Being clearer : Check roles and the number 8

[DanDare2050]

One thing I notice reading the beta is that some things which are rules are lost in general text paragraphs. Consider this:

Checks: A check is exactly the same as a roll but the
Dice Modifier will always be a characteristic or skill.
Thus, you will be asked for a characteristic check or skill
check. For most characteristic or skill checks, you will
need to get an 8 or more after all Dice Modifiers have
been applied in order to succeed.

This is actually a really important, central rule. Skill checks have a default success number of 8. It should look like this:

Checks: Characteristic and skill rolls check against 8.

A check is exactly the same as a roll but the
Dice Modifier will always be a characteristic or skill.
Thus, you will be asked for a characteristic check or skill
check. For most characteristic or skill checks, you will
need to get an 8 or more after all Dice Modifiers have
been applied in order to succeed.

Something that makes that simple, core thing pop out.

Similarly in combat

Attack
The most common Significant Action used in combat is
to attack. An attack is an attempt to damage or injure an
enemy with either a melee or ranged weapon, such as a
knife or a rifle.
The Traveller declares he is going to attack and selects
a target. The target may then choose a Reaction. The
Traveller then makes an appropriate skill check and, as
normal for any Average skill check, if he scores 8+, the
attack is successful and damage is dealt to the target
(see Damage on page 73).

should be more like

Attack : A skill check that needs to beat 8

The most common Significant Action used in combat is
to attack. An attack is an attempt to damage or injure an
enemy with either a melee or ranged weapon, such as a
knife or a rifle.
The Traveller declares he is going to attack and selects
a target. The target may then choose a Reaction. The
Traveller then makes an appropriate skill check and, as
normal for any Average skill check, if he scores 8+, the
attack is successful and damage is dealt to the target
(see Damage on page 73).

There is a habit in the rules to hide crucial specifics inside text paragraphs.

 

[FallingPhoenix]

Maybe a quick reference page with all the rules for Combat (for example) in one place with no extraneous text?

Fitting everything on a single or double-sided page would be awesome!

 

[ShawnDriscoll]

Your edits add clarity.

 

[anselyn]

Your edits add clarity.

Seconded.

 

[allanimal]

should be more like

Attack : A skill check that needs to beat 8

While I agree in principle with your point, this I think this edit is wrong.
To me, that sounds like you need to roll over 8, when rolling at least 8 is all that is required for an attack to hit.

 

[DanDare2050]

should be more like

Attack : A skill check that needs to beat 8

While I agree in principle with your point, this I think this edit is wrong.
To me, that sounds like you need to roll over 8, when rolling at least 8 is all that is required for an attack to hit.

Good point. Change it to read "beat 7". That is clearer than "equal to or more than 8". Its the same rule just explained differently.

 

[DanDare2050]

Maybe a quick reference page with all the rules for Combat (for example) in one place with no extraneous text?

Fitting everything on a single or double-sided page would be awesome!

Working on it. I do for every RPG I GM.

It will only have the general rules. Specifics like careers need to stay as they are in the book, as with ship stats etc. Its just the core mechanisms and skill summaries. Perhaps some quick ref weapon stats.

 

[hdan]

I disagree on the "beat 7" vs "8+".

I like to see the number I'm rolling for, not the number I'm trying to beat.

 

[-Daniel-]

I disagree on the "beat 7" vs "8+".

I like to see the number I'm rolling for, not the number I'm trying to beat.

I agree, let's not introduce another opportunity for confusion. Leave it as 8+.

So if it is going to change, it should be more like...

Attack : An 8+ Skill Check

 

[DanDare2050]

Yep fully agree

 

[deejaay]

If the 'Quick Refference' page ever makes it in the finalized book, I would suggest that reference would be designed to simply copy and insert into your generic GM screens.

I also do this for all my RPGs and currently have a Skills &Tasks reference for this version of Traveller for my game screen. I Will start on a combat page soon, but allowing for any revisions that might take place.

I am using a generic 4 panel GM screen.