OOC Thread
Class skills are not modified by ability scores. These automatically improve by 1 point each every time you go up a level.
Derived Attributes (which all characters have) are mostly based on ability scores or ability score modifiers. They don't improve automatically. Every even level (and every level for Scouts), 1 point can be added to a mutation power score, derived attribute, or one of the class skills, or hit points, as you choose. So these advance more slowly, unless your class allows you to increase it at every level.
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Most task resolution is done by d20 plus some score.
To attack in melee, roll d20 plus melee THAC vs AC. To attack ranged, roll d20 plus ranged THAC vs AC. To make a mental attack, roll d20 plus MHAC for that mutation, usually vs Mental Defense. A few mental mutations target physical AC.
To hide, roll d20 plus Remain Unseen vs the monsters/NPCs Perception.
To sneak up, roll d20 plus Stealth vs Perception.
Health Hazards are a bit different. These are poisons, radiation, disease. For these, I roll d20 plus the attack's intensity. The target subtracts their Health score, and the result tells me how strong the effect is.
Occasionally, I may have you roll d20 vs your ability score (roll low to succeed), if none of the derived attributes or skills seem appropriate.
Discovering the function of an artifact is a bit different. When you first find an artifact, you tinker with it. There is a chart where the starting position is the item's complexity score minus your Use Artifacts score. If that puts it at 2 or lower, you automatically understand how to operate the item. There are bonuses for situations (like you've seen something similar before). Each hour of tinkering, I roll a d10 and that determines your progress or not. Sometimes there will be a bad outcome. Examiners' Avoid Artifact Disaster skill comes into play here. They can use that skill like a saving throw. Once you work your way down the chart, you figure out the item. If you end up higher than the item's complexity, you fail to understand it.
Robot Recognition is also a bit different. When you order a robot to do something, I roll d20 vs your Robot Recognition score. If I roll over your score, the robot ignores you, or considers you a normal animal or plant. Usually it's a flat d20 roll, but sometimes certain robots may have bonuses or penalties depending on their condition. Also, be warned that a robot recognizing you as 'human' does not automatically mean it will obey your commands! Key cards or friendly computers may be needed for that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:28, Wed 30 Aug 2023.
