The Universal Game Mechanic (revised)

[Supplement Four]

(A few examples of the UGM in play.)


I don't think too many examples are called for, but, just to be complete, I'll make up a couple here.


Let's meet our sample character:

Lem Jharraries 85A7E5
Computer-3, Laser Rifle-2, Medical-2, Gravitics-2, Electronics-1, Mechanical-1, Robotics-1


Lem's ship has been hit. Combat with Vargr Corsairs. The computer is down, and the captain is yelling to get computer support back up for the gunner.

The GM decides this is a Difficult Computer task governed by INT.

(1) 2D roll results in a 8.
(2) No Natural Ability modifier applied.
(3) -2DM Difficult task; +3DM Skill.
(4) Task succeeds with a 9.


The computer is back up, and the Gunner Interact program is now working again, but the ship is hit a second time...and now, the grav plates have gone out. Lem is worried that there might be damage to the inertial dampeners as well, so he floats to engineer and attempts to discover if his assumption is true.

The GM decides this is a Standard Gravitics task governed by EDU.

(1) 2D roll results in a 8.
(2) +1DM for Natural Ability.
(3) +0DM for Standard difficulty. +2DM for skill.
(4) Total of 11 produces a successful task.


While in engineering, Lem attempts to restore artificial gravity. Given Lem's successful look at the inertial dampeners, he's right there to fix the G-Plates as well. Same compartment.

The GM decides that his knowledge of what's happening with the inertial dampeners make the restoring of power to the G-Plates a Routine task governed by INT.

(1) 2D roll results in 3.
(2) +1DM Natural Ability bonus.
(3) +2DM difficulty; +2DM skill.
(4) Task succeeds, just barely, with a total of 8.


Lem's ship is hit a third time by the damn Vargr adversaries. An explosion shakes the ship near the entrance to engineering. Lem attempts to force the stuck hatch open.

The GM decides that this is a Difficult task governed by STR. Lem doesn't have a skill to use on this one.

(1) 2D roll results in a 10.
(2) No Natural Ability modifier applied.
(3) -2DM difficulty.
(4) Task barely succeeds with an 8.


As Lem opens the door, he sees the reason for the blast. Vargr Corsairs have cut their way into the hold of the ship. Lem pulls his AutoPistol from his hip and fires!

We're using standard CT combat rules in this example--the only difference is that a Standard UGM task roll is used in place of the regular 2D Classic Trav combat roll. All CT modifiers are used--as well as the possibility of the Natural Ability modifier from UGM.

The closest Corsair is 10 meters away. This is Medium Range. The Vargr's space suit doubles as Cloth armor.

Lem fires at him.

(1) 2D roll results in a 5.
(2) +1DM Natural Ability modifier.
(3) +0DM difficulty; -2DM DEX penalty; -3DM vs. Cloth armor; -6DM Range penalty.
(4) Shot misses with a total of 0.

The Vargr fires back at Lem, but misses, then the Corsair runs up the hold to close range with Lem. The two are now locked in hand-to-hand combat.

Lem acts first, swinging his pistol butt like a hammer. The GM rules that pistol whipping like this is akin to a Club-1.

So, Lem takes his swing.

(1) 2D roll results in a 12.

Whenever a '2' or a '12' is rolled naturally, a check is called for to determine Spectacular Success or Spectacular Failure.-

In this case, we're checking for Spectacular Success.

The SS check is--

3D less than or equal to Stat + Skill + Difficulty

In this case, we're looking at STR-8 + Skill-0 +0DM Standard Difficulty.

A Spectacular Success will result if Lem rolls 8- on 3D.

Lem rolls...5, 1, 1. He did it!

Lem has just rolled SS.

The GM determines that Lem's hit, with the butt of his pistol, cracks the O2 line into the Vargr's helmet, blowing right into his eyes. Even though the gas is invisible, it's blowing out of the cracked line fast and right into the eyes of the Vargr Corsair.

