From: [r--dd--n] at [ttidca.TTI.COM] (John Redden)
Subject: Other Suns # 2
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OTHER SUNS: CHAPTER 2 COPYRIGHT 1982, 1989 by N. C. Shapero
CHARACTERISTICS
To create an Adventurer, the player rolls dice for each
of the following characteristics. This provides the
basic parameters of the Adventurer's development. The
die rolls given are for humans. Other intelligent
races may use different die rolls for the various
characteristics. These differences are dealt with in
CHAPTER 4, INTELLIGENT SPECIES.
1. Strength (STR): helps determine the damage a
character does, how much equipment he can carry, and
what weapons he may use. Strength can be increased
through training up to the rating for the character's
Constitution or Size, which ever is larger. Humans
roll for strength on 3D6.
2. Intelligence (INT): the character's ability to
deal with abstractions and to learn from experience.
Intelligence for humans in the general population is
rolled on 3D6. However, adventurous characters -- the
spacers, the scientists, the space merchants -- are all
a cut above average. Thus all human adventuring char-
acters (i.e. all player run humans) roll for INT on
2D6+6.
3. WILL (WIL): the character's strength of will and
ego -- an important factor in the ability to resist
and/or power certain kinds of psionic attack and possi-
bly to affect the world through direct force of will
(see CHAPTER 7, PSIONICS AND THE USE OF WILL). Will is
also a measure of the char acter's overall self-
confidence. Will can be increased through training up
to the species maximum. Humans roll for Will on 3D6.
4. Constitution (CON): the character's health. It
helps de termine how much punishment (in combat or
otherwise) a character can take before he dies. Con-
stitution can be increased through training up to the
maximum of Strength or Size. Constitution is rolled on
3D6 for humans in the general population. However,
adventurous characters -- the spacers, the scientists,
the space merchants, are all a cut above average. Thus
all adventuring characters (i.e. all player run charac-
ters) roll for CON on 2D6+6.
5. Endurance (END): the character's ability to with-
stand pain and to engage in strenuous activity for
prolonged periods of time. Endurance is also a factor
in determining how much physical punishment a character
can take. Endurance can be increased through training
up to species maximum. Humans roll for endurance on
4D10.
6. Dexterity (DEX): the character's ability to move
quickly and accurately. Dexterity may be increased
through training up to species maximum. Humans roll
for dexterity on 3D6.
7. Charisma (CHA): the character's ability to lead.
It is the ability to say "follow me" and find oneself
leading a charge. Charisma is subject to change (both
up and down) depending upon the success or failure of
previous ventures. Humans roll for charisma on 3D6.
8. Length (LEN): the height of the character, in
centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; 1 centimeter =
0.394 inches). This characteristic determines the
reach of the character. It also helps determine the
overall body mass of the char acter, the principal
factor in the amount of total damage the character can
take before dying. It is assumed that all Adventurers
have reached their full growth prior to entering play,
so this characteristic cannot increase during the
course of the characters career. Humans roll for LEN
on 110+6D20 for male characters, and on 100+6D20 for
female characters.
9. Build (BLD): the massiveness of the character's
bone struc ture -- indicating how stocky, and how bulky
the Adventurer's body is -- the higher the roll, the
stockier the build. It is an important factor in
determining the overall size of the character (and
hence his ability to withstand damage). This charac-
teristic may only change by one point from the original
roll once the Adventurer has begun his career. Human
males roll for BLD on 3D6, human females roll for BLD
on 3D4+1.
10. Telepathic Strike Capability (TSC): the measure of
the character's ability to launch telepathic attacks,
to probe minds, and to handle psionic devices. There
is no species maximum for TSC and no limit to the
amount of training that may be applied towards increas-
ing this characteristic. Humans roll for TSC on 1D6-5.
Characters with TSC less than or equal to 0 are non-
telepathic (though they may be trained).
