Editing Grim-N-Gritty (3.5e Sourcebook)/Appendix 2

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== Appendix 2 - Grim-N-Gritty High Magic ==


The Grim-n-Gritty rules are not intended for a campaign setting in which magic is common and powerful—-especially if that setting uses the standard magic system.  

All sorts of game balance issues crop up when you attempt to implement these rules in that type of setting. A 3rd-level spell, like fireball or lightning bolt could easily wipe out a group of high-level adventurers.

If you do wish to use the Grim-n-Gritty rules for a high magic setting that uses the standard magic system, here 
are a few suggestions for “balancing” spells. 
 
=== The Really Grim Option ===

In this option, you leave spells as are. A medium level 
spell will kill anything, and magic-users are the most 
deadly force in your game universe. 
 
=== Limited Scaling Option ===

Spells work normally, but the maximum dice of 
damage is limited to the spell’s level + 1. For example, 
a third level spell can inflict no more than four dice of 
damage. 
 
=== Slow Scaling Option ===

Double the levels necessary to scale up the damage 
for spells. For example, if a spell normally gives 1d6 
damage per level, it gives you 1d6 per two levels. 
 
=== Reduce Damage Dice ===

Reduce the size of the damage dice to one step lower 
than normal. Convert dice sizes as follows… 
*d4 = 1 point of damage 
*d6 = d4 
*d8 = d6 
*d10 = d8 
*d12 = d10 
*d20 = d12 
For example, if you normally roll 10d6 for a spell, you 
would only roll 10d4. 
 
=== Odds = 1 ===

You roll the normal dice for your spell. However, any 
dice that have an odd numbered result are automatically 
counted as “1,” regardless of the number rolled.  

For example, if you rolled 5d6 with dice results of 2, 
1, 5, 4, and 6, you would not have “18” as your final 
result. You convert the odds to ones. This gives you 2, 
1, 1, 4, and 6: a result of “14.” 

The Odds = 1 Rule is probably the best one for 
converting a pre-existing spell system to Grim-n-Gritty 
mechanics. You do not have to change any of the spell’s 
mechanics. You do not have to remember any 
complicated conversions, nor perform additional 
subtraction or division on your rolls. You still get to roll 
a fist full of dice for powerful spells. 

The Odds = 1 Rule makes magic very unpredictable. 
You still have the chance to inflict the maximum 
damage possible for a spell—a devastating thing in the 
Grim-n-Gritty system. Yet, it tends to force damage to a 
lower average for spells. 

It is a satisfying system for players because they do 
not feel they are losing anything from the “old rules.” 
Also, it creates a fun “anxiety” when rolling the damage 
dice of a spell: “Am I going to get a bunch of odds?!” 
 
=== Spells and Called Shots ===

As a rule of thumb, if a spell does not have an Attack 
roll, it cannot inflict Called Shots. 
 
=== And Always... ===

'''Use the Right Tool for the Right Job.''' If your 
campaign is going to focus on the use of the core magic 
system, then use the core combat mechanics. The magic 
rules have been thoroughly play-tested and balanced to 
be internally coherent with the core combat mechanics. 
You cannot go wrong using them as intended.


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