|
|
Post by maxstone on Sept 1, 2013 7:48:12 GMT -8
Hi again guys
I'm running a campaign in a big desert area, for the most. I like the "Mad Max feeling" that great sandy oceans and rocky badlands can give. Until this point it was good but now problems arise.
When my PCs will get one scrap car or a couple of ATVs they will be almost immune to random encounters on the "world map", I think. Desert areas offer (almost always) a clear visions of what is in front of the group ( Hub rules state that encounters happen at 100+d1000 m if I remember right). And the same is for big open bad lands and plains in general. Of course, raiders could shoot at the car and combots could "blast 'em with laZers" from the distance, but every other creature will never have a chance to stop a moving vehicle on the run.
With horses maybe the situation would be more balanced, but they still run quite fast.
My question is: can you suggest some ways/ tricks to avoid this kind of invulnerability while travelling on the map ( outside pre-built locations)?
|
|
|
|
Post by providence13 on Sept 1, 2013 12:04:55 GMT -8
Random encounters are a quick method of determining opposition in any rpg. Fantasy, Sci-fi and even Civil War games all have these tables. TME tables are better than most and I love the old school feel. Do you really need them? You have an original map, campaign and I'm sure you have a good idea about what comes and goes in your game world. Maybe a short list of what the PC's might encounter on this particular stretch of road on this particular day.. It wouldn't be unusual for the party in their "Corvette Summer" style hot rod to whizz past something on the road. (Assuming a flat path to call a road.) But they don't have to interact with it. Sometimes an encounter might just be "you spot a caravan in the distance". Perhaps the Reptilius are tired of listening to the PC's cruising around and kicking up dust while spooking the meat slaves. You could always have them scatter or pile stones, like speed bumps or even dig shallow pits. Something as light as leaves and sticks, skins or plywood could be covered with a little dirt to look like the road. A really fast vehicle wouldn't need a very deep pit to warp a wheel or axle or whatever the vehicle uses. Unless they're driving something like this..  |
|
|
|
Post by providence13 on Sept 1, 2013 12:16:53 GMT -8
The opposition could also just reflect sunlight in the driver's eyes. Glass, mirrors, etc could be used on bright and sunny days. None of my PC's have sunglasses.
|
|
|
|
Post by maxstone on Sept 3, 2013 13:08:26 GMT -8
Thanks Providence13  . Yes I could set up particular events or encounters around the map, but I really liked the random charts machanic . In that way one can never know what to expect, not even the GM ! I find it a pity that this aspect looses importance after finding a fast vehicle, but I understand it's realistic and normal to avoid dangers if possible, especially in big desests. In forests/swamps/ruins PCs will still procede on foot so there that's not a problem . Maybe the ability to run from encounters can fasten up the gameplay and give more importance to the main locations in the world, afterall. |
|
|
|
Post by providence13 on Sept 6, 2013 7:40:28 GMT -8
Every GM/game is different. One of my players really likes to have a lot of action in the game. "I'm here to roll dice and fight (not to hear flavor text)"; jokingly. I've found that if I start the session with a fight or at least have them roll HC's or skills, they are more focused on the game. Having most of the encounters planned ahead saves me time. I can think on my feet, but it's faster/better for us to have most of it ready before we play. I like the spontaneity just like you, but I try to give everybody a little bit of what they want. Another player likes exposition and story more than combat. (He wants someone in the party to die so it's dramatic to the story..) It's a balance in my game. Even with modules like Mall of Doom, I have pre-rolled most of the variables. If you haven't read it, the MOD is set up like a choose your own adventure story. That way, someone could use it for solo play. Good idea but I had to get used to it. It's always great to hear about other people's games! We only play 1/month so I live vicariously through you guys on this forum. |
|
|
|
Post by aardvark892 on Sept 28, 2013 16:18:12 GMT -8
Max, have you considered the whole "pot hole breaks an axle, and the party gets jumped while trying to repair it" trick? You can still use random determination of the opposition, but this would put them in a place where they could encounter your bad guys, and yet it isn't sooo much of a game breaker (the axle) that you'd strand them for good!
Just a thought.
Tim
|
|
|
|
Post by maxstone on Sept 29, 2013 2:21:18 GMT -8
Hi Tim! Yes, that's a good idea! But after a bit of thinking, it's better that they CAN avoid encounters. Now that some PCs are over RANK 7 encounters are REALLY dangerous!! ( 14 tusk lizards, 69 bipedal rats, just to state 2!!). Do you use the axle trick? thanks for the help  |
|
|
|
Post by rexbannon on Sept 29, 2013 6:57:08 GMT -8
Also intelligent enemies could anticipate vehicle travellers and prepare traps for them and especially raiders. They could conceal a pitfall in the road or hide in holes roadside a deploy tire stripes when its to late for the pcs to avoid them.
|
|
|
|
Post by maxstone on Sept 29, 2013 7:58:15 GMT -8
Spike strips are absolute EVIL in TME! Considering how hard it is to find/ buy a car , my friends would get mad if I used this trick! ( I will!  ) |
|
|
|
Post by aardvark892 on Sept 29, 2013 14:07:52 GMT -8
Hi Tim! Yes, that's a good idea! But after a bit of thinking, it's better that they CAN avoid encounters. Now that some PCs are over RANK 7 encounters are REALLY dangerous!! ( 14 tusk lizards, 69 bipedal rats, just to state 2!!). Do you use the axle trick? thanks for the help Honestly, I don't even play Mutant Epoch, sad to say. I've been running a 3.5 D&D game as DM here at my house for about six months now, and unfortunately game night is the only night I have available. I am planning on using TME soon for a sideline, one-off game, but I just don't know when that'll happen. I'll admit, though, that I've become quite infatuated with TME and hope to use it soon! |
|
)