Size Categories

The issue of creature sizes was an important consideration as I was determining the system math. In Pathfinder, creature receive bonuses and penalties to all of their physical attributes based on size. This creates problems in a few cases--for example, the Strength bonus given to very large creatures completely negates their size penalty to hit. In order to address this, I decided that for Telharis all physical attributes would be measured relative to a typical creature of that size. To compensate, size modifiers apply to more things. I've also inverted the size modifiers to minimize the number of calculations that involve subtraction; small creatures receive a negative size modifier, and large creatures a positive one. The size modifier is added to maneuver bonus, maneuver defense, damage rolls, hit points, and Fortitude saves. It is subtracted from attack rolls, defense, Reflex saves, and Stealth checks.

I've also adjusted the size categories compared to Pathfinder. Flipping through the Bestiary, I found that the Fine size category was effectively limited to creatures that made up swarms. Overall, the size modifiers seemed too low. After some tinkering, I came up with the following categories:

Size           Modifier     Space     Reach       Examples
Fine                -10           1 ft.         0            Mice, coins, a typical insect--little more than points.
Tiny                -5             2.5 ft.      0           Cats, rats, most birds.
Small              -2             5 ft.       5 ft.         Halflings, dogs.
Medium           0             5 ft.       5 ft.         Humans, black bear.
Large              +2            10 ft.      5 ft.        Horses, cows, lions, a small dragon.
Huge               +5            15 ft.      10 ft.      Elephants, a medium dragon.
Colossal         +10          25 ft.       15 ft.      The proverbial broad side of a barn.
Immense        +15          35+ ft.    20 ft.       Kraken? Really old dragon?

I should note, I don't foresee the Immense category getting much use, and when it does, it may require special mechanics--a creature of that size isn't going to be hitting anything with a -15 on attack rolls. On the other hand, a creature of that size's attacks are probably more like an area of effect that would require a Reflex save. I'll deal with that if and when I come to it.

Also, I should maybe explain my 'proverbial broad side of a barn' example. What I mean by that is that an average level 1 human literally could not miss an attack against a stationary object of that size.

That's all for now.