[Q&A] Wade Dyer (Fragged Empire)

Hi all, as you can read; my name is Wade. I am a 28 year old Graphic Designer from Australia. Fragged Empire is a science fiction tabletop RPG project I have been working on for a few years now. It is a setting & full rule system currently in development.

A nice summary of the project can be seen here: (Link: http://www.fraggedempire.com)www.fraggedempire.com).

When talking about my system I like to view it in 3 parts. Setting, rules & production. These 3 parts all feed into each other, but it is a helpful way for me to keep my project in focus.

To summarise the setting: 15000+ years into the future. Humanity expanded throughout the galaxy, reaching unimaginable technological heights. Then through thousands of years of apathy they faced extinction through genetic erosion (lack of genetic diversity). Unable to save themselves, they genetically engineered their successors; The Archons & then allowed themselves to die out.

The Archons went on to create hundreds of new races in a pursuit to create the perfect race. A endeavour they called ‘the pursuit of Xion’.

They thought they had, heaping their love & praise upon one of their creations, giving them the title ‘Xion’.

But the Archons began to disagree with each other over the nature of perfection & the Xion. They attempted to remove the title from them. The Xion did not accept this & a fight broke out. All Xion were killed except for 1, it escaped out into uncharted space.

200 years later, Xion returned… with its own creations. A massive & diverse army of genetically engineered warriors & living ships (this race is known as the Nephilim).

The war lasted only 6 years, more of a slaughter than a war. After the last Archon was killed, Xion just left, abandoning its army.

The game starts 100 years after this war. 4 playable races in 1 system. Space travel has just been rediscover & a new society is at the cusp of creation.

The 4 playable races are: Kaltorans (4 ears, have genetic memories, they love family & friends, chaotic & messy society. Loved by the Archons), Corporation (pure capitalism, no special genetic gifts, rejected as ‘Sub-Par’ by the Archons), Legion (Created by the Archons for war), Nephilim.

Ok, thats enough of an information dump for now.

Thanks, Wade!

The floor is open to questions!

Okay . . . I saw on the site the mention of miniature combat, with optional non-miniature. So, how ingrained in the system are miniatures? For example, my group and I don’t really like using them.

Miniatures are quite ingrained into the systems rules, the rules for non-miniature combat are primarily there to help GMs to avoid having the game be bogged down with unnecessary combat. If you are not into miniatures this book/project could still provide you with an interesting setting (lots of writing & art).

It’s all good Wade. Still likely to back it. Heck, I’ve learned to play Savage Worlds without miniatures. I’m sure my group and I will figure out a way here. So far, really liking what I’ve seen on the game.

Lee, cheers mate. I really like people playing the kinds of games they love. I really hope people home rule the hell out of my game.

I have the miniatures question come up quite a bit. I hope it is not a make or break for people.

Nope, won’t break a game for me at all. 🙂

It does a little for me.

having played the latest iteration of IKRPG its fine for me lol

Have you done a Q&A before, because this sounds really familiar…

Me? I did one 2 weeks ago for my own game. This is my first as an audience member.

But Fragged Empire actually sounds cool as hell, to be honest. 🙂

Bigby, no I have not. Maybe you have seen me write about this somewhere else 🙂

WadeDyer, do you have a character sheet posted somewhere that we could reference?

Dan, yes there is a beta character sheet on my website. Just scroll down or click “Free Downloads” in the navbar. (Link: http://www.fraggedempire.com/)

What made you decide to make humans alone in the galaxy?

TRA, i think you mean why did I make there no humans?

No, you said humans populated the galaxy before creating the races that we would play now. It sounds like all the races in the galaxy were created by human (or created by things that were created by humans)

Ah, good point — so there are no true E.T.s in the setting, correct?

TRA, ah, sorry for miss understanding. Yes, there are no ‘true’ aliens in this setting. I am really glad you picked up on that. I wanted a very strong thematic reason for all the races to be linked, why each races is ‘humanoid’ and sociably relatable. I hope to have ‘real’ aliens in my setting at some point (a future book), they will be VERY alien, then will not function in any way close to us.

I also find that this approach helps feed the Genetic Engineering & cultural conflict themes in my setting.

By having ‘true’ aliens be truly alien in nature, this also feed the exploration theme.

so i would assume this explains the lack of an artificial machine race it seems that bio engineering took the lead in innovation over computers and machines

Dregon01, humans focused on electronic tech. Archons & Xion focused on bio tech. One of the main enemy races are a AI race known as the Mechanoids. In their desperation to beat Xion, the Archons turned to human tech they did not understand: creating the Mechanoids

I posted about them on my Facebook page not long ago

ah must have missed that one. not enough time on FB

What is the nature of flora and fauna in the setting?

Flora & Fauna = humans terraformed most worlds, most flora & fauna are created by the Archons.

What can you tell us about the 3d6 resolution mechanics?

What’s the system like?

Lee, i find it quite hard to explain the 3d6 mechanic in full. But I will do my best to summarise.

Yeah, just the very basics

At its core, it is quite simple & familiar: 3d6 +/-bonuses (plus you have the required tools), roll vs a set difficulty. That part is quite plain.

Cool. Sounds simple so far

A central mechanic that comes alongside this is that each roll of a ‘6’ is called a Strong Hit & is used to do special abilities (Psyionic can pluck a surface thought from a character they are talking to, a flame thrower can set someone alight, etc…)

There is no rolling for Damage btw, weapons have set damage

Is that psionic?

ops, yes

Alright. 😀

That sounds interesting.

ok, did that answer the resolution mechanic question?

Sounds good. Skill based?

How do attributes and skills relate to that mechanic?

I feel like I could write more, but I don’t want to miss other questions.

Yes what dan said 😀

Attributes are not used for skills, they are primarily for combat.

