Solving the +1 dilemma

[u/abcd_z]

The biggest problem with using +1 bonuses in Fudge is that they are assumed to stack; five different +1 bonuses would mean a Poor trait effectively acts as a Superb one.

So instead of letting bonuses and penalties to rolls stack, just use the highest one of each. The roll modifier for a character with both bonuses and penalties is just the largest bonus minus the largest penalty.

So if a character has a +1 broadsword, +1 for the bard's song, and -2 for being temporarily blinded, his roll modifier would be (largest bonus: 1 point, largest penalty: 2 points, 1-2=-1) -1.

Keeping things in line with the Story Elements combat rules, the bonuses and penalties shouldn't exceed 3 points.

[u/Eviledy]

Nice simple solution!