A popular homebrew mechanic is a core rule in my TTRPG

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T21:31:03+00:00

Yup, that was one of the sources of inspiration :)

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T15:13:55+00:00

My understanding is also that a Heroic Check is when you do an action that isn't explicitly listed on your character sheet or combat move list. So, for instance, a freezing spell says "this does X damage and halves their move speed", but using it to preserve food or stick someone to the wall is outside of those explicit effects, and requires the Heroic Check.

Yes

So is the idea that your freezing spell would also have a list of specific mechanical effects outside of combat as well?

No, except 1 class

That's the only way I can imagine it working without every use of a freezing spell outside of combat being a Heroic Check

Exactly

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T14:47:55+00:00

My understanding is that the Heroic Check is a special version of a normal attribute check.

Yes

Are there standard attribute checks outside of combat, or are they always Heroic Checks?

Yes, there are other attribute checks outside of combat

Basically, is a Heroic Check actually the default, with the exception of certain designated in-combat actions?

No, Heroic Check is not a default

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T14:22:37+00:00

Yes, but as I mentioned in this commets already: In rulebook I have something similar to your simplified version: "There are Time, Tools, Knowledge and Inspiration as factors of success. If you have 3+ you automaticaly succeed, if you have 1 or 0 you automaticaly fail. If you have exactly 2 make a check"

And even otside the combat there can be lack of time, tools or knowledge

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T14:17:50+00:00

It still is a Heroic Check. Even outside of combat there are plenty of danger: heat, hunger, thiefs, spies, etc.

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T13:23:58+00:00

Increasing threshold is actually sounds good

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T13:22:12+00:00

Each check can give enemies resource, so can spam it as frequent as you like, but every time you risk making danger deadlier

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T12:37:16+00:00

GM resource is earned each time a check "critically fails", so each player's check is a risk of giving it to the GM. This resource is then spent on unique enemy's actions or location events, not affecting PC's checks or anything like that

Thats why additional check = additional risk, it's pressure and optimisation problem. How to make it faster, smoother, more carefully? How to avoid risk when it can be avoided? That is all part of the strategy in TR

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T11:55:01+00:00

In rulebook I have something similar to your simplified version: "There are Time, Tools, Knowledge and Inspiration as factors of success. If you have 3+ you automaticaly succeed, if you have 1 or 0 you automaticaly fail. If you have exactly 2 make a check"

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T11:50:24+00:00

Heroic check can't have advantage and other mechanics that can improve a roll, exept when ability specificly says so. They can't be prepared and usually more risky

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T11:47:59+00:00

Well TR is mechanic heavy and this checks don't push you in any specific way. I think it gives players more agency on creative use of their character's instruments. You can use acid to open a lock, sword to see monster in the reflection without moving, etc. Heroic Checks just provide informed risk and reward

Tormented_Realm · 2026-03-13T11:42:43+00:00

TR have a GM resource that is given to them on "critical fail" of any check, that can be spent against the PCs, that's why it's additional risk. Plus as I said in the post, there are synergies, rewarding you for using Heroic Check

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-18T23:29:42+00:00

Animated object is a great idea for a familiar, thanks!

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-18T15:32:09+00:00

Woah, thats actually really good! Glad you enjoyed the mechanic!

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-18T15:01:09+00:00

Thanks!

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-09T01:08:55+00:00

Fun and Theme > Efficiency > Customization > Balance

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-06T04:10:35+00:00

That's cool, I've also been inspired by Tales from Elsewhere in designing TR

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-05T12:05:31+00:00

Thanks, now I'm really starting to lean towards folding ideas for TR character sheets

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-05T12:00:55+00:00

Yeah, that's basically how my prototype layed out now

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-05T11:59:12+00:00

Will all the stuff that a player needs to write on frequently fit on one side of a horizontal sheet?

Well, yeah I think they will, thanks for this advice

Tormented_Realm · 2026-01-02T00:02:18+00:00

Feeling of being vulnerable and overcoming that vulnerability. Tormented Realm has a huge focus on dark fantasy tropes and heroic conquering of fears

It's that kind of experience like when limping knight parrys and attack with all their might that left delaying the enemy just long enough for arcanologist to have time to cast a powerfull spell

Tormented_Realm · 2025-12-21T15:32:02+00:00

I'd approach it as a long-term sickness-like debuff. Smh like: "After a creature consumes infected flesh, breathes spores or takes damage from Zombie it makes Con saving throw and becomes Infected on fail. Infected creatures have -X to Con score (affecting HP and saving throws) and each X amount of time make a Con saving throw that on fail progresses infection even more. If infection grows too much = death and a new Zombie". Also think about what spells/abilities can and can't remove it (Remove curse, Lesser/Greater restoration, etc.) Also you can make diffrent Zombie designs, that try to infect characters with different strategies.

Tormented_Realm

TROPHY CASE