I have two standard “Mechanics” that are in effect in any game I ever run. Both are stolen from other games and I would like to thank the creators for putting these genius “rules” down on paper. I reprint them here, with alterations to generic them up, for your consideration.
Let it Ride!
Stolen from Burning Wheel
The Let it Ride! rule says that Game Masters should Let one roll stand for the scenario/situation. Perception tests, Stealth tests, Persuasion tests, any skill or stat that is repeated being tested during a scenario, should be tested once at the beginning. The successes from that test count for the rest of the scenario. But, when conditions change, or players change their course of action, let/make them test anew. If a player succeeds on her Perception test, then that success counts toward all instances where dice would be tossed for Perception for the duration of the scenario until things change. Sometimes that means you will always notice things, whereas other times you will be a dunce. This is not to say you won’t make the same test multiple times, the important thing is that the Game Master describes the scenario changing. No calling for three Stealth tests in a row to sneak across town without explaining why you’re making three rolls.
When your Game Master calls for the SAME roll for a second time without describing how your conditions have changed then its your job to yell out “LET IT RIDE!” and repeat your last results to him. Of course if that first roll was piss poor you might want to just keep your fool mouth shut.
Don’t be a Dick
Stolen from Houses of the Blooded
This rule states that if you find a way to interpret a rule that clearly damages the play environment, sabotages other people’s fun or is just plain nonsensical, don’t use the rule in that way. I fully endorse taking stuff from players who decide to be dicks. Of course, a warning is fair. Sometimes, we get caught up in the drama of the moment. Sometimes, our characters’ motivations seep into our own. Sometimes, those characters we play just get the better of us. But, we have to remember that what we’re doing is building a story, and sometimes, the hero doesn’t win. Sometimes, the hero loses. But then, sometimes, the player is just a dick. Don’t be a dick.
