JesseJ

Fallout D20: a post apocalyptic roleplaying adventure

G'day @DepressedSoviet, sorry I should've posted a link to my interest thread wherein we discussed this. At this stage all characters will be level 0 and a vault citizens. Their occupation etc is negotiable, due to the context of this particular vault.

Fallout D20: a post apocalyptic roleplaying adventure

Welcome, welcome, herein.

Please checkout the interest thread: roleplayerguild.com/topics/160708-fall..

Anyone considering joining, please pm me or comment on the interest thread linked above. Also anyone who wants to randomly chat about the rules or lore, welcome, though please keep it constructive and consider the context and objective :-)

THE RULES (Beta)

OBJECTIVE: to develop a simple rule set to roleplay in the fallout wasteland, without excess percentages and formulas to complicate the experience. Equipment will be pre-configured however there will be room for The Overseer (TO) and Player Characters (PCs) to craft all manner of things.

SUMMARY:
Every challenge action is a roll against a combination of the two relevant SPECIAL stats, or the single stat x 2.
SPECIAL and Skills have an effect on relevant stat rolls and what equipment the PC can use or craft.
SPECIAL dictates what Skills can be learned by a PC.
If a hit is scored TO will determine damage based on the weapons damage rating and any other contributing circumstances.
Armour absorbs a certain amount of damage dealt to the individual wearing it and some types may protect against crippling of extremities.

Basic Gameplay:

Movement:
Movement is entirely freeform, within the description of the location. In combat movement is freeform though limited by distance, a character may move a short distance per ‘action’, enemies can also move a short distance.

Distance and Range:
A short distance is the distance one can move in a few seconds. It’s also the distance someone below ST 6 could throw something sufficiently hard enough to do damage. It’s also the distance that some weapons are effective within.
Think within the walls of a large room, that is a short distance.

Intermediate Distance is longer than short, but not really long, someone with above average strength could throw a heavy thing that far, and some weapons can effectively shoot that far, and it would take 2 turns for an enemy to charge from that far away.
Think a hall, or a basketball court.

Long distance is longer than intermediate. Someone with exceptional strength could throw something that far, and some weapons can shoot that far, and it would take 3 turns for an enemy to charge from that far away.
Think a football ground, a warehouse etc

Very long distance is further than long, no one can throw something that far, very few weapons can shoot that far effectively, and it would take 4 or more turns for an enemy to charge that far. Not many people or creatures can PErcieve things at that distance.
 
CHALLENGE ROLLS:
If a challenging action is attempted, the TO on behalf of the PC, will roll a D20, a successful roll is equal or under the value on the following table (note there is a -6 penalty if the character doesn’t have the prerequisite skill/perk):
Shoot Small guns A + P (+2 for targeted)
Shoot Energy weapons A + P (+2 for targeted)
Shoot Big Guns S + P
Hit Melee S + A (+2 for targeted)
Hit Unarmed S + A (+2 for targeted)
Throwing S + P
Medicine I + P
Lockpick P + A
Repair I + P
Science I + P
Sneak P + A
Steal A + L
Arm/Disarm Traps P + A
Speech / Barter C x 2
Gambling L x 2
Outdoors / Survival E + P
Prospect P + L

Bleeding:
Any sharp weapon (including bullets) can cause bleeding. Bleeding will cause 1/10th of the original damage per turn until first aid is applied.

Crippled extremity: Any weapon may cause a crippled extremity, as determined randomly by The Overseer and within context of the roleplay.
The consequences of a crippled extremity may vary, and could range from temporary SPECIAL reduction, reduced movement, reduced ability to use certain weapons etc.

 
Critical hits:
If a hit succeeds, it may become critical on a roll equal to or lower than the PC’s Luck on a D20. If it becomes critical the TO will consult the following table (tables are subject to revision):

Blunt weapons: (including pressure from explosions or falls)
1-5 Knocked out, 6-11 double damage and one crippled limb, 12-16 triple damage and two crippled limbs, 17-20 crushed (dead).

Sharp weapons: (including bullets)
1-5 bleeding heavily (will lose half the damage of original wound every turn), 6-11 double damage and bleeding heavily, 12-16 triple damage and one crippled limb and bleeding heavily, 17-20 bloody mess (dead). 