You answered just want I wanted to know, Wade. Thanks.

so what keeps the current races from making the mistakes of their forefathers?

Dregon01, there is nothing to stop the races in repeating the failures of their creators…. BIG theme of the setting

Just wanted to be sure 😉

The Corporation HATE the Archons, but they act just like them (overlord like, have the Legion fight for them)

The Kaltorans are born with the genetic memories of their ancestors, who spent 100 years hiding in caves & degraded into brutal cannibals.

The Legion were created to fight them Nephilim, but they are just like them… made for war.

The Nephilim are obsessed with perfection just like their creator: Xion

etc…

(Quick aside: I think it’s rather cool that we have game authors showing up as audience members to these things. 🙂 )

(What, there are game designers in here… where? 🙂 )

(I know, right? I’m just a fellow gamer. 🙂 )

When you say that space travel has just been rediscovered, does that include FTL?

Yes, FTL is primarily done along giant space highways (created by the humans) called Ley-Lines

These are fractures in reality than bend the laws of science. Lets face it, from what we know of FTL… it is not possible. Map: (Link: https://www.facebook.com/FraggedEmpire/photos/pb.381522108620061.-2207520000.1397177290./486144988157772/?type=3&theater).

So, what is that, like a restricted Hyperspace Route, or more of a human-made work-hole conduit?

if you go off these Ley-Line, then FTl is quite a lot slower (thus enabling more exploration fun)

*Wormhole

Speaking of bending the laws of science, how exotic are psionics in the setting?

Will there be miniatures for the game eventually?

Giffin, I am currently gathering quotes for miniature production.

Will you have them available when the KS hits?

I really hope so, I would like at least 1 mini per races & 1 ship for each race… but it is quite expensive

Have you considered print-on-demand minis?

I am working with Modiphius (creates of Mutant Chronicles) to get minis done. Probably a stretch goal

Dan, as in 3d printing? if so… then yes. But 3d minis are not quite up to my quality expectations.

Chris Birch is good people.

WadeDyer: Yup, that’s what I meant.

Yeah, Birch is fantastic.

Chris Birch and his crew have done top notch work, really like that you are involving them 😉

Chris is a super nice guy

Dragon01, Chris actually approached me. It was really nice of him.

Glad to hear it. MC 3 was a blast and taking part in Modiphius play test have been great 🙂

so about player ships is there a limit to the size and type? or will there be instance where a game could be big enough for a moderate ship and crew? like a smaller size battle ship?

Dregon01, ships can be almost ANY size! I am really proud of this part of my rules. You can have everyone in a fighter or have a large ship with crew.

that what i like to here!

Follow-up to Dregon01′s question: How cinematic is space combat?

I would say that it is very much on the Cinematic side of space combat. Each player will (usually) man a particular Ship System (Engineering, Operations, Command, Gunnery) & work as a team.

You will also need to manage your Velocity

How would you say the game falls on the gritty/cinematic scale in general?

I would say both. Mostly because there is a lot of potential for cinematic styled combat (dramatic gun fights, etc…), but guns are still scary… one good shot & you could have a wound that will stick with you for many sessions. You also need to manage ammunition, etc…

If I were to pick, I would say, slightly more cinematic.

Question to do with combat + exp. Are experience points based on number of kills/objectives complete, or instead as a team shared reward?

DLChade, argha… i HATE XP! no… you will level up every 3rd session (though leveling up is not a huge deal)

haha 😀

Very cool.

Sorry… i should not hate on XP so publicly… i just dont like the idea of forcing players into combat or into choosing what options gives ‘higher XP’. Players choices should be made based on their characters personalities

by every third session, is this kinds of your way of showing a character has grown and learned from their experiances. through time rather then actual crazy number crunches?

I would like to share how I am doing resources (money etc…), just give me a second to type it out

yes, progression is still fun… i just dont like XP

‘Resources’ in my game are split into 3 sections: Resources (your ability to maintain equipment through money/skill/contacts), Influence (your ability to maintain a Spacecraft through your access to fuel/munitions/ports & your social perks/complications) & Spare Time Points (how you spend your time: eg: research/trading/upgrading your guns).

Resources & Influence are allotted, not spent. Eg: you have 6 resources, you spend 3 on a gun, 3 on armour… you loose the gun… you don’t reduce your Resources, you can just re-allot them.

I like that.

Spare Time Points are spent (not allotted). You gain at least 1 STP per session. You can spend a spare time point to ‘attempt’ to gain an item/service/etc… that cost one of these. Eg: A Research Unit requires a roll of at least a 12, pick a skill, roll. If the total equals at least a 12, you get it, if not; you have still spent that spare time point.

Why is Spacecraft maintenance and social influence one resource? Not many good mechanics in the galaxy?

2 reasons: Fluff & balance

Fluff: Spacecraft are ancient & rare peices of equipment that take more than just the crew to maintain. Each race/group/faction knows that to get ahead, they need spacecraft crew working to further their interests.

Being a good Mechanic will help this a lot though (had a game with 3 mechanics… their ship was very good)

Sounds like spacecraft in the setting are akin to spacecraft in WH40K in that respect.

Balance: Resources & Influence are primarily spent on combat ability. Each game can have a different balance. Eg: Star Trek style game would have very high Influence (big ship) but low Resources (crappy guns & no armour).

Are there going to be ship miniatures as well?

I hope so, ship miniatures should be a lot cheaper to make as well

I have some concept art done for the 4 playable races ships: (Link: https://imgur.com/a/SUGjc#4)https://imgur.com/a/SUGjc#4

I love that Corp one

which race has the obligator hot chicks? HA!

The green chick?

Oh, one other question that I think was lost in the shuffle: How exotic are psionic abilities?

