Combat Rhythm (3.5e Variant Rule)

== Combat Rhythm ==

Introduction
Encouraging pauses in combat.

Inspired and influenced by Ghostwheel's article, Taking Stock.

Rule Mechanics
TAKING STOCK

Taking stock is a full-round action which does not provoke an attack of opportunity. While taking stock, you gain a +1 bonus to Listen, If you spend a single round taking stock, on the following round you gain the following bonuses:

+1 insight bonus to attack rolls that round against any opponent you were aware of when you started taking stock.

+1 insight bonus to Armor Class that round against any opponent you were aware of when you started taking stock.

+1 insight bonus to Reflex saves that round against any opponent you were aware of when you started taking stock.

May take 10 on any skill checks you make that round

If you spend multiple consecutive rounds taking stock, on the subsequent round you gain the same bonuses above, but with the bonuses to attack rolls, armor class, and reflex saves multiplied by the number of rounds you took stock, to a maximum of *5.

PSYCHING UP

Psyching up is a full-round action which does not provoke an attack of opportunity. While taking stock, you gain a +1 bonus to Will saves. If you spend a single round taking stock, on the following round you gain the following bonuses: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls that round. +1 morale bonus to Fortitude and Will saves that round. +1 morale bonus to Concentration checks that round. 2 + level*2 temporary hit points for that round.

If you spend multiple rounds psyching up, on the subsequent round you gain the same bonuses above, but with the bonuses multiplied by the number of rounds you psyched up, to a maximum of *5.

When the encounter ends, or 10 rounds after you started psyching up in any case, you are fatigued, although this fatigue can be removed with 5 minutes of complete rest if you don’t become exhausted in the meantime. You cannot psyche up while fatigued or exhausted.

Examples
Example: Dandelion Brookside, halfling rogue, spends 3 rounds taking stock. On the fourth round, she has a +3 bonus to attack rolls, a +3 bonus to Armor Class, a +3 bonus to Reflex saves, and can take 10 on the skill checks she makes.