Enter the Machine
Basic Rules
This game is played using a modified version of the FUDGE rules. All rolls are made on 4dF, or 4d3-8.
All ability scores, skills, and powers are ranked on the following scale:
-5 is HORRIBLE. It is physically impossible for you to perform an average task, and a basic task is very difficult for you to perform.
-4 is ABYSMAL. It is almost impossible for you to perform an average task, and a basic task requires great difficulty for you to perform.
-3 is TERRIBLE. You can perform an average task with extreme difficulty, and a basic task with moderate difficulty.
-2 is POOR. You can perform an average task with difficulty, and a basic task requires some effort on your part.
-1 is MEDIOCRE. You can perform an average task with moderate difficulty, and a basic task is fairly easy for you to perform.
+0 is FAIR. You can perform an average task with some effort, and a basic task is very easy for you to perform. A difficult task, however, entails some difficulty.
+1 is GOOD. You can perform an average task without too much effort, and accomplishing a basic task is virtually guaranteed. A difficult task is easier for you than for most people.
+2 is GREAT. You can perform an average task almost without thinking, and a more difficult task only requires some effort.
+3 is SUPERB. You can perform an average task effortlessly, and a difficult task is accomplished with almost no effort. A legendarily-difficult task is possible to accomplish, though not easy.
+4 is EXCELLENT. Accomplishing a difficult task is almost guaranteed, and a legendary task is easy.
+5 or higher is LEGENDARY. You may not gain anything at +5 or higher.
Using the System
Any ability check, skill check, or power check is easy – simply roll 4dF (or 4d3-8) and add your ability/skill/power rank. A result of -2 is a success at a basic level, a result of 0 is success at an average level, and 2 or higher represents success at a great level – you make it look easy, or gain some other effect.
Difficulty: Some checks are more difficult – for example, running up a glass wall is more difficult than running up a brick or wooden wall. Most difficult checks are represented by a -2, although some extremely difficult checks require a -4 or higher. A truly “impossible” attempt may impose a -10 or higher penalty – running up a sheet of paper while wearing spiked shoes, for example.
Roleplaying Bonuses: If you describe your action well, I will almost certainly grant you a +1 bonus to your check – perhaps a +2 if done extremely well.