Simplified Rolemaster

Recently, in a conversation with somebody on another forum, I made the comment that it would be relatively easy to simplify Rolemaster Express in such a way that it does not require table look-ups.

The person I was talking with called me on my claim.

Therefore, I came up with a way to run Rolemaster with no tables. Here it is…

Simplification Steps

1) Skill Resolution – Remove MM and SM tables, replace with simple Target Number of 101 or higher for success for a maneuver of Medium Difficulty.

2) Combat

• Divide weapons into 5 categories (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large, Huge) Each now does damage according to its size (Tiny = d6, Small = d8, Medium = d10, Large = d12, Huge = d20).
• A successful hit is determined by OB+roll-Foe’s DB+50 = 101 or higher. If the hit succeeds, then roll 1 die for damage. (Note: this is only an approximation of the “to hit” process).
• Subtract foe’s AT from the damage rolled.
• For every 20 points above the basic “to hit” threshold, of 101 roll an additional die of damage.
• Optional: Every full die of damage = 1 round of stun; Every die (beyond the first) = 1 hit per round of bleeding, Every full 10 points of damage = a -5 modifier to foe.

3) Resistance Rolls – If spell is successfully cast, then target must make RR against a base target number of 50. This is if attacker and defender are same level.

• If attackers level is higher, then raise TN by 3 points for each level.
• If defender’s level is higher, then lower TN by 2 points for each level.

Or, if you want to be more accurate to the original table…..

• If attacker is higher level, then increase the TN by 5 points for every level of difference for the first 5 levels, then adjust it by 3 for the next 5 levels of difference, and then by 2 for the next 5 levels beyond that, and then by 1 for all levels after that.
• If defender is of higher level, then reduce TN by 5 for each of the first five levels of difference, by 3 for each of the next 5 levels, by 2 for each of the next five levels. and by 1 point for every level beyond that.