The following is a complation page containing all rules affected by size and notes concerning their importance and reasons. Use this only if you want to reference a complete document on size rules.
Size is very important, as creatures, spaceships and even robots, can get quite large. Characters, creatures, robots and vehicles all follow the same size charts for STR scores and BP. Use the following rules to determine variations in ability scores and derivative stats based on the relative size of the object.
Before we begin with the recommended size system, let's look at the obvious option for determining size that demonstrates why the size scale system promoted further down should be preferred.
This option simply requires a multiplier. Roll up STR scores as normal, but apply a multiplier. If a person is twice as tall as a human, they have twice the strength and double the damage. If they are 10 times as tall, they have 10 times the strength and the damage is 10 times greater. You can also use decimals for more finite differences on the standard human scale. (1.0 is 5-5'11".) Twice human height is 2.0. (10-11'11".) Half human height is 0.5. (2.5-3'.) It is more elegant, but multiplication must be performed frequently. Though every weapon would be sized up or down to meet the character's needs in order to change the damage, otherwise the damage remains the same, and only the STR damage modifier would be multiplied by the size multiplier.
To calculate damage, apply the multiplier before rolling dice if the attacker is larger, or after rolling dice if the attacker is smaller.
It also gets a DEX modifier of 2 per whole multiplier regarding the difference in size. So if one creature is 5 times taller than another, it gets a -10 modifier to its attack and defend. Inversely, the opponent gets +10 to attack and defend.
Inversely, the 0.3 unit will have a STR and damage multiplier of 1 / 8 = 0.125 and a +16 DEX modifier. This means, if he uses a weapon causing 1D+3 damage and has a STR of 64, it will do 1D+3+2 damage x 0.125 if a hero, for a potential damage of 0.375 to 3.75 (or 1-4 if a hero) depending on resistance and critical hit, (assuming no critical resistance) with average damage (1.25 or 2 if a hero) being barely enough to provide superficial wounds, but enough to do damage all the same.
The problem with this method is the amount of math required which breaks the system under its weight because it ends up eclipsing all other mechanics for time spent on it. However, the following method resolves all issues of math with an intuitive and easy-to-remember system. However, while somewhat gradual, it has an exponential growth by scale. It is broken down further into subssizes.
Subsize refers to a unit’s longest measurement, whether vertical or horizontal according to average human build. It can also be expressed by its overall circumference. In any case it is a general estimate, not exacting. If you believe the unit’s length does not accurately depict its mass and/or capabilities, you may adjust it up or down as you see fit with GM approval. Subsize is not the same as size, but is a sub-category of size.
STR has a special roll and bonus according to subsize. The subsizes given in parentheses represent the medium (size 2) size scale. The scores on this table adjust for the individual unit's variance within its species and exist in tandem with size scales. Size scales follow different rules. (See Size Scales and Magnitudes for various unit size differences.)
Subsize (Approx. Length/Height) |
STR Roll |
Bonus |
MOV |
2.1. Small (15” [1’3”]+) | 1D | +10 | 2-3 |
2.2. Diminutive (30” [2’6”]+) | 2D | +20 | 4-5 |
2.3. Short (45” [3’9”]+) | 3D | +30 | 6-7 |
2.4. Average (60” [5’]+) | 4D | +40 | 8-9 |
2.5. Tall (75” [6'3"]+) | 5D | +50 | 10-11 |
2.6. Very Tall (90” [7'6"]+) | 6D | +60 | 12-13 |
2.7. Large (105” [8'9"]+) | 7D | +70 | 14-15 |
2.8. Very Large (120” [10']+) | 8D | +80 | 16-17 |
2.9. Huge (135” [11'3"]+) | 9D | +90 | 18-19 |
Petroleum Engine | x10 |
Jet Engine | x100 |
Ramjet | x1k |
Chemical Drive | x10k |
Pulse Drive | x100k |
Warp Drive | x1M |
BareBones Fantasy RPG is not associated with Skaldcrow Games' Bare Bones Multiverse, despite similar names. Check out Glenn's products by clicking here.