How Complex do you think a Main Resolution Mechanic can get? Let Us Know, Down Below!

"I'd add wounds" -Peter von Elseweyr, 2026

I like systems that generate the basic target number instead of me having to come up with it. I personally find it easier (and somehow more impartial) to just transparently come up with modifiers than with a target number wholecloth.

The odds of pulling an Avril + Peter refresh is low, but never zero

Rpgphd just recently released a lecture on using Dieter Rams' ten design principles on rpg mechanics, which addresses this topic exactly. Well worth your time to watch it!

On the symmetry/asymmetry issue: an underrated part of Nimble's design is to simplify some of the monster mechanics to reduce the cognitive load on the GM. Players have the full three action economy, with the option to use some of your actions from next turn to react (e.g. defending, taking an attack of opportunity and interposing). Monsters mostly don't react, and the stat block generally just says 'move and do this small attack, or just do this big attack'. So it pretty much just gives you a narrower range of options from the options that are available to players. There are no 'enemy spellcasters'- enemies may have magical type effects but they don't have spells from the spell list, so no counterspell wars with opposing spellcasters. Armor also works in a different and simpler way. I am a big fan of this approach.

21:45 The difference between an engine and a fleshed out system; an engine can let you play anything, whereas a system gives you something to play.

As complicated as needed for the relative significance and depth of the action it corresponds to. In my prince of persia inspired intense mobility system module(used in a variety of game settings not just pop like settings), athletics and acrobatics have more granularity and detail, the mechanisms reflects that. In my alone in the dark inspired high stakes grit module sanity and life are dramatized mechanically. I use a modular limit break system for weighing different emphasis, stacking procedural action paths, linear or webbing, number of necessary and maximum steps corresponding to its setting-situation-significance. And rhen mix and match the various modules for the particular scene, session, setting etc.

A moderately significant action may have on average 2 necessary steps for a moderately difficult success, +/- 1 or 2 to adjust for pacing, effort, narrative advantage, risk taking etc

Schrödinger stole Charles!?!
I've got all these dice and no idea which one to roll to find him . . .

Thanks for the clear (including your biases) discussion on core resolution complexity.
And thank you Peter, for the clear call out of an 'advanced strat' to protect us newbies from too many Wounds

Definitely follow that Marvel Heroic Roleplaying train. It was the best of the Cortex Plus games, and graduated into the Cortex Prime system. It'd be significantly more popular if it wasn't bounced around legally and now owned by a company that isn't doing anything with it

I like my resolution system to be extremely simple with the option for more complexity as the situation calls for. I like to have the option to use "success with a cost" and "degreed of success" without it being baked into every roll. My design philosophy is that the games mechanics should support what happens at the table, not dictate it or get in the way of it. You need robust mechanics that are extremely simple to use and understand. I also think there should be plenty of ways to build and advance your character but not by obtaining new paper buttons.

I love discussion videos like this. Great job, guys! And great topic! ❤

A tip for Daggerheart reaction roles...
Use the same color d12s so not you're seeing it as fear and hope

I enjoyed this a lot. Thank you guys. I hope to see more colabs in the future.

Always makes me smile when I get mentioned. Haha. Great discussion

The Cortex Prime/Plus dice system that Marvel Heroic is based on is the finest and most elegant dice pool mechanic I've ever come across.

I encourage you to play it or any of the myriad variants. If you need a GM holler at me and you can experience the magic.

The One Roll Engine is brilliantly simple.

Here's to more Pirate Borg with Salty Nick! 🍻🏴‍☠

As much as I like Dagger Hearts resolution mechanic, I think hope and fear just happen too often

3:44 You're describing your own game, my man.