Character creation and development:
SPECIAL:
All new players have the base points of 5 on each stat, and 5 spare to improve others, they may also reduce some stats to have spare points to improve others. The SPECIAL is the foundation of Player Characters, how a character survives the wasteland will depend heavily on the SPECIAL.

Experience points (XP):
Characters start at level 0. The level 1 is achieved after 100 xp, level 2 after another 200, level 3 after another 400, level 4 after another 800, and so on. XP can be earned by succeeding in challenging tasks, defeating hostile creatures, and quality roleplaying.

Skills and Perks:Players may start with up to 3 skills/perks from the Tier 1. Additional Skill/Perks may be taken every 3rd level. T2 skills/perks are available from level 6 onward, Tier 3 skills/perks are available from level 12 onward (subject to revision).

Small guns: Dictates the ability to use small guns: (Minimum intelligence 3)
T1: .32 pistol, 10mm pistol
T2: 10mm SMG, Hunting Rifle
T3: Sniper Rifle, Assault Rifle, Special

Energy Weapons: Dictates the ability to use energy weapons: (Minimum intelligence 6)
T1: Laser Pistol, Laser Rifle
T2: Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle
T3: Special

Big guns: Dictates the ability to use big guns: (Minimum Strength 6)
T1: Flamer
T2: Minigun
T3: Rocket Launcher

Melee: Dictates the ability to use melee weapons:
T1: Basic Melee (knife, bat, spear, pipe, hammer etc). S added to damage
T2: Combat Knife, Baton
T3: Ripper, Super Sledge

Unarmed: Dictates the ability to use unarmed implements:
T1: Boxing gloves, brass knuckle, Fists and Feet. S added to damage
T2: Spiked Knuckles, Gauntlet Dagger, Special
T3: Power Fist, Punch Gun

Explosives and Traps: Dictates the ability to use Explosives for throwing, traps and demolition:
T1: Grenades, shotgun trap, bear trap
T2: Dynamite/timer, Landmine
T3: C4/remote, Special

Medicine: Dictates the ability to apply first aid and treat injuries: (Minimum Intelligence 5)
T1: Apply first aid kit
T2: Use Doctors bag, craft first aid kits (Minimum Intelligence 6)
T3: Operate Medbay, craft doctors bag (Minimum Intelligence 7)

Science: Dictates the ability to hack terminals, use laboratories etc
T1: Easy terminals, Basic laboratory crafting (Minimum intelligence 5)
T2: Normal terminals, Intermediate laboratory crafting (Minimum Intelligence 6)
T2: Hard terminals, Complex laboratory crafting (Minimum Intelligence 7)

Repair: Dictates the ability to repair and craft: (Minimum Intelligence 4)
T1: Dodgy Repair, Basic Crafting
T2: Reasonable Repair, Intermediate Crafting
T3: Excellent Repair, Advanced Crafting

Lockpick: Dictates the ability to use pick locks: (Minimum Agility 5 Perception 5)
T1: Easy Locks
T2: Intermediate Locks
T3: Hard Locks

Steal: Dictates the ability to steal: (Minimum Agility 6 Perception 6)
T1: Small Items from pockets/packs,
T2: Reverse Pickpocket
T3: Weapons from holsters, special

Sneak: Dictates the ability to sneak: (Minimum Agility 6 Perception 6)
T1: move slowly or crawl undetected
T2: move normally undetected, sneak attack
T3: move quickly undetected, sneak murder (+5 to crit. chance, +5 to crit. table)

Speech/Barter: Dictates the ability to convince others and barter successfully: (Min Charisma 5)
T1: Convince people with lower Charisma, low barter margin
T2: Convince people with equal Charisma, moderate barter margin
T3: Convince people with higher Charisma, high barter margin (Min Charisma 7)

Gambling: Dictates the ability to gamble:
T1: Basic Games, Low Stakes
T2: Intermediate Games, Moderate Stakes
T3: Complex Games, High Stakes (Minimum Intelligence 6, Charisma 6)

The following skills/perks are not available to vault dwellers until they have left the vault.

