[7:35 PM]Libra: My name is Ben Collet, and I am the author, creator, (and CEO) of Worlds Within!1
[7:36 PM]Libra: (I wrote up an intro in preparation to drop in here!)
[7:36 PM]Libra: Introducing Worlds Within, the tabletop RPG that puts you in control of your adventure, your way. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or just starting out, this game is tailored to your imagination. In Worlds Within, the emphasis is placed on ultimate character customization. So if you want to be a silent hero with magical music, a genetically-engineered supersoldier battling through a grimdark universe, or even a humble rancher taking on the world alongside a quirky armageddon of farm animals, you can create just that. Your story, your way. With simple rules and limitless possibilities, Worlds Within is designed for 2 to 5 players (optimally) and works with any setting or character. Ready to embark on your journey? Join our community, team up with friends, and start crafting your world at worldswithin.net. When you back our Kickstarter, you’ll gain complete access to the Worlds Within Rulebook, including example creatures, items, abilities, guides to design your own, and an intuitive roll chart to streamline gameplay. Additionally, you’ll get the Abridged Guide for quick rules reference, character sheets, and more! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this gaming revolution. Visit worldswithin.net and support our Kickstarter today. Together. Explore. Your adventure begins within.1
[7:37 PM]Libra:Β Our website: https://worldswithin.net/ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worldswithinrpg/worlds-within-simple-to-learn-easy-to-play-fun-to-explore?ref=4l6wn5 All links: https://bit.ly/m/WorldsWithinKickstarterWorlds WithinWorlds Within: Simple to Learn, Easy to Play, Fun to ExploreUnparalleled character customization alongside refreshingly new rules for both the beginner and veteran β your adventure, your way.
Welcome! – Link-in-bioWorlds Within: Simple to Learn, Easy to Play, Fun to ExploreUnparalleled character customization alongside refreshingly new rules for both the beginner and veteran β your adventure, your way.
[7:38 PM]Libra: (done)
[7:38 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Thanks, @Libra! The floor is open to questions!
[7:38 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Does this system include a setting, or has it perhaps been applied to any settings?
[7:40 PM]Libra: It incorporates all settings seamlessly! We have personally tested it in fantasy, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, steampunk, and so on! It’s been a lot of fun!
[7:40 PM]Libra: (done)
[7:41 PM]Dan the GMshoe: (The (done) isn’t necessary after the intro, but thank you! )
[7:41 PM]Libra: Gotcha π
[7:41 PM]Libra: If I may expound a bit further(edited)
[7:41 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Please do!
[7:41 PM]Libra: Thank you!
[7:44 PM]Libra: In addition to the system applying to any setting, we are also developing premade Adventure settings to share in the future, given enough time and funding! So the answer is doubly applicable, as it’s not only a versatile system. More is developing every day for you, the community!(edited)
[7:46 PM]Grimmzorch: Is there a minimum amount of pits that have to be applied to one of the 4 starting stats?
[7:46 PM]Libra: Did you mean “points”?
[7:46 PM]Grimmzorch: Points
[7:46 PM]Grimmzorch: Yeah sorry
[7:46 PM]Libra: Gotcha π np!
[7:48 PM]Libra: If the subject in question is a living, thinking creature, yes! A minimum of 1 point is required in each Attribute. If the subject is in fact an object, such as a rock, simply assigning Power is sufficient. Further stat distribution isn’t necessary! The game mechanics function the same.(edited)
[7:50 PM]Libra: On that note, let me share our character sheet to give a point of reference for said statistics.(edited)
[7:50 PM]Libra: (Kudos to our esteemed Editor and Graphic Designer, Zanna!)244
[7:51 PM]Libra: Our “few-but-fierce” team is comprised of me, Andrew, Zanna, Braden, and our recent addition, Russ!31
[7:52 PM]Libra: (I’ll just add a little info about each of them here for your convenience)
[7:52 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Certainly!
[7:52 PM]Libra: Thanks!
[7:54 PM]Libra: Andrew has been the loyal and trusted friend that’s been on this road with me since the beginning. He’s helped playtest, crunch data, develop, encourage, research, market, etc. He’s one of the first to nudge me to turn this into more than just a private game!3
[7:55 PM]Libra: Zanna, as has been said, is our professional Editor and Graphic designer. She is tireless and uncontested in the quality and volume of wonderful work she produces! (You may have caught some of this on our site, but in case you missed it, we’ll add it in here!)
