Re: Fixin' holes (Was Re: Lengthy, but simpler (I hope) Drowning)

[John Hogg <johnhogg@expert.cc.purdue.edu>]

On Tue, 22 Sep 1998, Kris Ames wrote:

> True you can't will yourself to swim, but you can will yourself to not
> panic and open your mouth an scream and hence get some water (i.e. you
> weren't actually underwater, but were splashing enough to splash) into
> your mouth.  If you can stop from panicking I think you should get

> another swimming check.  The difference between failing a swimming check
> and failing a mountain climbing check is if you miss your mountain
> climbing check the next skill check you need to make is your "learn how
> to fly real quick skill".  Obviously you can't try and swim again

As opposed to the "learn to breathe water real quick skill?"

Seriously, though, that's my point.  Why should you get additional checks
beyond the first skill check for swimming?  None of the other skills that
immediately come to mind allow that sort of thing.

> immediately (hence the will check), but I know of several people who have
> been stunned or had a cramp or something, start having trouble swimming,
> calm down (and usually switch positions) and then be able to swim.  Maybe
> the next swimming check is more difficult as well, but I think it should
> be given or extend the amount of time between health checks.

Scenerio:

Bob the marine is swimming/frollicing/all around doing easy stuff in the
water.  He makes his 1D swimming check. (note to players, you guys were
right, 1D for basic swimming, not 2, checked that quite a bit ago)

Now, about 10 minutes pass, and in a raucus game of "Marco Polo" the 4
bologna sandwitches he had for lunch mere seconds before hopping into the
water come back to haunt him.  BIG stomach cramp. Bob needs to give me
another swimming check perhaps 1-2d6 higher than the original

IF Bob makes it, he manages to get out of the water, float until he
relaxes, streaches, etc.  whatever allows him to deal with the cramp.  If
Bob is still in the water after the crisis passes gimme a 1D check to
resume playing Marco Polo.

IF Bob blows it apply drowning rules.

(actually an experienced swimmer having a cramp was given as an example in
the definition of drowning in the original post.)


> 
> -Kris
> 


John Hogg				johnhogg@expert.cc.purdue.edu
"Adventure?  Excitement?  A jedi craves not these things."
						-Silent Bob, "Mallrats"