jeuderologie: comparison draft/scatter-5.txt

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+| |-+  *Scattershot <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?board=22.0>*
+| | |-+  *Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.0>* 	� previous
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+*Pages:* [*1*] 	Print
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+Author 	Topic: Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal  (Read
+914 times)
+*Le Joueur <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73>*
+Member
+Posts: 1363
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73> WWW
+<http://www.scattershotgames.com>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg10546#msg10546>
+*Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg10546#msg10546>*
+� * on:* January 01, 2002, 08:43:00 PM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+January 24th, 2002 -
+At the behest of my friends here on the Forge, I will present
+Scattershot at the point I have it.  Even though this is a
+work-in-progress and much of the terminology is in a state of flux, I am
+not trying to present a diary of the progress.  Expect the lead
+component of this thread to undergo changes as Scattershot does.  This
+edition was originally put together very early on Tuesday, January 1st,
+2002.  This series of articles will detail strictly the mechanics of
+Scattershot, articles relating to the techniques of 'how to play' will
+have to wait until I have more of them centralized and organized.  The
+third major component of the game, the setting and genre material is
+will be addressed once I get a new batch of playtesters.
+So at last we come to the mechanics.  This is where we formalize the
+'flow of play' in support of emotionally engaging contextual thinking
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1>.
+We are going to examine primarily the Advanced Scattershot mechanics
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+across the whole range of 'Densities' from General to Mechanical
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+play.  We're going to fully formalize the process of passing who the
+Speaker
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0> is
+during scenes
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+within a game into the communal language
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1> and
+mechanics of Scattershot.
+At its simplest level, the Scattershot mechanic is little more than a
+resolution system
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+with trimmings.  Every ability (or quality of any entity within a
+Scattershot game) is described by a Rating.  Before I talk about using
+these Ratings, I think I should describe 'how to get them.'
+Fat Points
+Scattershot's point-based system requires that you 'buy' abilities
+using character points, during character generation or evolution,
+in order to take full advantage of them.  Since simplicity is one
+of the design specifications and it is a point-based system, we
+quickly decided that to raise any rating 1 point would cost 1
+point.  This makes Scattershot's points 'worth more' than most
+games (by a factor of 3, 5, or in some cases 10 or higher).
+Some have suggested that this lacks a limit on the 'return on
+investments.'  This is only an illusion.  Scattershot's die
+mechanic (more in just a bit) creates a sigmoid graph (which means
+more and more points give less and less improvement in probability
+terms).  Also, when a player has more points to 'spend' there are
+obviously more choices to make (Scattershot will have rather long
+'laundry' lists of abilities to choose from - for players who
+aren't interested in lists, it's not hard to make up abilities
+instead of searching for them, the lists are mostly to help
+players get inspired); this means that most of the time, these
+points will tend to get 'spread out' more.
+The second part of having a point-based system we do differently
+is that there are no point cut-offs.  Instead of saying, "you only
+have 30 points to spend," we point out that more points means a
+character has a higher or broader efficacy in general.
+Concentrations of points in a single ability means that a
+character is expected to excel at (or be somewhat defined by) that
+ability (like a gunfighter - who /should/ have a high 'quickdraw'
+skill).  Based on this quality, the rest of the group can form a
+quick understanding of 'how able' a character is and can play
+accordingly.
+All abilities (which does not /appear/ to include Stats) require
+that at least one point (not including Free Skills1 - more on that
+later) be spent on them in order that the character can make full
+use of them (Stats /are/ the same except a 'hidden' point is spent
+on each prior to character generation).  Abilities not 'spent
+upon' can only be used at a 'default' rating (which means they
+have certain functional restrictions).  Abilities are ranked from
+Free1, to Easy, Intermediate, or Difficult (on up to Exceptional,
+Renowned, Incredible, Nigh Impossible, and Legendary - this is
+actually based on an explicit formulation of efficacy, see 'making
+up your own abilities' below).
+Free skills1 (which make up almost all of the Free abilities) are
+included to cover things that are generally taken to 'flesh out' a
+character (and have much higher 'starting' Ratings than other
+abilities, as listed with each).  Rather than making things like
+academic-based characters very expensive, they allow a broad range
+of 'background' skills.  There is only a minor cost that accrues
+for taking /many/ Free skills1.  All other abilities receive their
+rank not by some arbitrary standard, but how they relate to one
+and another in terms of efficacy in general and specifically how
+they relate to the template abilities (that are used to create
+additional material by the participants - see 'making up your own
+abilities' below).  (Technically 'Free skills' do this too, but
+the point cost is also 'hidden'.)
+The Rating of an Easy ability is the 'points spent on it' plus 11,
+Intermediate abilities are 'points plus 10,' Difficult is 'plus 9'
+(and so on)�.  (As an example, Superpowers are of Incredible rank,
+but in the example powers - a fairly wide list - may be treated as
+Difficult with a 'buy in' cost of 3 for Ratings purposes;
+numerically the result is the same.)  Natural human range for all
+abilities (Stats included) is 8-14 with a median of 10 (any rating
+is possible, but a 15 means the character is at least superhuman
+in that respect - and that may require additional explanation in
+the character's description).[/list:u]What Do You Do with These
+Ratings?
+When an Instantaneous, Invoked
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Rating is 'checked�' for an Immediate action
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+by an Individual
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>,
+after determining the necessary rating, two ten-sided dice
+are rolled and their sum* is subtracted from this rating (so
+rolling lower is better).  The difference is called a MIB
+(short for Made-It-By) number.  Rolling higher than the
+Rating is a failure or MIB (Missed-It-By) number; a roll
+equal to the rating has 'just made it.'  There are many
+different types of Modifiers that can be applied to this
+roll.  Beyond the familiar range, size, and opportunity
+modifiers you would expect, there can also be Residual,
+Scope, and Duration
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+modifiers when the available ability is not a perfect match
+for the needed action.
+A MIB becomes a contested 'check3' by having any party who
+is 'engaged' by the action actively resist it.  After the
+modifiers are applied, both parties roll separate MIB
+numbers, and then subtract the resistor's MIB number from
+the MIB of the character performing the original action.
+Sometimes the resistor's MIB number can be derived as
+either a Reactive or Residual
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+MIB number, depending on the circumstances.  The Resulting
+MIB (or RMIB) number is used to determine the /quality/ of
+the success of the action (just like the MIB number in an
+uncontested roll).[/list:u]Taking Turns
+As I mentioned in the first installment
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1>,
+Scattershot formalizes the 'flow of play,' especially
+at times of high emotion
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+Just like the normal tendency to formalize play
+during cacophony
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+Scattershot switches to a rigid play-order during
+Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+A lot of game systems use complicated mechanics to
+create some kind of turn order related to the efficacy
+of combat-skilled characters.  For as much trouble as
+I have seen this cause, it never seems to be a
+reasonable return for such wargame inspired mechanics.