Outdoors / Survival: Dictates the ability to survive in the wasteland, and craft from the wild:
T1: Basic harvesting skill, Basic wildcrafting, Basic Scouting (finding nearby locations)
T2: Intermediate harvesting skill, Intermediate wildcrafting (Min End. 5 Per. 5 )
T3: Efficient harvesting skill, Complex wildcrafting, Advanced Scouting

Prospecting: Dictates the ability to find places worth prospecting and finding material within:
T1: Basic material, Easy Finds, poor Seams (Minimum Perception 6)
T2: Intermediate Material, Finds, and Seams
T3: Complex Material, Challenging Finds, Profitable Seams
 

Derived Statistics:
The following statistics are derived from the SPECIAL in the following formulas.

Action Points:
Whilst traditionally a derived statistic, in this game, every PC has 2 actions per combat turn, or one targeted shot/strike.

Carry weight:
Just be reasonable please. TO may penalise PC for continuously carrying too much.

Combat Sequence:
Synonymous with Post Order. PC go first in any order (may revise later in order of high to low agility), then hostiles have their turn, then non hostile NPCs have their turn. Players may contact TO if they would like something rolled in advance of their post so they can roleplay the results.

Hit Points:
How much damage an individual can take before they die.
15+S+(Ex2) = Starting HP
E+2 = extra hit points every level up

Healing Rate:
At the end of every day, players recover E+6 HP

Throwing range:
Up to S 5 = Short Distance, S 5 –8 = Intermediate Distance, S 9 or more = Long Distance
 
Armour and clothing:
Damage Threshold:
Armour has a damage threshold, any damage that is lower, or equal to the threshold is negated. Any damage that is higher than the threshold is reduced by the threshold amount, and the armour takes a strike.
How many strikes an armour can take is determined at the time of finding/purchasing/crafting.

Weapons:
Like Armour, weapons receive wear and tear. Anytime a miss is scored on D20 roll of 20, the weapon takes a strike.
How many strikes a weapon can take is determined at the time of finding/purchasing/crafting.

Items
Items typically have one use, for example first aid kits, stimulants, foodstuffs, water flasks etc

Stuff
Stuff are items that don't have a particular use, but maybe required for crafting or quests.

CRAFTING:
Players can describe what they wish to craft and with what materials. Then they will need to obtain those items, this would require wild harvesting or prospecting for the items, rolls against P + L while characters are at appropriate locations. Once materials are obtained then the crafter must be at an appropriate work bench and test against P + I, if successful the overseer will determine the stats of the item.

Weapons (examples):

Broken Bottle
Damage: 2 (+S)
Strikes: / (not repairable)

Counterfeit Switchblade:
Damage: 3 (+S)
Strikes: ///

.32 Pistol
Damage: 8
Effective Range: short
Strikes: /////

10mm Pistol
Damage: 12
Effective Range: Short
Special: Effective at Intermediate range when aimed
Strikes: ////////// 

Armour and Clothing:

Vault suit
DT: 1
Strikes: ///

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

Sounds like an interesting character. Based on what you've said, I'd suggest unarmed and repair definitely, and possibly traps/throwing/gambling as a third.

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

G'day Voltus_ventus,

Regarding Timezone what really matters is the hours one is typicality online. I'm in Australia, a cool +10 gmt but the times of day I'm typically online seem to mesh well with others on this forum, not always though.

Regarding characters, as Raddum pointed out indeed we are starting in a vault. This is for several reasons including: it's easier logistically, it's easier narratively, and it makes sense that everyone is level 0 with hardly any relevant equipment.

Regarding non humans, the only type I would consider is a robot, and it would have to be really original, quirky, and the author a genius. If those criteria were met I'd be happy to work on some kind of development system because obviously it doesn't level up, injure, and get equipment like a human character.

Btw everyone I have some ripper ideas for robot npc you will likely encounter.

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

Hey all, so I've been doing some reading here and there about Oklahoma. One of the reasons I picked it is because there isn't much fallout canon about it, so i can basically make shite up and won't be offending canonical zealots.

Furthermore, I don't have to figure it all out straight away. Quite a bit I can develop as we go, since your characters are starting in a vault that hasn't yet opened yet (or has it?). You will have to discover the wasteland around, so I won't play all my overseer cards in one go hehe.