11. Telepathic Resistance (TPR): the measure of the
character's resistance to telepathic probes and at-
tacks. There is no species maximum for telepathic
resistance, and TPR may be trained without limit.
Humans roll for telepathic resistance on 1D4+1.
*******************************************************
To provide a running series of examples for the
reader we will be presenting the tale of Mikhail An-
dreivitch throughout this book. For now, let's roll up
his characteristics...
STR=12--A high average STR, allowing Mikhail to handle
most weapons without penalties. See CHAPTER 10, COM-
BAT, for more details on the precise limits involved.
INT=17--An excellent roll. As will be seen later, it
gives him a number of advantages in gaining expertise
in skills. His starting skills will also be much
improved (see CHAPTER 6, PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE) by this
high intelligence.
WIL=9--A below average roll. So Mikhail's force of
will and strength of ego are, perhaps, a little bit
below average, but not enough to cause him any serious
difficulty. However, his WIL score is sufficiently low
that he might as well give up any hope of developing
anything of the psionic "wild talents" until his WIL
score can be improved (see CHAPTER 8, PSIONICS AND THE
USE OF WILL for more details).
CON=9--A below average roll. And Mikhail Andreivitch
will be somewhat vulnerable to disease and poison.
Obviously, the Man of Steel he is not.
END=22--A strictly average roll. So Mikhail is able to
take just about as much pain as the next person before
passing out, and of working just about as hard (STR and
CON permitting).
DEX=18--The highest roll for a Human. Obviously, what
Mikhail lacks in bodily strength and toughness, he more
than makes up for in speed and agility. He will be
able to use all equipment and weapons a bit better than
average as a result of his quick reflexes and great
agility.
CHA=13--At this point, Mikhail is a bit above average
as a leader. This has nothing to do with his looks.
LEN=180--Mikhail is 180 centimeters tall, or roughly
5'11".
BLD=9--Mikhail is not particularly heavily boned, but
he is no lightweight either -- just on the low side of
average.
TSC=1--Mikhail is an active telepath, though a poor one
by the standards of the era. His range is only 10
meters, and he has a 10% chance of communicating with
another equally adept telepath.
TPR=3--A typical average telepathic resistance. So
Mikhail, though telepathic himself, has no particularly
great resistance to telepathic probes and/or attacks.
Yet.
MIKHAIL'S POTENTIAL INCREASES
STR--Mikhail's STR can be increased to 20 (his SIZ).
INT--Failing some incredible miracle, Mikhail will be
stuck with his current INT (not that he would complain,
mind you)
WIL--This characteristic may be increased up to species
maximum eventually, though Mikhail has a long way to go
here.
CON--Mikhail may increase his CON, as explained later,
to a maximum of 20 (his SIZ).
END--This attribute can be increased to the species
maximum, as explained later, though in Mikhail's case
it would take many months of training to do so.
DEX--This attribute can be increased to the species
maximum, as explained later.
CHA--As shown later, Mikhail's CHA will rise and fall
with events.
LEN--As with INT, Mikhail is stuck with his current
length. He is assumed to have finished his growth by
the time he enters play.
BLD--Though difficult, it would be possible for Mikhail
to change his BLD by 1 point (either up or down). See
Increasing Characteristics later in this chapter for
further details.
TSC--The sky is the limit for Mikhail in this area.
TPR--Here again, the sky is the limit, though training
this characteristic is both expensive and time consum-
ing.
*******************************************************
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM CHARACTERISTICS
No characteristic save TSC and TPR may be increased by
any means save cyborging (see CHAPTER 12, HEGEMONIC
TECHNOLOGY) beyond the maximum amount rollable on the
characteristic dice plus the number of dice rolled
(plus one if an adder is present). Thus a human may
not have a dexterity higher than 21 (=18+3), and a
Korli with dexterity rolled on 3D6+6 may not have a
dexterity higher than 28 (= 24 + 3 + 1).