+During Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+Scattershot does a very simple thing; play goes
+counter-clockwise around the group (play passes to
+your right once you have taken the turns for each of
+the characters you play).  Each time around the group
+is called a Round (simple huh?).  What about all those
+things complicated games capture with their turn-order
+mechanics?  Well, it seemed to us they were trying to
+emulate the kinds of advantages characters could have
+over each other in melee, so we created the Combat
+Advantage system (I'll come back to that later)
+instead.[/list:u]Who Goes First?
+Another feature that seemed to us a needless
+complication was all of those 'initiative'
+mechanics.  Ultimately, they only seem to
+mitigate who makes the actual 'first swing;'
+while that can have important consequences in
+fairly lethal systems, it seems to completely
+eliminate those tense and exciting 'leading up
+to combat' scenes.  The tense circling, the
+traded insults, having guns at the ready yet not
+wanting to 'make the first move.'  Looking at
+all these examples with an eye towards writing
+mechanics, I could only see one thing.  /The
+battle had already started./
+In the source material, sometimes it seemed like
+a mental battle, sometimes not, but it always
+'felt' like they were already using Mechanical
+play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+So how were they fighting without trading
+blows?  It looked like they were 'looking for an
+opening,' seeking the 'advantage,' or the like.
+(I'll get to Combat Advantage in a moment.)  If
+that is the case, /then/ who starts it?  That
+seemed simple, whoever first chooses to act as
+though battle is inevitable.  Whether it is the
+cowhand walking into the bar spoiling for a
+fight, savages springing from an ambush, the
+dandy striking with his white glove, or a pirate
+slowly drawing his cutlass from its scabbard,
+the character who makes the decision that battle
+is a foregone conclusion is the one who takes
+the first Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+turn; it's that simple.[/list:u]What about
+Bigger, Faster Combat?
+During Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+scope is an important feature to keep
+track of.  Things like naval engagements,
+a battle like Waterloo, and those mass
+combat scenes from The Hobbit and
+Braveheart will only rarely have an
+Individual Scope aspect (and even then the
+battle itself is usually handled 'behind
+the scenes'
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>)
+and are usually only in Specific play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+Our mechanic for melee is, if the
+characters played by one participant
+outnumber the rest of the group /of
+players/, you will usually need to switch
+to a 'higher' level of Scope
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+than Individual
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+play.  This keeps things from 'bogging
+down' the pacing, like a battle against
+bad odds.  This also allows the system to
+simplify handling what I believe are
+called 'mooks' more easily.
+While we're talking about melee, I would
+like to describe a seemingly unique
+feature of Scattershot.  Now you probably
+don't imagine using Involved actions
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+in Individual
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+melee, but we have a way where it seems
+almost necessary.  To me, when a
+gunslinger sizes up his opponent, waits
+for them to 'twitch,' draws his gun, and
+fires as though he'd aimed; these four
+actions actually count as a single
+Involved action
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>.
+The same is true for those 'Hong Kong
+Martial Arts Theatre' movie moves, a whole
+flurry of actions that Scattershot treats
+as a single Involved action.  (Because of
+the nature of this contested action and
+how the actual landed blow is determined,
+Scattershot resolves this as a /series/ of
+die rolls between subject and actor.)
+When a character knows a martial art that
+includes any of these Involved
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+sequences of actions and they have an
+opportunity to act, they may use one /as
+though it were a single action/.  In many
+cases, the literal sequence will be
+described by a loose 'script' that can be
+customized 'on the fly' during play.
+These sequences can be followed to their
+end, provided every component is fended
+off or the whole sequence is not
+interrupted (specific mechanics of
+interruption apply).[/list:u]How Do I
+Defend Myself?
+In Scattershot, whenever someone
+makes a melee action against your
+character, the have 'engaged' them.
+When your character is thus
+engaged, you may Forfeit one of
+their upcoming actions (if they have
+any left this Round) and perform a
+Reactive or defensive action with
+its MIB roll.  (And performing such
+a Forfeited action can be a lead in
+to a flurry of actions, /by the
+defender/, so be careful who you
+engage, you might regret it.)  After
+you have Forfeited both of your
+character's actions, they may
+perform nothing but 'free actions'
+until the end of their next
+turn.[/list:u]What was that about
+Advantage?
+During a melee, many things
+happen, too many to easily
+catalog as mechanics.  In
+order to reflect the many,
+varied ways that combatants
+can shift the tide of battle,
+we created the Combat
+Advantage mechanic.  Basically
+speaking, it is any action
+that would result in a
+Residual penalty
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+against the opponent that your
+character holds the Advantage
+over.  Scattershot's
+techniques discuss what can be
+or should not be worthy of
+creating this Residual penalty
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>;
+what kinds of actions will
+create Advantage, what sorts
+will support an Advantage, and
+what one can do to erode
+another's Advantage over you.
+(I'm not going into the
+specifics here unless requested.)
+This mechanic of Combat
+Advantage is what replaces
+most other games' rules for
+initiative and complex
+turn-order rules (which, as
+far as I can tell, only result
+in some kind of advantage
+anyway).[/list:u]What if I Miss?
+In many cases during
+Specific play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+a roll might Miss-It-By
+just a point or two.
+After the MIB number is
+calculated, the
+character's player may
+opt to 'Buy a Success'
+by changing one of the
+parameters of the
+attempt /after the
+fact/.  Let's say an
+auto mechanic
+Missed-It-By 1 (often
+just MIB -1), his player
+can turn this failure
+into a success by
+changing the amount of
+time it took, or by
+requiring more parts and
+thus cost (or both if
+they Missed-It-By 2).  A
+'bought' success is
+never higher than 'just
+making it.'  In
+Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+like melee, if a player
+needs to 'Buy a Success'
+they can do things like
+give ground, yield
+Combat Advantage, dive
+for cover, or something
+more descriptive like
+going down on one knee
+as long as the group
+seems receptive to the
+complication it creates.
+If you can 'Buy a
+Success,' why not be
+able to 'Sell a
+Success?'  The mechanic
+for when you 'Sell a
+Success' is called the
+/�5 mechanic/.  To take
+longer, you find the
+duration on the UE Chart
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+and then count up or
+down 5 points.  This way
+you can /add or
+subtract/ to the amount
+affected; 'extra' points
+of success can also be
+'spent' on Residual
+modifiers.  You can
+likewise 'buy' a point
+of Combat Advantage
+(which is of course just
+another form of Residual
+modifier
+anyway).[/list:u]Critical
+Junctures
+In setting up a
+game, the
+participants need
+to fix how 'epic'
+or 'over the top'
+they want to play.
+The primary way
+this is done is by
+adjusting the
+Critical Juncture
+Threshold.  The
+core suggested
+threshold is 7.
+This means
+whenever any
+modified MIB
+number is 7 or
+higher, the player
+of the character
+this 'goes
+against' is
+compelled to
+create a
+description of not
+only what has
+happened but must
+also indicate how
+this forms a
+turning point for
+their character.