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

@rocketrobie2
Probably everything energy will be energy, but the big energy weapons like Gatling lasers would have a strength requirement to operate.

@Raddum
I'm not sure if that's good or bad, should I make it the next state north or are you fine? I'm thinking of making it around a similar time to the original vault dweller, before the super mutant remnants retreat east and the brotherhood follows them. Some familiar factions may be present in smaller capacities, what do you think?

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

haha yeah that sounds like it would make great roleplaying. consider getting big guns later too, because i don't think there will be many options or variety early on.

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

rocketrobie2 I like your idea, though would have to amend it slightly as my vault is largely weapons free, and having grown up in a vault, he would be more of a 'wannabe cowboy', at least tarting out (queue john wayne / clint eastwood saying). I was intending on not allowing the survival skill for starting vault dwellers, though may make an exception here, because the post apocalyptic landscape, whilst different, still has many of the same plants, and animals albeit mutated, so one could have learned at least basic survival from books and folklore passed down. I would allow for example, his great grandfather (or some other ancestral figure) was a rancher and left him a hat and pistol holster belt (or he just gatherd those things over the years because of his obsession with pre war western culture, perhaps even a replica pistol or an outright toy pistol), he learned small guns from a cowboy book etc

i'm thinking iof basing this rp in the oklahoma wasteland, so a cowboy would be kind of fitting, right?

a 'brawler/big guns' type character would also be cool. could even be a bit cowboy/cavalry like that guy in predator with the cigar and minigun.

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

G'day folks, how's it goin?
I reckon I've pieced enough of this together to run a solid beta so please reas and feel free to comment or pm me any queries or concerns.

BETA RULES GOGOGO

OBJECTIVE: to develop a simple rule set to roleplay in the fallout wasteland, without excess percentages and formulas to complicate the experience. Equipment will be pre-configured however there will be room for The Overseer (TO) and Player Characters (PCs) to craft all manner of things.

SUMMARY:
Every challenge action is a roll against a combination of the two relevant SPECIAL stats, or the single stat x 2.
SPECIAL and Skills have an effect on relevant stat rolls and what equipment the PC can use or craft.
SPECIAL dictates what Skills can be learned by a PC.
If a hit is scored TO will determine damage based on the weapons damage rating and any other contributing circumstances.
Armour absorbs a certain amount of damage dealt to the individual wearing it and some types may protect against crippling of extremities.

Basic Gameplay:

Movement:
Movement is entirely freeform, within the description of the location. In combat movement is freeform though limited by distance, a character may move a short distance per ‘action’, enemies can also move a short distance.

Distance and Range:
A short distance is the distance one can move in a few seconds. It’s also the distance someone below ST 6 could throw something sufficiently hard enough to do damage. It’s also the distance that some weapons are effective within.
Think within the walls of a large room, that is a short distance.

Intermediate Distance is longer than short, but not really long, someone with above average strength could throw a heavy thing that far, and some weapons can effectively shoot that far, and it would take 2 turns for an enemy to charge from that far away.
Think a hall, or a basketball court.

Long distance is longer than intermediate. Someone with exceptional strength could throw something that far, and some weapons can shoot that far, and it would take 3 turns for an enemy to charge from that far away.
Think a football ground, a warehouse etc

Very long distance is further than long, no one can throw something that far, very few weapons can shoot that far effectively, and it would take 4 or more turns for an enemy to charge that far. Not many people or creatures can PErcieve things at that distance.
 
CHALLENGE ROLLS:
If a challenging action is attempted, the TO on behalf of the PC, will roll a D20, a successful roll is equal or under the value on the following table (note there is a -6 penalty if the character doesn’t have the prerequisite skill/perk):
Shoot Small guns A + P (+2 for targeted)
Shoot Energy weapons A + P (+2 for targeted)
Shoot Big Guns S + P
Hit Melee S + A (+2 for targeted)
Hit Unarmed S + A (+2 for targeted)
Throwing S + P
Medicine I + P
Lockpick P + A
Repair I + P
Science I + P
Sneak P + A
Steal A + L
Arm/Disarm Traps P + A
Speech / Barter C x 2
Gambling L x 2
Outdoors / Survival E + P
Prospect P + L

Bleeding:
Any sharp weapon (including bullets) can cause bleeding. Bleeding will cause 1/10th of the original damage per turn until first aid is applied.

