I was also once sitting around thinking about RTDs, and then I realized that there are inherent problems with the RTD ruleset that prevent if from being used in more serious settings without serious modifications, even beyond those of the Progressive rules.
And so I thought that perhaps with a small alteration, the Progressive RTD rules - now named Advanced RTD - could work better for these instances? I've already seen several games adopt similar systems, so I think it's only right that it be identified as a system of its own.
The rules are identical to those of Progressive RTD, except in several key points. In a way, these points bring the RTD system closer to the traditional RPGs.
In Advanced RTD, the result of any action is determined by a roll of a custom-sided die. The size of the die is determined by the skill or statistics of the performer of the action - be it an off-the-wall number defined on the spot based on the character descriptions, or hard-set numbers as stat and skill values. Modifying this base value are two types of bonuses ("bonus" is used interchangeably with "penalty" because "modifier" is unwieldy)
The first type, Value bonus, merely alters the size of the die used. These bonuses are usually permanent, or come from synergy of skills, stats, and equipment.
The second type, Result bonus, alters the outcome of the die roll itself, except for two outstanding cases. These bonuses are usually situational, granted by environment or prior actions of the character.
The roll progression table differs from Progressive RTD rules in that it only contains three outcomes in the base range.
- Failure. The action fails, is not performed at all, or fumbles ineffectually.
- Success. The action is performed, though the exact value of the result may affect the extent of the success, especially in opposed rolls.
- Perfect Success. The action is performed to the absolute best of the character's ability. The value of the roll does determine the extent of the success, but only as much as the value itself is determined by the character's abilities.
Failure is always a roll result of [1]. A die roll of [1] is unaffected by a net positive Result bonus, referred to as a "natural 1", preserving a constant chance of failure despite any amount of bonuses.
Perfect Success is always a result equal to the roll value, i.e. a [6] for a six-sided die, as long as that value is greater than 1. A die roll of [6] is unaffected by a net negative Result bonus, preserving a chance of success despite any amount of penalties.
Success values exist inbetween these two outcomes, unless the maximum value is 1 or 2.
Two more Outcomes exist beyond the base values.
- Epic Fail: Any roll result of 0 or less, attainable only by having a net negative Result bonus, will result in a failure so spectacular that the character will invariably suffer for it.
- Overshot: Any roll result greater than the roll value, attainable only by having a net positive Result bonus, will result in a successful action that will likely cause the character, or those around him, to suffer due to the manner in which the action was performed.
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Now that was all lengthy and detailed, but the short version is that the Progressive system has its Epic Fail and Overshot outcomes pushed beyond the normal results, has the flat roll bonuses reinstated, but also adds the "natural" rolls to preserve chances of failure and success despite those bonuses.
What do you think? Too complicated to be still called an RTD?
ninja edit: and I thought the "Papa" was a typo. >_>
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Topic: Roller's Block (RTD Brainstorming Thread) (HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY) (Derm is 5k) (Read 745838 times)