Mechanic Idea for Degradation

[Glorelendil]

As much as I like keeping the record keeping low and maintaining the generalized style of TOR, I think that it improves more concepts than it worsens. Under the RAW, why would a Dwarf ever use his short sword (the same question goes for other cultures with two melee weapons)? Why would anybody choose to wear the heaviest armour? What other Undertaking is even half as good as healing corruption? Degradation makes other options in these situations more viable. If it's the negative nature of the thing that throws people off, I'll gladly use a beneficial mechanic instead, if it provides the same variety.

Granted, I haven't tested it, but I'm confident enough to try and report back after I do.

Please do! I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes.

I (and a lot of people here) agree that heavy armor has more costs than benefits, so it's always worth exploring options to make that choice more interesting.

[DarkTraveller]

Under the RAW, why would a Dwarf ever use his short sword (the same question goes for other cultures with two melee weapons)?

In the campaign I'm running one of my player's has an Axe of Azanulbizar with the Grievous and Keen qualities, he recently just bumped up his short sword and unarmed skills because by his wording "yeah I'm awesome with my axe and I can kill just about anything but what if one day I don't have my axe to use?"

He's right, they could wind up captured and with his axe being a super high-quality weapon it could wind up in the hands of some lucky Orc for a time and he might need to rely on his short sword skill if that's the only weapon he can find.

As the others have said it all kind of comes down to what the story calls for.

Now to plot how to have an Orc steal that axe away

[Glorelendil]

I suspect an orc who got his hands on Axe of Azanulzibar would, as quickly as possible, heave it into the nearest lava. It would be like giving an Arapahoe Indian a Sand Creek Commemorative Winchester.

[DarkTraveller]

Fair enough, though hopefully he winds up getting caught before he has a chance to reach said lava pit