In game what is the actual difference between Engineering and Technology. I feel like there is probably an 80% overlap with these 2 skills. What is a determining factor by the story runner on choosing what roll an action takes? Thanks!

  On 9/7/2021 at 5:23 PM, karmajay said:

In game what is the actual difference between Engineering and Technology. I feel like there is probably an 80% overlap with these 2 skills. What is a determining factor by the story runner on choosing what roll an action takes? Thanks!

Per the rules, it seems to be a matter of the size of the object in-question (Though I agree that there is too much overlap between the two Proficiencies (such that which one is used in a given situation is really entirely MM-dependent).). 
 

So, Engineering is the operation and construction of larger machines (think mechanical engineering and construction equipment) and knowledge regarding practical sciences. Technology is the operation and construction of small machines (such as cameras and drones) and knowledge regarding theoretical science.

That was my understanding too. Engineering is like fixing a car's broken axel, but tech would be fixing the wiring that makes the radio keep playing randomly. Coding is the other similar one, but I think the distinction there is moving from hardware to software.

Also really appreciating the tough battles you're throwing, still, WBD. Definitely makes people learn the system quick! I think the impulse is to attack, but I like that there are boost, defense, and even flee options that are equally useful. Does make the battle feel diverse, and again, I think as CP builds up a little bit we'll start to see people really specialize (as you said in the FAQ, Yelena and Zaria are pretty close hitters at this point, but that probably won't be true depending what paths they pursue).

  On 9/7/2021 at 5:23 PM, karmajay said:

In game what is the actual difference between Engineering and Technology. I feel like there is probably an 80% overlap with these 2 skills. What is a determining factor by the story runner on choosing what roll an action takes? Thanks!

Kintobor's response is the most concrete. There may often be overlap and it sometimes comes down to how you want to describe your character. Sometimes it is a bit of a convincing of a MM that your proficiency is relevant through your description of how you use a skill, but that's the beauty of an role-playing with other real people. Unlike a computer game where there are binary rules, role-playing allows you to try and convince someone that your strategy is relevant. There are still limits, i.e. you may not be able to use Religion to get a door to unlock, but you could approach unlocking a door with a number of different proficiencies, ranging from Athletics (break the door), to Sleight-of-hand (pick the lock), to Engineering (take the hinges off), to Deception (convince someone on the other side you have a package to deliver).

  On 9/7/2021 at 5:47 PM, Zepher said:

Also really appreciating the tough battles you're throwing, still, WBD. Definitely makes people learn the system quick! I think the impulse is to attack, but I like that there are boost, defense, and even flee options that are equally useful. Does make the battle feel diverse, and again, I think as CP builds up a little bit we'll start to see people really specialize (as you said in the FAQ, Yelena and Zaria are pretty close hitters at this point, but that probably won't be true depending what paths they pursue).

The "Try Anything" is an action that I've enjoyed watching people use and it'll be interesting to see how folks find unique uses for their specializations. But yes, the Rally/Defend actions are meant to give people options beyond the simple "I attack".

  On 9/7/2021 at 5:23 PM, karmajay said:

In game what is the actual difference between Engineering and Technology. I feel like there is probably an 80% overlap with these 2 skills. What is a determining factor by the story runner on choosing what roll an action takes? Thanks!

I seem to remember @Waterbrick Down saying that Technology was supposed to be a general-purpose 'science' skill during development, in which case I personally think the name is a tad misleading.

  On 9/7/2021 at 8:31 PM, Duvors said:

I seem to remember @Waterbrick Down saying that Technology was supposed to be a general-purpose 'science' skill during development, in which case I personally think the name is a tad misleading.

I'd have to go through my previous development comments, but I think @Kintobor's definition is probably the best distinction.

I will have an update up for Mission 4 a little later tonight. We're reaching the climax very quickly!

Sorry Missions 1&5 if the photos need resizing. I should have things fixed tomorrow.

I know we've said it ad nauseum, but since we're reaching the climax I'll repeat: I'm really enjoying the vibe of the Mission 4 crew! Haven't done a lot of sharing or asking each other questions, but it's a real jovial and diverse team who clearly has each other's backs.

  On 9/11/2021 at 8:03 PM, Yzalirk said:

Disgusted and appalled at the display of the other heroes desecrating the remains of the Frost Hawks, he remains quiet and to himself.  Though he is not one to judge others, he disapproves.  But he silently commends Polaris for using the slaughtered birds for food.


 

I should point out Polaris was the only one cutting the birds open. Just to get some information out of current eating habits. 

  On 9/12/2021 at 5:59 PM, samurai-turtle said:

I should point out Polaris was the only one cutting the birds open. Just to get some information out of current eating habits. 

