chargen question

[EDG]

I'm just looking over the chargen rules and wanted to check something about advancement - On p8 it says that to advance you need to roll 2d6+(stat DM) vs the target number. And on p9 it says that if your advancement result is equal to or less than the number of terms spend in the career, then you can't continue the career after that term (unless you roll an unmodified 12).

So say you're an Agent with Int 10 (DM +1). To advance you need to roll 4 or more on 2d6 (4+1=5). But when you reach your fifth term, you're automatically booted from the service unless you roll a 12 (because you roll a 5, which is equal to the number of terms spent in the career)?

Is that right? If so, Intelligence Agent and Army Cavalry careers the have very few people who have served more than 5 terms, while those careers with 8+ as an advancement requirement would have a lot of older people in them. Is that the intent here?

 

[CosmicGamer]

So say you're an Agent with Int 10 (DM +1). To advance you need to roll 4 or more on 2d6 (4+1=5).

For Agent with Intelligence Assignment/Specialty. Yes

But when you reach your fifth term, you're automatically booted from the service unless you roll a 12 (because you roll a 5, which is equal to the number of terms spent in the career)? Is that right?

No.

On your 5th term

you cannot continue in this career after this term

if your result is equal or less than the number of terms you spent in this career

In your example, a roll of
* four or less [after DM] would result in no advancement and you would have to leave the career.
* five [after DM] would result in an advancement but you still have to leave the career.
* six - 12 [after DM] would result in an advancement and you can choose whether or not you want to stay in the career.
* 13 [natural 12, 13 with your +1 DM] would result in an advancement and you are forced to stay in this career.

If so, Intelligence Agent and Army Cavalry careers the have very few people who have served more than 5 terms, while those careers with 8+ as an advancement requirement would have a lot of older people in them. Is that the intent here?

Not at all. All careers have the same chance at not continuing. It is based on the number of terms served, not the advancement requirements [I guess they just threw it in here to make it more likely that those who don't advance leave?]. Career-specialties with 8+ as an advancement simply have less high ranking folk as compared to their 5+ advancement counterparts.

 

[Myrm]

There's someting wrong with either with your math or mine...

So far as I see it the chance of rolling equal to or under the number of terms and hence having to quit is identical no matter what career your are in. DMs will even out over the population.

The lower advance score paths that need a 5+ to advance will have more people gain a rank in the term that they get thrown out/retired - but not variable people in total going beyond term 5.

The chance of success in advancement is actually independant from the chance to get forcibly retired - they merely resolve from the result of the same random roll.

EDIT: TIMING NOTE - Im replying to EDG, I was obviously writing at the same time as the first reply.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

No, it's your roll, not the minimum roll.

Your Agent on his fourth still needs to roll for advancement.

IF he rolls a 3- (unmodified) then he doesn't get to stay in.

If he rolls a 4+ he stays in, irregardless if he advances.

In his 6th term, he needs 6+ to stay in. So it would be possible to advance and not be retained.

Does that make sense?

 

[EDG]

Gah, right, I see. This is what comes from looking at the rules at five in the morning after a brisk bout of insomnia . All good, thanks!