+(I especially
+like the title
+character's first
+encounter with the
+Sheriff of
+Nottingham, in
+Robin Hood: Prince
+of Thieves.  Robin
+clearly scores a
+/Telling Blow/ -
+matching or
+exceeding the
+Critical Juncture
+Threshold of the
+game.  The
+Sheriff's player,
+rather than taking
+a horrible wound,
+describes a fatal
+attack on his
+vanity, taking on
+a new Disadvantage.)
+Likewise, if a
+player rolls a
+Missed-It-By
+number 7 or more
+points above the
+modified Rating
+used, they are
+also compelled to
+describe what kind
+of fantastic
+mistake occurs.
+This
+/Catastrophic
+Failure/ must also
+be something of a
+'turning point.'
+In contested
+rolls, a Telling
+Blow is only
+described when the
+RMIB /continues/
+to exceeds the
+Critical Juncture
+Threshold after
+being calculated.
+The Critical
+Juncture Threshold
+also controls a
+number of other
+features in the
+game.  For
+example, the total
+of the Critical
+Juncture number
+and Epic Value�
+(which limits the
+maximum length of
+Flurries of
+Action) must be
+ten or less (id
+est, in a game
+where the Critical
+Juncture is 6,
+then flurries may
+not exceed 4 in a
+row).  This keeps
+all the 'epic'
+qualities in line
+for a single
+game.[/list:u]/In
+Case I Forgot to
+Mention:/
+Uses of
+Types in
+Mechanical
+play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>:
+most
+abilities
+used will be
+Invoked
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Ratings,
+what these
+affect is
+often
+limited by
+Magnitude
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Ratings.
+'What gets
+affected'
+will
+frequently
+be a
+Resource
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Rating.
+For example,
+if your
+character
+/punches/
+mine (and
+they don't
+have a
+related
+melee
+skill), they
+will
+generate a
+MIB number
+based on an
+Invoked use
+of their
+Agility
+Stat.  If
+they have an
+unusually
+high
+Strength, in
+its
+Magnitude
+role, the
+Multiplier
+facet of the
+UE Chart
+will be
+indexed and
+that will
+multiply the
+RMIB.  This
+will be the
+/basic/
+damage which
+unless
+modified is
+taken from
+my Hit
+Points in
+their
+Resource
+role.
+Likewise,
+if your
+character
+wanted to
+throw a
+water tower
+on a burning
+building,
+their
+Strength
+indexed on
+the UE Chart
+would be
+compared to
+the
+estimated
+weight of
+the tower
+and the
+maximum
+throwing
+distance
+could be
+calculated.
+Because of
+the scope of
+the tower
+and the
+target,
+small
+amounts of
+error in the
+throw would
+be forgiven
+(using both
+scatter and
+'area of
+effect'
+mechanics).[/list:u]How
+is a
+Gamemaster
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1080&forum=2&30>
+different in
+Mechanical
+play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>?
+You
+may
+have
+noticed
+that
+once
+Mechanical
+play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+gets
+going
+it
+quickly
+becomes
+impossible
+to
+tell
+'who
+started
+it.'
+The
+only
+problem
+this
+has
+caused
+had to
+do
+with
+the
+application
+of
+superhuman
+speed
+in our
+superhero
+mechanics.
+The
+solution
+was to
+have a
+fair
+number
+of the
+additional
+actions
+performed
+immediately
+before
+the
+gamemaster
+(mostly
+because,
+by and
+large,
+they
+are
+taking
+the
+turns
+of
+more
+individual,
+and
+non-player,
+characters).
+Other
+than
+that,
+there
+are no
+real,
+practical
+differences.[/list:u]What
+if I
+Want
+to
+Make
+Up My
+Own
+Abilities?
+Scattershot
+bases
+every
+ability
+on
+5
+templates.
+There
+are
+schedules
+of
+modifications
+that
+can
+be
+made
+to
+these
+abilities,
+but
+those
+modifications
+are
+rather
+esoteric
+and
+are
+kept
+to
+the
+Advanced
+Scattershot
+mechanics
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+In
+keeping
+with
+the
+design
+specifications
+of
+Scattershot,
+these
+templates
+are
+paired
+with
+the
+five
+elements
+(almost
+everything
+happens
+to
+be,
+but
+that
+has
+more
+to
+do
+with
+Scattershot's
+universal
+metaphysic
+that
+I
+can
+cover
+if
+anyone
+is
+interested).
+Earth
+matches
+the
+template
+of
+affecting
+the
+physical
+nature
+of
+an
+object,
+Water
+has
+the
+template
+of
+movement,
+location,
+and
+time
+manipulation,
+Air's
+template
+manipulates
+the
+energy
+of
+a
+subject
+(including
+spiritual),
+Fire
+manipulates
+structure
+and
+relativity
+(this
+includes
+information),
+and
+finally
+Ether
+is
+relative
+to
+the
+unusual
+abilities
+that
+affect
+the
+'character'
+of
+a
+subject
+-
+including
+things
+which
+make
+it
+unique
+or
+unremarkable.
+I
+can
+go
+into
+detail
+if
+necessary,
+but
+this
+about
+sums
+it
+up.[/list:u]I
+hope
+this
+satisfies
+everyone's
+curiosity
+over
+Scattershot's
+mechanics.
+Feel
+free
+to
+ask
+for
+clarifications,
+I
+am
+planning
+on
+going
+over
+the
+whole
+series
+in
+better
+detail
+and
+re-editing
+almost
+all
+of
+it.
+Maybe
+I
+can
+spell
+out
+the
+techniques
+of
+play
+that
+make
+use
+of
+these
+mechanics.
+�2002
+Impswitch
+and
+Fang
+Langford
+(who
+will
+get
+around
+to
+tightening
+this
+up
+eventually,
+especially
+with
+feedback)
+�
+Free
+skills
+are
+actually
+free
+until
+quantity
+is
+built
+up
+with
+them.
+A
+bargain
+at
+4
+(taken
+at
+listed
+levels)
+for
+every
+point,
+and
+the
+first
+4
+are
+Free!
+After
+you
+'pay'
+for
+them,
+raising
+them
+is
+normal
+(1
+for
+1).
+(Their
+'actual
+value'
+falls
+below
+the
+easy
+threshold
+because
+of
+their
+limited
+applicability.)
+�
+A
+character
+may
+have
+a
+specialization
+in
+a
+Skill
+by
+simply
+further
+narrowing
+what
+it
+affects.
+This
+compares
+the
+differences
+in
+Scopes
+of
+some
+related
+Skills.
+For
+example,
+the
+squad
+level
+engagement
+skill�
+compares
+to
+military
+hand-to-hand�
+in
+the
+same
+fashion
+as
+an
+M16
+skill
+(an
+unlisted
+specialization)
+would
+compare
+to
+the
+rifle
+skill.
+Such
+specialization
+makes
+a
+skill
+one
+rank
+'easier'
+and
+therefore
+cheaper.
