Challenges: Broken Down
Challenges will present a scenario that can be used in most any context. This is the first in a series intended to make overland travel a bit more interesting that just getting from point A to point B. Each challenge will include a brief setup of the events, the appropriate genres (if any), and some sample methods of resolution for two or three systems.
Set Up
The party is, for some reason, traveling through the wilderness between two settlements. Somewhere along the line, something breaks, leaving them on foot if they can't find a way to get things running again.
Test #1: Don't Crash
The vehicle suddenly stops working, meaning there's a chance of losing control and crashing. The first goal is to not crash, or at least survive the crash if one does occur.
Savage Worlds
Appropriate Skill: Drive
Target Number: 7
Failure to meet or exceed the target number means the driver has crashed. All characters in the vehicle suffer a D6 damage per 10 mph of speed over 30 mph minimum of D6. The damage may be Soaked.
Mini 6/d6
Appropriate Skill: Drive
Target Number: 13
Failure to meet or exceed the target number means the driver has crashed. All characters in the vehicle suffer 1D damage per 10 mph of speed over 30 mph minimum of 1D. The damage can be reduced by Soak.
Palladium
Appropriate Skill: Pilot (appropriate to vehicle)
A failed roll means the driver has crashed. All characters in the vehicle suffer 1D6 damage per 15 mph of speed, minimum of 1D6.
Test #2: Troubleshooting
Once the first test has been resolved, the characters need to figure out how to get back under way. To diagnose the problem, the characters need to make a successful skill roll.
Savage Worlds
Appropriate Skill: Repair
Target Number: 4
Failure to meet or exceed the target number means the mechanic no idea what the problem is. A critical failure means the mechanic has misdiagnosed the problem.
Mini 6/d6
Appropriate Skill: Repair
Target Number: 11
Failure to meet or exceed the target number means the mechanic no idea what the problem is. A critical failure means the mechanic has misdiagnosed the problem.
Palladium
Appropriate Skill: Basic Mechanics
A failed roll means the mechanic has no idea what the problem is. A cricital failure means the mechanic has misdiagnosed the problem.
Roll a D6 to determine the cause of the trouble:
| Roll | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Out of fuel: The vehicle has run out of fuel. More will need to be scavenged or, in the case of a solar-powered vehicle, a minimum of 6 hours to charge the vehicle. |
| 2-3 | Minor engine trouble: A filter or intake is clogged, frayed wire, or other minor engine trouble. Access to a basic toolkit and a normal skill roll will get the party on their way. |
| 4-5 | Broken parts: An axle or other critical component is busted. The players need a replacement or will need to jury-rig something together. |
| 6 | Major engine trouble. Any attempt to repair the problem is made with a minor penalty. |
Resolution
It will vary greatly with the genre, but in general, the characters should be able to scrounge together parts and jury-rig what they need to limp into their destination.
Savage Worlds
Appropriate Skill: Repair
Target Number: 6 (8 if major engine trouble was rolled)
Mini 6/d6
Appropriate Skill: Repair
Target Number: 11 (13 if major engine trouble was rolled)
Palladium
Appropriate Skill: Basic Mechanics, Automotive Mechanics, Jury-Rig
Penalty: -10% (if major engine trouble was rolled)