Grim Tales Horror Question

[barsoomcore]

Okay, I'm farting around with the Horror rules (because just using any ruleset as written is far beyond my limited capacity) and in reading over the process, it seems to me that it's actually simpler than it seems.

Is this a correct description of the process:

1. DM rolls Horror Threshold
2. Any player whose Charisma is less than the Horror Threshold makes a Horror check. Result according to Table 10-1.

?

In the rules as written, ALL players make Horror checks, even those whose Charisma is higher than the Horror Threshold. As I read the rules, though, those characters suffer no consequences, so why have them make Horror checks?

Am I missing some consequence, or is this two-step process correct?

Grim Tales rocks.

 

[BryonD]

I think you have it correct.

Following the sequence on pg 142 it is possible to roll and horror check and then have that horror check end up being meaningless because the horror threshold was to low for your character.

I guess the idea is that if you roll a Horror check of 1, it can provide some dramatic tension as you pray that the threshold is below your charisma....

But, it makes more sense mechanically to roll the threshold first and only have those characters potenially affected make a check.

As you pointed out, it doesn't really chaneg the result, it just saves some otherwise meaningless die-rolling.

 

[pogre]

ByronD has got it right. I remember talking about the horror rules when Ben was writing GT and one of his key requirements for the system was to add tension and effects without adding needless record keeping to the game. I think it does a pretty good job of it.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

One more vote for dramatic tension!

If Horror checks are used as sparingly as I recommend, the one little extra step is worth the extra time.

You could also do away with the "Fight or Flight" rule, too-- especially if the players end up consistently coordinating their responses.

But it's unquestionably more fun if you keep that step in.

EDIT: And if you do get your players coordinating, you might consider this little twist: If you are the lone dissenter in the Fight or Flight "showdown" (you are the ONLY one who stays or the ONLY one who runs) you get an action point. You'd still have to watch for player collusion, but any meta-rule that gets the players competing against each other is a-ok in my book.

I'm evil that way...

Wulf

 

[barsoomcore]

Thanks, everyone -- and good point on the tension-ramping. Appreciate the insights.

It's a great system. Wish I'd had it when I was running my Skull & Bones game!