+There
+has
+been
+a
+great
+deal
+of
+controversy
+on
+the
+modeling
+of
+talent
+in
+relation
+to
+training.
+In
+Scattershot
+Talent
+in
+a
+skill
+costs
+the
+same
+as
+Training,
+it's
+only
+differentiated
+by
+the
+character's
+description
+and
+history.
+This
+is
+because,
+without
+a
+point
+cut-off,
+there
+is
+not
+much
+need
+for
+complicated
+pricing
+mechanics.
+(These
+costs
+can
+be
+mixed
+as
+well.)
+�
+I
+need
+a
+new
+word
+for
+this
+one.
+*
+Anyone
+can
+also
+add
+experience
+dice
+to
+this
+roll.
+Experince
+dice
+are
+six-sided
+and
+given
+out
+as
+rewards
+for
+play
+that
+increases
+the
+enjoyment
+of
+the
+game.
+They
+are
+awarded
+at
+the
+end
+of
+a
+session
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+(by
+gamemaster
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+choice,
+group
+vote,
+or
+other
+technique
+as
+desired)
+or
+they
+are
+given
+'on
+the
+spot'
+where
+and
+when
+any
+participant
+feels
+that
+someone
+has
+made
+a
+significant
+contribution
+to
+their
+(or
+everyone's)
+play
+(when
+other
+than
+the
+gamemaster,
+we
+are
+considering
+if
+a
+'bowl
+of
+dice'
+is
+appropriate
+or
+if
+players
+should
+use
+only
+their
+own
+on
+the
+chance
+that
+the
+gamemaster
+will
+not
+agree
+and
+refund
+them
+immediately).
+Experience
+dice
+are
+also
+the
+character
+development
+mechanic.
+When
+a
+player
+wishes
+to
+add
+points
+to
+their
+character
+they
+select
+a
+number
+of
+experience
+dice
+to
+'roll
+for
+points.'
+The
+target
+number
+for
+1
+point
+is
+6,
+for
+two
+it
+is
+10,
+3
+is
+14,
+and
+4
+is
+18
+(and
+so
+on
+by
+increments
+of
+4
+per
+point).
+All
+the
+'wagered'
+experience
+dice
+are
+rolled
+at
+once
+and
+added
+together
+and
+then
+compared
+to
+the
+target
+numbers.
+As
+I
+explained
+in
+this
+thread
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1068&forum=2>,
+the
+critical
+juncture
+number
+and
+the
+'looseness'
+of
+the
+supply
+of
+experience
+dice
+work
+together
+to
+Transition
+Scattershot
+towards
+more
+Narrativist
+play
+(when
+Critical
+Juncture
+is
+low
+and
+Experience
+Dice
+are
+plentiful)
+or
+towards
+Gamist
+play
+(when
+Critical
+Juncture
+is
+high
+and
+Experience
+Dice
+are
+scarce).
+You'll
+note
+that
+in
+character
+development,
+often
+regarded
+as
+a
+Gamist
+mechanic,
+Experience
+Dice
+become
+more
+valuable
+because
+of
+scarcity.
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Fang Langford is formerly the creator of the Scattershot Role-Playing
+Game System.  This project has been permanently suspended.  If you have
+any questions regarding the implementation of it or anything else, he
+can be reached at ripjack@mad.scientist.com
+<mailto:ripjack@mad.scientist.com>
+*Le Joueur <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73>*
+Member
+Posts: 1363
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73> WWW
+<http://www.scattershotgames.com>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12189#msg12189>
+*Finally Editted - Whoops
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12189#msg12189>*
+� *Reply #1 on:* January 24, 2002, 03:05:15 PM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Well, I finally got around to editting the beast.
+And I found a whole section missing.  The 'rules of engagement' are now
+in place and make the following-action stuff look a little more worthwhile.
+Thanks for the patience.
+Fang Langford
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Fang Langford is formerly the creator of the Scattershot Role-Playing
+Game System.  This project has been permanently suspended.  If you have
+any questions regarding the implementation of it or anything else, he
+can be reached at ripjack@mad.scientist.com
+<mailto:ripjack@mad.scientist.com>
+*contracycle
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>*
+Member
+Posts: 2392
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12216#msg12216>
+*Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12216#msg12216>*
+� *Reply #2 on:* January 25, 2002, 03:26:46 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Say Fang, you've never worked for Last Unicorn games, have you ;)
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Impeach the bomber boys:
+www.impeachblair.org <http://www.impeachblair.org>
+www.impeachbush.org <http://www.impeachbush.org>
+"He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship
+without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast."
+- Leonardo da Vinci
+*Le Joueur <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73>*
+Member
+Posts: 1363
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73> WWW
+<http://www.scattershotgames.com>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12227#msg12227>
+*Last Unicorn Games?
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12227#msg12227>*
+� *Reply #3 on:* January 25, 2002, 06:29:24 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Quote from: contracycle
+Say Fang, you've never worked for Last Unicorn games, have you ;)
+No.  Why?  (He said with much confusion.)
+Fang Langford
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Fang Langford is formerly the creator of the Scattershot Role-Playing
+Game System.  This project has been permanently suspended.  If you have
+any questions regarding the implementation of it or anything else, he
+can be reached at ripjack@mad.scientist.com
+<mailto:ripjack@mad.scientist.com>
+*contracycle
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>*
+Member
+Posts: 2392
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12230#msg12230>
+*Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12230#msg12230>*
+� *Reply #4 on:* January 25, 2002, 06:40:20 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+They're (in)famous for reinventing terminology to the point of
+obscurantism.  I was just struck by how many terms you have to get to
+follow the description.
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Impeach the bomber boys:
+www.impeachblair.org <http://www.impeachblair.org>
+www.impeachbush.org <http://www.impeachbush.org>
+"He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship
+without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast."
+- Leonardo da Vinci
+*RobMuadib <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=96>*
+Member
+Posts: 230
+<callto://robmuadib/>
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=96> WWW
+<http://www.wildmusegames.com>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12253#msg12253>
+*[SCATTERSHOT:V] Peeling Back the Layers, The Actual Mechanix
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12253#msg12253>*
+� *Reply #5 on:* January 25, 2002, 09:32:14 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+So at last we come to the mechanics.  This is where we formalize the
+'flow of play' in support of emotionally engaging contextual thinking
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1>.
+We are going to examine primarily the Advanced Scattershot mechanics
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+across the whole range of 'Densities' from General to Mechanical
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+play.  We're going to fully formalize the process of passing who the
+Speaker
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0> is
+during scenes
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+within a game into the communal language
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1> and
+mechanics of Scattershot.
+Well, I thought I would chime in here a bit, partially as a response to
+contracyles post below. Specifically, on the idea of the steeper
+learning curve associated with a game that fully quantifies it's game
+language, and largely makes it a requirement to learn.
+First, all RPGs are in effect Formal Languages, in the way that computer
+programming languages are. These formal languages exist to enable us to
+engage in the three elements of Story, Game, and Role.
