2011-11-23 [Lord Josmar]: Should we go ahead and buy the equipment and stuff like that?

2011-11-23 [Avaz]: Yes, but only so I know what items you would have been carrying. *hint*

Also, just as the rules say, if you have an idea for a starting item that isn't listed, mention it here in the comments or throw me a PM and I'll accept or reject it, with a price, if accepted. :)

2011-11-23 [Lord Josmar]: Well. I barely managed to buy what I needed. A few questions I have is how many clips can a person carry? How much for a clip? And how many rounds in the clip?

2011-11-23 [Avaz]: Great questions! This is why the game is still in alpha and hasn't gone through testing yet to beta. Something I haven't noticed before or made mention of anywhere, is that if you purchase a firearm at level 1, it comes with a number of rounds equal to its capacity. So here we go:

how many clips can a person carry?
Not counting the ammunition already in the gun, a person should reasonably be able to carry 2 additional ammo magazines. More, if you've bought a bandolier as well. :)

How much for a clip?
A good rule of thumb would be 1/25th of the price (rounded down to nearest whole dollar) of the cheapest firearm that can hold that type of ammunition. Example, the PK9 is the cheapest gun ($250) that holds Compression Slugs, so it would cost 10 bucks for clip of CS.

If you were to buy a box of ammunition* instead, then it would be 1/10th of the price of the cheapest firearm that can hold that type of ammunition. So using the same example of the PK9 ($250), a box of additional Compression Slugs would be $25. Clearly the better purchase here of the two, once you consider clip size - as explained in the next question.

*A box of ammo would come with 25 bullets of a particular type. Unless it's like rockets or batteries or something crazy like that - we'll deal with those later.

How many rounds in the clip?
It would be reasonable to assume that different firearms that use the same ammo type would use the same clips, as well. And since the lower "quality" items have a lower capacity, a clip for a specific ammo type would follow the same rule of thumb for ammo price. i.e., all guns that fire Compression Slugs would use 6-slug clips.

2011-11-23 [Avaz]: I just noticed I'll have to change the Box of Compression Slugs entry under Adventuring Gear, because that item no longer applies. I like the formula here a lot better than just giving it a random price. :P

2011-11-23 [Lord Josmar]: Ok. That makes sense.

2011-11-24 [Avaz]: All of it? :)

2011-11-24 [Lord Josmar]: I may have to read it over again to get it 100%, but for the most part yes. Table top roleplaying is where I got my start, so semi-confusing rules have no affect on me, lol.

2011-11-24 [Avaz]: Awesome. I cut my teeth on tabletop RPGs too, so my sensibilities tend to err on the crunchy side, when it comes to rule complexity.

2011-11-24 [Lord Josmar]: Lolz. I tried my hand at creating a more D&D based RPG that mixed that world with a world similar to Fallout. I ended up just copying a bunch of stuff from 3.5 and D20 Modern before it fizzled out.

2011-11-24 [Avaz]: You've likely noticed that I did just exactly that - D&D 4e + Fallout, but with additional bits and pieces from other systems plus my own rules. Somehow, it seems to fit together seamlessly... At least to me. :P

2011-11-24 [Avaz]: Also, Jimmy "the Bug" sounds like he's the kid from Watchmen, the assistant newsboy kid. XD

2011-11-25 [Lord Josmar]: I have only seen the movie and that was awhile back so Im not sure who that is, lol. I know that "Bug" is gambling slang of the Joker card so I went with that.

2011-11-25 [Avaz]: Ah, I did not know that slang. :D

2011-11-25 [Lord Josmar]: Lolz. I googled gambling terms.

2011-11-26 [Avaz]: Hah, fair enough!

2011-12-02 [Avaz]: I added an entry for Inventory, so people can keep track of their Stuff™.

2011-12-02 [Lord Josmar]: Yea, I need to go back over my character and pick out all his stuff.

2011-12-02 [Avaz]: I'm curious what you got for your starting cash. :)

2011-12-02 [Lord Josmar]: I rolled pretty good for starting cash and so far have the PK9 a backpack and a holster. Still don't have any ammo though, lol.

2011-12-02 [Avaz]: Your gun comes with some.

2011-12-02 [Lord Josmar]: Well yea, but that probably won't last for long.

2011-12-02 [Avaz]: Well, it's good for 6 rounds of combat. So that's something. But you will definitely be running out fast, you're right.

2011-12-02 [Lord Josmar]: Yea, and I think his mouth may get him into more trouble then anything you can plan for him, lol.

2011-12-02 [Avaz]: Awesome. That's what I like to hear. :D

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: Would someone mind helping me make a character ? I just want to make sure that I do this right .