[7:57 PM]Libra: Braden is our lead Software Engineer, and IT wizard. He’s incredibly proactive and supportive, and continues to surprise us with every layer of technical development he produces each week. The site? It was these guys. The app? Braden did that…just for fun! The list goes on.1
[7:59 PM]Libra: Finally, Russ has volunteered to donate some of his highly-sought-after time (just this past week or so, so we don’t have a cool bio-pic yet π ) as a front-end website developer and general IT-wizardry henchman to Braden :D(edited)33
[8:00 PM]Libra: I suppose we’d best throw my bio snapshot up to, while we’re at it. Zanna, if you please π
[8:00 PM]Dan the GMshoe: I must say, that’s a fine-looking crew.2
[8:00 PM]Libra: Thank you!
[8:00 PM]Zanna: Plus this guy!322
[8:00 PM]Libra: They are!…except that last one there…(edited)2
[8:00 PM]Libra: …xD2
[8:00 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Lmao
[8:01 PM]Sir Durpsalot: I got a question
[8:01 PM]Libra: Shoot
[8:01 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Ask away, @Sir Durpsalot!(edited)
[8:01 PM]Libra: (And thanks all for your patience!)2
[8:02 PM]Sir Durpsalot: So is it possible for players to make broken characters? Like taking certain classes and races to get the best stats? And just make it less enjoyable for the rest of the party?
[8:03 PM]Libra: That is possible in every system, but we have worked especially hard on addressing game balance in a unique way. To help me answer this, I’m going to sample from our intro!
[8:04 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Oki cool!
[8:05 PM]Libra: (I’ll just post the whole thing here, and highlight the main point after)
[8:05 PM]Libra: Worlds Within is a tabletop role-playing game created from both our minds and hearts. We believe that a good balance between a gameβs mechanics and aesthetics determines how fun it can be. Our aim has therefore been to design a system that restores the balance between rules and roleplay. This system is intended as a minimalist framework for facilitating collaborative storytelling, endeavoring to impose rules only when helpful. As such, our core mechanics outright omit and replace much of the micromanagement you might find in other systems. We focus on emphasizing the significance of player choices and character qualities, rather than incremental statistics. Our combat experience is condensed and streamlined, yet the subtle interplay between statistics allows for striking realism and elegance. In place of predetermined character levels and abilities, our rules empower your ability to create your character the way you want, when you want. Weβve worked to empower both roleplay and dice rolls. The goal of this game is not to provide fun through impregnability, but through creativity and cooperation. This system emphasizes quality of relationships and rules rather than quantity. We have found that by placing trust in each other’s hands, we create the kind of relationship of responsibility between a group and Narrator that should be the standard in any game. Play. Have fun. And together, explore Worlds Within!31
[8:07 PM]Libra: (While you read) As you see, instead of hyperfixating on limitations and general regulations for gameplay, we turn it around. We’ve found that when you give people enough creative gameplay “power”, the focus stops being on how best to optimize and “win”, and becomes “what is it that I actually want?”
[8:07 PM]Libra: furthermore, every thing you can make, others can make, so by allowing the ultimate freedom, we built in the ultimate balance.
[8:07 PM]Libra: PLUS
[8:07 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Ah ha! That makes sense!
[8:07 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Cool!
[8:08 PM]Alphamicron: On the adaptable abilities: If you don’t use the few example abilities, is it up to the player to come up with their own classes and abilities from scratch?1
[8:08 PM]Libra: We centered the game around Ability design, so the whole point is to make cool news things, and we took care to make them feel balanced, fun, and unique, regardless.
[8:08 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Can you describe the core mechanic for us?2
[8:10 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Plz ^ ^3
@AlphamicronOn the adaptable abilities: If you don’t use the few example abilities, is it up to the player to come up with their own classes and abilities from scratch?[8:12 PM]Libra: In a word, yes, the onus is on you to make your Abilities. Make no mistake, we started to make piles of premade abilities, but early on decided that we wanted to to things differently. A vast majority of other TTRPG books out there are just oceans of premade rules, content, abilities, creatures, spells, etc. We don’t want to be like that and sell you a plethora of books. We cropped down on the examples (although there are still plenty!) to really encourage you to break away from the confining limitations of previous system mechanics, and focus on your creativity!3
[8:12 PM]Libra: So there aren’t classes! And we love it!
@Dan the GMshoeCan you describe the core mechanic for us?[8:12 PM]Libra: Define “core mechanic” for me, Dan-my-man.
[8:14 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Well, to use our fallback example, how would you adjudicate whether a character can make a jump over a gap?
[8:14 PM]Libra: Got it!