We finish the round.

(1) From Above…2D roll results in 12/
(2) No Natural Ability DM.
(3) +0DM Standard difficulty; +2DM STR bonus for club; -1DM Club Adjustment for Club-1; -3DM Cloth armor; +2DM Short Range.
(4) Total of 11 hits with Spectacular Success as determined above.

Damage is rolled.

And, the GM allows Lem to go first in the next round due to his SS result.


I'm going to leave you hanging here, with Lem in the thick of a fight.

I just wanted to go over a few examples to show you how UGM worked.

 

[Supplement Four]

(A few examples of the UGM in play.)


I don't think too many examples are called for, but, just to be complete, I'll make up a couple here.


Let's meet our sample character:

Lem Jharraries 85A7E5
Computer-3, Laser Rifle-2, Medical-2, Gravitics-2, Electronics-1, Mechanical-1, Robotics-1


Lem's ship has been hit. Combat with Vargr Corsairs. The computer is down, and the captain is yelling to get computer support back up for the gunner.

The GM decides this is a Difficult Computer task governed by INT.

(1) 2D roll results in a 8.
(2) No Natural Ability modifier applied.
(3) -2DM Difficult task; +3DM Skill.
(4) Task succeeds with a 9.


The computer is back up, and the Gunner Interact program is now working again, but the ship is hit a second time...and now, the grav plates have gone out. Lem is worried that there might be damage to the inertial dampeners as well, so he floats to engineer and attempts to discover if his assumption is true.

The GM decides this is a Standard Gravitics task governed by EDU.

(1) 2D roll results in a 8.
(2) +1DM for Natural Ability.
(3) +0DM for Standard difficulty. +2DM for skill.
(4) Total of 11 produces a successful task.


While in engineering, Lem attempts to restore artificial gravity. Given Lem's successful look at the inertial dampeners, he's right there to fix the G-Plates as well. Same compartment.

The GM decides that his knowledge of what's happening with the inertial dampeners make the restoring of power to the G-Plates a Routine task governed by INT.

(1) 2D roll results in 3.
(2) +1DM Natural Ability bonus.
(3) +2DM difficulty; +2DM skill.
(4) Task succeeds, just barely, with a total of 8.


Lem's ship is hit a third time by the damn Vargr adversaries. An explosion shakes the ship near the entrance to engineering. Lem attempts to force the stuck hatch open.

The GM decides that this is a Difficult task governed by STR. Lem doesn't have a skill to use on this one.

(1) 2D roll results in a 10.
(2) No Natural Ability modifier applied.
(3) -2DM difficulty.
(4) Task barely succeeds with an 8.


As Lem opens the door, he sees the reason for the blast. Vargr Corsairs have cut their way into the hold of the ship. Lem pulls his AutoPistol from his hip and fires!

We're using standard CT combat rules in this example--the only difference is that a Standard UGM task roll is used in place of the regular 2D Classic Trav combat roll. All CT modifiers are used--as well as the possibility of the Natural Ability modifier from UGM.

The closest Corsair is 10 meters away. This is Medium Range. The Vargr's space suit doubles as Cloth armor.

Lem fires at him.

(1) 2D roll results in a 5.
(2) +1DM Natural Ability modifier.
(3) +0DM difficulty; -2DM DEX penalty; -3DM vs. Cloth armor; -6DM Range penalty.
(4) Shot misses with a total of 0.

The Vargr fires back at Lem, but misses, then the Corsair runs up the hold to close range with Lem. The two are now locked in hand-to-hand combat.

Lem acts first, swinging his pistol butt like a hammer. The GM rules that pistol whipping like this is akin to a Club-1.

So, Lem takes his swing.

(1) 2D roll results in a 12.

Whenever a '2' or a '12' is rolled naturally, a check is called for to determine Spectacular Success or Spectacular Failure.-

In this case, we're checking for Spectacular Success.

