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Appropriate

Appropriate, or Appropriately, is a defined mechanical term. It is used to signify that context, common sense, interpretation and judgement may be required to apply the rules correctly. Meat Space is a large game, with a wide array of themes and circumstances that [Players] might find themselves in, and thus not all rules, Abilities, Properties, etc make sense in all circumstances.

When a rule, Ability, Property, etc applies “as Appropriate,” the [Players], both [Cast] and [GM], should consider the fictional situation, using common sense, logic and the rule of cool to decide whether the rule fits the circumstances at hand. If there is disagreement, the [Players] should have a civil discussion, for as long as needed, until a consensus can be reached. However, if a consensus can't be reached in a timely manner, the [Players] are encouraged to make a call quickly so play can resume. This can be done by allowing the [GM] to make the call, as an independent party, or by [Flipping A Coin] or rolling a Die.

In practice, a rule is Appropriate when it meaningfully relates to what is actually happening in the narrative at the moment.

Example: The Pistol Weapon has the Dangerous Property, meaning that if you suffer a Critical Failure while using the Weapon, it will suffer a Weapon Jam. In the text, it uses the phrase “as Appropriate.” This is because it might not be Appropriate to suffer a Weapon Jam every time the Pistol is used. If you were using the Pistol to perform a Knowledge - Material Check on it, to identify the owner, it seems unlikely that one would need to discharge the Weapon to do so, thus a Critical Failure in such an event would seem inappropriate to cause the firearm to Jam. However, if one was discharging the Weapon at an [Enemy] or to scare a crowd of gangsters, then it is absolutely Appropriate for the Weapon to Jam in such circumstances.

Ash's Aside
There is a lot of stuff in Meat Space. Much of it, such as D'jump Travel, Black Holes, Cyberspace and Magic is closer to fiction that truth, really. Even if it can be known, our knowledge of these subjects may change over time. Thus, the important part is to keep the game fun and flowing. If your party wants to include gritty details, such as large planets gravity reducing Speed or Range, then do so. Your want makes it Appropriate. Other parties might find such a thing tedious. Similar ideas apply to Rations, Travel and other such details. There is no right or wrong answer for what details should be followed, regardless if they are the laws of physics, narrative tropes or anything else. The only important details are the ones the Players care about and what is fun.

Therefore I highly recommend going with whatever is cooler at the time and trying not to sweat the small stuff. If something feels odd, ignore it, or slap Advantage or Disadvantage on the Roll and call it a day. The game can be as simple or as complicated as y'all want it to be. It's my job to try to account for as many variables as I can, but there is only so many I can cover, so sometimes y'all are gunna have to take the wheel. As a Cast Member, please feel free to speak up, out of character and clearly, if something feels odd, under valued or tediously managed. As a GM, feel free to ask the Cast if they are enjoying the details you are including or if anything feels odd.

Remember, there is no wrong way to play the game, as long as you check in with each other and communicate as often as needed. It's never “weird” or “awkward” to speak up and give your thoughts and share your feelings on the state of the game. Role Playing is a highly emotional activity, it's normal to experience heightened feelings of frustration, joy, sadness and anything in between. Share what you feel passionate about, and let do anything that doesn't matter to you. And always, just have fun with it. After all, Meat Space is a game where a Rockstar Elf might be surfing a giant bird into a Black Hole while shooting a laser javelin at a titanic mech. It's a weird game. Don't think about it too much or your brain might explode.

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