[8:15 PM]Libra: Like most TTRPGs, we use a dice roll in conjunction with the corresponding Attributes to determine the outcomes of what we call Challenges (“Checks”, in other systems)
[8:15 PM]Alphamicron: We could use the example of the shattered plains and the 20-30 foot chasms and crevasses
[8:17 PM]Libra: (That’s a great idea, Alpha, haha) That is where the similarities end, however, as we intentionally deviate from mainstream systems by using 2d6. Let me borrow from another FAQ I have here…(edited)
[8:17 PM]Libra: “2d6 (plus relevant attribute/s) are rolled to either meet a set Challenge Rating (a static number assigned to a Challenge by the Narrator) -OR- -2d6 (plus relevant attribute/s) are rolled in a Contest against another opponent”(edited)1
[8:18 PM]Silverlion: Like Traveller?
[8:18 PM]Silverlion: So it would be 2d6+ what? in this case?
[8:21 PM]Libra: (I haven’t played Traveller) So in the case of a typical, “you-vs-the environment” Challenge, you would roll 2d6 + one of the 4 individual attributes—in the aforementioned chasm example, it would likely be either your Strength or Agility, determined by your Narrator (our more intuitively name version of a “DM/GM”, for the non-gamer)(edited)
[8:22 PM]Libra: In the case of a Contest (a you-vs-another-creature type of challenge) You roll your 2d6 + relevant Attribute, and they do the same, and you compare. The one defending wins on a tie.
[8:23 PM]Silverlion: What are the general Target Numbers? Are there examples?
[8:23 PM]Libra: Finally, in a Combat scenario, characters roll 2d6 + either their Body or Spirit scores (their combined Attributes)
[8:24 PM]Libra: (Catching up folks! Let me know if I miss anything! Typing π
[8:24 PM]Dan the GMshoe: (You’re doing just fine. )
[8:25 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Whatβs spirit ?
[8:26 PM]Libra: (Thanks!) Instead of copious “+1 +2, -1 -2” to rolls, what acts as the central mechanic to modify your attributes is the Ability system, which dictates whether you make an unskilled, skilled, Intensified, or even an Overwhelming rolls.11
@Sir DurpsalotWhatβs spirit ? [8:27 PM]Zanna: “All Abilities draw energy from Spirit, which represents both the physical and metaphysical resources that empower your actions. Characters can replenish Spirit with rest or recover more with items and equipment.”
[8:27 PM]Libra: (My Editor here is going to help grab some of the info to help expedite replies)(edited)
[8:27 PM]Silverlion: (I simply set task numbers and ditch modifiers in my game, so I get you it gets pedantic to micro-manage TN’s)1
@Silverlion(I simply set task numbers and ditch modifiers in my game, so I get you it gets pedantic to micro-manage TN’s)[8:28 PM]Libra: (Inorite?)
@Zanna”All Abilities draw energy from Spirit, which represents both the physical and metaphysical resources that empower your actions. Characters can replenish Spirit with rest or recover more with items and equipment.”[8:28 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Gotcha!
[8:28 PM]Libra: We made a system that has that fix built as the standard, among many, many other things. But I digress.
[8:28 PM]Dan the GMshoe: What is the attribute scale for a “normal” unaugmented human?
@SilverlionWhat are the general Target Numbers? Are there examples?[8:30 PM]Libra: To answer an earlier query, general target numbers are either a Challenge Rating which a Narrator sets for a character to “meet or beat”, or the aforementioned Contest target number, which is determined by an opponent’s instigating roll (which also needs to be met or…beaten…x)
@LibraTo answer an earlier query, general target numbers are either a Challenge Rating which a Narrator sets for a character to “meet or beat”, or the aforementioned Contest target number, which is determined by an opponent’s instigating roll (which also needs to be met or…beaten…x)[8:31 PM]Silverlion: So the GM sets them all? Alright.
@Sir DurpsalotWhatβs spirit ? [8:31 PM]Libra: (thank for the help Zanna!)
[8:31 PM]Silverlion: How does the game do special abilities, like magic, superpowers, and so on?
@SilverlionSo the GM sets them all? Alright.[8:31 PM]Libra: The “Narrator” only needs to set the ones that don’t involve direct interactions with other creatures.
