Hacks for D&D to Do Less Math

Replace DC with Result BandsThe D20 is annoyingly chaotic and setting DCs is likewise annoying. Better to control them: 1 Critical failure 2-10 Failure 11-15 Partial success 16-19 Success 20 Critical success These result bands only apply to ability checks and saving throws when a DC isn't already provided. If ±0 is the average ability modifier, then just over half the time players will (partially) succeed when they role; this is ideal for narrative reasons. Proficiency bonuses and dis/advantage fit nicely with the math, give anywhere from a 5-25% increase in rolling higher. As characters level up, they should be more successful, and the chaos of the D20 doesn't foreclose failures. Using the standard array for ability scores is preferred during character creation. Combat uses the default attack and damage rolls. On Failure and Partial SuccessThe frustrating difficulty of this more story-games approach to failure/success is particularly what to do with partial successes. I include…