Psionics are quite subtle. Mainly focused around peoples minds (not moving physical objects)

Psionics are also quite new (fluff wise), they have some connection to the Ley-Lines but (as far as we know) were not created by the Archons or Xion

is there potential for psionics to affect space ships, such as those controlled by thought?

Not in the initial book. I am trying to keep things quite focused. Mostly around Electronic/Mechanical & Bio Tech

Do you have a link to the KS?

No sorry, I hope to kickstart at the start of June.

Ah cool! I’m alright with that, can’t kick in money now, but was showing a friend 😀 So June will be good.

Silverlion, cheers mate. Working out logistics from Australia is a bit of a pain

I can imagine.

Can you give us some idea of everyday tech levels?

Tech levels are a bit all over the place, as each race has come out of 100 years of tribalism at different levels.

But, no teleporters, no life sensors, no food replicators

* +Dan nods

What about energy weapons?

a bit more on the gritty side, so lots of farms, yes energy weapons, bullet weapons

energy sensors (heat, radiation, etc…)

implants are quite common, biological & electronic

How exotic do those get?

Nephilim can get extra limbs

but not super exotic (though I am thinking of changing that, just trying to work out some balance concerns)

How common (and useful) are melee weapons?

Laser? 😀

Quite common, as ammunition is a concern

Laser weapons?

No Lasers in the initial core rules

Aaaw.

Lasers seem to be the most likely real world weapon advance we develop, is why..

lol, there are weapons that have a very similar effect & look… just not called ‘lasers’

What are they?

* &Silverlion still gets sad look

(opens up inDesign file)

Hehe

ok, before I list them off. let me talk about the Laser issue 🙂

I have designed 8 playable races, each one has 2 weapon ‘types’ assigned to them. Only 4 of those races will be in the core rule book, one of those race not included had Lasers

[20:38] <&Silverlion> You don’t want people trying to decide if they’re realistic?

so a future book will have Lasers

I will just claim that realism takes second place to fun 😉

Lasers are FUN..(..for me..)

<—has studied lasers since a child, despite not actually have a degree (math sucks..)

That’s true. You mustn’t make light of lasers.

( i approve of any and all bad puns )

( 😀 )

ok, gun types: Self Propelled (metal slug thrust forward by a gravity slip stream), Irradiated (metal slug, shot forward in a spin by a small nuclear explosion), Gauss, Rail, Particle, Ion, Bio Tech/living weapons (Spines, Acid, Spores, etc…), Kenetic, Shrapnel, Snares, Disruptors (Stun + EMP).

is there a big difference, rules wise, between say a Self Propelled gun and a Gauss gun?

Stats wise a Gauss gun shoots faster & cost more

Shoots faster as in you can shoots faster as in shoots more often or as in has a higher velocity/more damage?

Sorry, double typed part of that…

as in: uses ammunition quicker.

What is the mechanical/game effect of that?

High Rate of Fire weapons may spend additional ammunition to roll addition d6 for their attack roll (making them more likely to hit and more likely to roll a ’6′ (strong hit))

To follow up on my flora/fauna question, to what extent do you deal with hostile life forms?

Dan, after the Great War, much of Xion’s Nephilm army went feral, some bred with the fauna or adapted (effectively creating monsters).

I don’t want to spell out exactly what people will encounter, I want GMs to invent that.

So no bestiary?

Yes, there will be a bestiary & rules to make NPCs

Cool.

the Bestiary (or Opponents Section as I have named it) include: Mechanoids (war robots), Draz (Drug Cartel, Junkies, Drug Pirates), Feral Nephilim (monsters, etc…) & Enforcers (police, bounty hunters, security robots)

but as my game has a heavy cultural conflict theme, it is not about flora & fauna (maybe for exploration)

Any last questions guy? It looks like we are almost done. I have had a great time

WadeDyer: Well, two quick notes:

First, as I mentioned, you’re more than welcome to hang out with us as long as you like, or to come by any time, for that matter.

That said, is there anything you’d like to mention in what’s left of “regular time” that we haven’t covered?

Thanks Dan, it’s been great to hang out with you guys/galls. Unfortunately I can’t hang around as I have work to do.

No worries.

I would also just like to say, that if there are any budding RPG designers out there; feel free to contact me via my facebook page, I love to help others. We have a very small community here & I would love to see what others are doing 🙂

your personal page or your game page?

There are several hereabouts. Come by any time and you can visit with them. And hey, there’s one now! 😀

Game page would be best

😀

(TRA-Preston is the author of The Robotic Age.)

Silverlion is as well.

Awesome. I’d join but I’ve written two games already

Hey, that’s MY name

(which is out now, to anyone who didn’t know)

Yay

(Welcome to #rpgnet, Tim!)

Thanks!

Also, as one final note: If anybody is keen to support my kickstarter, I would appreciate it if you could subscribe to my mailing list. This will help know how many potential backers I have & help me plan accordingly.

* * * * *

(Second Q&A starts here.)

[19:03] <+WadeD> Hi everyone, I am Wade Dyer, creator of Fragged Empire. A science fiction, post-post-apocalyptic RPG setting and system.

[19:04] <+WadeD> We were funded on KS last year (for a lot more than I was expecting) and am now nearing the end of production (only have editing, print and distribution to go).

[19:04] <+WadeD> My website: (Link: http://www.fraggedempire.com/)http://www.fraggedempire.com/ gives a nice run down on the project.

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[19:04] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, Guest15!)

[19:05] <+WadeD> I have now been working full time on this project for almost a year.

[19:05] <+WadeD> I would love to hear your questions about this wild ride of mine.

[19:05] <~Dan> Thanks, WadeD!

[19:05] <~Dan> The floor is open to questions!

[19:06] <+Optimus_Jeff> how much art did you seed before going to kickstarter?

