RL has kicked my butt for the past two weeks.

Today, just jotting down something inspired by a very old D&D-ish idea of treating Thieves' Abilities as that use slots, just like casting spells.

Working on one my rotating projects, I realized that this idea could be modified to make a more workable 1e Martial Arts system.

What I like is the ability to mix and match abilities to build a distinct, flavorful martial art. What I don't like is a bit too long to list here.

So, what if a martial artist chooses a style that determines her base damage and abilities open to her as she masters the style. The usage of these abilities are managed by slots, just like spells.

One thing this allows is the player to describe how they are fighting, avoiding being hit, some-cool-Jackie-Chan-frantic-holy-cow maneuver without checking to see if they can even attempt it. Anything you describe that doesn't use a special ability will be limited to base damage or standard chances of success.

The techniques within a style grant unique abilities like steelcloth (make a piece of cloth into a weapon), fantastic kicks/punches (like kicking two targets in the same round), ki blasts, etc.

Working my way back to normal.

    Have not forgotten about two other projects:

Color Coded Spells for my Black Hack clone
Posts about subsystems using cards, tokens, etc.

As for the former, I sent Kevin Chenevert the finished spells I have to this point. I need to do a proper OGL before publishing more.

As to the subsystems, I discovered that it will be much easier to demonstrate than to describe in words with still pictures. I am working on the video. My hope is a single take without an "um.. err.." or a "blasted card has slipped under the table... OW!"

    After drafts and outlines of various subsystems, it seems that the best way to demonstrate them is by video.

Despite my best efforts, it seems like I take too long to show the reader what I'm saying. For example, I can demonstrate using playing cards for initiative in 15 seconds yet I can't seem to get it under 800 words.

So the delays have been setting up a recording place.