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: I'd be happy to help you. What part are you stuck on? :)

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: Well, Wizards of the Coast calls me a master at D&D, but this system is very different form the 3.5 that I am used to, I understood my primary stats and that was about all I could understand, unfortunately my wisdom seemed to have failed me after there.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: That's fine. Having a fundamental base in D&D is great! That means we can skip most of the pretty basic stuff. This game uses the SPECIAL system, not the d20 system. So it's a little different, but really not that much.

At the very least, if you have your primary stats set (and they equal sum 40), check the character sheet to see how basically everything else is keyed off the primary stats mathematically.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I understood that, and I thought about getting a mannerism just to boost that. But I am unsure if it would be a good thing in the long run. And I had an Idea for a character after reading everything but I am unsure of how to develop it with this system.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Keep in mind that my game is different from 3.5 in that your stats will very rarely get higher than what you originally put. And even if it does, it won't be by much.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I know, but I am unsure of the drawback of the mannerism aftecting my character in the long run.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: It likely won't be a huge factor, I wouldn't worry about it. Which mannerism were you looking at?

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: Gifted, +1 to all over my Primary's, but -10% skill and -5 spl

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Yeah. That one in particular is kind of a polarizing choice. Some people swear by it, others avoid it at all costs. If you want to be better at stat checks, it's recommended. But if you want to be better at skill rolls, then don't. It pretty much depends on what kind of character concept you got.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: A swordsman, but not you standard hack and slash, I wanted to try something different with this one.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Well, like I said. It's a tradeoff, and it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: Ok, I also would like to ask you about my character concept.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Sure thing! Fire away.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I wanted to build a swordsman or sort, a samurai if you would, but with a spin.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: A samurai wouldn't really fit in the world, which is pretty steampunk-ish. But a classy swordsman guy would work just fine.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I figured that, my spin on it refered to the elementuism I think it was called. That machine you wear on your back, I was wondering since it can be fused with a guantlet can it be fused further through into a sword?

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: No, you won't be able to fuse it into a sword, but if you choose earth or fire as your element, you can create a blade to use instead.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I was kinda thinking more wind and water to make Ice, or in this case I guess it would be cryo. But never the mind it, a classy swordsman it will be.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: But Air and Water don't have any spells that allow you to use anything like a sword. If you check the spell lists (pages 13-17), you will see Fire has a spell available at 2st level (Burning Blade) and Earth has one at 1st level (Sculpt Rock) and both let you use swords as the spell without requiring you to hold anything in a hand slot.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I know, I meant to try and create something different, Using the swords as an extention of my hands, for things like frostbite and driving hail, or what was it drown, by cutting them with the sword or peircing them.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Nope, sorry. I think I understand what you were going for, but unfortunately if you're holding anything in your hands, your spells won't work. The other thing is you can only really have one element, so you can't mix air and water. Ice falls under water anyway. :)

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: I was trying to think on that lol, i did not know if it would be considered cryo which would be air and water. But is alright, I can do a classy swordsman.

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Okay cool. I can't wait to see what you come up with. And of course, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! :)

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: In your personal opinion, would gifted be a mannerism you would choose for a swordsman ?

2011-12-23 [Avaz]: Honestly? I wouldn't. If I were making a swordsman, I'd want to tag Close Range: Melee Weapons, so I don't want to nerf myself by choosing to have less skill percentages. I'd choose either Heavy Handed to do more damage per hit, or One Hander to be more accurate to hit more often.

2011-12-23 [Earoluim]: Ok, Thank you. Can you explain to me skills and skill percentages and spl?

2011-12-24 [Avaz]: Sorry for the delay, was having dinner. But sure! If you haven't already, check out the Skills sections in the rulebook, it's pretty detailed. But I'm happy to give a quick overview here.

Basically, your skills represent all the things your character can do and how well he can do them, and your 3 tagged skills are your guy's expertise. The tagged skills will go up at a higher rate than non-tagged skills. The goal when you're making skill checks is to try to roll percentile die and hit a number equal to or smaller than the percentage on your char. sheet. Example, if you have Firearms at 44%, rolling anything between 1 to 44 is a hit, anything higher is a miss. So you will want to get the skills you want to focus in as high as possible.

SPL: Skill Points per Level. When you level up, you gain a certain number of SPL, depending on your stats. You can put one skill point in a one skill to raise it by .5% per point. Your tagged skills go up 1% per one point, so they go up twice as fast. Hence "expertise."

Anything else you'd like to know?

2011-12-24 [Earoluim]: How do you determine starting gear ?

2011-12-24 [Lord Josmar]: Yay! I'm not going to be alone!

2011-12-24 [Earoluim]: huh

2011-12-24 [Avaz]: Starting Equipment is on page 18: All characters begin the game with some money (2d10 x 25 dollars), with which to purchase what they like and can afford. Refer to the Items, Weapons, Armor, and Adventuring Gear sections for ideas of some items. Remember, the items listed are not exhaustive; they merely represent the kinds of items that may be purchased. For anything not on the list, I will determine its cost.