[19:06] <~Dan> So for those who missed the first Q&A, can you recap the setting a bit?

[19:07] <+WadeD> Optimus: I think I spent about $2k on art before the KS campaign.

[19:07] <+WadeD> Sure Dan, let me copy and paste some intro lines from the front of my book.

[19:08] <+WadeD> It is over 10,000 years into the future. Earth is forgotten.

[19:08] <~Dan> (You there, Guest15?)

[19:08] <+WadeD> Humanity is dead. Genetic erosion, brought on by thousands of years of apathy.

[19:08] <+WadeD> You are one of many genetically engineered descendants. Created by the eugenicist Archons (humanity’s heirs), or the vengeful monster X’ion.

[19:08] <+WadeD> A genocidal war has ravaged the known galaxy. X’ion won, killing the Archons, destroying their empire, and then abandoning his army to vanish without a trace. This event threw the galaxy into 100 years of brutal tribalism.

[19:08] <+WadeD> After 100 years, your people have just re-entered space. No one knows what’s out there.

[19:08] <+WadeD> Four surviving races have banded together. Not out of a common direction, but out of necessity. No one knows where this new society is headed.

[19:08] <+WadeD> Each race is struggling for survival. They need each other.

[19:09] <+WadeD> The settings key themes are: Cultural Tension, Genetic Engineering, and Exploration.

[19:09] <+WadeD> I hope that helped

[19:09] <~Dan> Indeed!

[19:10] <~Dan> So have any new elements been added since our last discussion?

[19:11] <+WadeD> Thats a difficult question. I feel like the core elements have not changed greatly since we last talked. But have all been fleshed out and polished a LOT more.

[19:12] <+WadeD> Since my KS, I have felt more like a Art Director, Production Manager and Editor than I have a writer and game designer (though I defiantly have done those last two things).

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[19:12] <~Dan> (wb, SolutionCat!)

[19:13] <+WadeD> As an example, I had the core Cultural Pillars of my 4 PC races set. But we have now fleshed them out a lot more… eg: written up legal systems, economic systems, histories and languages.

[19:13] <~Dan> Wow. That’s pretty detailed. How big is the book?

[19:13] <+Optimus_Jeff> how granular is the system… for example how are weapons broken down?

[19:13] <+WadeD> The Core Book is 384 pages (a little under 200k words) and the Antagonist Archive (aka: monster manual) is 140 pages

[19:14] <~Dan> Nice!

[19:15] <@Silverlion> Anything seriously new, or new direction you’ve added to the book?

[19:15] <+WadeD> Item creation is a key feature of the system. I am a big fan of multiplication of options. Eg: A Weapon is broken down into 3 parts. 1) The Base Weapon (eg: Rifle). 2) A single Variation (eg: Rail Gun). 3) And any number of Modifications (eg: Scope, custom grip, laser sight, etc…)

[19:15] <+Optimus_Jeff> like SR – lite

[19:16] <+WadeD> So Three Character in a game can have a Assault Rifle, But each one can feel different. (eg: Rail Rifle = High Damage, but slow Reload. A Spine Rifle = High RoF but low Dmg, et…)

[19:17] <+WadeD> Silver: I think the largest change was the Spacecraft rules… I remade them completely after the KS… I was just not happy with them. Also, as we got to fund the Antagonist Archive, we got to flesh out the Robotic NPC race: the Mechonids a LOT more.

[19:18] <+Optimus_Jeff> when the weapons attack, some may have differetn RoF but int eh end do tehy esentialyl have the same DPS?

[19:18] <+WadeD> Mechonids: (Link: https://www.facebook.com/FraggedEmpire/photos/pb.381522108620061.-2207520000.1432253936./706671439438458/?type=3&theater)https://www.facebook.com/FraggedEmpire/photos/pb.381522108620061.-2207520000.1432253936./706671439438458/?type=3&theater

[19:19] <+WadeD> Optimus: No most assuredly not.

[19:19] <+Optimus_Jeff> so during play, why wouldn’t i always want the highest damaging weapon?

[19:20] <+WadeD> As this is a Post-Apoc setting, Ammunition and resources are important. Players can make choice (in combat and out of combat) that have higher or lower long or short term effects. This also includes weapons.

[19:21] <+Optimus_Jeff> so the player applies an effec tot a weapon?

[19:21] <+WadeD> Thats a complex question to answer, but let me see if I can give an example.

[19:22] <+Optimus_Jeff> so in DnD a bastard sword is better than a longsword, but they temper the better weapon by giving it an exotic proficiency

[19:22] <+WadeD> Each Weapon is suited for a particular style of combat, and Dmg is split up into two types: Endurance Dmg (causing pain) and Crit Dmg (killing people).

[19:22] <+Optimus_Jeff> otherwise there really wouldn’t be much of a reason to take one over the other

[19:23] <+WadeD> Dealing Endurance Dmg is a safe option, while a high Crit Dmg Weapon is riskier.

[19:23] <+Optimus_Jeff> is endurance damage liek stun damage?

[19:23] <+WadeD> In my current game I have two players who work well as a team. One has twin SMGs and causes a LOT of Endurance Dmg: He is great at weakening up targets.

[19:24] <+WadeD> While another character deals high Crit Dmg, she is great at getting the killing blow on targets that the first character has softened up.

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[19:24] <+Optimus_Jeff> do teh PC’s have two pools of Hit points? once for endurance and the other for critical?

[19:24] <+WadeD> I am not sure what you mean by Stun Dmg. Endurance Dmg is kinda like dealing HP Dmg… but in my system, Characters dont die when they reach 0 Endurance, they become vulnerable.

