Size Matters

Extract From Wardhammer - Fixing a few Leaks version 5.25 by Ian Ward (Published 1992)

One of the main modifications adopted from the Wardhammer Supplement is the concept of relative size when handling combat.
Ian Ward points out that the core rules make no allowance for the relative size of an opponent during combat despite the fact that size would matter. He suggests a solution based upon a new profile attribute Relative Size (or SZ) using the size of an average human character as the norm.
All other creatures and characters are then assigned an 'SZ' value based upon their size relative to a normal human (rounded to the nearest whole number) using the distance from their head to their feet, or their nose to their tail, whichever is the greater. So, for a humanoid creature like a troll, it would be the distance from its head to its feet, but for a creature like a snake or a dragon, it would be the distance from its nose to its tail.
Examples

• An Orge is 10 feet tall and is more than half as tall again as most humans. Therefore the Ogres Relative Size = SZ+1
• A Snotling is 2 feet tall and is less than half the height of an average human. Therefore it's Relative Size is SZ-1
• A Dragon is 30 feet long and is at least four times larger than a human. Therefore it's Relative Size SZ+4

During combat, opponents compare the value of their characters SZ to determine their 'Size Difference'. This 'Size Difference' is then used as a Damage Modifier by both of them during combat.
Example A Human Knight (SZ 0) fighting a Dragon (SZ+4) would suffer a -4 Size Difference Modifier to any damage he managed to inflict on the beast. Whilst the Dragon would gain +4 to any damage it inflicted on the Knight. Making tackling a large creature much more challenging than under the standard combat rules.
Note: Missile Weapons are always assumed to be SZ 0 for damage purposes.

Type

Guide, Generic

Medium

Digital Recording, Text