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| the_universal_rules [2026/07/28 11:38] – [Rule #1 - Discussion is Appropriate] ms_wuntch | the_universal_rules [2026/07/29 10:01] (current) – removed ms_wuntch |
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| ====== The Universal Rules ====== | |
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| ===== Rule #1 - Discussion is Appropriate ===== | |
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| No rules system can account for every possible situation. Science fiction and fantasy stories are often strange, complex and unpredictable, and Meat Space is no exception. As a result, some rules intentionally require interpretation by the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player|Players]].\\ | |
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| When a rule refers to something as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]] or is dependent on a specific [Situation], the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player|Players]] should discuss how the rule applies and choose the outcome that best fits the narrative and current circumstances. If a consensus cannot be reached, the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Game Master|GM]] may make a final ruling, or the table may use another method of resolving the disagreement, such as flipping a coin or rolling a die, as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]].\\ | |
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| ===== Rule #2 - Rule of Cool ===== | |
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| Meat Space is a game of magically charged cyber-spacers doing extraordinary things in extravagant style. While it is completely reasonable for a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Game Master|GM]] to occasionally rule that something is impossible, if a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player]] suggests something wild but badass, we recommend erring on the side of allowing an attempt rather than denying one, as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]]. As long as the proposed action is reasonable within the context of the story, the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Game Master|GM]] should assign a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:DC|Difficulty]] and allow the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Cast Member|CM]] to make the attempt. Failure can often be just as entertaining as success, and unexpected solutions frequently create the most memorable moments.\\ | |
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| This rule does not override common sense, table expectations or [[:The Golden Rules:Consent]]. If an action would be disruptive, inappropriate for the game being played or make another [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player]] uncomfortable, it should be handled accordingly. See [[:The Golden Rules:Consent]] for more information.\\ | |
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| ===== Rule #3 - Intent First ===== | |
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| Meat Space is intentionally a complex game because, while a complex game can be overwhelming today, it can still be fun tomorrow.\\ | |
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| The rules can be complex, but playing the game is simple. Tell the table what you want your [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Character]] to do. The [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player|Players]] can then decide whether the outcome should be roleplayed or resolved with a roll of the dice.\\ | |
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| Everything else comes second.\\ | |
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| The rules exist to support the story, not replace it. Focus on your intentions first and learn the finer details as you go.\\ | |
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| ===== Rule #4 - Abilities of the Same Name Don't Stack ===== | |
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| There are many [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability|Abilities]] in Meat Space. Some are active, some are passive, but a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Target]] can only benefit from an [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability]] with the same name once at any given time.\\ | |
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| **Example**: Using the [[Basic Abilities:Dodge]] [[:Game Mechanics:Actions:Quick Action]] twice would only increase your [[:Ratings:Defence]] once, as both effects originate from the [[Basic Abilities:Dodge]] [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability]].\\ | |
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| ===== Rule #5 - You Can't Reroll a Reroll. ===== | |
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| Many [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability|Abilities]], effects and [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Property|Properties]] allow a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Dice|Die]] to be rolled again after it has already been rolled. This is known as a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Rerolling|Reroll]].\\ | |
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| Regardless of how many sources of [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Rerolling|Rerolls]] are available, a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Dice|Die]] can never be [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Rerolling|Rerolled]] more than once. A [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Rerolling|Reroll]] can only ever be applied to the original roll of a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Dice|Die]].\\ | |
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| **Please Note**: This rule does not apply to [Do-Overs], which are a separate mechanic. | |
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| ===== Rule #6 - Repetition is Exhausting ===== | |
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| In Meat Space, [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Character|Characters]] gain multiple [[:Ratings:Action Points]] ([[:Ratings:Action Points|AP]]) and [[:Ratings:Quick Action Points]] ([[:Ratings:Quick Action Points|QP]]) that can be spent to perform [[:Game Mechanics:Actions:Action|Actions]] and [[:Game Mechanics:Actions:Quick Action|Quick Actions]]. As long as a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Character]] has the required [[:Ratings:Action Points|AP]] or [[:Ratings:Quick Action Points|QP]], they may perform the same [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability]] multiple times.\\ | |
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| However, repeatedly performing the same [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability]] is physically and mentally demanding. Whenever a [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Character]] performs the same [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability]] more than once during the same [Round], they trigger [[:Game Mechanics:Exhaustion]]. If they are acting as the [Crew] of a [Vehicle], they trigger [Overload] instead.\\ | |
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| [[:Game Mechanics:Exhaustion]] and [Overload] represent the increasing strain caused by repetition and typically result in additional [[:Ratings:Strain]] or [Systems] [[:Game Mechanics:Damage]], as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]].\\ | |
| </WRAP> | |