Feel free to make up new items if you can't find something appropriate in the items lists. I'll tell you how much it'll cost or whether or not you can be allowed to use it.

On another note: I added a line in the character list so we know who's playing what.

Finally, [Earoluim], for your Smithing skill, you need to choose metalsmith, fibersmith, or gemsmith. Metalsmith can make metal weapons and armors. Fibersmith can make leather armors and other clothes. And gemsmith can make jewelry, rings, etc.

2011-12-24 [Avaz]: Also, for both of you I noticed some of your calculations seem off.

Lord J: With an END of 4, your Heal Rate should be 1.

Earo: Your AC should be at least 7 plus whatever armor you buy (if any). And your Crit Chance should be 5% because your LCK is 5.

Looking good, guys!

2011-12-24 [Earoluim]: I hope all that is right.

2011-12-24 [Avaz]: Hm, I see a few things.

1. Your total inventory comes up to $500, which is the maximum possible starting cash. Did you actually roll dice to come up with the amount, or did you just maximize the 2d10?

2. I missed it the first time around, but it looks like you forgot to include the 15% tag bonus to your Acrobatics and Smithing.

3. You'll notice that your Leather Jacket has a Max AGI bonus of 6, so your total AC would be 8 instead of 9. So it'll be up to you if you want to have an extra point of AC for $250 or have one less and keep the cash in your pocket.

I'll go ahead and make these changes for you, except for the AC one. You can do that yourself once you decide which you'd like. :)

Finally, I hope you guys don't think I'm trying to be difficult or anything. I realize this is a complex rule system and takes some getting used to.

2011-12-24 [Earoluim]: No I rolled the Dice, It is alright, how does it look now ?

2011-12-24 [Avaz]: Yep, it looks fine.

2011-12-25 [Lord Josmar]: Ok. Did you go ahead and change it?

2011-12-25 [Avaz]: Aye, I did.

2011-12-25 [Lord Josmar]: K. I started to wonder.

2011-12-30 [Avaz]: By the way, guys. If I haven't mentioned it before, don't get attached to your starting equipment. This first game is going to have you start with nothing. :P

I only wanted to know what kinds of items you would *like* to have. Speaking of which, Lord J, can I get a write up of your inventory? Thanks, yo. :)

2011-12-30 [Lord Josmar]: Oops. I will try to get that added later when I am home.

2012-01-17 [Lord Josmar]: Ok, I was just reading back because I am trying to get all my inventory done up. I want to buy a box of ammo instead of individual clips, but I realized now that you didn't say how many clips are in a box of ammo.

2012-01-17 [Avaz]: I thought I did. Hmm. Gimme a minute to read back.

2012-01-17 [Lord Josmar]: I know you said six rounds per clip, but I didn't see how many clips per box.

2012-01-17 [Avaz]: A box of ammo has 25 bullets. It's hard to estimate it by clips. Easier to calculate by bullets each. Either way, you don't/won't have any for a while.

2012-01-17 [Lord Josmar]: True, just gonna write it all down for my inventory.

2012-01-17 [Avaz]: Gotcha.

2012-01-17 [Avaz]: Y'know, at this point, you might not even have to bother making up an inventory. I know what your tagged skills are. You're more likely better off just waiting to see what loot you guys find.

I originally wanted an inventory write up to get a sense of the kinds of items you'd want to have eventually. But I think I have a pretty decent idea what that would be by now. :)

2012-01-17 [Lord Josmar]: Okie doke

2012-01-20 [Avaz]: Yay for more players! :D Welcome, Flisky!

2012-01-20 [Lord Josmar]: So she is a spellcaster?

2012-01-20 [Flisky]: Yep.

2012-01-20 [Lord Josmar]: Woot! Y'all muat have gotten good rolls for money! I was barely able to afford a gun and ammo.

2012-01-20 [Avaz]: Not that it matters, hah! It's cool though, there's the potential for phat lewtz soon.

2012-01-20 [Lord Josmar]: Woots for phat lewts!

2012-01-20 [Flisky]: I'm using what my DnD buddies call my Devil Dice. They never failed me before.

2012-01-20 [Lord Josmar]: Lolz. I don't like getting mine out for single rolls, so I use a dice bag app I found for Android phones.

2012-01-22 [Avaz]: Flisk, I also need to know which element you'd like to have for spells.

2012-01-22 [Flisky]: Air. Already chose that. :D

2012-01-22 [Avaz]: I must've missed it where you mentioned it. But okay, thanks.

2012-01-22 [Flisky]: Nah. There's no place to put it or her spells, so I kept it on my random character page.