+Now, most games that have been written so far, leave large amounts of
+this formal language implicit, or reserve it's use to certain empowered
+players.
+Now, in the first case, you lose the easy means to express and utilize
+the elements of the formal language that are assumed/implicit, those
+creating a system with which the players largely give short shrift to
+those elements Story/Game/Role which are left implicit. In the second,
+you create a class of highly empowered players, who because they have
+access to these Guide mechanics, have greater control over the
+experience of the players that don't.
+Thus, I believe that making the mechanics explicit and "democratizing"
+them leads to the ability for all players to be empowered and thus have
+greater ability to engage the elements of Story/Game/Role they find most
+compelling.
+(This is newish thinking on my part that has developed from my X-styles
+and XXX RPG theory thread in the GNS discussion forum)
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+At its simplest level, the Scattershot mechanic is little more than a
+resolution system
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+with trimmings.  Every ability (or quality of any entity within a
+Scattershot game) is described by a Rating.  Before I talk about using
+these Ratings, I think I should describe 'how to get them.'
+again I like this thinking, as it mirrors the methodology I am using in
+design of my own game. That getting the players to learn to use game
+language, and make that language "abstractionist" and high-level, so it
+is powerful and easy to use, is GOOD. Powerful Formalized Game Language
+GOOD!
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+Fat Points
+Scattershot's point-based system requires that you 'buy' abilities
+using character points, during character generation or evolution,
+in order to take full advantage of them.  Since simplicity is one
+of the design specifications and it is a point-based system, we
+quickly decided that to raise any rating 1 point would cost 1
+point.  This makes Scattershot's points 'worth more' than most
+games (by a factor of 3, 5, or in some cases 10 or higher).
+Some have suggested that this lacks a limit on the 'return on
+investments.'  This is only an illusion.  Scattershot's die
+mechanic (more in just a bit) creates a sigmoid graph (which means
+more and more points give less and less improvement in probability
+terms).  Also, when a player has more points to 'spend' there are
+obviously more choices to make (Scattershot will have rather long
+'laundry' lists of abilities to choose from - for players who
+aren't interested in lists, it's not hard to make up abilities
+instead of searching for them, the lists are mostly to help
+players get inspired); this means that most of the time, these
+points will tend to get 'spread out' more.
+The second part of having a point-based system we do differently
+is that there are no point cut-offs.  Instead of saying, "you only
+have 30 points to spend," we point out that more points means a
+character has a higher or broader efficacy in general.
+Concentrations of points in a single ability means that a
+character is expected to excel at (or be somewhat defined by) that
+ability (like a gunfighter - who /should/ have a high 'quickdraw'
+skill).  Based on this quality, the rest of the group can form a
+quick understanding of 'how able' a character is and can play
+accordingly.
+One problem I have on this thinking, while true for normal abilities that
+define an ability to succeed at something, there is a diminished return
+for each greater investment. But what about abilities such as super
+powers and such, ones which are applications of a UE derived Value.
+Since they are based on a Geometric progression. Having unlimited points
+to spend on the "effect" portion means a player could create a character
+that can destroy planets and all while someone else might have just made
+batman. How do you adress this, Self-established limits?
+This is interesting to me, since I plan to use a scaled triangular
+progression for establishing Trait Score costs. Where a triangular
+progression means it costs you a number of points equal to the sum of
+the values up and including the Score being purchased - i.e. a Score of
+1 costs 1, a Score of 2 (1+2), 3, a Score of 3 costs (1+2+3), 6, Score
+of 4 costs (1+2+3+4), 10, a score of 5 costs (1+2+3+4+5), 15, etc.
+This doesn't result in a shortchange in either Basis Traits or Proficiency,
+despite the diminishing returns in your chance of Binary Success, as
+higher Trait Scores offer a geometric increase in related Values, and a
+Linear increase in scaled ability. For Proficiency, although your Binary
+Success is subject to diminishing returns, the magnitudes of your
+Success scale linearly. (and thus require a geometrically increasing
+cost to achieve.)
+This occurs because of the way I determine Success/Effect ratings. Which
+I will show when I post an examination of my mechanics, which I plan to
+do later today.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+What Do You Do with These Ratings?
+When an Instantaneous, Invoked
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Rating is 'checked�' for an Immediate action
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+by an Individual
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>,
+after determining the necessary rating, two ten-sided dice are
+rolled and their sum* is subtracted from this rating (so rolling
+lower is better).  The difference is called a MIB (short for
+Made-It-By) number.  Rolling higher than the Rating is a failure
+or MIB (Missed-It-By) number; a roll equal to the rating has 'just
+made it.'  There are many different types of Modifiers that can be
+applied to this roll.  Beyond the familiar range, size, and
+opportunity modifiers you would expect, there can also be
+Residual, Scope, and Duration
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+modifiers when the available ability is not a perfect match for
+the needed action.
+I like this idea of allowing of success out of failure. Seems like a
+good mechanic, especially when trying to emphasize story elements. This
+is somewhat novel approach. I have seen modifiers applied for
+hurrying/Taking extra time on an Act, but this is first I've really seen
+anyone use a reverse application of it. Pretty slick.
+My only caveat would to be label "optional" in that, it that it could
+cause short shrift to Roleist elements for people who want to emphasize
+it. Hardcore "Sim" play being the classic example, and possibly Gameist
+play as well. Imagine the following exchange.
+"Hah, you failed, prepare to die dewd."
+"Wait!, <rules ouija by desperate Gameist player to snatch victory from
+the jaws of defeat."
+"What? that sucks, pulling some lame rule out of your ass just so you
+won't lose.""
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+Taking Turns
+As I mentioned in the first installment
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1073&forum=2&1>,
+Scattershot formalizes the 'flow of play,' especially at times of
+high emotion
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+Just like the normal tendency to formalize play during cacophony
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+Scattershot switches to a rigid play-order during Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+A lot of game systems use complicated mechanics to create some
+kind of turn order related to the efficacy of combat-skilled
+characters.  For as much trouble as I have seen this cause, it
+never seems to be a reasonable return for such wargame inspired
+mechanics.
+In many cases during Specific play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+a roll might Miss-It-By just a point or two.  After the MIB
+number is calculated, the character's player may opt to 'Buy
+a Success' by changing one of the parameters of the attempt
+/after the fact/.  Let's say an auto mechanic Missed-It-By 1
+(often just MIB -1), his player can turn this failure into a
+success by changing the amount of time it took, or by
+requiring more parts and thus cost (or both if they
+Missed-It-By 2).  A 'bought' success is never higher than
+'just making it.'  In Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>,
+like melee, if a player needs to 'Buy a Success' they can do
+things like give ground, yield Combat Advantage, dive for
+cover, or something more descriptive like going down on one
+knee as long as the group seems receptive to the
+complication it creates.
+I am going to agree to disagree with you, well done initiative systems,
+provide a nice modeling of factors resulting in very tense involved
+Gameist gameplay.