[8:33 PM]Grimmzorch: Is there a chart or examples to help the Narrator set those numbers?1
@Dan the GMshoeWhat is the attribute scale for a “normal” unaugmented human?[8:33 PM]Libra: A normal unaugmented human would likely fall under the starting range of 10 Power (our equivalent of starting power)(edited)
[8:33 PM]Kier: hello! Sorry I’m so late! I had this at 7:30 MST – not the actual 6:30 MST (I was teaching the youngens the ancient art of the German Longsword..)2
[8:33 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Welcome, @Kier! Glad you could make it!(edited)2
@LibraThe “Narrator” only needs to set the ones that don’t involve direct interactions with other creatures.[8:35 PM]Zanna: Plus, it’s super easy to determine what targets to use to make a Challenge easier or harder for the adventurers. (There’s a simple formula for that.)21
@SilverlionHow does the game do special abilities, like magic, superpowers, and so on?[8:35 PM]Libra: To quote from the book: “Abilities are personalized techniques characters learn to increase their effectiveness. Conceptually, Abilities can be physical, mental, magical, or spiritual in natureβor anything you can imagine! Abilities should enable characters to do something they otherwise couldnβt, enhancing Actions using system mechanics. They should also be closely tied to a particular theme or aesthetic and developed through roleplay (in the characterβs past, present, or future.) Mechanically, Abilities allow players to roll both dice (where applicable) to attempt to affect targets in a way their Ability describes. Recall that Actions without Abilities, equipment, or other aid require players to set the value of one die to 1 and roll only the other. (See βUnskilled Rolls & Assistance,β page 9.) Often, a relevant Ability is necessary to even attempt a particular Action.”2
@SilverlionHow does the game do special abilities, like magic, superpowers, and so on?[8:35 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Piggybacking on @Silverlion’s question, am I correct that everything from skills to powers are player-defined Abilities?
@Dan the GMshoePiggybacking on @Silverlion’s question, am I correct that everything from skills to powers are player-defined Abilities?[8:35 PM]Kier: the Short answer is yes.
@GrimmzorchIs there a chart or examples to help the Narrator set those numbers?[8:35 PM]Zanna: Yes!
[8:35 PM]Libra: (just posted the reply above there for more detail too!)
[8:35 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Thatβs cool!
@Sir DurpsalotThatβs cool![8:36 PM]Libra: Thank you!
[8:36 PM]Libra: We realized, “why complicate this”?
[8:36 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Itβs kinda like creating your own super hero and super powers
[8:36 PM]Libra: That’s certainly in the realm of possibility in this game! π2
[8:37 PM]Dan the GMshoe: So that being the case, what’s preventing a player from creating an exceeding broad Ability like, say, “Combat.” Or, for that matter, what’s preventing the player of a wizard from creating a Nuke Freakin’ Everything spell?
[8:37 PM]Silverlion:Β Believe me I understand. (I did the same thing. Though I gave tons of examples)
[8:37 PM]Libra: And, it lends to realism; We don’t have classes, we just have our abilitities, which define our corresponding skillsets and empahsis
@Sir DurpsalotItβs kinda like creating your own super hero and super powers [8:37 PM]Zanna: But without endless math. 2
@ZannaBut without endless math. [8:38 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Whew
@Dan the GMshoeSo that being the case, what’s preventing a player from creating an exceeding broad Ability like, say, “Combat.” Or, for that matter, what’s preventing the player of a wizard from creating a Nuke Freakin’ Everything spell?[8:38 PM]Silverlion: Telling the player no?
@Sir DurpsalotItβs kinda like creating your own super hero and super powers [8:38 PM]Kier: Thats one ofthe big things of the system – is it is completely setting agnostic. We have run Star Wars, Traditional Fantasy, and even have characters based on some of our favorite book seriese and they all work fine.2
@Dan the GMshoeSo that being the case, what’s preventing a player from creating an exceeding broad Ability like, say, “Combat.” Or, for that matter, what’s preventing the player of a wizard from creating a Nuke Freakin’ Everything spell?[8:39 PM]Libra: We have a detailed—but simple!—guidelines on how to create your Abilities1
@KierThats one ofthe big things of the system – is it is completely setting agnostic. We have run Star Wars, Traditional Fantasy, and even have characters based on some of our favorite book seriese and they all work fine.[8:39 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Thatβs awesome
[8:39 PM]Libra: it’s not as broad as define what you do an you’re done. You are limited in your Ability design by the amount of Power you have.
[8:40 PM]Libra: Which brings me to Power: “Power is the sum total of a characterβs Attributes and capabilities. Throughout play, characters are awarded Power incrementally by the Narrator. The players assign this Power into their Attributes: Body, the combination of Strength and Agility; and Spirit, the combination of Intelligence and Willpower. Figure 1.1 shows this numeric relationship.”(edited)
[8:41 PM]Libra: (Also, HI KIER! Sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. I’ve been typing up a storm here)221
[8:41 PM]Libra: (Kier = Andrew)
[8:41 PM]Dan the GMshoe: @Libra Are you up for some friendly advice from someone who’s been around the gaming block a time or two?
