Variable Darkvision (3.5e Variant Rule)
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Variant DarkvisionEdit
Darkvision is a set value that never changes with character level or increase in hit die. However low light vision is a variation on normal vision distance. Spot checks cover what can seen by any character with appropriate penalties for increased distance. The distance penalties included as a part of spot also open the situation that a character can have a range of darkvision with is significantly more or less than their standard vision allows them to see. It would be more fair and reasonable to have darkvision be based on how far any character can see in normal light in a similar mannetr to low light vision.
New Darkvision SystemEdit
All darkvision is changed from a set distance to a percent of a character's ability to see in normal daylight. Every foot of darkvision range converts to 1% of the distance that the character to see in full daylight. Example: A Half-Orc can now see 60% of the distance that they could in full daylight with their darkvision.
Characters with a darkvision range of greater than 100ft have such an adaptation to darkness that they can partially decipher even magical variants. Each feet of darkvision range beyond 100ft is the percentage of that character normal daylight vision that magical darkness can be seen through as described in the see in darkness ability. Example - A character with 120ft darkvision can see the full distance they could in normal daylight with their darkvision and 20% of that distance while within the range of a darkness spell.
The easiest way to implement this system is to adjust spot distance penalties accordingly. The normal penalty for spot is -1 per 10 feet, so the half-orc example above would have a penalty when using darkvision is -1 per 6 feet.
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