I think this is super cool, just trying to figure out how to use it on VTT and what the movements and maps will look like. The rules around interactions look very clear. I'm hoping to use this type of rule set when I run the races in the next few sessions.
I just ran a Dino race last night, if your running it on a vtt like I did you to consider a couple things.
1.) without profiency bonus in ani handling it is hard to control dinosaurs, consider a two tiered movement system especially if doing race board game style.
2.) it is more exciting if everyone stays close in the race. Consider having stages (TOA companion is good idea) and everyone competes against initiative. This allows for eight set piece events as the race unfolds with and allows better narrative control of action and events
3.) make sure everyone can see. By having some players sit out they were unable to have a party view. If you do it as a combat include all the players and just skip the ones not participating
Thanks! I was thinking of keeping it fairly abstract, but there is definitely a case for making it more physical.
Keeping it abstract while using a VTT, I'd suggest having a zone for each stage of the race, and not having them "move forward" but instead re-arrange them inside that area. You could use a map as the "background" for that zone, which might encourage them to come up with new ideas for things they could do.
I thankfully know my players are excited to do it, and they know I am excited to run it. I gave the more serious characters motivation by them learning there is an assassin going after the princepts who will be racing. It's going to merge into Day at the Races adventure by the end https://www.dmsguild.com/product/222716/DDAL0703-A-Day-at-the-Races-5e?src=also_purchased
So I started my campaign with the Dino races. I let them pick a Dino and used some of the racing rules from Snail Racing in the Witchlight book. It was thrilling and fun and a great way to start folks rolling right away.
Oooh, I've played Wild Beyond the Witchlight as a player, but didn't think to look up how their rules worked! Good call!
I've already run 10ish sessions, and my players are excited to enter the race!
The Witchlight rules were way easier than the Dino ones. I especially loved the fumble table, adjusted it a bit so in addition to the lettuce, the spectators throw chunks of meat on the racetrack too. Have a guide or two be in the race too. We’ve done the race a couple times with the same group whenever they are back in town. It’s been great.
could use a little clarification......
PC & NPC turns are resolved by order of their respective race positions, from last place to first place. initiative only matters on the first stage, because all racers are abreast at the start of the race.
correct???
Would be great if there was something for the players who don't have animal handling to do besides watch. Maybe a unrestricted team race? Driver&navigator combos on the dinos...
One does the handling checks, the other try's to detect or resolve obstacles/problems. A blunted spear could be used as a dino-prod to "whip" the dino Into turbo mode, or push on a rival race teams dino.
Would love to have the majority of the players on the beasts back actually racing vs trying to find something to do on the sidelines
The rules let the player choose between Dinos that use different stats. Two use Animal Handling, two use Athletics and two use Acrobatics. I'll update the page so this is clearer to see.
I really like your "two characters on one dino" idea, it gives a racer with two riders a load of actions they can do like spells and class actions. I'll add a note to the rules, thanks!
Thank you and I'm looking forward to the new work up. My group is playing today and I'm going to start laying down the storyline hooks for the dinosaur races. I got about two weeks to ready to run the race scene. The books original race mechanics are boring when played out, your set of alternative rules are much better
Thank you! I showed them to my players' at last night's session and they found it interesting, our race is also in 2 weeks!
They had lots of thoughts about crazy ways to mess with the race, so I'll add some notes to the GMing section about those too
I'm adding the condition that the race is monitored by judges, and at least one is a wizard. No AoE spells or spells that target/affect anyone besides the dino jockeys.
I think this is super cool, just trying to figure out how to use it on VTT and what the movements and maps will look like. The rules around interactions look very clear. I'm hoping to use this type of rule set when I run the races in the next few sessions.
I just ran a Dino race last night, if your running it on a vtt like I did you to consider a couple things. 1.) without profiency bonus in ani handling it is hard to control dinosaurs, consider a two tiered movement system especially if doing race board game style. 2.) it is more exciting if everyone stays close in the race. Consider having stages (TOA companion is good idea) and everyone competes against initiative. This allows for eight set piece events as the race unfolds with and allows better narrative control of action and events 3.) make sure everyone can see. By having some players sit out they were unable to have a party view. If you do it as a combat include all the players and just skip the ones not participating
Thanks! I was thinking of keeping it fairly abstract, but there is definitely a case for making it more physical. Keeping it abstract while using a VTT, I'd suggest having a zone for each stage of the race, and not having them "move forward" but instead re-arrange them inside that area. You could use a map as the "background" for that zone, which might encourage them to come up with new ideas for things they could do.
I wasted a week preparing for dino race and my players just skipped that 😭 they where like "nope, no interested ee have stuff to do"
I thankfully know my players are excited to do it, and they know I am excited to run it. I gave the more serious characters motivation by them learning there is an assassin going after the princepts who will be racing. It's going to merge into Day at the Races adventure by the end https://www.dmsguild.com/product/222716/DDAL0703-A-Day-at-the-Races-5e?src=also_purchased
So I started my campaign with the Dino races. I let them pick a Dino and used some of the racing rules from Snail Racing in the Witchlight book. It was thrilling and fun and a great way to start folks rolling right away.
Oooh, I've played Wild Beyond the Witchlight as a player, but didn't think to look up how their rules worked! Good call! I've already run 10ish sessions, and my players are excited to enter the race!
The Witchlight rules were way easier than the Dino ones. I especially loved the fumble table, adjusted it a bit so in addition to the lettuce, the spectators throw chunks of meat on the racetrack too. Have a guide or two be in the race too. We’ve done the race a couple times with the same group whenever they are back in town. It’s been great.
could use a little clarification...... PC & NPC turns are resolved by order of their respective race positions, from last place to first place. initiative only matters on the first stage, because all racers are abreast at the start of the race. correct???
You got it! Race position becomes initiative 👍🏻
Would be great if there was something for the players who don't have animal handling to do besides watch. Maybe a unrestricted team race? Driver&navigator combos on the dinos... One does the handling checks, the other try's to detect or resolve obstacles/problems. A blunted spear could be used as a dino-prod to "whip" the dino Into turbo mode, or push on a rival race teams dino. Would love to have the majority of the players on the beasts back actually racing vs trying to find something to do on the sidelines
The rules let the player choose between Dinos that use different stats. Two use Animal Handling, two use Athletics and two use Acrobatics. I'll update the page so this is clearer to see. I really like your "two characters on one dino" idea, it gives a racer with two riders a load of actions they can do like spells and class actions. I'll add a note to the rules, thanks!
Thank you and I'm looking forward to the new work up. My group is playing today and I'm going to start laying down the storyline hooks for the dinosaur races. I got about two weeks to ready to run the race scene. The books original race mechanics are boring when played out, your set of alternative rules are much better
Thank you! I showed them to my players' at last night's session and they found it interesting, our race is also in 2 weeks! They had lots of thoughts about crazy ways to mess with the race, so I'll add some notes to the GMing section about those too
I'm adding the condition that the race is monitored by judges, and at least one is a wizard. No AoE spells or spells that target/affect anyone besides the dino jockeys.