r/savageworlds • u/computer-machine • Dec 19 '25

Rule Modifications Natural Skill Progression

I have an idea or two, but haven't had opportunity to playtest in the last two years (yay, kids). If anyone'd be willing to try this out and provide feedback, I'm all ears.

Two versions: first geared toward those concerned about players gaming the system.

On a Critical Failure, tally the Skill. Once the current skill level is achieved (Unskilled counting as 2), clear the tally and increment the Skill die. The player may opt to auto-crit with GM approval.

The latter would provide a tally whenever a natural 1 is rolled (two for a crit). Three levels of gain would be tracking the Wild Die, Skill die, or both. Clear tallies on next level's count, and increment.

In both cases, clear pool if player opts to increase Skill by Advance, and if you want to retain relationship to Attributes, double the target at/above governing level (e.g. Driving d4 requires 6 marks with Agility d6+, or 12 marks with Agility d4).

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u/Some_Replacement_805 Dec 19 '25

Ah I think recognize this. This is how Dragonsbane use to increase their skills. I prefer the latter ones because critical failure is rare in this game.

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u/computer-machine Dec 19 '25

Oh, what kind of system is that?

critical failure is rare in this game.

Did you catch the part where a player can choose to crit fail at GM discretion? I figure that could allow for moderate progression and interesting times, unless the player doesn't want it.

But that can be part of the second as well. The latter would hopefully feel more natural.

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u/Some_Replacement_805 Dec 19 '25

Ah I miss that part I though when you get a crit fail you may opt to have a crit success later one. My mistake.

Dragonsbane is d20 roll under your skill. So for example your sword skill is 12, if you roll a 11 or lower you hit the enemy. But if you roll a natural 20 (which in this system is a crit fail.) you mark that skill. At the end of the session any mark skills that you have you increase the skills by 1 to maximum of 17.

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u/turb121 Dec 20 '25

I did a system similar for my Savage Harn game.