[19:25] <+Optimus_Jeff> okay like dark heresy

[19:25] <+WadeD> Opt: yea, kinda. Endurance = HP, While Crit Dmg causes Attribute Dmg. When any NPC attribute reaches 0 (or -5 if you are a PC) they die.

[19:26] <+Optimus_Jeff> so a critical damaging weapon can ignore the hit points and go right to the critical effects

[19:26] <+WadeD> yes 🙂

[19:26] <+WadeD> Unless your target is in Heavy Cover, then they are immune to Crit Dmg.

[19:26] <+Optimus_Jeff> okay that sounds pretyt elegant…

[19:26] <+WadeD> Any target at 0 End, takes automatic Crit Dmg from any hit.

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[19:27] <~Dan> (Howdy, MonkofLords!)

[19:27] <+Optimus_Jeff> right

[19:27] <+WadeD> The reason I made this system, was that I wanted guns to be a little scary.

[19:27] <+WadeD> A mall cop with a pistol is still a threat.

[19:27] <+Optimus_Jeff> how does armor work? or how to characters defend themselves?

[19:28] <+WadeD> Armour reduces Crit Dmg. Eg: Crit 4 – 3 Armour = 1 Attribute Dmg

[19:28] <+WadeD> You also Roll to Hit: 3d6 + Skill + Weapon vs Targets Defence + Cover.

[19:28] <+Optimus_Jeff> do characters activaly dodge or roll to negate attack effect?

[19:28] <+WadeD> Yes, you can Take Cover.

[19:29] <+Optimus_Jeff> if you are being shot at can you dive for cover reflexively?

[19:29] <+WadeD> No

[19:30] <+WadeD> You have to anticipate your opponents, I have culled out most ‘interrupt’ styled actions. As they slowed down combat and PCs used them too much.

[19:30] <+WadeD> A key feature of the system is how rolling your to Hit and Skill rolls (3d6 system).

[19:30] <+Optimus_Jeff> how much stuff can a player do in a round of combat?

[19:31] <+WadeD> Any roll of a 6 = a ‘Strong hit’. These can be spent on special abilities (eg: Critical hit, Setting a Target on Fire, Reading a NPCs mind, Flash of insight, etc…)/

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[19:31] <+WadeD> Opt: Each Turn, Characters get 2 Actions.

[19:31] <+Optimus_Jeff> so when you roll if you roill a 6 you get a “hero point”

[19:32] <+WadeD> 4 Example Actions: Take Cover (increase Cover Defence), Sighted Shot (long Rng attack), Snap Shot (run and shoot).

[19:32] <+WadeD> 3 example actions 😛

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[19:33] <~Dan> (There you go, Adam. 🙂 )

[19:33] <+WadeD> Opt: yea I guess thats another way of wording it. I found this system to be a LOT of fun during games… as the roll of a 6 gives instant feedback on if a roll is good or not.

[19:34] <+Optimus_Jeff> are actions universal? do some classes get special actions?

[19:34] <~Dan> Actually, IS this a class system?

[19:34] <+Optimus_Jeff> welll a roll of 6-1-1 would be pretyt crappy so getting teh effect makes it not as crappy

[19:34] <+WadeD> Counting up the total of 3d6 + skill + other modifications can take a little time (even if it is just a single second)… it delays the sense of ‘this is a good or bad roll’. Where the rolling of a “6” can be instantly known by the roller and all other players.

[19:34] <+SolutionCat> Would you describe that combat as tactical, or narrative or some blend of the two?

[19:35] <+WadeD> No Classes

[19:35] <+WadeD> All Actions are universal.

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[19:35] <+WadeD> Solution: tactical

[19:36] <+WadeD> I hope these answers were helpful 🙂 As a game designer I knew it was going to be a uphill battle to teach people yet another RPG System (which are known to be complex at times).

[19:36] <+Optimus_Jeff> how many actions are there, is it easy fro players to remember them all?

[19:37] <+Optimus_Jeff> i dont think learning is heard i think inspiring motivation is hard

[19:37] <~Dan> WadeD: Do you have a link to the character sheet?

[19:37] <+WadeD> To tackle this problem, I put a lot of work into my Core Rule Book (diagrams, examples, etc…) and made a number of youtube vids.

[19:38] <+WadeD> Character Sheet: (Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/hw3ip65fkwo9s0f/Character_Sheet_Interactive.pdf?dl=0)https://www.dropbox.com/s/hw3ip65fkwo9s0f/Character_Sheet_Interactive.pdf?dl=0

[19:39] <~Dan> So this is an attribte + skill + 3d6 system?

[19:39] <+WadeD> Opt: I find that players learn all the Actions in a session or two… though Players are prone to using just a few of them. There are 15 in all.

[19:39] <+WadeD> Dan: Yes + “Rolling a 6 is a big deal”

[19:39] <~Dan> What if you roll more than one 6?

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[19:39] <+WadeD> Dan: then you get more awesome 🙂

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[19:40] <~Dan> Cool. 🙂

[19:40] <+Optimus_Jeff> you get more points to do special stuff

[19:40] <~Dan> (Howdy, Jesse!)

[19:40] <+Jesse> Hi.

[19:41] <+Optimus_Jeff> does comabt use typical initiative protocals?

[19:41] <+WadeD> highest Intelligence goes first.

[19:41] <+WadeD> Also, download that PDF, dont view it in a browser.

[19:41] <+WadeD> The drop down boxes dont work in a browser.

[19:43] <~Dan> Now, do I remember correctly that the PC races are animal-based?

[19:43] <+WadeD> No, they are not 🙂

[19:44] <+WadeD> though… one kind looks like a lizard monkey 😛

[19:44] <~Dan> Ah, my bad. I must be thinking of a different setting… So what are the races like? 🙂

[19:44] <~Dan> (Sorry. I do a lot of these things. 🙂 )

[19:44] <+WadeD> (no probs)

[19:46] <+Optimus_Jeff> so where are your players getting their most fun from the game?