The minimum characteristic possible for any reason is
the number of dice rolled (for example, 3 for human
CON). No characteristics save END and WIL may be
reduced below this point voluntarily. If WIL is re-
duced below zero, however, the character dies, and no
amount of medical assistance will prevent his death or
later restore him to life.
COMPUTED CHARACTERISTICS
SIZE (SIZ): This is a combined indicator of the mass
and bulk of the character.
SIZ = (LEN/10) + (BLD/3) - 1
where fractions are rounded up to the next largest
whole number.
*******************************************************
Mikhail's SIZ = (180/10) + (9/3) - 1 = 18 + 3 - 1 = 20.
*******************************************************
MASS (MAS): The total mass of the character (in kilo-
grams).
MAS = (SIZ3)/100
(cube the size, and divide the result by 100). One
kilogram mass equals 2.2 pounds weight (in a 1 gee
gravitational field).
*******************************************************
Mikhail's MAS = (20 * 20 * 20)/100 = 8000/100 = 80
kilograms (a fairly hefty 176 pounds in a 1 gee field).
*******************************************************
HIT POINTS (HIT): Hit points are the measure of how
much damage the character can take before he dies.
Total hit points are determined as follows:
(1) multiply SIZ by 2/3, and take the next largest
whole number;
(2) multiply CON by 1/3, subtract 3, and take the
next largest whole number;
(3) multiply END by 1/4, subtract 5, and take the
next largest whole number;
(4) multiply WIL by 1/8, subtract 1, and take the
largest whole number LESS THAN this value.
(5) add the results of calculations (1) through
(4); the result is the total hit points for the
character.
*******************************************************
Mikhail is SIZ 20: calculation 1 yields 20 x 2/3
or 40/3 which equals 13 1/3. The next largest whole
number is 14. Mikhail's CON is 9: calculation 2
yields (9/3) - 3 = 0. Mikhail's END is 22: calcula-
tion 3 yields (22/4) - 5 or 5.5 - 5 = 0.5, and taking
the next largest whole number yields a result of 1 in
this calculation. His WIL is 9: calculation 4 yields
(9/8) - 1 or 1/8, which rounds down to 0. Thus Mikhail
will have 14 + 0 + 1 + 0 hit points for a total of 15
hit points.
*******************************************************
DAMAGE (DAM): Damage represents the ability to combine
strength and mass to do more damage to an opponent than
is ordinarily done by a hand to hand or natural weapon.
STR+SIZ ADDED DAMAGE ADDED DAMAGE
(melee weapons) (thrown weapons)
01-15 -1D4 -1D4
16-31 0 0
32-41 +1D4 +1D2
42-50 +1D6 +1D3
51-58 +1D8 +1D4
59-66 +2D6 +2D3
Each further +8 +1D6 +1D3
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a SIZ of 20, and a STR of 12, for
total of 32. Thus, consulting the table, we see that
he has a damage bonus of +1D4.
*******************************************************
LUCK (LUC)
Luck may be described as the ability to fall into a
compost heap and find a diamond. Unlike most the other
abilities listed, Luck is given as a straight point
value. Depending upon the difficulties or the odds
involved, a player will have roll at or below some
multiple (between one and six) for this characteristic
on 1D100 in order to have "made a luck roll". This
procedure is refered to elsewhere in the rules as a
"characteristic roll" (in this case, for LUC).
LUC = (INT + WIL) / 2
where fractions are rounded up to the next largest
whole number.
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a luck of 13, computed as follows:
(INT + WIL)/2 = (17 + 9)/2 = 26/2 = 13.
Mikhail's high intelligence more than compensates for
his below average will, resulting in a luck value of 13
(well above average).
*******************************************************
ABILITIES BONUSES
AND HOW CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCE THEM
Each character has various skills which he will be able
to improve through training and experience; his charac-
teristics will influence how well he will do in each
category of skill.