+The best example of such being the Semi-simultaneous action count system
+of the Phoenix Command Small Arms system. (an idea I am ripping off for
+my game, but only for the Tactical Combat rules, :))
+Where moving into the open at the wrong time, or being caught
+flat-footed out of cover has obvious and crushing results. And catching
+some poor bastard looking around being uncatious with a short burst, as
+you wait in a Kneeling firing stance around solid cover, is SO satisfying!
+(what can I say, I like to play FPS on the computer too. Oh yeah, that
+reminds me of one of my classic mantras, someone needs to convert
+Phoenix command to a computer moderated version that would be sweet!)
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+If you can 'Buy a Success,' why not be able to 'Sell a Success?'  The
+mechanic for when you 'Sell a Success' is called the /�5 mechanic/.  To
+take longer, you find the duration on the UE Chart
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0> and
+then count up or down 5 points.  This way you can /add or subtract/ to
+the amount affected; 'extra' points of success can also be 'spent' on
+Residual modifiers.  You can likewise 'buy' a point of Combat Advantage
+(which is of course just another form of Residual modifier anyway).
+[/list:u]
+Again, I like this, it's a clever reverse application of the handiness
+of a UE Scale type deal. Also one I haven't seen before, as I mentioned
+above.
+Also, such Success Shifting can be a good tool to support Storyist goals.
+Which should gain you brownie points around here:)
+My only point would be to express it's Storyist leanings, or not, as Ron
+mentioned in a different thread, your game nicely features lots of
+Storyist supporting mechanics.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+Critical Junctures
+In setting up a game, the participants need to fix how 'epic' or
+'over the top' they want to play.  The primary way this is done is
+by adjusting the Critical Juncture Threshold.  The core suggested
+threshold is 7.  This means whenever any modified MIB number is 7
+or higher, the player of the character this 'goes against' is
+compelled to create a description of not only what has happened
+but must also indicate how this forms a turning point for their
+character.  (I especially like the title character's first
+encounter with the Sheriff of Nottingham, in Robin Hood: Prince of
+Thieves.  Robin clearly scores a /Telling Blow/ - matching or
+exceeding the Critical Juncture Threshold of the game.  The
+Sheriff's player, rather than taking a horrible wound, describes a
+fatal attack on his vanity, taking on a new Disadvantage.)
+Likewise, if a player rolls a Missed-It-By number 7 or more points
+above the modified Rating used, they are also compelled to
+describe what kind of fantastic mistake occurs.  This
+/Catastrophic Failure/ must also be something of a 'turning
+point.'  In contested rolls, a Telling Blow is only described when
+the RMIB /continues/ to exceeds the Critical Juncture Threshold
+after being calculated.  The Critical Juncture Threshold also
+controls a number of other features in the game.  For example, the
+total of the Critical Juncture number and Epic Value� (which
+limits the maximum length of Flurries of Action) must be ten or
+less (id est, in a game where the Critical Juncture is 6, then
+flurries may not exceed 4 in a row).  This keeps all the 'epic'
+qualities in line for a single game.[/list:u]
+Again, I really like these ideas, reminds me of some of the Reality
+Rules I have in my game, whereby the outrageouness of results is tied to
+the "Reality" being simulated. Though in my take it is in support of
+Roleist, rather than Storyist goals.
+Like I mentioned in earlier threads, I am finding it interesting how we
+have hit upon similar design metholodigies, but where your design is
+heavier on Storyist supporting mechanics, mine is heavier on Roleist
+supporting mechanics.
+Either way, both are helping me to develop my thinking on my new XXX rpg
+theory stuff.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+/In Case I Forgot to Mention:/
+Uses of Types in Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>:
+most abilities used will be Invoked
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Ratings, what these affect is often limited by Magnitude
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Ratings.  'What gets affected' will frequently be a Resource
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1096&forum=2&0>
+Rating.
+Oh, I am reminded of something in Contracycles post regarding your
+terminology. Invoked is probably overly-obfuscated. In terms of previous
+design, Acting/Opposing or Action/Reaction might be a clearer term.
+Invoked is not as intuitive and heavier on the formal side in your
+Formal Language. Magnitude is pretty good, as it is fairly intuitive.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+For example, if your character /punches/ mine (and they don't have a
+related melee skill), they will generate a MIB number based on an
+Invoked use of their Agility Stat.  If they have an unusually high
+Strength, in its Magnitude role, the Multiplier facet of the UE Chart
+will be indexed and that will multiply the RMIB.  This will be the
+/basic/ damage which unless modified is taken from my Hit Points in
+their Resource role.  Likewise, if your character wanted to throw a
+water tower on a burning building, their Strength indexed on the UE
+Chart would be compared to the estimated weight of the tower and the
+maximum throwing distance could be calculated.  Because of the scope of
+the tower and the target, small amounts of error in the throw would be
+forgiven (using both scatter and 'area of effect' mechanics).[/list:u]
+I am a big proponent of the niftiness of the use of a Value Scale, it
+provides lots of concrete values and detail, while still being fairly
+high-level and abstracted enough to use easily. As opposed to lots of
+gurps like calcuation of specific values with lots of multiplication and
+no easy way to convert between results and such.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+You may have noticed that once Mechanical play
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+gets going it quickly becomes impossible to tell 'who started it.'
+The only problem this has caused had to do with the application
+of superhuman speed in our superhero mechanics.  The solution was
+to have a fair number of the additional actions performed
+immediately before the gamemaster (mostly because, by and large,
+they are taking the turns of more individual, and non-player,
+characters).  Other than that, there are no real, practical
+differences.[/list:u]
+One case where effective initiative mechanics do make a useful
+apperance, though a very limited case. Again, given the Storyist
+leanings of your system that I see, sounds pretty good.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+What if I Want to Make Up My Own Abilities?
+Scattershot bases every ability on 5 templates.  There are
+schedules of modifications that can be made to these abilities,
+but those modifications are rather esoteric and are kept to the
+Advanced Scattershot mechanics
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>.
+In keeping with the design specifications of Scattershot, these
+templates are paired with the five elements (almost everything
+happens to be, but that has more to do with Scattershot's
+universal metaphysic that I can cover if anyone is interested).
+Earth matches the template of affecting the physical nature of an
+object, Water has the template of movement, location, and time
+manipulation, Air's template manipulates the energy of a subject
+(including spiritual), Fire manipulates structure and relativity
+(this includes information), and finally Ether is relative to the
+unusual abilities that affect the 'character' of a subject -
+including things which make it unique or unremarkable.  I can go
+into detail if necessary, but this about sums it up.[/list:u]I
+hope this satisfies everyone's curiosity over Scattershot's
+mechanics.  Feel free to ask for clarifications, I am planning on
+going over the whole series in better detail and re-editing almost
+all of it.
