RPG Mechanics you need to Add to make your D&D Game Better!

Jan 4

Dungeons and Dragons is known as the world’s greatest roleplaying game. But turns out, there are many other fantastic and amazing games out there. Some of these Tabletop RPG games have come up with some pretty fantastic concepts that can really improve any RPG with a little tweaking. Below is a collection of RPG system mechanics that you can use to enhance your gaming experience. Use one, use none, use all. Whatever fits your table, toss it in. I promise these will add to the gameplay and fun of the experience.

Aspect system (from Spirit of the Century, Fate Core): This mechanic allows players to define a character's unique abilities or qualities and use them to gain advantages in certain situations.
The aspect system is a mechanic that allows players to define a character's unique abilities or qualities and use them to gain advantages in certain situations. In a game that uses the aspect system, players create a list of aspects for their character, which are short phrases that describe a unique ability or quality of the character. These aspects can be used to gain advantages in certain situations, such as adding bonus dice to a roll or creating an advantage for the character. Players can also invoke an aspect to gain these benefits, but doing so may also introduce a complication or disadvantage for the character.
Aspects can be invoked by the player at any time, and the GM may also require a player to use an aspect in certain situations. For example, if a character with the aspect "Skilled negotiator" is trying to bargain with a stubborn merchant, the player might invoke their aspect to add bonus dice to their roll. However, using an aspect may also introduce a complication or disadvantage for the character. For example, a character with the aspect "Fiercely independent" might have a harder time working as part of a team or following orders.
Sanity system (from Call of Cthulhu, Trail of Cthulhu): This mechanic tracks a character's mental stability and can be affected by the horrors and stress of the game world.
The sanity system is a mechanic that tracks a character's mental stability and can be affected by the horrors and stress of the game world. In a game with a sanity system, characters have a sanity score that represents their mental health. This score can be affected by the character's experiences in the game world, and if it drops too low, the character may suffer from mental disorders or other negative effects.
The specifics of how the sanity system works can vary depending on the game in which it is used. In some games, a character's sanity score may be represented by a number that decreases as they are exposed to stress or horror. In other games, the sanity score may be represented by a list of mental disorders or afflictions that the character can suffer from. For example, a character who has suffered a great deal of trauma might develop PTSD, while a character who has encountered eldritch horrors might suffer from delusions or hallucinations.
The sanity system can add an element of horror to the game, as characters must struggle to maintain their mental health while facing eldritch or otherworldly threats. It can also add depth to a character's backstory, as their experiences in the game world may have lasting effects on their mental health. It's important to note that the sanity system should be used with care, as it can be triggering for some players. It's a good idea to discuss the use of the sanity system with your group before including it in your game.
Trauma system (from Coriolis, The Dark Eye): This mechanic allows characters to suffer physical or psychological injuries as a result of their actions or experiences, and can have lasting effects on their abilities and motivations. The trauma system is a mechanic that allows characters to suffer physical or psychological injuries as a result of their actions or experiences and can have lasting effects on their abilities and motivations. In a game with a trauma system, characters may suffer from physical injuries such as wounds or broken bones, or from psychological injuries such as PTSD or depression. These injuries can have a variety of effects on the character, depending on the specifics of the system. For example, a character who suffers a severe wound might have a penalty to their physical abilities, while a character with PTSD might have a harder time interacting with others or experiencing certain stimuli. It can add depth to a character's backstory and make the consequences of their actions feel more real and meaningful. It can also add an element of roleplaying to the game, as characters must grapple with the effects of their injuries on their abilities and motivations. The specifics of how the trauma system works can vary depending on the game in which it is used, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the system in the game you are playing. It's important to note that the trauma system should be used with care, as it can be triggering for some players. It's a good idea to discuss the use of the trauma system with your group before including it in your game.
Influence system (from Star Wars: Edge of the Empire, Starfinder): This mechanic allows characters to use their social skills and connections to persuade, bargain, or intimidate others. The influence system is a mechanic that allows characters to use their social skills and connections to persuade, bargain, or intimidate others. In a game with an influence system, characters may have an influence score or pool of points that represents their ability to sway others. This score or pool may be affected by the character's social skills, reputation, or connections, and can be used to gain advantages in social interactions.
For example, a character with a high influence score might be able to persuade a guard to let them pass through a restricted area, while a character with a lower score might struggle to convince the same guard. The influence system can add an element of politics and intrigue to the game, as characters use their social skills to navigate complex social situations. It can also add an element of roleplaying to the game, as players must consider how their character's influence might affect their interactions with others.
The specifics of how the influence system works can vary depending on the game in which it is used. In some games, the influence score may be represented by a number that can be increased or decreased depending on the character's actions or experiences. In other games, the influence score may be represented by a pool of points that can be spent to gain advantages in social interactions. The influence system can add depth to a character's abilities and background, as it reflects their social skills and connections. It's important to note that the influence system should be used with care, as it can potentially lead to imbalances in power within the group if not handled appropriately. It's a good idea to discuss the use of the influence system with your group before including it in your game.
FATE points (from Fate Core): These points can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, reroll failed dice, or create advantages in certain situations. FATE points are a resource that can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, reroll failed dice, or create advantages in certain situations. FATE points are a mechanic used in the Fate Core roleplaying game, as well as other games that use the FATE system. In a game that uses FATE points, players may start the game with a certain number of points, and can earn more by making compelling roleplaying choices or achieving certain goals.
Using FATE points can give players a bit of extra control over the outcome of certain rolls or events, but it also requires them to carefully manage their points in order to use them effectively. The FATE point system can add an element of flexibility to the game, as players can use their points to alter the outcome of certain rolls or events. It can also encourage players to make bold or creative choices, as they may earn more points by taking risks or making interesting roleplaying choices. The specifics of how FATE points work can vary depending on the game in which they are used, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the system in the game you are playing.
