Teaching the Matrix to Play Modos RPG

GMMichael

Guide of Modos
Soo... I wanted Adobe's AI to check my document, Modos 2 Free Edition, for personal metadata. The first step of that was to enable the AI Assistant, which promptly read the whole document up and down.

Well, shoot. I wonder if it can play the game now?

So, I asked. "Do you know how to play Modos RPG now?" It says, "yes," and gives me 17 keys points of the game. Huh. So I give it a toughy: "can I use an action to block an enemy's attack, even if it's not my turn?" And it explains to me that the action is called a "reaction," gives me 4 steps in implementing that reaction, and then tells me, "reactions allow you to defend yourself or take other immediate actions in response to an enemy's move, adding a dynamic element to combat."

Now I want Adobe AI to be on my marketing team, but I've run out of freebie questions to ask.

So I move over to GPT-4o. It's not allowed to read books, apparently, so I have to explain Modos 2 to it. It responds well to my points, even responding with an emphatic, "hooah!" It's a little shy about making choices, giving me the options that its character, Boromir (a name I had to give it), might choose, and letting me make the choices. It takes more of a GM's tone than a PC's tone, describing more story outcome than a PC typically would, but it's thorough with its role-playing outputs. It also made some D&D-based assumptions, like suggesting that Boromir had to account for Armor Class (which is not a Modos RPG rule), but otherwise took to the game as well as Adobe's AI, and as well as my more studious new players!

Here's the transcript, Matrix chat is red (for obvious reasons):
Have you read Modos 2?


I don't have the ability to read or access specific texts, including "Modos 2." However, I can provide information or discuss themes, characters, or concepts related to it if you give me some context or details about the work. Let me know how I can help!


In Modos RPG, you role-play a story with other players. One player, called the Guide of Modos (or GM), sometimes asks for contests from players. A contest is a d20 roll versus the GM's d20. Do you understand?


Yes, I understand! In the Modos RPG, players engage in storytelling and role-playing, with one player acting as the Guide of Modos (or GM). When contests occur, players roll a d20 (a 20-sided die) and compare their results against the GM's roll. The outcome of these rolls can determine the success or failure of actions taken by the players in the game. If you have specific questions or need more information about the mechanics or gameplay, feel free to ask!


Your character has a Physical score of 14, which has a bonus of +2. When you roll a Physical Contest, you add your Physical bonus to your d20 roll. Hooah?


Hooah! In that case, if your character has a Physical score of 14 with a +2 bonus, you would roll a d20 and then add 2 to the result for your Physical Contest. This total would then be compared to the GM's roll to determine the outcome of the contest. If you have more questions about the mechanics or gameplay, feel free to ask!


What is your character's name?


As an AI, I don't have a character or personal identity in the context of role-playing games. However, if you'd like to create a character together or need help coming up with a name or backstory, I'd be happy to assist! What kind of character are you thinking about?


Your character is named Boromir. He has a longsword that does d10 damage.


Great choice! Boromir sounds like a strong character. With a longsword that deals d10 damage, he would be quite formidable in combat. If you have any specific scenarios or actions you'd like to explore with Boromir, or if you want to develop his backstory, abilities, or other details, let me know! I'm here to help with your role-playing adventure.


Boromir walks into a coffee shop. What does he do?


As Boromir enters the coffee shop, he takes a moment to survey his surroundings. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and the soft chatter of patrons creates a warm atmosphere. Here are a few options for what Boromir might do:

  1. Order a Drink: Boromir approaches the counter and asks the barista for a strong black coffee, perhaps reminiscing about the battles fought and the need for a good pick-me-up.
  2. Engage with Patrons: He might notice a group of adventurers discussing their latest quest and decide to join the conversation, sharing tales of his own adventures and seeking allies for future endeavors.
  3. Relax and Reflect: Boromir could find a quiet corner to sit and reflect on his journey, perhaps writing in a journal or sharpening his sword while enjoying the ambiance.
  4. Investigate: If he senses something unusual in the coffee shop, he might choose to investigate further, looking for clues or signs of trouble.
What direction would you like to take with Boromir's story?


He wants to order a drink, but there's a big, fat man in the way. What does he do?


