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Old 09-03-2013, 12:48 PM   #1
Henchman99942
 
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Default (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

A (Starting) Situational Disadvantage is a plot mechanism whereby the players start out in a bad situation that is imposed upon them by the GM through no fault of their own. Typically a S.D. is 'imposed' on new characters that have done no adventuring yet, although it may be possible for some or all of those (S)S.D. listed to happen at the beginning of an adventure to active characters.

The standard example is where all the PCs begin play bereft of any starting money and equipment, and either abandoned along the side of the road or imprisoned by bandits, or marooned on an island or wilderness planet. Their money is gone and will not be returned. And they will have a rough time simply making it back to civilization.

Once back home, their monthly income and their jobs are waiting form them. But their starting funds (or a portion of them) are gone and they have to "make do". This does not affect their wealth level. They simply had a bad turn. Maybe they can get all or most of their starting wealth back by filing an insurance claim or when the criminals that robbed them are caught. Maybe not.

(S)S.D. - dead broke. starting money gone for good.
(S)S.D. - dead broke. 80% starting money returned later on.
(S)S.D. - marooned. players must self rescue.
(S)S.D. - imprisoned. by either authorities or 'bad guys'.

Starting out dead broke in a bandit prison camp doesn't mean the characters start out above the campaign points level. They simply begin with one or more campaign's worth of "pre-earned" adventuring character points.
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Old 09-03-2013, 12:55 PM   #2
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

Is there a question or request for some sort of feedback here?
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Old 09-03-2013, 01:01 PM   #3
Peter Knutsen
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

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Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker View Post
Is there a question or request for some sort of feedback here?
I can't see any.
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Old 09-03-2013, 02:14 PM   #4
sir_pudding
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

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Originally Posted by Henchman99942 View Post
They simply begin with one or more campaign's worth of "pre-earned" adventuring character points.
So you can start with more points than you'd be able to earn in the entire campaign? Doesn't this amount basically to not giving CP awards?

Last edited by sir_pudding; 09-03-2013 at 05:06 PM.
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Old 09-03-2013, 04:23 PM   #5
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

The big question here is whether the characters are going to be getting back to their old lifestyles during game play. If for instance you have the Millionaire from Gilligan's Island, he has gobs of money, but it doesn't do him much good. In GURPS terms, he shouldn't have to buy wealth levels. It may be at most a quirk.

On the other hand, if the character gets clear of his dire circumstances after the initial adventures, and thereafter is able to bankroll to his heart's content, he should pay for his wealth.

If the character is occasionally able to access his resources, you may apply the situational modifiers.
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Old 09-03-2013, 05:04 PM   #6
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

Maybe treat someone like the Millionaire from Gilligan's Island as an Heir, ala Potential Advantages, even if he technically isn't.
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Old 09-03-2013, 11:41 PM   #7
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

I suppose I run a game that uses this .... every adventure starts out with the character naked on an unfamiliar world.

I suppose I don't charge for this, unless you count the mandatory jumping advantage limitations (uncontrollable, unconscious only, naked...)
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Old 09-03-2013, 11:45 PM   #8
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

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I suppose I run a game that uses this .... every adventure starts out with the character naked on an unfamiliar world.

I suppose I don't charge for this, unless you count the mandatory jumping advantage limitations (uncontrollable, unconscious only, naked...)
Sounds like the characters all got hit by an Affliction with Jumper.
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Old 09-03-2013, 11:58 PM   #9
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

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Originally Posted by Nereidalbel View Post
Sounds like the characters all got hit by an Affliction with Jumper.
Right now Melissa feels like she got hit by some kind of afflicton...
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Old 09-04-2013, 09:19 PM   #10
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Default Re: (Starting) Situational Disadvantage

If your campaign has assumed traits, you shouldn't charge for them. If some traits are going to irrelevant, people can't take them. If they'll become relevant, charge for them when they do.
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