@SilverlionTelling the player no? [8:41 PM]Kier: You’re not wrong – going back to the opening statement Libra Posted – We want to push more on trusting your players and your Narrator (not setting up an antagonistic relationship from the beginning) So its important to understand what type of game from the onset you all want to play. — However there are checks as Libra is discussing — There certainly are limitations on what a single ability can TRUELY do depending on your power.(edited)
@KierYou’re not wrong – going back to the opening statement Libra Posted – We want to push more on trusting your players and your Narrator (not setting up an antagonistic relationship from the beginning) So its important to understand what type of game from the onset you all want to play. — However there are checks as Libra is discussing — There certainly are limitations on what a single ability can TRUELY do depending on your power. (edited)[8:42 PM]Silverlion: Indeed
@Dan the GMshoeSo that being the case, what’s preventing a player from creating an exceeding broad Ability like, say, “Combat.” Or, for that matter, what’s preventing the player of a wizard from creating a Nuke Freakin’ Everything spell?[8:43 PM]Zanna: That sounds like multiple “Effects” to me. Plus, anything extremely powerful/effective will cost accordingly.
@ZannaThat sounds like multiple “Effects” to me. Plus, anything extremely powerful/effective will cost accordingly.[8:44 PM]Dan the GMshoe: So there’s a cost to taking an Ability like Ranged Weapons instead of just Pistol?
@Dan the GMshoe@Libra Are you up for some friendly advice from someone who’s been around the gaming block a time or two? [8:46 PM]Libra: Please do advise!(edited)2
@Dan the GMshoeSo there’s a cost to taking an Ability like Ranged Weapons instead of just Pistol?[8:48 PM]Libra: Abilities cost Power to develop. Items are their monetary equivalent, functioning in much the same way in terms of game mechanics, but costing crafting time, resources, and appropriate knowledge. In this way, we reuse the same Power system for both, liberating players from having to learn a whole new mechanic for yet another facet of gameplay.(edited)
@ZannaClick to see attachment[8:49 PM]Sir Durpsalot: One more question and Iβm done hahaha, but do the knowledge skill rank up?
@Sir DurpsalotOne more question and Iβm done hahaha, but do the knowledge skill rank up?[8:49 PM]Libra: Keep them coming! No need to be “done!”
@Dan the GMshoeSo there’s a cost to taking an Ability like Ranged Weapons instead of just Pistol?[8:50 PM]Zanna: If an Ability has multiple Effects/benefits, it’s going to require more investment. More is more. Simple as that.
[8:50 PM]Dan the GMshoe: I’d advise caution when using aspects like “no classes” or “2d6” as selling points. Especially the former. Classless games got their start in 1978 with RuneQuest, and there are all manner of dice systems out there. Basically, I’d avoid presenting your game as “Not D&D,” because it may give the impression that you have limited familiarity with the hobby as a whole. By all means tell folks that you use 2d6 and don’t have classes — just don’t present those aspects as big innovations. Does that make sense? Trying not to sound harsh here.
@Dan the GMshoeSo there’s a cost to taking an Ability like Ranged Weapons instead of just Pistol?[8:51 PM]Kier: Abilities in general are affected by how many “effects” they have – so if you have an ability that say you want to light someone on fire – that is one “effect” if you also want this ability to weaken anyone that is On fire that is a second effect and thus will cost additional power and actions to use.(edited)
@Dan the GMshoeI’d advise caution when using aspects like “no classes” or “2d6” as selling points. Especially the former. Classless games got their start in 1978 with RuneQuest, and there are all manner of dice systems out there. Basically, I’d avoid presenting your game as “Not D&D,” because it may give the impression that you have limited familiarity with the hobby as a whole. By all means tell folks that you use 2d6 and don’t have classes — just don’t present those aspects as big innovations. Does that make sense? Trying not to sound harsh here. [8:52 PM]Libra: That’s great advice. And no worries at all. The 2d6 mechanic was never meant to be implied as the “innovative” part. The rest is what we were focusing on π1
@KierAbilities in general are affected by how many “effects” they have – so if you have an ability that say you want to light someone on fire – that is one “effect” if you also want this ability to weaken anyone that is On fire that is a second effect and thus will cost additional power and actions to use. (edited)[8:53 PM]Dan the GMshoe: So how general could, say, weapon categories be before becoming different “effects”? I’m thinking in terms of “short swords,” “swords,” “bladed weapons,” “melee weapons,” etc.