Boromir, noticing the big, fat man blocking the counter, assesses the situation. He has a few options for how to proceed:
  1. Politely Ask to Pass: Boromir could approach the man and politely ask if he could squeeze by to place his order, using his charm and respectful demeanor to navigate the situation.
  2. Use His Presence: With his imposing stature and confident demeanor, Boromir might choose to assertively but respectfully ask the man to step aside, making it clear that he simply wishes to order a drink.
  3. Engage the Man in Conversation: Boromir could strike up a conversation with the man, perhaps asking about his favorite drink or sharing a light-hearted story, which might encourage him to move aside.
  4. Look for an Alternative: If the man seems unmovable, Boromir might glance around to see if there’s another way to order, such as a side counter or a different barista.
What does Boromir decide to do?


1


Boromir approaches the big, fat man with a friendly smile and says, "Excuse me, good sir. Might I trouble you to step aside for just a moment? I wish to place an order for a drink."
His tone is respectful, and he maintains a calm demeanor, hoping to convey that he means no offense.
The man looks up, surprised by Boromir's presence but also intrigued by his polite request. He glances at the counter and then back at Boromir, considering his response.
What happens next? Does the man step aside, or does Boromir need to take a different approach?



The fat man says, "I'm not moving, twerp."


Boromir raises an eyebrow at the man's response, feeling a mix of surprise and irritation. He takes a moment to assess the situation, weighing his options. Here are a few possible actions he could take:
  1. Stay Calm and Try Again: Boromir could take a deep breath and try to reason with the man again, perhaps offering a compliment or a friendly remark to diffuse the tension.
  2. Use Humor: Boromir might respond with a light-hearted joke, attempting to lighten the mood and encourage the man to move aside without escalating the situation.
  3. Assert His Presence: If the situation calls for it, Boromir could adopt a more authoritative tone, stating firmly, "I do not wish to cause trouble, but I must place my order. Please allow me to pass."
  4. Look for Help: Boromir could glance around the coffee shop for a barista or another patron who might assist in resolving the standoff.
What does Boromir choose to do?


3


Boromir straightens his posture, his voice steady and authoritative as he addresses the big man. "I do not wish to cause trouble, but I must place my order. Please allow me to pass."
His tone conveys both respect and a hint of firmness, making it clear that while he prefers a peaceful resolution, he is not afraid to assert himself if necessary.
The big man looks taken aback by Boromir's presence and the confidence in his voice. After a moment of hesitation, he shifts his weight and grumbles, "Fine, go ahead, but don’t think you can just push people around."
Boromir nods in appreciation, stepping past the man to the counter. He approaches the barista and places his order for a strong black coffee.
As he waits for his drink, he can feel the eyes of the other patrons on him, some impressed by his demeanor, others curious about the interaction.
What does Boromir do next? Does he engage with the barista, look for a place to sit, or perhaps keep an eye on the big man?


The big man pushes Boromir away. Roll a Physical contest.


Alright! Let's roll a d20 for Boromir and add his Physical bonus of +2 to determine the outcome of the contest against the big man's roll.
Boromir's Roll:

  • Roll: [Let's say Boromir rolls a 12 on the d20]
  • Total: 12 + 2 = 14
Now, let's assume the big man also rolls a d20. For the sake of this scenario, let's say he rolls a 10.
Big Man's Roll:

  • Roll: 10
  • Total: 10 (no bonus)
Now we compare the totals:
  • Boromir: 14
  • Big Man: 10
Boromir wins the contest!
As the big man pushes him, Boromir steadies himself, using his strength and balance to resist the shove. He remains on his feet, perhaps even turning the momentum to his advantage.
What does Boromir do next in response to the big man's aggression?



Boromir draws his sword. Roll an initiative contest, which is a d20.


Alright! Let's roll for initiative to see who acts first in this tense situation.
Boromir's Initiative Roll:

  • Let's say Boromir rolls a 15 on the d20.
Now, let's roll for the big man’s initiative. For this scenario, let's say he rolls a 9.
Big Man's Initiative Roll:

  • Roll: 9
Now we compare the totals:
  • Boromir: 15
  • Big Man: 9
Boromir wins the initiative!
With a swift motion, Boromir draws his sword, ready to defend himself. The blade glints in the light of the coffee shop, and the atmosphere shifts as patrons turn to watch the unfolding confrontation.
What does Boromir do next? Does he issue a warning, prepare to attack, or try to de-escalate the situation?



Boromir gets three actions each round, and drawing his sword was one of them. The big man laughs, revealing mail underneath his shirt.