Positive modifiers add to the category bonus, negative
modifiers subtract from the characteristic bonus.
Primary modifiers modifiers add (subtract) twice the
characteristic value to (from) the category bonus.
Secondary modifiers add (subtract) the characteristic
value to (from) the category bonus. Tertiary modifiers
add (subtract) one half the characteristic value to
(from) the category bonus.
All primary, secondary, and tertiary positive and
negative modifiers are added, then the Finagle Factor
is then added to the result to give the final category
bonus; the Finagle Factor has been defined so that a
typical Human character will have a zero category
bonus.
ACCURACY (ACC)
Accuracy measures the ability to handle aimed
weapons (such as bows, crossbows, pistols, and rifles).
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, DEX
Positive Secondary Modifiers: WIL
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -52
*******************************************************
Mikhail has an accuracy bonus of +27%, computed as
follows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x DEX = 36
1 x WIL = 9
===============
Subtotal= +79
Finagle = -52
===============
Total = +27
Obviously, Mikhail is a natural rifleman...
*******************************************************
ATTACK (ATT)
Attack measures the adventurer's added ability to
strike at an opponent with a hand to hand or natural
weapon (hands, teeth, feet, etc).
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, DEX
Positive Secondary Modifiers: STR, WIL
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -63
*******************************************************
Mikhail has an attack bonus of +28%, computed as fol-
lows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x DEX = 36
1 x STR = 12
1 x WIL = +9
===============
Subtotal= +91
Finagle = -63
===============
Total = +28
*******************************************************
DODGE (DOD)
The Dodge is adventurer's ability to avoid being where
an attack is directed. The dodge ability, unlike the
Martial Arts Evasion skill (described in detail in
CHAPTER 5, SPECIALTIES AND SKILLS), may not be used to
avoid attacks with most modern high velocity or energy
weapons (it may be applied against the taser and the
shoulder fired rocket, both described in CHAPTER 9,
COMBAT SKILLS). In addition, it may not be applied
against area effect weapons (such as hand grenades --
also described in CHAPTER 9). In addition, if the
adventurer is immobilized, unconscious, or surprised,
his dodge ability may not be employed.
A negative value for the natural dodge ability is
treated as a zero dodge ability in combat (thus, it is
no easier than normal for the attacker to hit a crea-
ture with a negative dodge ability).
How the Dodge Works
Applied versus a Single Opponent's Single Attack
An attacker must subtract the defender's Dodge ability
from his attack, PROVIDED that the defender could see
the attack coming. If an opponent has a dodge ability
of 14%, and the attacker has a 47% chance of hitting
with a broadsword, then the attacker has only a 33%
chance of hitting that opponent with his attack.
Applied versus Multiple Opponents
When facing several foes or multiple attacks from a
single opponent in one melee round, a character may
apply all of his Dodge ability against against one
attack, hoping the all other attacks will miss, divide
his Dodge among the attacks of all the opponents, or
dodge some, but not all of his foes' attacks.
Thus, a character with a 40% Dodge against four attack-
ers each of whom is attacking once in the melee round
may apply all of his Dodge against one, or put whatever
Dodge he wishes against each foe, so long as the total
Dodge applied against all attacks in that melee round
totals no more than 40%.
How Dodge is Increased
As a character's DEX or WILL increases, his Dodge
ability will also increase. And each time that his
Dodge saves him from an attack (i.e. the use of the
Dodge ability resulted in an attack failing where it
would otherwise have succeeded) the adventurer has a
chance of increasing his Dodge ability by 1D10%. The
player must roll the INT of the character or less on
1D100 in order for the Dodge ability to increase
through use. This roll may be attempted once for each
successful use of the Dodge ability during the course
of an expedition, though the Dodge ability may only be
increased once per expedition. (Thus if Mikhail An-
dreivitch used the Dodge ability three times in an
expedition, the player running this character would
have three opportunities to roll 17 or less on 1D100.
