasses have a much larger effect on a character's capabilities than they typically do in classic material.
 ===Equipment===
 * Some classic [[weapons]] are adjusted.  The {{Item|blowgun}}, {{Item|lance}}, and {{Item|whip}} each have an additional special property unique to each of them.  The {{Item|blowgun}} and {{Item|trident}} are classified as simple weapons instead of martial.  Several weapons' costs are adjusted to be more balanced based on each weapon's usefulness.
 * Potions and most consumable magic items can be used with a [[bonus action]] instead of an action.
-* [[Magic items]] are implied to be more abundant and available than they are in official ''D&D'' material.  It's assumed player-characters can buy any common or uncommon magic items with relative ease.
+* [[Magic items]] are implied to be more abundant and available than they are in classic material.  It's assumed player-characters can buy any common or uncommon magic items with relative ease.
-* A few magic items are of even greater rarity than "legendary," which are referred to as "master."  This sixth tier of magic item exists primarily to cater to canonical ''Zelda'' items with effects too powerful for normal ''D&D'' standards, such as the {{MI|clock}} or {{MI|red ring}}.  They don't appear in [[Treasure|Treasure Chests]].
+* A few magic items are of even greater rarity than "legendary," which are referred to as "master."  This sixth tier of magic item exists primarily to cater to canonical ''Zelda'' items with effects too powerful for classic standards, such as the {{MI|clock}} or {{MI|red ring}}.  They don't appear in [[Treasure|Treasure Chests]].
 ===Monsters===
 * The races listed in [[character creation]] and in the Navigation header are the most suitable races for player-characters, and are meant to replace races found in the ''Player's Handbook.''  However, this compendium also includes race traits for creatures as bizarre as [[Octorok (race)|octorok]]s and rare as [[Horsehead (creature)|horsehead]]s.  These unusual races cannot be used for player-characters under default rules.   Weird races should only be allowed by the narrator on an individual basis.  See [[races]].
 * Some creatures have a "Treasure Chest" text box that describes gear it can drop, omitting the need for a narrator to separately assign treasure.   [[Generic Treasure Chests]] can be used for any creatures which don't have their own unique chest.  See [[Treasure]] for full details.
-* Many creatures, especially "boss monsters," are empowered to be more of a threat to a party than they are in their canonical appearances.  If all transitions from ''Zelda'' monsters to ''D&D'' creatures were as mathematically accurate as possible to canon, few creatures would be any challenge to a party full of adventurers.  In-world this can help emphasize just how unbelievably capable the legendary hero actually is.
+* Many creatures, especially "boss monsters," are empowered to be more of a threat to a party than they are in their canonical appearances.  If all transcriptions from canonical ''Zelda'' were as mathematically accurate as possible to canon, few creatures would be any challenge to a party full of adventurers.  In-world this can help emphasize just how unbelievably capable the legendary hero actually is.
 * Many creatures have alternate stat blocks to represent different Challenge Ratings.  Sometimes this reflects ''Zelda'' lore, such as {{C|Red Tektite}} versus {{C|Blue Tektite}}.  Other times it is merely to enable narrator options, as is the case with {{C|Chilfos}}.
 * Many creature pages have a cost or wage listed.  These prices are based on the creature's capabilities, and not the creature's disposition, the market's supply-and-demand, or Hyrulean culture.  As with all prices these should be adjudicated by the narrator.
 [[Category:System Reference]]

@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
 | 8th || 11
 |-
-| 9th || 13
+| 9th || 12+
 |}
 :''See [[spellcasting]].''

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 == Magic points ==
-{{Aside|Spell Slot Alternative|Although the compendium assumes magic points will be used, most applicable content will feature a sidebar such as this one.  This sidebar will describe how the content can be used with traditional spell slots, if that is the narrator's preference.}}
+{{Aside|Spell Level Alternative|Although ''Legends of Hyrule'' assumes magic points will be used, most applicable content will feature a sidebar such as this one.  This sidebar will describe how the content can be used with traditional spell levels, if necessary.}}
 {| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
 ! Spell<br/>Level !! Magic<br/>Points
@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 |}
 :''See [[spellcasting]].''
-[[Spells|Spellcasting]] [[classes]] available to player-characters use a version of the Spell Points variant rule described on page 288 of the ''Dungeon Master's Guide,'' referred to here as "magic points."  Magic points are used primarily to cast spells and they replace spell slots and spell levels in Hyrule.  Casting a spell requires the expenditure of a specific number of magic points.  The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.
+Hyrulean spells have levels, but are predominately listed by the number of magic points needed to cast them.  For example, a ''D&D'' spell of 3rd-level would be listed here as a "5-point" spell.  The adjacent table lists equivalents if using spell points to cast leveled spells, or if using spell slots to cast point spells.
-A player-character's total number of magic points, if any, are determined primarily by their [[class]] and their current level in that class.  Other effects can increase a character's magic points.  Casting [[spells]] and sometimes other features requires you to spend some of these magic points.  You cannot cast spells or use features which require spending magic points you lack.
+The [[researcher]] and [[scion]] classes each provide a pool of magic points, and casting a spell requires spending a number of these magic points equal to the spell's point value.  Some game effects can provide a player-character with a pool of magic points too, or increase the pool they otherwise have.  Any character with magic points always regains them all upon finishing a [[long rest]].
 Any spent magic points are fully restored after a [[long rest]].  Some class features and [[magic item]]s can restore a limited amount of magic points otherwise.
@@ Line 113: / Line 120: @@
 If you cast a spell from a special feature or a magic item instead of a class, you can only overpower the spell if your class(es) and levels enable it.
 {{clear}}
 ==Stamina points==
 :''See [[fighter]] and [[opportunist]].''