But Enson and Aysu were inspecting the inside, so Ronin might consider that as being complicit. 

  On 9/12/2021 at 3:58 PM, Zepher said:

I know we've said it ad nauseum, but since we're reaching the climax I'll repeat: I'm really enjoying the vibe of the Mission 4 crew! Haven't done a lot of sharing or asking each other questions, but it's a real jovial and diverse team who clearly has each other's backs.

I have a lot to say regarding Mission 4, but I'll agree: you guys have been a blast to host.

  On 9/13/2021 at 12:21 PM, Zepher said:

OoC: Very silly question I feel I have to ask in a sci-fi setting: do we have each other's phone numbers?

Merei tries the latch above her, ensuring it is unlocked. She isn't stupid enough to charge ahead without back-up... unless the man seems to be in serious and imminent danger. Which he might be! She tries to use insight to gauge how immediate the very clear danger he is in is.

So, cellular communication is by default not part of the setting. There is wireless transmission, but most of it requires expensive heavy equipment. For short communication most people use a caster who knows the tongues spell.

Mission 4, I'll have an update shortly. I was just about ready to send it out earlier today, until the scheduled one-hour power outage I was notified of last week and forgot about reared it's ugly head, and I lost most of my progress.

  On 9/13/2021 at 7:17 PM, Waterbrick Down said:

So, cellular communication is by default not part of the setting. There is wireless transmission, but most of it requires expensive heavy equipment. For short communication most people use a caster who knows the tongues spell.

Awesome, the more challenges the better. 

We had a very lengthy argument during game development on communication technology, and the consensus we came to was that if you guys had access to that kind of technology, it would kill the mood of missions, so we opted to just not have it in the setting.

Edited September 13, 20213 yr by Kintobor

  On 9/13/2021 at 9:25 PM, Kintobor said:

We had a very lengthy argument during game development on communication technology, and the consensus we came to was that if you guys had access to that kind of technology, it would kill the mood of missions, so we opted to just not have it in the setting.

Hmm while it does not make sense to me from a sci-fi world setting, it does make sense from a gameplay balancing perspective.

  On 9/14/2021 at 6:56 PM, Dutch Thriceman said:

Hmm while it does not make sense to me from a sci-fi world setting, it does make sense from a gameplay balancing perspective.

Yeah, it's the twist between being a sci-fi and a fantasy setting. They do exist they're just not portable and take a lot of power. Hence most people use magic for long distance communication. Game play wise, phones tend to take a lot of tension out of a scenario because you can simply know exactly what is happening or remove any potential confusion from a situation. Super helpful in real-life suspense killing in stories.

  On 9/14/2021 at 6:56 PM, Dutch Thriceman said:

Hmm while it does not make sense to me from a sci-fi world setting, it does make sense from a gameplay balancing perspective.

Simply put, they were decided against because they made certain aspects of a play-by-post game cumbersome and awkward. If this were a game played in live sessions it would be a less problematic addition.

  On 9/16/2021 at 12:38 AM, Endgame said:

"300 credits, that's-"

"500, you gotta be kidding me here, you-"

"400 credits?! That's - well, less than 500, actually, but I feel like I've never even made 400 credits total in my lifetime."

Decker takes a step back and turns to his party.

"Well, friends, I dunno about you, but I'm thinking a few things. One, this hero business is overrated, and we should definitely just become sled guides on this planet. We'd make a killing. Second of all, I'm not too sure if we even have 100 credits to our name combined. I currently got... carry the two... zero." Decker remarks glumly. "Think they'll take the feathers?"

So it occurred to me, the party could simply leave with the Cricet's money and actually come out more ahead than completing the mission.

As I was listening to this;

I kept thinking of Heroica:GATS, I vibe like GATS and Synthwave go well togheter

  On 9/17/2021 at 8:58 PM, Waterbrick Down said:

MM Note: Thanks for your patience folks, we're waiting for Mission 1 to wrap up so that Missions 6 & 7 have some variety of players. Sign-ups will close once they return which should hopefully be shortly.

I apologise for holding things up! 😬
 

@The Legonater @Kintobor @Classic_Spaceman

Just a quick note; Illusory Clone only absorbs attacks, it does nothing against, say, grappling attempts.

  On 9/16/2021 at 6:01 PM, Dutch Thriceman said:

As I was listening to this;

[Video]

I kept thinking of Heroica:GATS, I vibe like GATS and Synthwave go well togheter

I was recently thinking that myself!  I love listening to a lot of Synthwave playlists on YouTube.  I can't exactly put my tongue on it but Synthwave and Heroica: GATS just feels right.