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Message: <blockquote data-quote="aramis erak" data-source="post: 8132036" data-attributes="member: 6779310">Cortex is a problem to look up, because it's three different engines... from essentially 2 design teams.All the Cortex Systems use ratings in dice sizes, rather than fixed numbers. All use a resource called plot points.Cortex classic is grab stat die and skill die, roll them and total, compare to a difficulty number. Hitpoints for damage, but otherwise fairly traditional. Games include Battlestar Galactica, Serenity, Sovereign StoneCortex Plus is a more narrativist design. Still ratings in dice... largely assumes rolling 3-10 dice of various sizes and picking which two are used for success, and one of the leftovers as a damage size in some flavors. All Cortex Plus games are heavily adapted cores with the following commonalities:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">3 Distinctions. Each is rated d8. You have the option, if a distinction would be negative, to use it as a d4, instead, and gain a plot point. (not true of Smallville)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">two character defining abilities besides distinctions, ranging from d4 to d12<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">MHRP: Affiliation (d6 to d12), Powers (d4 to d12), specialties (skills, really) d6.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Firefly: Attributes, Skills, Specialties</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Leverage: Attributes, Roles</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Smallville: Values, Powers, Relationships</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assets: gear and such, usually d6, sometimes d8</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Firefly has special abilities for distinctions and for signature assets. MHRP has them for power sets.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Standard pool assembly modes in each game; in all, plot points can be used to add extra dice<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">MHRP: the relevant Affiliation, one power from each power set, one distinction, one specialty, one asset. If opponent has damage, the current damage as well as a freebie</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Firefly: 1Attribute, 1 skill, one specialty of that skill (if any), 1 distinction, 1 asset, 1 relevant scene condition, 1 relevant damage complication</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Leverage: 1Attribute, 1 Role, 1 Distinction, 1 Asset.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Smallville: 1 value, 1 relationship, 1 asset</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">1's on dice generate complications and provide plot points.</li> </ul>Cortex Prime is a toolkit... it's really seeming to be a second edition of the Cortex Plus Hacker's Guide...  Cam has, however, streamlined several things, at least based upon the preview on the Cortex Prime website and for Masters of the Universe. There's enough there on the website to actually use as a quickplay in his "Hammerheads" setting - a pastiche of Thunderbirds Are Go! It very close to Cortex Plus, but just enough to trip one up. Still, assemble pool, pick 2 to count for success total, one for damage/effect size.While I'm fond of Firefly, the streamlining of Cortex Prime is probably for the better.If you want to see the "spotlight" (quick play preview): <a href="https://www.cortexrpg.com/compendium/hammerheads-spotlight/" target="_blank">Cortex Tabletop Roleplaying Game | Fandom Tabletop</a></blockquote>

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