CODA System

The Coda System is a game system for role-playing games published by Decipher, Inc. and is similar to d20 system with a few distinct differences.

First and most noted, it is entirely d6 based, making the game for accessible considering six sided dice are quite common.

Secondly, leveling up is very different. than being called leveling up another system is used, known as advancing and gauge using advancments as the unit of measure (for example: A level 7 character is called a character with 6 advancments). Also, instead of getting automatic upgrades (for example: HP, Wound Points, Special Abilities, Feats, and Skill points all at once), players upgrade using pick points given at each advancment. From this, the player may choose to get:

More HP, Extra abilities, Extra Edges (Coda's system of Feats), Skill points, A new Class

The positive argument with this is that players become more unique. The negative is that players who are used to d20 leveling up feel cheated when they work to advance and only get a few upgrades.

Health also works differently. In d20 games, players have Hit points and then Wound points. In the Coda system, players just have 6 health levels. Their health (Strength plus Stamina) is put into each of the 6 health levels (for example: Player 1 has a health of 11, so 11 goes into each level, giving her a total of 66 HP). When a player takes enough damage to lose a health level, he/she takes a penalty in every action.

Weariness is also a factor. As a player treks on or casts a spell too powerful, he/she loses weariness levels and will take penalties, until given rest.

The most popular of the games that run off this engine is the Lord of the Rings RPG. In it, players can roam around Middle Earth, finding treasure and bashing orcs a new one. Magic is more subtle and you'll often find a kindle fire spell is more powerful than a lighting spell at times. Decipher has also produced a licensed Star Trek role playing game using the Coda System.