The SS check is--

3D less than or equal to Stat + Skill + Difficulty

In this case, we're looking at STR-8 + Skill-0 +0DM Standard Difficulty.

A Spectacular Success will result if Lem rolls 8- on 3D.

Lem rolls...5, 1, 1. He did it!

Lem has just rolled SS.

The GM determines that Lem's hit, with the butt of his pistol, cracks the O2 line into the Vargr's helmet, blowing right into his eyes. Even though the gas is invisible, it's blowing out of the cracked line fast and right into the eyes of the Vargr Corsair.

We finish the round.

(1) From Above…2D roll results in 12/
(2) No Natural Ability DM.
(3) +0DM Standard difficulty; +2DM STR bonus for club; -1DM Club Adjustment for Club-1; -3DM Cloth armor; +2DM Short Range.
(4) Total of 11 hits with Spectacular Success as determined above.

Damage is rolled.

And, the GM allows Lem to go first in the next round due to his SS result.


I'm going to leave you hanging here, with Lem in the thick of a fight.

I just wanted to go over a few examples to show you how UGM worked.

 

[Golan2072]

You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

1) How do you suggest that opposed tasks (e.g. one person sneaking, the other trying to spot him) would be handled in this system?

2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

3) How do you suggest that contests of attributes (e.g. arm-wrestiling) would be handled in this system?

4) How do you suggest that cooperation on tasks would be handled in this system?

 

[Golan2072]

You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

1) How do you suggest that opposed tasks (e.g. one person sneaking, the other trying to spot him) would be handled in this system?

2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

3) How do you suggest that contests of attributes (e.g. arm-wrestiling) would be handled in this system?

4) How do you suggest that cooperation on tasks would be handled in this system?

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

Cool. Glad to have you aboard.

1) How do you suggest that opposed tasks (e.g. one person sneaking, the other trying to spot him) would be handled in this system?

2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

3) How do you suggest that contests of attributes (e.g. arm-wrestiling) would be handled in this system?

4) How do you suggest that cooperation on tasks would be handled in this system?

Do me a favor first. I've got some ideas on all of this, but I'd like to see how you currently handle these types of situations.

I'm betting that UGM can be comformed to whatever you're currently using/comfortable with.

I'll show you how to conform UGM to whatever you're already doing--and I'll give you input if I would handle things different.

So, give me an example of each one, and I'll respond to that post.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

Cool. Glad to have you aboard.

1) How do you suggest that opposed tasks (e.g. one person sneaking, the other trying to spot him) would be handled in this system?

2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

3) How do you suggest that contests of attributes (e.g. arm-wrestiling) would be handled in this system?

4) How do you suggest that cooperation on tasks would be handled in this system?

Do me a favor first. I've got some ideas on all of this, but I'd like to see how you currently handle these types of situations.

I'm betting that UGM can be comformed to whatever you're currently using/comfortable with.

I'll show you how to conform UGM to whatever you're already doing--and I'll give you input if I would handle things different.

So, give me an example of each one, and I'll respond to that post.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

BTW, this one has already been referenced in the system.

An attribute-only task is the same task as that attribute governing a Level-0 skill.

There's an example that I posted showing Lem forcing open a stuck hatch.

You roll an attribute-only task the same way you roll any other task (you just don't get the beneficial DM for skill level).

One of your examples above is to break down a door. Let's say an average STR-7 character is trying to break down a typical interior type door you have in your house.

I'd call this a Routine task governed by STR.

(I'll roll real dice, just to be interesting.)

(1) 2D roll of 8
(2) No Natural Ability modifier
(3) +2DM difficulty.
(4) Task succeeds with a 10.


Now, let's let the same character try to break down the front door (sturdier) of a typical house.

Let's move this task up two levels, making it a Difficult task governed by STR.

(Again, I'll roll real dice to see what comes.)

(1) 2D roll of 11
(2) No Natural Ability modifier
(3) -2DM difficulty.
(4) Task succeeds with a 9.


