Ablative NPCs - a neat little game mechanic

[Freedom Canadian]

The other day, Maddman was telling me about this optional rule from All Flesh Must Be Eaten. Basically, assuming I got that right, you have PCs protecting a bunch of more-or-less helpless NPC survivors from zombie attacks. And when dice indicate that a PC would die (which can be quite common if you have one-bite-and-you're-infected zombies), then a NPC dies instead. Thus, you increase your PC's chances of surviving to the end while giving them an incentive to keep these helpless people alive (they are like extra lives).

I love it. It's elegant and rewards gameplay that follows genre tropes.

I just thought that this rules would also work great in a military type RPG campaign (which, non coincidentally, I might be running in the next 6 months if I can find players - I'm looking at you Trainz (yes, it would be D20)).

[Trainz]

It sounds interesting.

We'll discuss it at next poker game.

[Freedom Canadian]

Sure. I'm in no hurry. I just bought the book in question at Gen Con.

When is the next poker game ?

(I'm moving back on the island in two weeks. It will make it much easier for me to attend activities on week nights.)

[Trainz]

When is the next poker game ?

I just moved, so we still got a few weeks of renovating to do.

Soon.

(I'm moving back on the island in two weeks. It will make it much easier for me to attend activities on week nights.)

That's good news. Maybe you'll be able to attend our wednesday D&D game.

[Freedom Canadian]

I'll also have a lot of things to take care of.

For one, I have no furniture except a fridge, a tv (with AV cabinet) and my computer desk.

That's good news. Maybe you'll be able to attend our wednesday D&D game.

We'll see. It's a possibility.

[Maddman]

I've not tried it, I got the idea off RPGnet. For AFMBE or any survival type game where there will be all kinds of noncombatant civilians milling about, it gives the PCs a good reason to look after and protect them. You're using the NPCs as Action Points essentially.

It'll work better I think if the GM works to give them personality and get the PCs attached to them, then still use them for zombie food. :D

[Trainz]

I'm not really into zombies myself, but FC mentioned a military-type game, that might be interesting.

Apparently I'm more into Ernies...

[SHARK]

Sure. I'm in no hurry. I just bought the book in question at Gen Con.

When is the next poker game ?

(I'm moving back on the island in two weeks. It will make it much easier for me to attend activities on week nights.)

Greetings!

Freedom Canadian, You bastard!:D

I'd love to have a game with you'all. Fuck. Unfortunate that you live way up there!

*SHARK lights up a fine Arturo Fuente Opus X cigar, slowly puffing it, and sips a good cup of Irish coffee.*

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

[Trainz]

Greetings!

Freedom Canadian, You bastard!:D

I'd love to have a game with you'all. Fuck. Unfortunate that you live way up there!

*SHARK lights up a fine Arturo Fuente Opus X cigar, slowly puffing it, and sips a good cup of Irish coffee.*

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

Yo!

You'd be more than welcome anytime dude, by the off chance you'd pass by!

*Trainz types this phrase on his black Microsoft keyboard*

*He unfolds his leg, its starting to get numb*

*His left foot now rests on his subwoofer under his desk*

*He rubs his eyebrows, clearly starting to feel tired at this ungodly hour, then goes to type that he rubs his eyebrows, but then he pauses, scratching an itch on his forehead. THEN he proceeds to type all this, but not without taking a pause before typing the word THEN because his nose also happened to be itchy by then, which he proceeded to promptly scratch before finishing this here phrase*

Kawabunga,

TRAINZ



/schtick stealer

[doc]

What is the game FC ?

* Doc scratches his balls and hungers for Taco Bell*