[8:53 PM]Libra: We are proud of it being less mainstream than current iterations however, plus it’s allowed us to capitalize on unique functionality, such as rolling doubles :O2
@LibraThat’s great advice. And no worries at all. The 2d6 mechanic was never meant to be implied as the “innovative” part. The rest is what we were focusing on π[8:53 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Fair enough!
@Dan the GMshoeI’d advise caution when using aspects like “no classes” or “2d6” as selling points. Especially the former. Classless games got their start in 1978 with RuneQuest, and there are all manner of dice systems out there. Basically, I’d avoid presenting your game as “Not D&D,” because it may give the impression that you have limited familiarity with the hobby as a whole. By all means tell folks that you use 2d6 and don’t have classes — just don’t present those aspects as big innovations. Does that make sense? Trying not to sound harsh here. [8:54 PM]Silverlion: and Traveller (1977 and classless ;D)
[8:54 PM]Silverlion: That’s cool. I look forward to this game.
[8:56 PM]Silverlion: So do you have any ‘killer apps’ i.e settings in the works for the game?
[8:56 PM]Libra: No doubt, there are numerous, NUMEROUS systems out there. None of us here in Worlds Within think everything we have here is “the first time anyone’s ever thought of this”. Our claim is that we are endeavoring to innovate for our time here and now without borrowing from anyone else. We love and respect our predecessors, in every system. They paved the way for us today!1
@Dan the GMshoeSo how general could, say, weapon categories be before becoming different “effects”? I’m thinking in terms of “short swords,” “swords,” “bladed weapons,” “melee weapons,” etc.[8:56 PM]Kier: So for abilities and weapons we break it down by damage type. – each different damage type you want to do is a different effect. So if you want to be an amazing swordsman for instance – you might make an ability that buffs your ability to do slashing damage – and you can describe that as using a bladed weapon.
@SilverlionSo do you have any ‘killer apps’ i.e settings in the works for the game?[8:57 PM]Libra: We sure do! Our “techno-bard” might even be willing to comment on that himself, if he’s available @bdodroid no pressure though ;P
[8:58 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Interesting. So that would apply if you favored a scimitar or a cutlass, while a traditional longsword might require both slashing and impaling abiliites.1
@Sir DurpsalotOne more question and Iβm done hahaha, but do the knowledge skill rank up?[8:58 PM]Zanna: “In place of rolling dice, Worlds Within uses a tiered, expandable Knowledge system based on a characterβs statistics and personal experience. This approach more effectively reflects what characters know and learn.” So, yes, Knowledge “ranks up” from student, to expert, to master, but you don’t roll to know things. You roll to DO things. Sometimes knowing something makes doing things easier (or possible at all), but knowledge never adds arbitrary numeric “pluses” or “minuses.”
[8:58 PM]Libra: The bottom line is, yes, we have a super slick game app that takes care of tracking all of your character’s stats, rolls, etc. But Andrew is pointing out to me via voice that I may have misunderstood the question, haha
@Zanna”In place of rolling dice, Worlds Within uses a tiered, expandable Knowledge system based on a characterβs statistics and personal experience. This approach more effectively reflects what characters know and learn.” So, yes, Knowledge “ranks up” from student, to expert, to master, but you don’t roll to know things. You roll to DO things. Sometimes knowing something makes doing things easier (or possible at all), but knowledge never adds arbitrary numeric “pluses” or “minuses.”[9:00 PM]Dan the GMshoe: So how would you determine if an archeologist can decipher an ancient text, for example?
@Dan the GMshoeInteresting. So that would apply if you favored a scimitar or a cutlass, while a traditional longsword might require both slashing and impaling abiliites.[9:00 PM]Kier: Depending on how you word it yeah – Or a longsword your really good at the cut with and can still use it for slashing attacks yes – but if you specifically want to stab with it – yes you cant use that ability unless you have spent more to up your stabbing ability (speaking as a swordsman – it really is hard to train up stabbing vs just going for cuts.) haha
@Zanna”In place of rolling dice, Worlds Within uses a tiered, expandable Knowledge system based on a characterβs statistics and personal experience. This approach more effectively reflects what characters know and learn.” So, yes, Knowledge “ranks up” from student, to expert, to master, but you don’t roll to know things. You roll to DO things. Sometimes knowing something makes doing things easier (or possible at all), but knowledge never adds arbitrary numeric “pluses” or “minuses.”[9:00 PM]Sir Durpsalot: Oki awesome ^ ^1
@Dan the GMshoeSo how would you determine if an archeologist can decipher an ancient text, for example?[9:00 PM]Libra: That’s easy! Knowledge!