Crippled extremity: Any weapon may cause a crippled extremity, as determined randomly by The Overseer and within context of the roleplay.
The consequences of a crippled extremity may vary, and could range from temporary SPECIAL reduction, reduced movement, reduced ability to use certain weapons etc.

 
Critical hits:
If a hit succeeds, it may become critical on a roll equal to or lower than the PC’s Luck on a D20. If it becomes critical the TO will consult the following table (tables are subject to revision):

Blunt weapons: (including pressure from explosions or falls)
1-5 Knocked out, 6-11 double damage and one crippled limb, 12-16 triple damage and two crippled limbs, 17-20 crushed (dead).

Sharp weapons: (including bullets)
1-5 bleeding heavily (will lose half the damage of original wound every turn), 6-11 double damage and bleeding heavily, 12-16 triple damage and one crippled limb and bleeding heavily, 17-20 bloody mess (dead). 

Character creation and development:
SPECIAL:
All new players have the base points of 5 on each stat, and 5 spare to improve others, they may also reduce some stats to have spare points to improve others. The SPECIAL is the foundation of Player Characters, how a character survives the wasteland will depend heavily on the SPECIAL.

Experience points (XP):
Characters start at level 0. The level 1 is achieved after 100 xp, level 2 after another 200, level 3 after another 400, level 4 after another 800, and so on. XP can be earned by succeeding in challenging tasks, defeating hostile creatures, and quality roleplaying.

Skills and Perks:Players may start with up to 3 skills/perks from the Tier 1. Additional Skill/Perks may be taken every 3rd level. T2 skills/perks are available from level 6 onward, Tier 3 skills/perks are available from level 12 onward (subject to revision).

Small guns: Dictates the ability to use small guns: (Minimum intelligence 3)
T1: .32 pistol, 10mm pistol
T2: 10mm SMG, Hunting Rifle
T3: Sniper Rifle, Assault Rifle, Special

Energy Weapons: Dictates the ability to use energy weapons: (Minimum intelligence 6)
T1: Laser Pistol, Laser Rifle
T2: Plasma Pistol, Plasma Rifle
T3: Special

Big guns: Dictates the ability to use big guns: (Minimum Strength 6)
T1: Flamer
T2: Minigun
T3: Rocket Launcher

Melee: Dictates the ability to use melee weapons:
T1: Basic Melee (knife, bat, spear, pipe, hammer etc). S added to damage
T2: Combat Knife, Baton
T3: Ripper, Super Sledge

Unarmed: Dictates the ability to use unarmed implements:
T1: Boxing gloves, brass knuckle, Fists and Feet. S added to damage
T2: Spiked Knuckles, Gauntlet Dagger, Special
T3: Power Fist, Punch Gun

Explosives and Traps: Dictates the ability to use Explosives for throwing, traps and demolition:
T1: Grenades, shotgun trap, bear trap
T2: Dynamite/timer, Landmine
T3: C4/remote, Special

Medicine: Dictates the ability to apply first aid and treat injuries: (Minimum Intelligence 5)
T1: Apply first aid kit
T2: Use Doctors bag, craft first aid kits (Minimum Intelligence 6)
T3: Operate Medbay, craft doctors bag (Minimum Intelligence 7)

Science: Dictates the ability to hack terminals, use laboratories etc
T1: Easy terminals, Basic laboratory crafting (Minimum intelligence 5)
T2: Normal terminals, Intermediate laboratory crafting (Minimum Intelligence 6)
T2: Hard terminals, Complex laboratory crafting (Minimum Intelligence 7)

Repair: Dictates the ability to repair and craft: (Minimum Intelligence 4)
T1: Dodgy Repair, Basic Crafting
T2: Reasonable Repair, Intermediate Crafting
T3: Excellent Repair, Advanced Crafting

Lockpick: Dictates the ability to use pick locks: (Minimum Agility 5 Perception 5)
T1: Easy Locks
T2: Intermediate Locks
T3: Hard Locks

