Each letter is a color of a die in this system. Positive dice are: Ability=Green 'G', Proficiency=Yellow 'Y', Boost=Blue 'B'. Negative dice are: Difficulty=Purple 'P', Challenge=Red "R', Setback=Black 'Bk'. The die types are as follows:
Boost and Setback = d6
Ability and Difficulty = d8
Proficiency and Challenge = d12
Force Die is also a d12, we'll get into that later.
Lets use a combat example to illustrate how you build a pool:
Valkyr is firing her blaster rifle at a goon at Medium range. Looking at her skills, we see she has a Ranged(Heavy) Skill of GGYY. Which is 2d8 and 2d12. How did she get that? Ranged combat is based on Agility, and Valkyr's is a 4. This gives her 4 Ability dice or GGGG. She also has a Ranged (Heavy) skill of 2. This allows her to 'upgrade' two of her Ability dice. Ability dice upgrade from d8 (G) to Proficiency dice, d12 (Y).
With me so far? Not as hard as it sounds once you try it a bit. So Valkyr enhances her raw ability with some skill. It also works in reverse. Lets say she had a lot of practice in Ranged (Heavy), and had a skill of 4. That would give her GGGG. If she had Agility 2, she would upgrade 2 of those, and get GGYY, same as she had before. The system allows you to work both ways: raw ability modded by training, or training modded by raw ability. If you have NO training in a skill, you use your Ability score.
Back to our example: Valkyr has GGYY at Medium range. M range is an average check, adding PP. So she rolls:
Only the numbers matter, not the total. Refer to the dice results table in the Campaign Tab. We see Valkyr's positive dice got a (G)7, Success + Advantage; (G)6, Advantage; (Y)3, Success; and (Y)9, Success + Advantage. So far she has a total of 3 Successes and 3 Advantage.
Now lets look at her Difficulty dice: we have two (P)6s, Threat x2.
Successes and Failures cancel, and you need at least one Success to...well..Succeed. Advantage and Failures Cancel. Looking at our shot, we see Valkyr has 3 Successes and 1 Advantage left over. Her shot hits the goon, and does the weapon damage PLUS 3, one for each Success left over. Now here's where the system gets interesting, and really gets into player involvement in dice results. Valkyr has an Advantage she can use. There is also a table in the Campaign Tab that shows what you can do with them. For our example, lets say that Valkyr decides she is going to use her die to remove Strain. She might write something like:
She grins as her shot hits home, breathing a little easier about this combat.
Lets continue.
Goon 1 is down, having eaten a blaster rifle shot to the face. Valkyr fires again, but the situation has changed. Goon 2 is in cover behind a crate (+1 Bl), and there is smoke from a blasted power cable in the area (+1 Bl). Now Valkyr's pool looks like this: GGYY; PPBkBk. Valkyr decides to take a Manuver to Aim, giving her +1 B. Now we have BGGYY; PPbkBk.
Lets roll:
Blank, 2 Successes, 3 Advantage.
Blank, Failure, 3 Threat
It is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL you assign the right numbers to the right die type.
We have 1 Success, or weapon damage +1 on Goon 2.
In this system you can fail and have something positive happen:
Valkyr gets zero Successes and 2 Advantage: She fails, but manages to duck behind cover, for a +1 Bk for her enemies' next shot.
Or, you can succeed and have something bad happen: She hits, but her shot causes the other goons to duck behind cover, giving her (or the rest of you) a +1 Bk on your next shot.
These are just combat examples, the possibilities are endless. Just remember, the PC / NPC rolling the dice use Advantage, and the opposition uses Threat. Generally speaking, it will make sense once we begin.
The first run will be a learning adventure, its scaled to teach the rules in a gradual manner. It will be a good way to get into the system, and a good test for the pbp environs.
Awesome explanation OGGM :)
I like the format of the rolls in the posts you made, makes it easier to double check your results. I reckon after the first adventure things will be much easier game mechanics-wise. Really looking forward to the more narrative-focused side of things. There's a lot of good influence felt here from Houses of the Blooded I think!
Also helps that everyone seems right on the money with character concepts, the feel is already great :)
Can't wait to get started!
So Obligation is a fluctuating 'currency' for lack of a better term. Here's how it works:
At the start of each 'session' (I'll have to work out what that means in pbp terms) I roll percentile dice. The target number is the total of the group's Obligation, in this case, 50. In addition, each PC's Obligation is divided up, so Valkyr has 1-10, Rae 11-20, etc. If I roll under 50, the Obligation triggers, and depending on what I roll, whose Obligation triggers. So, if I rolled a 16, using our example, Rae's Obligation triggers.
Now this doesn't automatically mean something directly happens in the story. The base mechanic is that Rae feels the pressure of her Obligation, whether through rumors, or a bounty hunter sighting, whatever. Her Strain threshold drops by two for that session. But wait, there's more! As her Fringer companions, you also know she's under some stress, so all of your Strain thresholds drop by one. We all know though, that stress can be a killer, so If I roll doubles and trigger the Obligation, all of the above penalties double!
And yet...more...