[19:47] <~Dan> (Oh… Duh. I was thinking of Hc Svnt Dracones.)

[19:47] <+WadeD> Sure: there are 4 PC races: Kaltoran (dreadlocks, 4 pointed ears and they have genetic memories), Nephilim (monster like race, bio diverse, waged war on all the other races and won), Legion (warrior, lizard monkeys, who are trying to be more than just fighters), and the Corporation (I think the name says it all).

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[19:47] <~Dan> (Howdy, Le_Squide!)

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[19:47] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, Guest17! Please set your name with the /nick command; e.g., /nick Dan 🙂 )

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[19:47] <~Dan> (Or not.)

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[19:48] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, Guest26! Please set your name with the /nick command; e.g., /nick Dan. 🙂 )

[19:48] <+WadeD> Opt: Thats a great question… I think (from the feedback I have gathered), people are appreciating the depth of the game.

[19:49] <+Optimus_Jeff> the story, or pc build options?

[19:49] <+Optimus_Jeff> do pc’s get feats/powers

[19:49] <~Dan> Now, you describe this as a post-apocalyptic game, yet it is a space-faring setting. How do you reconcile the two? Are spacecraft all scavanged tech?

[19:49] <+WadeD> Both I think…

[19:50] <+WadeD> Opt: Each level, character get 1 new Trait.

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[19:50] <+WadeD> Dan: As this is a “post-post-apocalyptic” setting, there is a little more room for tech.

[19:51] <~Dan> (Thanks, Tonner!)

[19:51] <+Optimus_Jeff> can you describe two ro three traits?

[19:51] <+WadeD> Most spacecraft are salvaged from a former age, but also… the races have not been in space for that long… I have the whole “dawn of a new era’ going.

[19:51] <+Optimus_Jeff> do they scale.. ie get more powerful as the players level?

[19:53] <+WadeD> Opt: Sure. let me describe 3 Strength Traits (you may only have 1 Trait from each area, so you can only pick one of these).

[19:53] <+WadeD> 1) “Old”, +1 Leadership and Survival. +4 Maximum Influence. Gain 2 Influence. -1 Physical. -2 Equipment Slots.

[19:53] <+WadeD> 2) “Eye Candy”, Perk: You are sexy! +2 to all Conversation and Leadership Skill re-rolls. +2 Maximum Influence. NPC easily rem

[19:54] <+WadeD> 3) “Massive”, You are big! +1 Physical. All equipment has -1 Weight (minimum 1). +2 Equipment Slots.

[19:55] <+WadeD> Opt: No, traits dont scale as characters Level. But it is expected that players will pick traits that synergize with their other Traits.

[19:56] <+WadeD> So taking the above examples: The question I would ask a players is ‘what is the defining nature of your characters build? Are you old, sexy, big? (there are 7 Strength Traits, these are just 3).

[19:56] <+WadeD> I hope that helps.

[19:57] <+Optimus_Jeff> so traits essentially adjust pools

[19:57] <+Optimus_Jeff> or atributes

[19:57] <~Dan> How would you describe the game in terms of scifi subgenre?

[19:57] <~Dan> (e.g., hard scifi, space opera, etc.)

[19:57] <+WadeD> cyberpunk, post-apoc, space opera are all nice words to me 🙂

[19:58] <~Dan> An interesting mix. 🙂

[19:58] <+WadeD> It really is a bit of a blend… I wanted to make a setting that was ideal for RPGs.

[19:58] <+Optimus_Jeff> do any ingame mechanics support those genres?

[19:59] <+WadeD> Yea, there are implants (Traits), rules on how you spend your spare time (salvaging, modding your equipment), etc…

[20:00] <+WadeD> The space opera is a little more difficult…. as my setting is still quite populationaly small. Each race only has a few million people.

[20:00] <+WadeD> but there is a lot of cultural tension.

[20:01] <+WadeD> Mechanically: choosing a race also give you prejudices from specific other races.

[20:01] <+WadeD> I love it in my games when my players get racist towards each other (in terms of the characters mocking each others culture).

[20:02] <+WadeD> That helps to reinforce the theme of Cultural Tension in my setting.

[20:03] <~Dan> Remind me of how powerful and prevalent psionics are in the setting?

[20:03] <+WadeD> I know no one asked, but it might be worth pointing out that my setting deals with some hard topics. Genocide, racism, eugenics, betrayal, intelligent design, economic stability, etc…

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[20:04] <+WadeD> Psionics are rare in my setting… they are something that is ‘new’. Where everything else in the setting is built on past events, psionics are not. There is a lot of speculation.

[20:05] <+WadeD> I had initially not intended to give players many Psionic options, but I found my playtesters were really keen so I have placed a lot more in.

[20:05] <+WadeD> Psionics can control the spheres of Time and Minds through their thoughts.

[20:05] <~Dan> That sounds pretty impressive.

[20:06] <+WadeD> Some have called this new era the Dawn of the Age of Psionics.

[20:07] <+WadeD> In a future book, I hope to explore this topic in more depth.

[20:07] <~Dan> Hmm. So what sorts of things can they accomplish on the high end of the scale?

[20:07] <~Dan> Are we talking Akira-level stuff?

[20:07] <+WadeD> Sorry, dont know Akira that well.

[20:08] <+WadeD> As psionics are so new to the setting… no one quite knows what they are capable of, and why they have just now started to appear.

[20:08] <~Dan> Ah. Well, I doubt your psionics are that gonzo. We’re talking nuking cities and punching holes in the Moon.

[20:09] <+WadeD> I have a few purposefully unanswered questions in my setting… as I want to give GMs room to make it their own. If they want psionics to be that big, then they can go for it 🙂 There are rules in the book to equip GMs to make NPCs of that power if they want to.