+This sounds pretty interesting, and again follows some of the stuff I
+have been doing in my design, which is focused on getting the players to use
+the Design Architectures to build worlds in its universe, The Million
+Worlds (TM)
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+� A character may have a specialization in a Skill by simply further
+narrowing what it affects.  This compares the differences in Scopes of
+some related Skills.  For example, the squad level engagement skill�
+compares to military hand-to-hand� in the same fashion as an M16 skill
+(an unlisted specialization) would compare to the rifle skill.  Such
+specialization makes a skill one rank 'easier' and therefore cheaper.
+A good way to make skill use simple while still allowing for detail. I
+go significantly further by using a Cumulative Skill Tree where
+Proficiency is
+determined from the sum of one of each of the character's relevant
+Skills,Specialties, and Familiarities.
+as for names, the military Hand-to-Hand is covered in army field manual
+FM21-150 Combatives. Perhaps simply Close Combat (squad) and Close
+Combat (individual).
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+There has been a great deal of controversy on the modeling of talent in
+relation to training.  In Scattershot Talent in a skill costs the same
+as Training, it's only differentiated by the character's description and
+history.  This is because, without a point cut-off, there is not much
+need for complicated pricing mechanics.  (These costs can be mixed as well.)
+I will discuss this more when I post a summary of my Outcome Test
+mechanic for review.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+� I need a new word for this one. (Check)
+Hmm, instead of contested Check, how about simply calling it a
+Challenge, (Since it is effectively the default way your resolve
+actions), and call the limited case of static uses a Simple Challenge.
+For instance, when a instaneous [Action] Rating is Challenged, you make
+a Challenge roll by rolling 2d10 and comparing the your MIB # to the
+Challenge roll of your Opponent ... etc, Or, in the case of a Simple
+Challenge of a Rating, you make a Challenge Roll, modifying the Rating
+for difficulty. Your MIB from the Challenge of your Effective Rating is used
+directly to determine your RMIB, ... etc.
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+* Anyone can also add experience dice to this roll.  Experince dice are
+six-sided and given out as rewards for play that increases the enjoyment
+of the game.  They are awarded at the end of a session
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0> (by
+gamemaster
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1087&forum=2&0>
+choice, group vote, or other technique as desired) or they are given 'on
+the spot' where and when any participant feels that someone has made a
+significant contribution to their (or everyone's) play (when other than
+the gamemaster, we are considering if a 'bowl of dice' is appropriate or
+if players should use only their own on the chance that the gamemaster
+will not agree and refund them immediately).
+Experience dice are also the character development mechanic.  When a
+player wishes to add points to their character they select a number of
+experience dice to 'roll for points.'  The target number for 1 point is
+6, for two it is 10, 3 is 14, and 4 is 18 (and so on by increments of 4
+per point).  All the 'wagered' experience dice are rolled at once and
+added together and then compared to the target numbers.
+As I explained in this thread
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=1068&forum=2>, the
+critical juncture number and the 'looseness' of the supply of experience
+dice work together to Transition Scattershot towards more Narrativist
+play (when Critical Juncture is low and Experience Dice are plentiful)
+or towards Gamist play (when Critical Juncture is high and Experience
+Dice are scarce).  You'll note that in character development, often
+regarded as a Gamist mechanic, Experience Dice become more valuable
+because of scarcity.
+I like this tailoring methodolgy you have set-up, and I see why Ron
+found your game interesting in terms of the Transitional effects of
+being able to tune towards Storyist or Gamist roles.
+Anyway, that should be enough to keep you reading for a while, for my
+next trick I will post a summary of my mechanics and discuss how they
+represent more Roleist game language.
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Rob Muadib --  Kwisatz Haderach Of Wild Muse Games
+kwisatzhaderach@wildmusegames.com
+<mailto:kwisatzhaderach@wildmusegames.com> --
+"But How Can This Be? For He Is the Kwisatz Haderach!" --Alyia - Dune
+(The Movie - 1980)
+*Rob*
+Guest
+Email <mailto:>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12378#msg12378>
+*[SCATTERSHOT:V] Peeling Back the Layers, The Actual Mechanix
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12378#msg12378>*
+� *Reply #6 on:* January 28, 2002, 05:48:15 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+Where moving into the open at the wrong time, or being caught
+flat-footed out of cover has obvious and crushing results. And catching
+some poor bastard looking around being uncatious with a short burst, as
+you wait in a Kneeling firing stance around solid cover, is SO satisfying!
+I know, I got two in a row like that in CountrStrike over the weekend.
+;)  Well actually I was the short arm on an L-shaped ambush.
+Quote
+(what can I say, I like to play FPS on the computer too. Oh yeah, that
+reminds me of one of my classic mantras, someone needs to convert
+Phoenix command to a computer moderated version that would be sweet!)
+Well, if you've not tried CS, you should.
+We now return you to your regularly scheduled Scattershot thread.
+	Logged
+*contracycle
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>*
+Member
+Posts: 2392
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=109>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12379#msg12379>
+*Part V: Peeling Back the Layers - The Real Deal
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12379#msg12379>*
+� *Reply #7 on:* January 28, 2002, 05:51:24 AM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Weird, thats my post above.  Hmm.
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Impeach the bomber boys:
+www.impeachblair.org <http://www.impeachblair.org>
+www.impeachbush.org <http://www.impeachbush.org>
+"He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship
+without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast."
+- Leonardo da Vinci
+*Le Joueur <http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73>*
+Member
+Posts: 1363
+View Profile
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=73> WWW
+<http://www.scattershotgames.com>
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12668#msg12668>
+*[SCATTERSHOT:V] Peeling Back the Layers, The Actual Mechanix
+<http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=1122.msg12668#msg12668>*
+� *Reply #8 on:* February 01, 2002, 08:16:02 PM �
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+One problem I have on this thinking, while true for normal abilities
+that define an ability to succeed at something, there is a diminished
+return for each greater investment. But what about abilities such as
+super powers and such, ones which are applications of a UE derived Value.
+Since they are based on a Geometric progression. Having unlimited points
+to spend on the "effect" portion means a player could create a character
+that can destroy planets and all while someone else might have just made
+batman. How do you address this, Self-established limits?
+I know the I-V stuff is terribly laden with designer notes, so I can
+understand what's happening here.  You're confusing the ability Rating
+with the effect's Magnitude.
+This was one of the earliest compromises we made to mathematics, you
+need two numbers to model enough situations for our satisfaction.  It
+didn't follow that you'd be better and better at doing something as you
+became more powerful.  Where would you model people who had fantastic
+power but lousy control or vice versa?  That's why almost all Ratings
+have a Magnitude (for skills the Magnitude is 'hidden' by having each
+skill define its own parameters).  Superpower, magic, and et cetera are
+linked to the Power Stat.  The only Ratings that do not have Magnitudes
+are the Stats themselves (and actually, in most cases, they function /as
+their own/ Magnitudes - and this is the only case of that).