Boromir, now with his sword drawn, assesses the situation as the big man laughs, revealing the mail underneath his shirt. This indicates that the man is more prepared for a fight than he initially appeared.
With two actions remaining in this round, Boromir has several options:

  1. Intimidate: Boromir could use his presence and the drawn sword to intimidate the big man, warning him to back down before things escalate further.
  2. Attack: If Boromir feels that the situation has escalated beyond words, he could choose to make an attack, aiming to subdue the big man quickly.
  3. Defensive Stance: Boromir could take a defensive stance, preparing to react to the big man's next move while keeping his sword ready.
  4. Engage the Patrons: Boromir might call out to the other patrons, asking for assistance or trying to rally them to his side, hoping to de-escalate the situation through social pressure.
What does Boromir choose to do with his remaining actions?


Boromir is in Offensive Posture, where close attacks deal full damage. He can use an action to move to Defensive Posture, which minimizes the damage of close attacks. Or he could attack the big man, hoping the threat will scare him away. What do you do?


Given that Boromir is in Offensive Posture and has the option to attack, he decides to take decisive action. He believes that a show of strength might be enough to intimidate the big man and resolve the situation without further conflict.
Boromir raises his sword, aiming it at the big man, and declares, "You would do well to reconsider your actions, or you will find yourself on the receiving end of my blade!"
With that, Boromir makes an attack against the big man, rolling a d10 for damage if he hits.
Let's roll for the attack:

  • Assume Boromir rolls a 16 on the d20 for the attack roll.
Now, we need to determine if this hits the big man's Armor Class (AC). Given that he has mail underneath his shirt, let's say his AC is 12.
Since Boromir's attack roll of 16 exceeds the big man's AC, the attack hits!
Now, let's roll for damage with the longsword, which deals d10 damage.
Damage Roll:

  • Assume Boromir rolls a 7 on the d10.
The big man takes 7 points of damage.
Boromir's decisive action sends a clear message. The big man, now realizing the seriousness of the situation, may reconsider his approach.
What does Boromir do next, or how does the big man respond?



Good guess, but in Modos RPG, attacks hit automatically unless your opponent uses an action to defend. The big man is not intimidated, so he does not defend. His mail reduces your longsword damage by d8 physical damage.


Thank you for the clarification! In that case, since Boromir's attack automatically hits, we proceed with the damage calculation considering the big man's mail.
Boromir rolled a 7 for damage with his longsword, but the big man's mail reduces that damage by rolling a d8.
Damage Reduction Roll:

  • Let's say the roll on the d8 is a 4.
Now we calculate the effective damage:
  • Initial damage: 7
  • Damage reduction: 4
  • Effective damage: 7 - 4 = 3
The big man takes 3 points of damage from Boromir's attack.
Despite the reduced damage, the big man grunts in pain but remains undeterred, his laughter turning into a scowl. He seems more enraged than intimidated now.
With one action left in this round, Boromir can choose to:

  1. Attack Again: He could make another attack, hoping to subdue the big man quickly.
  2. Move to Defensive Posture: Boromir could switch to a Defensive Posture, preparing for the big man's retaliation.
  3. Attempt to De-escalate: He could try to reason with the big man again, appealing to his sense of self-preservation.
What does Boromir choose to do?


Boromir can save his last action to react to the big man's actions. This includes defense. What does Boromir choose to do?


Given the situation, Boromir decides to save his last action to react to the big man's actions. He senses that the big man is now more aggressive and may retaliate after taking damage.
Boromir shifts into a Defensive Posture, preparing to minimize any damage from the big man's potential counterattack. This way, he can better protect himself while still being ready to respond if the situation escalates further.
As Boromir adopts his Defensive Posture, the big man, now visibly angry, lunges forward to attack Boromir in retaliation.
Let's roll for the big man's attack:

  • Assume he rolls a 14 on the d20.
Now, we need to determine if this hits Boromir's Armor Class (AC). For this scenario, let's say Boromir's AC is 15.
Since the big man's attack roll of 14 does not exceed Boromir's AC, the attack misses!
Boromir successfully defends against the big man's strike, maintaining his composure in the face of aggression.
What does Boromir do next? Does he counterattack, try to reason with the big man again, or take another action?

If you'd like to see what Adobe AI read or try Modos 2 yourself, check it out here (which is why I was looking for metadata):
The book, Modos 2 (free), contains lists that are not in the base game: the gear, powers, NPCs, skills, and perks. Modos RPG is the sum of the rules catalogued at the end of Modos 2, which sadly was free to view over at Obsidian Portal, but now requires an account to view.
 

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