[20:10] <~Dan> Really? Wow.

[20:10] <~Dan> How exotic are your psionic powers? By that, I mean how far to they go beyond “traditional” stuff like telepathy and telekinesis?

[20:11] <+WadeD> Psionics cant do telekinesis.

[20:11] <+WadeD> PCs Psionics are a little more limited, as I did not have enough room in the Core Rule Book to really flesh them out.

[20:12] <+WadeD> But they can do things like rewind time for a few seconds mid combat.

[20:12] <+WadeD> Slow down incoming attacks so they can dodge them.

[20:12] <~Dan> So they can’t do TK just based on what you had room to describe, or they can’t do that in terms of the setting, period?

[20:12] <+WadeD> Errase NPCs thoughts, etc…

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[20:13] <+WadeD> Psionics are firmly just Mind and Time. Not force.

[20:13] <~Dan> Interesting. What was your thinking there?

[20:13] <+WadeD> The reason for this is that I dont want Psionics to do things that other Tech can do. Eg: there is Electro Grav tech that can telekenitcaly move things.

[20:14] <+Optimus_Jeff> do psionics let you do more than other classes?

[20:14] <+SolutionCat> Do you have a link? I crashed earlier

[20:16] <+WadeD> Opt: there are no classes. Psioncs do let you break some known scientific laws, but only in relation to Time and Mind… I dont want to give players a open ended magic feel.

[20:16] <+WadeD> Sol: a link to what sorry?

[20:17] <+WadeD> As an example: in a older game I had two PCs with special powers. One through psionics and the other through tech. The Psion guy would mess with people minds and glimpse the past… while the tech guy remotly hacked computer systems and used Electro Grav gauntlets to deflects rockets.

[20:17] <+WadeD> They both felt special, as they knew they could do things the other could not.

[20:18] * ~Dan nods

[20:18] <+SolutionCat> The game

[20:19] <+WadeD> (Link: http://www.fraggedempire.com/)http://www.fraggedempire.com/

[20:19] <+WadeD> Is that what you were wanting Sol?

[20:19] <+Optimus_Jeff> right, btu i asked if there were reflexive actions and you said no, the example traits seemed to be stat boosters, but it seems psionics grants more options then non-psionists get

[20:19] <+SolutionCat> thanks!

[20:22] <+WadeD> Sorry, I am not quite sure how no reflex actions and more options are related. Would you like me to give you a specific example of a Psionc Power?

[20:23] <+Optimus_Jeff> sure maybe a two woudl be great

[20:23] <+Optimus_Jeff> thanks

[20:23] <~Dan> Yes, please give us an example of a psionic power.

[20:23] <~Dan> If you wouldn’t mind.

[20:23] <+WadeD> Ok, so this Trait is called “Rewind”, you have to be a Psionic to take it and it give you a extra Strong Hit Option (you spend a rolled “6” to use it).

[20:24] <+WadeD> Strong Hit: Rewind (Attack, Does not Hit, not Splash, Psionic) This (Gun, Shell or Battery) Attack does not use any Ammunition (must have the required Ammunition to make this Attack) and you gain a Free Overwatch Action.

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[20:24] <+WadeD> This means that a Psionic that makes an attack that ‘misses’ can rewind time and gain a free (less powerful) attack.

[20:24] <~Dan> (Howdy, ArcanaGames, Lin_Chong!)

[20:25] <+Lin_Chong> Folks.

[20:25] <~Dan> (“…if you wouldn’t mind”? See what I did there…? 😀 )

[20:25] <+WadeD> Here is another one, a Conversation Trait that give a Character access to a out of combat Strong Hit Option called “Pick Thought”.

[20:25] <+WadeD> Strong Hit: Pick Thought (Conversation, Sucess) Secretly read the surface thoughts of a non Robot Character.

[20:26] <+BlasterKyubey210> “Bring Notebook paper”

[20:26] <+BlasterKyubey210> :p

[20:26] <+BlasterKyubey210> Because you have to define “surface thougth” and all that

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[20:26] <+WadeD> So yes, Psioncs have extra options available to them. But they must spend traits on them, just like other characters.

[20:27] <+WadeD> Does this help?

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[20:29] <+Optimus_Jeff> i think so thanks

[20:29] <+Optimus_Jeff> is there dismemberment or disarming

[20:30] <+Optimus_Jeff> permanent health loss?

[20:30] <+WadeD> Yes, NPC can dismember PCs and there is disarming. (You need to take Traits to do either of these).

[20:30] <+Optimus_Jeff> how does didmemberment happen?

[20:31] <+WadeD> There is no permanent health loss… it jsut did not fit the setting (with such his Biological, Augment, Impant and Gene Tech).

[20:31] <+WadeD> A Boss (known as a Nemesis) NPC takes the right Trait and Rolls a 6 against a PC.

[20:32] <+WadeD> But PCs can replace their lost limb with a new one through surgery.

[20:32] <+Optimus_Jeff> players cannot do that to NPC’s?

[20:32] <+Optimus_Jeff> it’s a boss only trait

[20:32] <+Optimus_Jeff> ?

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[20:32] <+WadeD> In my current game, several PCs have been wounded for many sessions as they have lacked the resources to heal themselves.

[20:33] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, Guest08! Please set your name with the /nick command; e.g., /nick Dan 🙂 )

[20:33] <+Optimus_Jeff> so meaniong wounded they cannot get their helth back to fill HP?

[20:33] <+Optimus_Jeff> err endurance back to full?

[20:33] <+WadeD> Yes, Boss only Trait… But I often describe my PCs blowing NPC limbs apart as they kill them.

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[20:33] <+WadeD> Wounded as in lost stats that have not be reapired back to full for some time.

