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roleplaying:cyberpunk:engagement_roll [2018/12/12 16:09] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +====== Engagement Roll ======
 +^ Go Back to the [[start]] |
 +Once the players choose a plan and provide its detail, the GM cuts to the action—
 +describing the scene as the crew starts the operation and encounters their first obstacle.
 +But how is this established? The way the GM describes the starting situation can have a
 +huge impact on how simple or troublesome the operation turns out to be. Rather than
 +expecting the GM to simply “get it right” each time, we use a dice roll instead. This is the
 +engagement roll.
 +
 +The engagement roll is a fortune roll, starting with 1d for sheer luck. Modify the dice pool
 +for any major advantages or disadvantages that apply. Not counting the possible extra
 +factors you might consider, there is a possible 3d to be gained (for a total of 4d).
 +===== Major Advantages / Disadvantages =====
 +
 +  * Is this operation particularly bold or daring? Take +1d. 
 +  * Is this operation overly complex or contingent on many factors? Take -1d.
 +  * Does the plan’s detail expose a vulnerability of the target or hit them where they’re weakest? Take +1d. 
 +  * Is the target strongest against this approach, or do they have particular defenses or special preparations? Take -1d.
 +  * Can any of your friends or contacts provide aid or insight for this operation? Take +1d. 
 +  * Are any enemies or rivals interfering in the operation? Take -1d.
 +  * Are there any other elements that you want to consider? Maybe a lower profile target will give you +1d. Maybe a higher profile target will give you -1d. Maybe there’s a situation in the district that makes the operation more or less tricky.
 +The engagement roll assumes that the PCs are approaching the target as intelligently as
 +they can, given the plan and detail they provided, so we don’t need to play out tentative
 +probing manoeuvers, special precautions, or other ponderous non-action. The engagement
 +roll covers all of that. The PCs are already in action, facing the first obstacle—up on
 +the rooftop, hacking the lock on the window; kicking down the door of the bounty’s
 +safehouse; manoeuvring to speak with an executive at the masquerade party; etc.
 +
 +Don’t make the engagement roll and then describe the PCs approaching the target. It’s
 +the approach that the engagement roll resolves. Cut to the action that results because of
 +that initial approach—to the first serious obstacle in their path.
 +
 +//The first obstacles at the Black Lodge’s drug lab are their maglocks.
 +The engagement roll puts us on the roof outside a window, as the PCs attempt to
 +silently and carefully open the lock.//
 +
 +//The PCs have kicked down the door and swarmed into the front room of the
 +Halloweener’s hideout, gun muzzles flashing, into a vicious melee with the first of his
 +bodyguards.//
 +
 +//The PCs have socialised politely at the party, manoeuvring into position to have a
 +private word with the CEO. As a group of young department managers leave her side,
 +the PCs step up and engage her in conversation.//
 +
 +If the players want to include a special preparation or clever setup, they can do so with
 +flashbacks during the run. This takes some getting used to. Players may baulk at first,
 +worried that you’re skipping over important things that they want to do. But jumping
 +straight into the action of the score is much more effective once you get used to it. When
 +they see the situation they’re in, their “planning” in flashbacks will be focused and useful,
 +rather than merely speculations on circumstances and events that might not even happen.
 +
 +  * **Critical:** Exceptional result. You’ve already overcome the first obstacle and you’re in a controlled position for what’s next.
 +  * **6:** Good result. You’re in a controlled position when the action starts.
 +  * **4/5:** Mixed result. You’re in a risky position when the action starts.
 +  * **1-3:** Bad result. You’re in a desperate position when the action starts.
 +
 +==== Outcomes ====
 +
 +The outcome of the engagement roll determines the position for the PCs’ initial actions
 +when we cut to the score in progress. A 1-3 means a desperate position. A 4/5 is a risky
 +position. A 6 yields a controlled position. And a critical carries the action beyond the initial
 +obstacle, deeper into the action of the score.
 +
 +No matter how low profile or outmatched you are, a desperate position is the worst thing
 +that can result from the plan + detail + engagement process. It’s designed this way so the
 +planning process matters, but it doesn’t call for lots of optimisation or nitpicking. Even if
 +you’re reckless and just dive in and take your chances, you can’t get too badly burned.
 +Plus, you might even want those desperate rolls to generate more xp for the PCs, which
 +helps to bootstrap starting characters into advancement.
 +
 +When you describe the situation after the roll, use the details of the target to paint a
 +picture of the PCs’ position. How might the strange syndicate present a desperate
 +position for burglars? How might the violent and ruthless spy present a risky threat to
 +assaulting thugs? How might the exceptionally rich and calculating executive present a
 +controlled opportunity for a manipulative cyberpunk? Use this opportunity to show how the
 +PCs’ enemies are dangerous and capable—don’t characterise a bad engagement roll as a
 +failure by the PCs, or they won’t trust the technique in the future. Sure, things are starting
 +out desperate here against the creepy occultists, but you’re just the type of characters who
 +are daring enough to take them on. Let’s get to it.
 +
 +=== How long does it last? ===
 +
 +The engagement roll determines the starting position for the PCs’ actions. How long
 +does that hold? Does the situation stay desperate? No. Once the initial actions have been
 +resolved, you follow the normal process for establishing position for the rest of the rolls
 +during the score. The engagement roll is a quick short-hand to kick things off and get the
 +action started—it doesn’t have any impact after that.
 +
 +
  
roleplaying/cyberpunk/engagement_roll.txt · Last modified: 2018/12/12 16:09 by 127.0.0.1