A few people asked me how the StoryMax system fits in the Precis Intermedia lines of rules and how it compares to Story Engine. Here's a checklist of features.
1. It's all about the Descriptors. There are no fixed attributes. Instead, every character is built around custom descriptions of abilities, relationships, and knowledge. Descriptors can also be magnified, which means that they are considerably better than that of the average person. While Story Engine also uses Descriptors to describe characters, there are four fixed attributes (Mind, Matter, Spirit, and Chaos).
2. Success is never impossible, though unlikely, except when it comes to direct competition in which one side is clearly far outmatched. There are always two dice pools, one for each side of the conflict, even when one side is the environment or a scene. Both sides roll the dice. The highest rolled die is now what is important, counted for each side. The side achieving the most rolled of this high die wins. This means that a really lucky roll can still beat poor odds. However, when one side of a competition far outmatches the other by having magnified abilities that are relevant to the roll, those magnifications count as automatic high dice. When this happens, rolling enough high dice to counter such opposition is very hard -- and rightfully so, because magnifications represent huge differences in ability. Story Engine requires a certain number of odd results on the dice to be rolled, making success impossible to achieve for extreme difficulties.
3. Prop, backdrop, and scene descriptors can be used to increase the number of dice rolled. For example, a crowbar could add another die to the roll or a magic flaming sword could add 3 extra dice. By the same token, trying to hit someone at extreme range would add 4 extra dice to the opposing roll. Story Engine works similarly in this regard.
4. Descriptors can also be burned to roll extra dice. This can lead to bidding wars akin to a test of wills, with each side burning their descriptors in turn to one-up the other. One side can also burn his opponent's own disabilities to roll extra dice. Each descriptor (and each magnification) can be burned once per game. Again, Story Engine works similarly in this regard.
5. Conflict works the same whether it's physical, mental, or social. And if the outcome is successful enough, an exploit can be utilized, such as causing distress, taking a hit for an ally, or inspiring others to greatness. While Story Engine utilizes varying degrees of success, the outcome is typically narrated for effect. Exploits are similar to how they are handled in the genreDiversion 3E rules.
6. Temporary and momentary descriptors can be applied to characters and scenes. If a character is affected by a magical spell that slows him down, the "slow as molasses" descriptor (a disability) is applied for the duration of the spell, for example. While this is possible with Story Engine, the outcome is typically less codified, being applied as a bonus/penalty.
7. Gimmicks are elements that do not typically apply to task rolls. Such examples include immortality, no need to sleep, and lacking a conscience. Traits/gimmicks are utilized by Story Engine in a similar manner.
8. Hero points can be spent to roll an extra die, act more quickly, perform an extra task during a turn, break a tie, or negate an exploit or other detrimental effect. Story Engine uses story points to similar effect.
9. An optional deck of cards can be used with StoryMax to enhance the cinematic qualities. These are similar to the cards used with Masterbook/Shatterzone. There are two types of cards: Flair and Drama cards. Flair cards augment tasks with bonuses/penalties in particular situations, either by adding high dice, extra dice, or other bonuses/penalties. Drama cards provide roleplaying opportunities that a player may wish for his character. These are not automatic, as playing a drama card is merely an invitation for the director to introduce the event at a later time. Cards may also introduce a situation that effects one side of a conflict for the current scene. Story Engine does not uses cards.
And the short link to StoryMax is rpg.deals/storymax |