[9:00 PM]Libra: I’ll add an excerpt(edited)
[9:02 PM]Libra: Oh nevermind, Zanna beat me to it!
[9:02 PM]Libra: I’ll repost her reply.(edited)
[9:02 PM]Libra: “In place of rolling dice, Worlds Within uses a tiered, expandable Knowledge system based on a characterβs statistics and personal experience. This approach more effectively reflects what characters know and learn.” So, yes, Knowledge “ranks up” from student, to expert, to master, but you don’t roll to know things. You roll to DO things. Sometimes knowing something makes doing things easier (or possible at all), but knowledge never adds arbitrary numeric “pluses” or “minuses.”(edited)
[9:02 PM]Libra: there it is
[9:03 PM]Libra: @everyone (Please keep the questions coming! Come one come all! Bring your friends and their questions! :)(edited)1
[9:04 PM]Libra: @Alphamicron Did you want further explanation on your earlier Chasm question?
[9:04 PM]Dan the GMshoe: I’m still unclear on how that works in practice, though. Does the Narrator simply assign a level of expertise required to decipher the text?
@Dan the GMshoeI’m still unclear on how that works in practice, though. Does the Narrator simply assign a level of expertise required to decipher the text?[9:04 PM]Libra: Oh I see!
[9:05 PM]Libra: It’s an immersive, character development question(edited)
[9:05 PM]Libra: Player asks, “Hey, can i decipher that?”
[9:05 PM]Libra: Narrator says, “What Knowledge/s do you have, and what level?”
[9:06 PM]Libra: Player replies “I have these Linguistics Knos. at these levels (either Student, Expert, or Master)
[9:07 PM]Libra: Narrator determines if they apply. What’s really cool is that there’s never the issue of a Barbarian rolling a 20 and knowing more about a subject the Wizard studied all his life
[9:07 PM]Libra: it’s immersive
[9:07 PM]Libra: faster
[9:07 PM]Libra: and intuitive
[9:08 PM]Dan the GMshoe: So it’s a judgment call from the Narrator?
[9:08 PM]Libra: Plus it keeps you thinking in character. The player can respectfully inquire further and as, “Well, would my other knowledge perhaps relate, due to pertaining [reasons]”?
[9:08 PM]Libra: and the Narrator could say, you know what, yeah, that totally helps!
[9:09 PM]Libra: In part
[9:09 PM]Alphamicron: You mentioned a combat scenario vs a challenge rating. Would jumping the 20ft gap have a different role or modifier if the character was under duress? Combat vs just an obstacle to overcome for example.
[9:09 PM]Libra: You also have tiers to Knowledge, that broaden and deepen understanding. So the judgement call, as it were, is extremely intutive and easy to make.2
@AlphamicronYou mentioned a combat scenario vs a challenge rating. Would jumping the 20ft gap have a different role or modifier if the character was under duress? Combat vs just an obstacle to overcome for example.[9:11 PM]Libra: There isn’t a difference in jumping the gap if you are in combat or otherwise, no. But whether you are attacking someone with a leaping kick, or just competing in a long jump, determines whether you use your individual Attributes, or combined.(edited)
[9:12 PM]Dan the GMshoe: There are a number of generic systems out there that say they can handle “anything,” and that’s partially true — they can handle anything through the lens of that system. For example, GURPS can handle “anything,” but whatever it handles is going to be relatively gritty. So my question to you is: What flavor would you say Worlds Within adds to genres to which it’s applied?
[9:12 PM]Libra: (Combined Attributes are for Combat, Individual for non-combat, as a refresher)
@Dan the GMshoeThere are a number of generic systems out there that say they can handle “anything,” and that’s partially true — they can handle anything through the lens of that system. For example, GURPS can handle “anything,” but whatever it handles is going to be relatively gritty. So my question to you is: What flavor would you say Worlds Within adds to genres to which it’s applied?[9:18 PM]Libra: First of all, we are confident in saying our system handles situations with greater simplicity; We don’t add more and more HP, rolls, numerical modifiers, alternative mechanics, etc. Secondly, Our system emphasizes realism through realistic development, so it caters to more environments with similarly enhanced realism. Finally, because we kept the math bloat out, every point counts for more. When roll and attack resulting damage on our chart, it means more (and as a side note, accuracy is ALWAYS better, unlike some mainstream “hit and damage” mechanics). This means that our game is more “bursty” and exciting, so it caters well to any setting where you want to value consequences of both competence and catastrophe more acutely.2
@LibraThere isn’t a difference in jumping the gap if you are in combat or otherwise, no. But whether you are attacking someone with a leaping kick, or just competing in a long jump, determines whether you use your individual Attributes, or combined. (edited)[9:19 PM]Alphamicron: I see, so if you were to attack a flying creature in the chasm mid jump would be a combined attack, whereas disengaging from an opponent to jump over the gap would be and individual attribute role. And the Challenge Rating of those rolls would be determined by the Narrator or the creature being attacked. And if you were to jump the chasm, attack the creature then complete the jump it would be two rolls that take individual actions. something like that?2
[9:19 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Do you offer examples of various paranormal abilities, like magic, psionics, and superpowers?