And even if two of those rolls were made, the Dodge
ability would only improve once for this expedition, by
1D10 percentile points).
NOTE: This rule is in total contrast to the usual
experience increasing rules shown elsewhere.
If a character has no natural Dodge, it cannot be
improved by this method until, through increase in DEX
and/or WIL, the character acquires a Dodge ability.
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, DEX
Positive Secondary Modifiers: WIL
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: BLD
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -42
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a dodge bonus of +28%, computed as follows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x DEX = 36
1 x WIL = +9
===============
Subtotal= +79
-1 x BLD = 9
Finagle = -42
===============
Total = 28
*******************************************************
KNOWLEDGE (KNO)
Knowledge includes all formal "book" learning. Thus
all of the scientific fields will be included in this
category, as well as such skills as speaking, reading
and writing languages.
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT
Positive Secondary Modifiers: WIL
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -31
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a knowledge bonus of +12%, computed as
follows:
2 x INT = 34
1 x WIL = 9
===============
Subtotal= 43
Finagle = -31
===============
Total = 12
*******************************************************
MANIPULATION (MAN)
This is the ability to work with small and intricate
things as well as the ability to control large (and
perhaps unwieldy) objects or vehicles.
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, WIL
Positive Secondary Modifiers: STR, DEX
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: DEX
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -68
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a manipulation bonus of +23%, computed as
follows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x WIL = 18
1 x DEX = 18
1 x STR = 12
1/2xDEX = 9
===============
Subtotal= +91
Finagle = -68
===============
Total = 23
*******************************************************
OBSERVATION (OBS)
Observational abilities allow the individual to detect
and properly interpret subliminal sensory clues and to
jump directly from the uncertain observation to the
foregone conclusion, and to do so without error.
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, WIL
Positive Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -42
*******************************************************
Mikhail has an observation bonus of +10%, computed as
follows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x WIL = 18
===============
Subtotal= +52
Finagle = -42
===============
Total = 10
*******************************************************
PARRY (PAR)
To parry is to interpose a shield and/or weapon in the
path of an attacking weapon in order to deflect its
blow harmlessly to one side.
Positive Primary Modifiers: DEX
Positive Secondary Modifiers: WIL
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: STR, INT
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: SIZ
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -22
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a parry bonus of +18%, computed as follows:
2 x DEX = 36
1 x WIL = 9
1/2xSTR = 6
1/2xINT = 8.5
=================
Subtotal= 59.5
-1 x SIZ = -20
=================
Subtotal= 39.5
Finagle = -22
=================
Total = 17.5; the next largest whole number
is 18.
*******************************************************
PERSUASION (PER)
The persuasion ability modifies those skills related to
the swaying of a crowd through voice and through force
of personality towards whatever goals the adventurer
wishes.
Positive Primary Modifiers: (none)
Positive Secondary Modifiers: WIL, CHA
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: CHA, INT
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Primary Modifiers: (none)
Finagle Factor: -32
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a persuasion bonus of +5%, computed as
follows:
1 x WIL = 9
1 x CHA = 13
1/2xCHA = 6.5
1/2xINT = 8.5
=================
Subtotal= 37
Finagle = -32
===============
Total = 5
*******************************************************
STEALTH (STE)
This is the measure of the character's ability to act
surreptitiously and without detection.
Positive Primary Modifiers: INT, DEX
Positive Secondary Modifiers: (none)
Positive Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Tertiary Modifiers: (none)
Negative Secondary Modifiers: WIL
Negative Primary Modifiers: SIZ
Finagle Factor: +9
*******************************************************
Mikhail has a stealth bonus of +30%, computed as fol-
lows:
2 x INT = 34
2 x DEX = 36
===============
Subtotal= 70
-1 x WIL = -9
-2 x SIZ = -40
===============
Subtotal= 21
Finagle = 9
===============
Total = 30
*******************************************************
(End of Chapter 2)