Your total group Obligation also acts as a reputation of sorts. The higher your Obligation, the easier it is to deal with underworld elements. They trust you, have heard of you etc. The downside is that the law-abiding side of life has a harder time dealing with you. The reverse is also true. So its a balancing act, depending on what you want to do in that situation. As always, good RP can mitigate some of this.
If your Obligation ever exceeds 100, you are so busy dealing with it that you can't spend xp until you get back below 100.
In this system you can fail and have something positive happen:
Valkyr gets zero Successes and 2 Advantage: She fails, but manages to duck behind cover, for a +1 Bk for her enemies' next shot.
Or, you can succeed and have something bad happen: She hits, but her shot causes the other goons to duck behind cover, giving her (or the rest of you) a +1 Bk on your next shot.
These are just combat examples, the possibilities are endless. Just remember, the PC / NPC rolling the dice use Advantage, and the opposition uses Threat. Generally speaking, it will make sense once we begin.
The first run will be a learning adventure, its scaled to teach the rules in a gradual manner. It will be a good way to get into the system, and a good test for the pbp environs.
I wanted amend this a bit after reading it. 90% of the time I will use Threat as a GM, regardless of who is rolling.
I need to read up on the Strain / Wound threshholds.
I also wonder if I have made a terrible mistake by making Rae kind of not really useful at all in combat.
I need to read up on the Strain / Wound threshholds.
I also wonder if I have made a terrible mistake by making Rae kind of not really useful at all in combat.
Well keep in mind that "utility" is a flexible term and what that means in the context of a game that favors narrative arcs and success even in the face of failure changes things.
Rae and 5 may spend many combats making corridors open, activating trash compactors or turning them off, fiddling with panels, portals, doors, devices or throwing grenades down the hall and praying that our big mean friends keep us alive :)
Okay you sold me on being very happy with my decision. I'm excited.
I struggled long and hard to find an even vaguely appropriate avatar, and this is the result so no making fun! For some reason Paizo don't have 'giant space otter' in their picture tags ;p
Bullzeye!, nice encapsulation of the contributions you and Rae can make when the balls/bolts of light are flying :)
I struggled long and hard to find an even vaguely appropriate avatar, and this is the result so no making fun! For some reason Paizo don't have 'giant space otter' in their picture tags ;p
I'm working on a solution for this, because I'm also very unhappy with their selection.
I agree, I don't like the fact that you are limited to their avatars only. I mean, no giant space otter??? It would be nice to have the option to put in your own, but I understand the reasons why they don't allow it.
Rae, I'd be happy to hear if you have a solution for this forum. That said, we don't have to use the Paizo messageboards. If its a big deal, we can use MythWeavers, I've been on that one before. They have a SW dice roller function as well.
Your call.
I would rather not move to a different forum.
Which is why I've made something to ease the pain.
It's a small and light-weight Google Chrome plugin that replaces our avatars. If you would like to use it, download it here. To install, go to chrome://extensions in your browser, and drag and drop the downloaded file into that window. It should take care of the rest.
Note that this will only work for this game, but should apply to all of the tabs. Also note that because of the way Paizo is built, it will not work during "Post Preview". It is also unfinished, as not everyone has selected a name or image yet. If you have an alternate image that you'd like used, or haven't selected one at all, please let me know and I'll take care of it.
That is awesome! I assume it isn't working right now in the tabs because its 'unfinished' as you say.
question: does everyone need to download it to see the avatars? Or does it just populate the page on its own?
Ok Rae, Chrome is automatically disabling the extension because it is not in the "Chrome Web Store'. It is grayed out in my Tools/Extensions and apparently the only way to enable it is to use another version o Chrome, like a Dev version. Anyone else seeing this?
Btw, I'd rather not use a different forum either.
That is awesome! I assume it isn't working right now in the tabs because its 'unfinished' as you say.
question: does everyone need to download it to see the avatars? Or does it just populate the page on its own?
Well we currently kinda only have one tab - since there's no Gameplay thread yet, and most people didn't use Aliases in Recruitment.
Everyone will need to download it to use it, since Paizo would way sooner allow custom avatars than for people like me to write custom scripts. :P It's of course totally optional, but I'm a big fan of it.
I should be able to get it to work for Post Preview, it's something I have to think on for a bit.
Ok Rae, Chrome is automatically disabling the extension because it is not in the "Chrome Web Store'. It is grayed out in my Tools/Extensions and apparently the only way to enable it is to use another version o Chrome, like a Dev version. Anyone else seeing this?
I missed a step! At the very top there should be a checkbox for "Developer Mode". That will allow you to enable plugins that aren't in the Chrome Store.
Mine is working, I need to create a profile for xj7-511 so the script is replacing the right account. VERY neat!
Mine is working, I need to create a profile for xj7-511 so the script is replacing the right account. VERY neat!
Yeah, once the others get theirs up as well, I'll post an "updated" one that'll have everyone's.
So like I said, if you want to use a different image, totally fine, just let me know!
*insert awkward salute here*
Score!! It works! Man, Im the only one without a cool Star Wars avatar...thats got to change.
