A reaction roll is a roll made by the GM to determine how NPCs react to the PCs. This roll is always optional; the GM may predetermine reactions. But (at least some of the time) it's more fun to let the dice control the reactions.
To check reactions, the GM rolls 3 dice and consults the Reaction Table (below). The higher his roll, the better the NPCs will react, and the better treatment they will give the PCs.
Reaction rolls are typically made in potential combat situations, during commercial transactions, in response to requests for aid or information, and to determine the attitude and loyalty of NPC hirelings.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Reaction Table
Roll 3 dice and apply any reaction modifiers.
0 or less: Disastrous. The NPC hates the characters and will act in their worst interest. Nothing is out of the question: assault, betrayal, public ridicule, or ignoring a life-or-death plea are all possible.
1 to 3: Very Bad. The NPC dislikes the characters and will act against them if it's convenient to do so: attacking, offering grossly unfair terms in a transaction, and so on.
4 to 6: Bad. The NPC cares nothing for the characters and will act against them (as above), if he can profit by doing so.
7 to 9: Poor. The NPC is unimpressed. He may make threats, demand a huge bribe before offering aid, or something similar.
10 to 12: Neutral. The NPC ignores the characters as much as possible. He is totally uninterested. Transactions will go smoothly and routinely, as long as protocol is observed.
13 to 15: Good. The NPC likes the characters and will be helpful within normal, everyday limits. Reasonable requests will be granted.
16 to 18: Very Good. The NPC thinks highly of the characters and will be quite helpful and friendly, freely offering aid and favorable terms in most things.
19 or better: Excellent. The NPC is extremely impressed by the characters, and will act in their best interests at all times, within the limits of his own ability I perhaps even risking his life, wealth, or reputation.
0 or less: Disastrous. The NPC hates the characters and will act in their worst interest. Nothing is out of the question: assault, betrayal, public ridicule, or ignoring a life-or-death plea are all possible.
1 to 3: Very Bad. The NPC dislikes the characters and will act against them if it's convenient to do so: attacking, offering grossly unfair terms in a transaction, and so on.
4 to 6: Bad. The NPC cares nothing for the characters and will act against them (as above), if he can profit by doing so.
7 to 9: Poor. The NPC is unimpressed. He may make threats, demand a huge bribe before offering aid, or something similar.
10 to 12: Neutral. The NPC ignores the characters as much as possible. He is totally uninterested. Transactions will go smoothly and routinely, as long as protocol is observed.
13 to 15: Good. The NPC likes the characters and will be helpful within normal, everyday limits. Reasonable requests will be granted.
16 to 18: Very Good. The NPC thinks highly of the characters and will be quite helpful and friendly, freely offering aid and favorable terms in most things.
19 or better: Excellent. The NPC is extremely impressed by the characters, and will act in their best interests at all times, within the limits of his own ability I perhaps even risking his life, wealth, or reputation.
Reaction Modifiers
A reaction bonus is a factor which makes the NPCs more friendly; a reaction penalty is something that will make them less friendly. There are several types of reaction modifiers:
First, many PCs will have personal modifiers for appearance, social standing, etc., that add to (or subtract from) reaction rolls.
Occasionally, the situation can also result in a reaction modifier. Offering someone a bad business deal, or trying to convince someone not to attack you when youJre badly outnumbered, might give you a penalty. Offering a good deal, or dealing with an old and trusted hireling, could give a bonus. This is left up to the GM.
Finally, appropriate behavior by the players should always influence reaction rolls. A good approach should be worth a +1 modifier I or more! I while a wholly inappropriate approach might give a -1 or -2 penalty on the reaction roll.
First, many PCs will have personal modifiers for appearance, social standing, etc., that add to (or subtract from) reaction rolls.
Occasionally, the situation can also result in a reaction modifier. Offering someone a bad business deal, or trying to convince someone not to attack you when youJre badly outnumbered, might give you a penalty. Offering a good deal, or dealing with an old and trusted hireling, could give a bonus. This is left up to the GM.
Finally, appropriate behavior by the players should always influence reaction rolls. A good approach should be worth a +1 modifier I or more! I while a wholly inappropriate approach might give a -1 or -2 penalty on the reaction roll.
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