Attribute-only tasks are as simple as that.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
2) How do you suggest that attribute-only tasks (e.g. lifting weight or breaking down a door) would be handled in this system?

BTW, this one has already been referenced in the system.

An attribute-only task is the same task as that attribute governing a Level-0 skill.

There's an example that I posted showing Lem forcing open a stuck hatch.

You roll an attribute-only task the same way you roll any other task (you just don't get the beneficial DM for skill level).

One of your examples above is to break down a door. Let's say an average STR-7 character is trying to break down a typical interior type door you have in your house.

I'd call this a Routine task governed by STR.

(I'll roll real dice, just to be interesting.)

(1) 2D roll of 8
(2) No Natural Ability modifier
(3) +2DM difficulty.
(4) Task succeeds with a 10.


Now, let's let the same character try to break down the front door (sturdier) of a typical house.

Let's move this task up two levels, making it a Difficult task governed by STR.

(Again, I'll roll real dice to see what comes.)

(1) 2D roll of 11
(2) No Natural Ability modifier
(3) -2DM difficulty.
(4) Task succeeds with a 9.


Attribute-only tasks are as simple as that.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by WJP:
You roll an attribute-only task the same way you roll any other task (you just don't get the beneficial DM for skill level).

One more thing to add to this...

UGM is intended to add-to, not replace official CT rules.

It's just a task system to drop into a CT game.

There are already rules for this type of thing (attribute-only rolls) in CT.

For example, rolling Stat or less on 2D or 3D is very common in CT.

Or, even, rolling Stat + Skill or less on 2D or 3D is common.

As a GM, you have a choice of doing it the old fashioned CT way (the Stat or less on 2D, for example), or you can make a UGM task out of it as I outlined above.

Your choice.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by WJP:
You roll an attribute-only task the same way you roll any other task (you just don't get the beneficial DM for skill level).

One more thing to add to this...

UGM is intended to add-to, not replace official CT rules.

It's just a task system to drop into a CT game.

There are already rules for this type of thing (attribute-only rolls) in CT.

For example, rolling Stat or less on 2D or 3D is very common in CT.

Or, even, rolling Stat + Skill or less on 2D or 3D is common.

As a GM, you have a choice of doing it the old fashioned CT way (the Stat or less on 2D, for example), or you can make a UGM task out of it as I outlined above.

Your choice.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

Hey Emp,

Those are some very good questions, by the way.

I'm looking forward to seeing your examples and then posting my response.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

Hey Emp,

Those are some very good questions, by the way.

I'm looking forward to seeing your examples and then posting my response.

 

[far-trader]

You know, just throwing this out there, while I like the simplicity of the stat bonus in this there is one thing that just grates on my senses (well, more than one but... )

If I roll well for a check I likely won't get a bonus from the stat, and usually when I need it most on the more difficult checks. But if I roll crap I will usually get the bonus from the stat, and it won't do me much good because the check will have failed even with the add.

I dunno, maybe it's just me but that just feels wrong.

 

[far-trader]

You know, just throwing this out there, while I like the simplicity of the stat bonus in this there is one thing that just grates on my senses (well, more than one but... )

If I roll well for a check I likely won't get a bonus from the stat, and usually when I need it most on the more difficult checks. But if I roll crap I will usually get the bonus from the stat, and it won't do me much good because the check will have failed even with the add.

I dunno, maybe it's just me but that just feels wrong.

 

[Golan2072]

Originally posted by WJP:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

I'm looking forward to seeing your examples and then posting my response. </font>[/QUOTE]My examples could be found here. They are based on my old Paul Elliott/MT system.

 

[Golan2072]

Originally posted by WJP:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
You've almost bought me over from Paul Elliott's System/proto-MT to the UGM; now, a few small matters...

