So I tried posting this as a comment on Zacs blog for this post http://dndwithpornstars.blogspot.com/2011/09/does-system-matterto-rancor.html
But for reasons unknown to me it just won't post. What the heck, I'll just put it here.
Fun Challenge
Dragons at Dawn (Dave Arneson tribute game)
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/dragons-at-dawn/16163330
Luke is a Hero level Priest , Monk subclass, Order of the Jedi
Level 4, HD 2+1, HPV 8. He is unarmored, therefore AC1, Scores: Appearance 6; Brains 8; Cunning 8; Dexterity 9; Health 8; Strength 7;
Rancor is apparently a non regenerative variety of true troll or something like it with the ability to swallow victims, so well give him (her?) an AC 6, HD12, HPV 46, Dexterity 5.
Gammoriean – why bother. 1 HD AC4 (leather).
Note: because the Rancor is a stupid beast, the Referee does not apply any level adjustment benefits that might otherwise be due to a 12 HD combatant facing a 4 HD combatant.
Round 1
The gammorrean falls into the pit. The Referee decides to begin the Gamorrean at “disrupted” morale state – Rolls a failure and the Gamorean is now “routed” for 18 rounds.
Luke falls into the pit. He is not hurt but is surprised for one round and the Referee applies a penalty to his Morale roll. He fails, and drops one step to “shaken” for 2 rounds (minutes). (at Luke’s level, Morale rolls are optional for players, but we will assume the Ref likes to use them.)
The Rancor easily passes his morale roll and attacks the Gamorean. Size is the only modifier that applies (12/10 = 1.2 rounded to +1) in the Gammorean’s favor, but being routed, receives only ¼ of Fighting Strength (1HD +1)/(4) - Resulting in “Less than 1 FS” or 12 FS vs >1 on the matrix. This means the Rancor only needs an 11 or less on 2d6 to hit. The roll is good; the Gammorean is hit. Being generous, the Ref allows an Armor Class Saving throw for the Gamorean (AC4), but rolls a 5. The Gammorean is knocked down, scooped up and quickly eaten.
Meanwhile, The Priest (Luke), picks up a bone , retreats, and surveys the room for details.
Round 2
Rancor: The Rancor, still possessing the Morale advantage, attempts to grab Luke. The Referee, considers the situation and asks the Priests player to make a 2d6 dex roll at -4. Despite Luke’s excellent dexterity (9), the roll fails and the Rancor has him and gives a good squeeze (lets say 1d6 damage – about 3 HPV) to soften him up before devouring.
Luke: the Priest/Monk however, decides not to attack with the bone, realizing the most he could possibly do – assuming a successful hit and 6’s on all damage die – would be 14 points of damage. Instead he decides to jam it in the Rancor’s mouth to prevent being eaten. The Referee considers the action and requests a Dex roll at -1. A 6 is rolled and the move is declared successful.
Luke is dropped. The Referee allows a saving throw vs. Health (just to mix it up), but Luke’s player rolls high (a 10) and fails the roll. Since the drop isn’t very far, the Referee rolls 1d4 for damage and gets 2 - bringing Luke’s total down to 3 HPV.
Round 3
Luke’s Moral has now returned to normal. The Referee decides a new Morale Throw should be made. Both the Rancor and the Priest pass, but Luke’s roll is much higher. The Referee decides a momentum shift has occurred and grants Luke the initiative.
Luke: Luke throws a rock at the Rancor, an activity at which he is quite skilled (+4), requiring a combat roll. Luke gains a +1 for size modifier, +4 for Dexterity (9-5 = 4), giving a total adjustment of +5 to FS. Added to his 2 + 1 HD, Luke gets an FS of 7 vs. the Rancor’s FS of 12. On the matrix, 7 vs. 12 requires a 3 or better to hit. Adding Luke’s skill bonus, that become a 7 or better. Lukes’ player rolls a 6, hitting the Rancor. Using the split move allowed to shooters, Luke now backs away from the Rancor, opening a door and moving into the next room.
Rancor: as Luke backs away, the beast attempts another grab. Luke’s player makes a successful save vs. dexterity.
Round 4
Luke: the Priest attempts to open a barred doorway – the Referee looks at the Priest’s strength score and declares an automatic failure. Instead the player opts to use a projectile “split move” again (move and shoot), and declares Luke will pick up a rock throw it at the Portcullis controls as the Rancor passes under. Throwing against a nearby stationary object would normally require a Dexterity Throw, but given Luke’s throwing skill and his high dexterity, he cannot miss.
Rancor: The Rancor is slowed by the confined space but begins to enter the second room just as Luke throws the rock. The Referee does not bother to calculate the damage as portcullis through the brain is fatal even to Rancor kind.
