| From: | David Buehrer <dbuehrer@****.ORG> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Re: Fumbles |
| Date: | Tue, 30 Sep 1997 07:56:35 -0600 |
|
| It is impossible to have a situation where it is impossible to fumble. If
| the magician rolls a number of dice less than (insert force/magic
| rating/sorcery skill as desired), there is still the chance of a fumble if
| the roll comes up all ones.
|
| I've been thinking about this whole situation, and I've come up with my
| interpretation (my view has changed). Here goes, tell me what you all think.
Here's an easier way.
At the beginning of each adventure the GM secretly roles 4d6 for each
PC (this gives odds of 1:1296, or roughly 0.1%). If a role comes up
all ones the GM makes a note that the PC will experience a "fumble"
at some point during the adventure.
When that fumble occurs is up to the GM. He can either decide
randomly. Role 2d6 each time the PC makes a skill test. If the dice
come up 1s the fumble occurs. If the dice never come up 1s then the
PC has gotten lucky and avoids the fumble.
Or the GM can role 3d6 and make a note of the total. When the PC has
made a number of skill tests equal to that number the fumble occurs.
Or the GM can choose to have the fumble occur at any point to further
the story, add to the enjoyment of the game, or to make the adventure
more challenging. FWIW, this is my favorite, "You just wasted
another 10 guards with your vindicator." "Man, this is easy. I keep
shooting." "As you're riddling the opposition with a hail of lead you
hear a snap and the barrel of your vindicator goes flying off,
careening around the warehouse, until it comes to a rest on the
floor. The remaining guards (20 something) look at the barrel on the
floor, look at you, and begin to grin evily. What do you do?"
"uh... oh shit"
Or, "A beautiful woman sits down next to you (PC is sitting at the
bar)." "I turn to her and smile." "As you turn your hand knocks your
drink into her lap. She jumps back and yells, `What the hell is your
problem?!' and goes stalking off to the ladies room muttering about
drycleaning bills. A troll sitting at a nearby table snickers and
says, `Whatsamatter buddy, can't hold your liquor?'"
FWIW, the GM can decide at any point to call a fumble. You can
inflict a string of bad luck on a PC if you want. Whatever works
best for the game.
-David
http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1068/homepage.htm
--
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing
which ones to keep."