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Action points (from GURPS): These points can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, take extra actions, or perform special maneuvers. Action points are a resource that can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, take extra actions, or perform special maneuvers. Action points are a mechanic used in a variety of roleplaying games, including GURPS and other games that use a point-based system for character abilities. In a game that uses action points, players may start the game with a certain number of points, and can earn more by achieving certain goals or making clever use of their abilities. Using action points can give players a bit of extra control over the outcome of certain rolls or events, but it also requires them to carefully manage their points in order to use them effectively. The action point system can add an element of tactical depth to the game, as players must carefully manage their points in order to use them effectively. It can also encourage players to think creatively and come up with new and interesting ways to use their abilities. The specifics of how action points work can vary depending on the game in which they are used, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the system in the game you are playing.
Bennies (from Savage Worlds): These points can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, soak damage, or ignore certain negative effects. Bennies are a resource that can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, soak damage, or ignore certain negative effects. Bennies are a mechanic used in the Savage Worlds roleplaying game, as well as other games that use the Savage Worlds system. In a game that uses bennies, players may start the game with a certain number of bennies and can earn more by making clever use of their abilities or roleplaying well.
Using bennies can give players a bit of extra control over the outcome of certain rolls or events, but it also requires them to carefully manage their bennies in order to use them effectively. The benny system can add an element of luck and resource management to the game, as players must decide when to use their bennies in order to gain the most benefit. It can also encourage players to think creatively and come up with new and interesting ways to use their abilities. The specifics of how bennies work can vary depending on the game in which they are used, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the system in the game you are playing.
Drama points (from 7th Sea): These points can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, add new elements to the story, or change the outcome of certain events. Drama points are a resource that can be used to add bonus dice to rolls, add new elements to the story, or change the outcome of certain events. Drama points are a mechanic used in the FATE roleplaying game, as well as other games that use the FATE system. In a game that uses drama points, players may start the game with a certain number of points, and can earn more by making bold or dramatic choices or roleplaying well.
Drama points can be used in a variety of ways depending on the game and the specific situation. For example, a player might use a drama point to introduce a new element to the story (such as a plot twist or an NPC) or change the outcome of an event (such as altering the outcome of a roll or altering the course of the story). Using drama points can give players a bit of extra control over the direction of the story, but it also requires them to carefully manage their points in order to use them effectively. The drama point system can add an element of narrative control to the game, as players can use their points to shape the direction of the story. It can also encourage players to make bold or creative choices, as they may earn more points by taking risks
Stunt system (from Feng Shui, Legend of the Five Rings): This mechanic allows players to create unique and creative actions that have a mechanical effect on the game, often in exchange for a resource such as action points or fate points. The stunt system is a mechanic that allows players to create unique and creative actions that have a mechanical effect on the game. These stunts can be used to gain an advantage in certain situations, such as adding bonus dice to a roll or creating an advantage for the character. Players may have to spend a resource such as action points or fate points in order to perform a stunt, and may need to describe their stunt in detail in order for it to be successful. The stunt system can add an element of excitement and creativity to the game, as players are encouraged to come up with new and interesting ways to use their abilities.
The specifics of how the stunt system works can vary depending on the game in which it is used. In some games, players may have a limited number of stunts they can perform per session, while in others they may be able to perform stunts whenever they wish as long as they have the appropriate resource. The stunt system can add an element of creativity and improvisation to the game, as players are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with new and interesting ways to use their abilities.
Momentum system (from Blades in the Dark): This mechanic allows players to gain an advantage in certain situations by building up momentum and using it to perform special actions or gain benefits. The momentum system is a mechanic that allows players to gain an advantage in certain situations by building up momentum and using it to perform special actions or gain benefits. In a game with the momentum system, players may start with a certain number of momentum points, which they can then use to perform special actions or gain advantages in certain situations. These points can be earned by achieving certain goals or making clever use of their abilities and may be spent in a variety of ways depending on the game. The momentum system can add an element of tension and excitement to the game, as players must carefully manage their momentum points in order to use them effectively. The system can also encourage players to take bold actions and think creatively, as they seek to build up their momentum and gain an advantage in the game. The specifics of how the momentum system works can vary depending on the game in which it is used, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the system in the game you are playing.
Bloodied (from 4th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game): The "bloodied" mechanic is a condition that affects a character when they reach a certain level of injury. When a character becomes bloodied, they gain a special ability or bonus that allows them to better defend themselves or fight back against their enemies.
The specifics of how the bloodied mechanic works can vary depending on the character class and other factors, but generally speaking, a character becomes bloodied when their hit points (HP) drop to below half of their maximum HP. For example, if a character has a maximum of 50 HP and their current HP drops to 25 or below, they become bloodied. Once a character becomes bloodied, they gain a special ability or bonus that can be used to help them survive and fight back against their enemies. The bloodied mechanic can add an element of tension and drama to the game, as characters must struggle to survive and fight back against their enemies even when they are injured. It can also encourage players to be more strategic in combat, as they must consider when to use their bloodied abilities in order to gain the most benefit. The bloodied mechanic is unique to the 4th edition of D&D, and is not present in other editions of the game.

Overall, while called the “world’s greatest roleplaying game”, there are many mechanics that 5e falls short. Other fantastic RPGs have found better ways to handle some missing mechanics to add another layer of fun to your favorite Dungeons and Dragons game.

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