Steal: Dictates the ability to steal: (Minimum Agility 6 Perception 6)
T1: Small Items from pockets/packs,
T2: Reverse Pickpocket
T3: Weapons from holsters, special

Sneak: Dictates the ability to sneak: (Minimum Agility 6 Perception 6)
T1: move slowly or crawl undetected
T2: move normally undetected, sneak attack
T3: move quickly undetected, sneak murder (+5 to crit. chance, +5 to crit. table)

Speech/Barter: Dictates the ability to convince others and barter successfully: (Min Charisma 5)
T1: Convince people with lower Charisma, low barter margin
T2: Convince people with equal Charisma, moderate barter margin
T3: Convince people with higher Charisma, high barter margin (Min Charisma 7)

Gambling: Dictates the ability to gamble:
T1: Basic Games, Low Stakes
T2: Intermediate Games, Moderate Stakes
T3: Complex Games, High Stakes (Minimum Intelligence 6, Charisma 6)

The following skills/perks are not available to vault dwellers until they have left the vault.

Outdoors / Survival: Dictates the ability to survive in the wasteland, and craft from the wild:
T1: Basic harvesting skill, Basic wildcrafting, Basic Scouting (finding nearby locations)
T2: Intermediate harvesting skill, Intermediate wildcrafting (Min End. 5 Per. 5 )
T3: Efficient harvesting skill, Complex wildcrafting, Advanced Scouting

Prospecting: Dictates the ability to find places worth prospecting and finding material within:
T1: Basic material, Easy Finds, poor Seams (Minimum Perception 6)
T2: Intermediate Material, Finds, and Seams
T3: Complex Material, Challenging Finds, Profitable Seams
 

Derived Statistics:
The following statistics are derived from the SPECIAL in the following formulas.

Action Points:
Whilst traditionally a derived statistic, in this game, every PC has 2 actions per combat turn, or one targeted shot/strike.

Carry weight:
Just be reasonable please. TO may penalise PC for continuously carrying too much.

Combat Sequence:
Synonymous with Post Order. PC go first in any order (may revise later in order of high to low agility), then hostiles have their turn, then non hostile NPCs have their turn. Players may contact TO if they would like something rolled in advance of their post so they can roleplay the results.

Hit Points:
How much damage an individual can take before they die.
15+S+(Ex2) = Starting HP
E+2 = extra hit points every level up

Healing Rate:
At the end of every day, players recover E+6 HP

Throwing range:
Up to S 5 = Short Distance, S 5 –8 = Intermediate Distance, S 9 or more = Long Distance
 
Armour and clothing:
Damage Threshold:
Armour has a damage threshold, any damage that is lower, or equal to the threshold is negated. Any damage that is higher than the threshold is reduced by the threshold amount, and the armour takes a strike.
How many strikes an armour can take is determined at the time of finding/purchasing/crafting.

Weapons:
Like Armour, weapons receive wear and tear. Anytime a miss is scored on D20 roll of 20, the weapon takes a strike.
How many strikes a weapon can take is determined at the time of finding/purchasing/crafting.

Items
Items typically have one use, for example first aid kits, stimulants, foodstuffs, water flasks etc

Stuff
Stuff are items that don't have a particular use, but maybe required for crafting or quests.

CRAFTING:
Players can describe what they wish to craft and with what materials. Then they will need to obtain those items, this would require wild harvesting or prospecting for the items, rolls against P + L while characters are at appropriate locations. Once materials are obtained then the crafter must be at an appropriate work bench and test against P + I, if successful the overseer will determine the stats of the item.

Weapons (examples):

Broken Bottle
Damage: 2 (+S)
Strikes: / (not repairable)

Counterfeit Switchblade:
Damage: 3 (+S)
Strikes: ///

.32 Pistol
Damage: 8
Effective Range: short
Strikes: /////

!0mm Pistol
Damage: 12
Effective Range: Short
Special: Effective at Intermediate range when aimed
Strikes: ////////// 

Armour and Clothing:

Vault suit
DT: 1
Strikes: ///

@rocketrobie2, @Raddum

Fallout RPG. Rules light.

Thanks, I should mention that if a PC wants to attempt an action they aren't skillperked to do, it'll be like -6 on the roll, so not impossible but much harder.