Ten Hut! Military Rank Values...

[Dragyn]

Does anyone else remember the Pyramid article called Ten Hut! that had a different price structure for military rank that combined the priveleges, reputation, and 'pull' into one number?

I'm working on a military/sci-fi game based around Marines. In an earlier brainstorm on the game (in 3e) I used the figures from Ten Hut!

What do you guys think about using the same point values for rank in 4e?

[lvdogma]

Originally Posted by Fragwulf

Does anyone else remember the Pyramid article called Ten Hut! that had a different price structure for military rank that combined the priveleges, reputation, and 'pull' into one number?

I'm working on a military/sci-fi game based around Marines. In an earlier brainstorm on the game (in 3e) I used the figures from Ten Hut!

What do you guys think about using the same point values for rank in 4e?

This one?

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[Dragyn]

Yep, that's the one, alright. :> When I had to end my pyramid membership I saved all my favorites. Now that I'm getting into 4e, I may renew the subscription.

So, what do you think about using these values in 4e? Should they be adjusted?

[Diomedes]

Originally Posted by Fragwulf

Yep, that's the one, alright. :> When I had to end my pyramid membership I saved all my favorites. Now that I'm getting into 4e, I may renew the subscription.

So, what do you think about using these values in 4e? Should they be adjusted?

Since the normal value for Military Rank is the same, it would probably still work as before.

[lvdogma]

Originally Posted by Fragwulf

Yep, that's the one, alright. :> When I had to end my pyramid membership I saved all my favorites. Now that I'm getting into 4e, I may renew the subscription.

So, what do you think about using these values in 4e? Should they be adjusted?

I've read about six similar "house rules" for GURPS rank and this one is the most realistic. I think the point costs are valid in both version of the game and applicable to a situation where all the PCs are members of a unified military.

You most likely have considered this already: My experience is that no one player should be able to purchase 'authority' at character creation. In a Fantasy game, no-one should start off ennobled. In a military game no-one should start off as an officer above enlisted co-members.

I suggest a separation of 0 to 1 rank levels and at most a 2 rank level difference if the players agree to 'elect' a squad leader. Provided everyone agrees, why not let that player spend his points for that role.

Also players like to feel special and in a similar setting I had 1 story arc (6 games or so) with the group as Enlisted E2-E4. Then a 'birthday cake' game were the players were rewarded with a transfer to a special unit and promoted to Warrant Officers. This gave them there unique feel without removing my NPC Officer tools.

Anyway /unsolicitedadvice.

[Dragyn]

Your points are quite valid, solicited or not. :>

My own thinking about using these rank prices is that it's ok so long as all characters in the game use the same scale.. PC's and NPC's alike... for military rank, at least.

My current plan is to start the PC's off as members of a Fireteam, with an NPC Corporal to run them. So the PC's will have a maximum starting rank of Lance Corporal. As the game moves on, they'll be able to move up into squad level, then platoon level command. The setting even has room for NCO promotion to Commissioned Officers.

The setting is pretty heavily based on the Roger McClintock books by Weber/Ringo, if you're wondering. Captain Ponner, the Commander of the Marine Company in those books, started out as an NCO. The only thing is, I have to decide who gets the M98 Plasma Rifle... :>

[DouglasCole]

Must admit I never thought to see this discussed again. Positively, no less.

[DouglasCole]

One more note: there's an uncorrected erratum in this article. I write:

First Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major tend to be staff positions, while Master Sergeant and Sergeant Major are line positions.

I have this backwards. Command and First Sergeants are LINE positions; Master Sergeant and Sergeant Major are STAFF positions. I think this was pointed out to me by a servicemember.

[Dragyn]

Originally Posted by DouglasCole

Must admit I never thought to see this discussed again. Positively, no less.

It was always one of my favorite articles. :>

[Captain-Captain]

Originally Posted by Fragwulf

Yep, that's the one, alright. :> When I had to end my pyramid membership I saved all my favorites. Now that I'm getting into 4e, I may renew the subscription.

So, what do you think about using these values in 4e? Should they be adjusted?

I'd consider increasing the cost for Sergeant Major of the Army, which at 20 pts is less than a Lt. Colonel's rank.

Question: Who would you rather NOT have as an enemy: A Lt. Colonel or the highest ranking Sergeant in the service?