+What does that mean?  Well because of the sigmoid graph of probabilities
+associated with a 'this number or less' roll of dice, the more points
+you spend, the less return there is.  For example; if you have an
+Invoked Rating of 15, the chances of succeeding on an unmodified *MIB*
+roll is 85% (god, I love calculating with 2 ten-siders). Spend a point
+(going up to 16) and that becomes 90%.  If it were linear, another point
+would get you 5% more, but it doesn''t.  (17 is 94%, 18 is 97%, and 19
+is 99%.)  This is diminishing return.
+With Magnitude Ratings, it works geometrically.  Weight on the UE Chart
+can be calculated (if you don't like charts) at 3 times the Rating
+squared in pounds.  For a Magnitude Rating of 40 (40 x 40 x 3), that
+would be 4,800 pounds, just under 2� tons.  Adding 10 points makes it
+7,500 pounds, a 56% increase.  Adding 10 more is 10,800 pounds, another
+69% (compared to the original).
+As you can see, turning the Magnitude up to the point where planets get
+destroyed becomes both cost prohibitive, and bloody obvious.  As I
+described in another thread, what follows this part of character
+creation is more-or-less negotiations on the part of the players to
+reach an idea of what kind of game they all want to take part in.  I
+will be formalizing that exact process, when I /find those damn notes!/
+It isn't precisely about establishing limits, it has to do with shared
+expectations.
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+This doesn't result in a shortchange in either Basis Traits or
+Proficiency, despite the diminishing returns in your chance of Binary
+Success, as higher Trait Scores offer a geometric increase in related
+Values, and a Linear increase in scaled ability. For Proficiency,
+although your Binary Success is subject to diminishing returns, the
+magnitudes of your Success scale linearly. (and thus require a
+geometrically increasing cost to achieve.)
+We took the opposite approach (if I am reading this correctly).  Our
+'proficiency' scales with diminishing returns (see above), and our
+magnitudes scale geometrically.  The UE Chart is rarely about the
+magnitude of success and more about the magnitude of success attempted.
+Strength doesn't even require a roll unless you're doing something
+'chancy,' you simply are able to lift Strength squared times 3 pounds.
+The only time success is scaled by the UE Chart is for things like
+attacks; an attack superpower 'powered' by a Power of 40 has a
+'multiplier' of 16; after the *RMIB* is determined you multiply it by 16
+(so an *RMIB* of 4 nets 64 points of basic damage).  The multiplier is
+static (and in a game with a Critical Juncture number of 5, you would
+only need to note these values to avoid in-play calculation: 16, 32, 48,
+and 64, because anything higher would be a Telling Blow).
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+I like this idea of allowing of success out of failure. Seems like a
+good mechanic, especially when trying to emphasize story elements. This
+is somewhat novel approach. I have seen modifiers applied for
+hurrying/Taking extra time on an Act, but this is first I've really seen
+anyone use a reverse application of it. Pretty slick.
+My only caveat would to be label "optional" in that, it that it could
+cause short shrift to Roleist elements for people who want to emphasize
+it. Hardcore "Sim" play being the classic example, and possibly Gameist
+play as well. Imagine the following exchange.
+"Hah, you failed, prepare to die dewd."
+"Wait!, <rules ouija by desperate Gameist player to snatch victory from
+the jaws of defeat."
+"What? that sucks, pulling some lame rule out of your ass just so you
+won't lose."
+Actually, it doesn't need to be optional.  Sooner or later, the Gamist
+player will run out of the resources necessary to 'put off' losing.
+(You can only overdraw your 'adharmic bank account' so much before it
+'comes back to haunt you.')
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+I am going to agree to disagree with you, well done initiative systems,
+provide a nice modeling of factors resulting in very tense involved
+Gameist gameplay.
+Where moving into the open at the wrong time, or being caught
+flat-footed out of cover has obvious and crushing results. And catching
+some poor bastard looking around being incautious with a short burst, as
+you wait in a Kneeling firing stance around solid cover, is SO satisfying!
+You seem a little confused my friend.  Scattershot is not without a
+initiative system.  It has a pretty sophisticated one actually.  What it
+lacks is a randomized 'who strikes first' system.  It also does not take
+away 'first strike' from those who have the initiative due to the
+direction of the narrative.
+As far as I am concerned, systems that games have called 'initiative
+systems' are actually some attempt to collapse the detail of who gets
+the upper hand in a battle into obscure, wargame-like number-based
+mechanics.  Instead of awarding 'first strike' as the only means of
+modelling the upper hand, we have the Combat Advantage system.  It's
+another of my 'favorite bits' in Scattershot.  Now that I have the 'just
+the mechanix' up; why don't you read it and tell me what you think?
+Your example would never work in a 'who goes first' mechanic (well it
+might, but only because the players 'turn it back into story' after the
+fact).
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+Oh, I am reminded of something in Contracycle's post regarding your
+terminology. Invoked is probably overly-obfuscated. In terms of previous
+design, Acting/Opposing or Action/Reaction might be a clearer term.
+Invoked is not as intuitive and heavier on the formal side in your
+Formal Language.
+And 'Acting/Opposing' intuitively means anything?  I guess Invoked has
+been hard for even /our/ people to swallow, but I am still open to any
+word that a person, unencumbered by our years of gaming experience would
+think means an 'you use it' ability (as opposed to an 'it gets used up'
+or a 'how big?' rating), that won't be confused with our word for an 'it
+happens right away' ability (as opposed to an 'it takes a little work'
+or 'it takes quite a while' ability) or our word for an 'it happens when
+you want' ability (as opposed to an 'others trigger it' or a 'lingers
+on' ability), so they can all be used together.  MEGS-style terminology
+is almost completely opaque to never-gamed-before people.  (Heck, I
+still don't follow DC Heroes jargon, /and I've got the books right over
+there!/
+Quote from: RobMuadib
+Quote from: Le Joueur
+� I need a new word for this one. [referring to 'Check']
+Hmm, instead of contested Check, how about simply calling it a
+Challenge, (Since it is effectively the default way your resolve
+actions), and call the limited case of static uses a Simple Challenge.
+For instance, when a Instantaneous [Action] Rating is Challenged, you
+make a Challenge roll by rolling 2d10 and comparing the your MIB # to
+the Challenge roll of your Opponent ... etc, Or, in the case of a Simple
+Challenge of a Rating, you make a Challenge Roll, modifying the Rating
+for difficulty. Your MIB from the Challenge of your Effective Rating is
+used directly to determine your RMIB, ... etc.
+Whoa!  Wrong way.  You're thinking noun, I'm thinking verb 'as in Check
+your Rating.'  We considered Test and Try, but they just don't have
+'that feeling.'  Got any good verbs?
+(Roll the 70s music...VERB!  That's what's happening! - Ah, I miss
+grammar rock....)
+Fang Langford
+	Logged
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+Fang Langford is formerly the creator of the Scattershot Role-Playing
+Game System.  This project has been permanently suspended.  If you have
+any questions regarding the implementation of it or anything else, he
+can be reached at ripjack@mad.scientist.com
+<mailto:ripjack@mad.scientist.com>
+*Pages:* [*1*] 	Print
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