I'm looking forward to seeing your examples and then posting my response. </font>[/QUOTE]My examples could be found here. They are based on my old Paul Elliott/MT system.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
My examples could be found here.

I just looked those over, Emp. If you're comfortable with how those work, I don't see any reason to change. UGM will fit in nicely with what you're already doing.

Attribute-Only Tasks: I've already covered this in a reply to you above. I mentioned two ways to handle this--the UGM task with a Level-0 skill is probably my personal choice. But, the CT method of Skill + Stat or Stat only, rolling the total on 2D or 3D or less works good with me too.

 

[Supplement Four]

Originally posted by Employee 2-4601:
My examples could be found here.

I just looked those over, Emp. If you're comfortable with how those work, I don't see any reason to change. UGM will fit in nicely with what you're already doing.

Attribute-Only Tasks: I've already covered this in a reply to you above. I mentioned two ways to handle this--the UGM task with a Level-0 skill is probably my personal choice. But, the CT method of Skill + Stat or Stat only, rolling the total on 2D or 3D or less works good with me too.

 

[Supplement Four]

Contests of Characteristics: I would probably just roll a task for one character, then have the other character try to beat that total, making the same task.

For example, Jike is STR-4 and Leary is STR-9. They're arm wrestling. Jike makes a task: 2D roll of 5, 5 for a total of 10. This is a Standard task, so there are no DMs. Jike didn't make the Natural Ability modifier.

Then, Leary makes the same task: 2D roll of 1, 3 for total of 4. +1DM for Natural Ability. Total is 5, but doesn't beat Jike's 10. Jike wins.

I've said a few times that CTI has more under the hood and handles stats a wee bit better. This is a good example of where CTI does a better job.

If I had made those same rolls using CTI, Jike would have ended up with a total of 5. But Leary, would have ended up with a 3 + 1D (since he would get one free re-roll when the total is beneath his Stat), giving the guy with the higher Stat a much, much better chance of beating the much weaker character in an arm wrestling contest.

If you like UGM, it's a good system. Don't get me wrong. I just wanted to point out, as I've said several times, that CTI is the superior system.

If your preference is towards UGM, then by all means use it. I know you're going to see some improvement, using UGM, from the system you are currently using.

BTW, if you're comfortable doing Contests of characteristics the way you have been--then keep doing 'em that way. Rolling 2D, adding Stats can easily be done with UGM.

Your 2D roll can be a straight 2D roll. Or, you can use a UGM task roll (possibly getting the Natural Ability mod) to add to the roll.

 

[Supplement Four]

Contests of Characteristics: I would probably just roll a task for one character, then have the other character try to beat that total, making the same task.

For example, Jike is STR-4 and Leary is STR-9. They're arm wrestling. Jike makes a task: 2D roll of 5, 5 for a total of 10. This is a Standard task, so there are no DMs. Jike didn't make the Natural Ability modifier.

Then, Leary makes the same task: 2D roll of 1, 3 for total of 4. +1DM for Natural Ability. Total is 5, but doesn't beat Jike's 10. Jike wins.

I've said a few times that CTI has more under the hood and handles stats a wee bit better. This is a good example of where CTI does a better job.

If I had made those same rolls using CTI, Jike would have ended up with a total of 5. But Leary, would have ended up with a 3 + 1D (since he would get one free re-roll when the total is beneath his Stat), giving the guy with the higher Stat a much, much better chance of beating the much weaker character in an arm wrestling contest.

If you like UGM, it's a good system. Don't get me wrong. I just wanted to point out, as I've said several times, that CTI is the superior system.

If your preference is towards UGM, then by all means use it. I know you're going to see some improvement, using UGM, from the system you are currently using.

BTW, if you're comfortable doing Contests of characteristics the way you have been--then keep doing 'em that way. Rolling 2D, adding Stats can easily be done with UGM.

Your 2D roll can be a straight 2D roll. Or, you can use a UGM task roll (possibly getting the Natural Ability mod) to add to the roll.