[20:34] <+Optimus_Jeff> gotcha from critical hits

[20:34] <+Optimus_Jeff> where are you getting the book printed? i asusme you ar eusing offset printing

[20:34] <+WadeD> Which I like, it helps to make combat meaningful. Got shot in the leg one session? You may have a limp for a few sessions until you heal up.

[20:34] <+WadeD> Yes, I am printing in China

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[20:35] <+Optimus_Jeff> are you willingt o say how much each copy costs?

[20:35] <~Dan> (Howdy, GenoFoxx!

[20:35] <~Dan> )

[20:36] <+WadeD> Sorry, I would be happy to say that if we met in person. Financials are hard to share… printing is book is actually not that expensive (relatively), but postage, tax and a development is.

[20:36] <+GenoFoxx> ((hiya Dan))

[20:36] <+WadeD> I am using these guys: (Link: http://www.everbest.com/)www.everbest.com/

[20:36] <+WadeD> They are a good printer who have done great work for a guy I know.

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[20:38] <+WadeD> Does anyone have any more questions?

[20:38] <+BlasterKyubey210> Hmm question

[20:39] <+BlasterKyubey210> What consisitues a Surface thought, since kinda missed it in the confusion

[20:39] <~Dan> Yes. I’m trying to recall whether there are any “real” alien lifeforms in the setting.

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[20:39] <~Dan> (Howdy, KJ, CC!)

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[20:39] <~Dan> (Welcome to #rpgnet, Guest41!)

[20:39] <+WadeD> No, no ‘real’ alien life forms (at least in the Core Rule Book)

[20:39] <~Dan> So all of the creatures are genetically engineered?

[20:40] <+WadeD> I just could not come to grips with the idea that if there were aliens… why would they be anything like us at all?

[20:40] <+WadeD> Yes, this also helps to reinforce the Bio Tech side of the setting.

[20:41] <+WadeD> When I do insert aliens (and I hope to), they will be SUPER strange.

[20:41] <~Dan> Cool. 🙂

[20:41] <~Dan> Any thoughts on how far down the line that might be?

[20:41] <+WadeD> All known species and livable planets were made (or terraformed) by Humanity, the Archons or the X’ion.

[20:42] <+WadeD> My next KS I hope 🙂 But we will see…. I hope to start on my next 3 books as soon as these ones are sent to the printers.

[20:42] <+Vorthon> ‘Self-sustaining eddies in the currents of a gas giant’ weird, or ‘lipids-in-liquid-methane biochemistry’ weird?

[20:42] <+WadeD> i wont wait for a KS to start them

[20:42] <+GenoFoxx> will there be Mecha?

[20:43] <+WadeD> Vor: lol, those are great 🙂

[20:44] <+WadeD> Gen: I dont think giant mechs would fit this setting… though I have been thinking about more alternate formats (currently I have personal characters and space ships) like digital realities, etc…

[20:45] <+WadeD> My next 3 books will most likely be: Protagonist Archive (with 4 new playable races), Exploration Archive (maps, planets, ancient lost secrets) and a Antagonist Archive 2 (more NPC factions and groups for PCs to contend with).

[20:46] <~Dan> Nice!

[20:47] <~Dan> What RPGs would you consider your most direct competitors?

[20:48] <+WadeD> Eclipse phase maybe… or traveler? Those two names come up a lot when people think of Sci-Fi rpgs.

[20:49] * ~Dan nods

[20:49] <+Vorthon> Eclipse Phase. AKA: ‘Oh god the crunch’

[20:49] <~Dan> Although your setting doesn’t sound remotely as grim as Eclipse Phase nor as traditional as Traveller.

[20:50] <+WadeD> Yea, I felt like there were lots of dark Sci-Fis out there… I have purposefully tried to make my not so dark, but still serious.

[20:50] * ~Dan nodnods

[20:50] <~Dan> A good choice, IMO.

[20:50] <+WadeD> My hope is that my artwork reflects the style of my setting.

[20:51] <~Dan> So! As usual, with about 10 minutes left, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?

[20:51] <+WadeD> There are some difficult topics, but there is also hope and fun.

[20:51] <~Dan> (And also as usual, you’re welcome to hang out with us and answer questions as long as you like. 🙂 )

[20:51] <+Vorthon> That first mention of biotech reminded me of the first chapter of Leviathan’s Wake, really. Corey really knows how to hook a person like me. Provide something weird up front. @_@

[20:52] <@Silverlion> Whee.

[20:52] <@Silverlion> Have you shared your artwork WadeD?

[20:52] <+WadeD> No, it has been a pleasure to talk to you all 🙂 I would also like to thank this community for taking an interest in my work before the KS, I realy appreciate everyones support and passion for our shared hobby.

[20:53] <+WadeD> Sample art can be seen here: (Link: https://www.facebook.com/FraggedEmpire/photos_stream)https://www.facebook.com/FraggedEmpire/photos_stream

[20:53] <+WadeD> I also like to post some up in my KS Updates

[20:53] <+WadeD> I LOVE to share art 😀 I am so proud of my artists.

[20:53] <+WadeD> +my team

[20:54] <~Dan> 🙂

[20:54] <@Silverlion> Nice.

[20:54] <@Silverlion> Looks awesome.

[20:55] <~Dan> Well, thanks very much for spending time with us, WadeD!

[20:55] <+WadeD> No probs, it has been a pleasure

[20:55] <~Dan> As I mentioned, I’ll be appending this log onto the end of your previous one for the sake of simplicity.

[20:55] <+WadeD> Some hard questions were asked 🙂 I hope I answered them well.

[20:56] <~Dan> Indeed you did!

[20:56] <~Dan> One moment, please, and I’ll get the log updated. 🙂