2012-04-22 [Avaz]: FYI, Flisky this applies mainly to Tria. One of the major changes I'm making to the rules that I'm rewriting is that casters will no longer have to choose which spells to take. Once they pick an element, they will get both offensive and defensive spells per spell level, making it 3 spells per level instead of 2.

2012-04-23 [Flisky]: Yes! Score! :D

2012-04-23 [Avaz]: That's exactly the reason for the change.
(Plus, it streamlines the process.)

2012-06-14 [Koho Ai]: Drake is up.

2012-06-15 [Lord Josmar]: ...why is he lvl 2?

2012-06-15 [Avaz]: I was hoping to save the moment for when it happened, but...Because you guys are almost level 2. >_>

2012-06-15 [Koho Ai]: Sorry should have waited a bit longer

2012-06-15 [Avaz]: Yeah. No biggie though.

2012-06-15 [Lord Josmar]: Way to ruin the surprise Evol!

2012-06-15 [Avaz]: Well, since the cat's out of the bag anyhow, might as well take care of this now, I suppose.

After you are done with the thug, you will be level 2. BUT! you get to level up using all the extra options in the beta rules. If you want to completely remake the character, that's up for discussion. Just message me and we'll see what we can do.

I will be putting up a link to the most recent version of the beta rules on the main page, once I'm done with it. So keep your eyes open for that page notification.

2012-06-15 [Earoluim]: ok , Thank you.

2012-06-16 [Lord Josmar]: WooT!

2012-07-19 [Avaz]: Jimmie (and everyone else, really) needs to calculate inventory slots. But jimmie in particular is affected, since the text for Small Frame has changed slightly. :)

2012-07-19 [Koho Ai]: Isn't sharpshooter a lvl 6 boon if i'm not mistaken.

2012-07-19 [Avaz]: Correct. You guys should be looking at the first ten Boons on page 44, for level 2.

2012-07-19 [Avaz]: I'd be inclined to say two boxes of matches can take up a single slot together. They're small enough. :)

2012-07-19 [Koho Ai]: Okay XD

2012-07-19 [Earoluim]: Do my primary stats increase at all?

2012-07-19 [Avaz]: Primary stats don't increase, but you can change them around if you like. This will be the only time you (the whole group) will be allowed to do that, since this is a special circumstance, so make sure you're happy with what you have.

Your skills go up though.

2012-07-19 [Earoluim]: I was rereading the skills and I cannot find the smithing anymore, so I was thinking about changing it to Mechanics based on what you and I talked about in pm.

2012-07-23 [Avaz]: Just like I said in the message, Smithing was changed to Crafting. And you can swap out for Mechanics. Not sure why you're repeating it though :)

2012-08-13 [Lord Josmar]: The only Boon I meet the prerequisites for is Awareness.

2012-08-13 [Avaz]: I'm giving you guys the option of fudging numbers around, if you want to accommodate a different Boon.

2012-08-13 [Lord Josmar]: Nah, would feel like cheating.

2012-08-13 [Avaz]: Considering I changed SO many things between the alpha and beta versions.. I wouldn't consider it cheating. Besides, the reason I'm letting everyone do this is precisely because so much changed. Otherwise, it'd stay the same.

For what it's worth, don't underestimate Awareness, man. Every time I'd play Fallout 2, Awareness was the first thing I'd go for. Just sayin'.

2012-08-13 [Avaz]: A note to everyone: If you're confused as to why some items have 0 slots, it's because I realized that normal clothes you're wearing shouldn't count toward your maximum inventory slot count. Armor you wear counts because it's bulkier and heavier. Also, if you are carrying clothes, but not wearing it, it takes up a slot.

This should explain some of the possible indiscrepancies you might think you see - It's not. :) I'll be writing this exception into the next version, 1.02.

2012-08-13 [Lord Josmar]: True, also some of the abilities that I wanted I can't get till lvl 6 or 7. I don't know if I would want to mess with my character's stats. I'd be to afraid that I would make my character worse.

2012-08-13 [Avaz]: No sweat, sounds good. 6 thru 8 are intentionally the "sweet spot" levels for Boons. :D And, of course 10.

2012-08-13 [Lord Josmar]: All I got to do is get the whole inventory slot thing figured out and then Jimmy is good to go.

2012-08-14 [Avaz]: Simple. You get a maximum slot value of STR x 2. Every item you have on you gets a slot value assigned to them based on their general size and weight. Larger and heavier things take up more inventory slots, natch. You can increase your maximum inventory by carrying bags, backpacks, pouches, that sort of thing.

Caveat: If you're wearing clothes, they take up 0 slots, but if you're carrying them in a bag or something, they take up whatever slot value they have (usually 1).

Does that clear it up? :)

2012-08-14 [Lord Josmar]: Yea, I believe so.