@AlphamicronI see, so if you were to attack a flying creature in the chasm mid jump would be a combined attack, whereas disengaging from an opponent to jump over the gap would be and individual attribute role. And the Challenge Rating of those rolls would be determined by the Narrator or the creature being attacked. And if you were to jump the chasm, attack the creature then complete the jump it would be two rolls that take individual actions. something like that?[9:19 PM]Libra: You got it!
@Dan the GMshoeDo you offer examples of various paranormal abilities, like magic, psionics, and superpowers?[9:20 PM]Libra: Yes!
@Dan the GMshoeDo you offer examples of various paranormal abilities, like magic, psionics, and superpowers?[9:20 PM]Libra: And equipment
[9:20 PM]Libra: And creatures
[9:20 PM]Libra: Just enough to give you an idea, but not so many as to discourage you from making your own!
[9:21 PM]Libra: We also go in detail about all ability creation
[9:22 PM]Libra: as well as have a step-by-step guide on how to build them
[9:23 PM]Libra: Abilities also let you scale them on the fly; So if you know how to do a big fire blast with the Area Modifier, you can choose to use it without the “Superior” Mod., and it would cost less Spirit energy by consequence(edited)
[9:23 PM]Libra: and then leter, if you want to add a different damage option to that same Ability, well, you can!
[9:24 PM]Libra: You can do anything, make any racial “trait”. You just pay for it all.
[9:24 PM]Alphamicron: Thanks for hosting the q&a @Dan the GMshoe, love the discord channel! I gotta dip to put the kiddos to bed. Thanks @Libra and team for the insight as well!2
[9:24 PM]Libra: It’s all accounted for and balanced
@AlphamicronThanks for hosting the q&a @Dan the GMshoe, love the discord channel! I gotta dip to put the kiddos to bed. Thanks @Libra and team for the insight as well![9:24 PM]Libra: Thanks Alpha! Thanks for your questions and support! Have a great night!
[9:25 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Take care, @Alphamicron!
[9:26 PM]Libra: You can even account for upgrades that you don’t “buy” with Power, through a “Conditional Modifier” system that allows you to take a drawback to gain a free ability upgrade.(edited)
[9:26 PM]Libra: Letting you really lean into those creative juices π
[9:26 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Hmm. You know, I sometimes run pickup games using settings created on the spot from player input and run using a modified version of the simplistic Over the Edge system. This one might be better for that, though.
[9:27 PM]Libra: We would be honored if you want to try it.
[9:27 PM]Libra: I’ll talk it over with the team, but I think we could agree on getting you some special, “early-access” goodness π
[9:27 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Nice.
[9:28 PM]Dan the GMshoe: For now, in the time remaining, is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to bring up?
@LibraI’ll talk it over with the team, but I think we could agree on getting you some special, “early-access” goodness π[9:28 PM]Zanna: (I refuse. Lol. j/k)2
[9:29 PM]Libra: Let’s see, we covered the 4 pillars I think: Core stats (Attributes), Challanges/Combat, Knowledge, and Abilities?
[9:29 PM]Libra: I do have one request!
[9:30 PM]Libra: Tell @everyone! (edited)
[9:30 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Heh.
[9:30 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Thanks very much for joining us, folks!
[9:30 PM]Dan the GMshoe: Usual reminder: If you’ve enjoyed this Q&A and would like to treat me to a coffee or two, you can do so at https://www.ko-fi.com/gmshoe. Anything’s appreciated! Ko-fiBuy Dan Davenport a Coffee. ko-fi.com/gmshoeBecome a supporter of Dan Davenport today! β€οΈ Ko-fi lets you support the creators you love with no fees on donations.
[9:30 PM]Libra: Yes, thank you so much Dan, Silverlion, and the whole community!
[9:31 PM]Dan the GMshoe: If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll get the log posted and link you!1
[9:31 PM]Libra: Stay tuned to our website and social media! We have a sample example encounter headed your way!