Ok, had to do it. Posted my new avatar for this game.
The extension gets disabled when I shut down and re-start Chrome, even with Dev box checked.
Huh that is strange, I'm not having the same problem hmmm.
On a separate note I love the avatar. That intro movie was so good. Actually all of the fully rendered video from Old Republic was really good. The game...it had its challenges and ultimately I couldn't afford to keep in it time wise.
The extension gets disabled when I shut down and re-start Chrome, even with Dev box checked.
That's odd. What version of Chrome are you using?
We still have two that we're waiting on, I believe? But in the morning I'll get out an update for this, that will fix 5's Avatar, as well as Old Guy GM's. I'm also replacing my own, so that'll happen as well. Possibly also I can fix the weird issue that OGGM is having, but I am not certain on that.
Rae that is fantastic! Kudos to you for taking the time to improve everyone's experience and immersion :)
The extension gets disabled when I shut down and re-start Chrome, even with Dev box checked.That's odd. What version of Chrome are you using?
Version 36. I thought it may be just my work comp, but my home rig is doing the same thing. Just tried it. And I can't enable it, its grayed out.
Having just finished having a proper look through the gear rules, I have made a few changes to my weapons and equipment (under profile) and now have an extremely shiny blaster :D
Or should I say 'battered and well-used' in keeping with the dirty-tech genre ;p
For the stat block, how about:
WT 14 ST 13 RD 1 MD 1 SV 3
Not familiar enough with the perception mechanic to know what to put there though :s
Spaz is out. He confirmed with me last night. So, the group we have so far is:
Valkyr: Selonian Assassin (Zen)
Rae: Twi'lek Mechanic (Yorick)
'5': Droid Slicer (Bullzeye)
Tok: Human Scoundrel (Digger)
Do you want another? We can start and add one in the run, wait and add one before we start, whatever.
I think people are itching to start, so I'm for option one. You may want one more combat type, some medic skill, or a hot pilot. All of that can be mitigated by you all adding or increasing some skills later. In any case, we would add only one more.
Now, just need Digger to post a profile for Tok. You guys let me know. I am crafting your starting posts now.
I am fine either way. It certainly wouldn't be hard to pick up more people if we need them.
Let's start and then work on another recruit as we go...space is huge, easy to pick people up on the way ;)
Rae and '5's PMs are up
I was already excited, now more so.
Valkyr's PM is up.
Need Tok's profile and we are off and running.
Oh man, I'm really pumped after having read that.
Also, here is a new version of the plugin. Sets Bullseye's avatar to the right image, gives OldGuyGM a new avatar, and also replaces mine. It also now works on Post Previewing.
I'll have another update to account for Tok once he's ready to go. Again, happy to do any changes, just let me know. Hope you guys like it. :)
OGGM: Haven't been able to replicate or find anything on the issue you've been having. Will keep at it.
OGGM: Haven't been able to replicate or find anything on the issue you've been having. Will keep at it.
Yeah, its odd. It seemed to come in with version 34, a lot of hate mail on that. But nothing recent. If it had been just my work computer, I'd chalk it up to restrictions from here. But its at home too. It might be the way I am doing it. To that end:
I downloaded it
I opened chrome://extensions
I dragged and dropped it into the chrome: window
Dev box was checked at the time of drag and drop. It works fine until I shut down Chrome. When I re-open, it auto-disables it. I don't really need it, but it would be nice!
Profile made!
And here's a link to his purdy face.
@GM: Do you happen to be on Windows? It's looking like they started auto disabling non-app-store-extensions for Windows users. Which is h&@@&#*@#. But I have Ubuntu at home and a Mac at work so I never knew this was a thing.
But, I mean, hell, if that's all it takes, I'll just make it a proper extension, and include a Configuration File and some instructions so that people can just change any user's avatar they want, and add it to the web store.
hmmm
hmmm?
Here is something strange...starting with Rae's post after Tok's the extensions no longer works. If I look at posts BEFORE that, everyone's pic is right. Ha wuh?
I am on build 34 though chrome portable...not sure that should matter.
Here is something strange...starting with Rae's post after Tok's the extensions no longer works. If I look at posts BEFORE that, everyone's pic is right. Ha wuh?
Ah s#+~ you're right. It hits an error because Tok doesn't actually have an Avatar to replace. Good catch!
Oh, I'll find one, then! Sorry!
Hopefully that helps.
It does! I'll have your replacement one up in the morning. :)
Ta dah!
@GM: Do you happen to be on Windows? It's looking like they started auto disabling non-app-store-extensions for Windows users. Which is h+%*@+$@+. But I have Ubuntu at home and a Mac at work so I never knew this was a thing.
But, I mean, hell, if that's all it takes, I'll just make it a proper extension, and include a Configuration File and some instructions so that people can just change any user's avatar they want, and add it to the web store.
I saw something on a forum that said you could put it on the web store as 'hidden' with limited access. And I am on Windows.
Okay cool, mystery solved! I'll get it all sorted in the morning. :)
Also: PMs were awesome - when does Gameplay go live? I'm super excited.