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Chapter 15: Conducting the Game
Powerful Characters
Here and there, a character may become too
powerful, either in relation to the other characters
or the gaming world around them. Many things
may be done to balance the situation. Perhaps a
bandit will steal their silver or a disease will sap their
superhuman Strength. Regardless of what it is that
specifically is so unbalancing about this character in
question, there is always an easy means of a maintaining
game balance.
Powerless Characters
Sometimes players end up with characters
who are simply undesirable. As a general rule, if all
5 abilities together average less than 90, then the
Aedile may consider telling the player to discard the
character and try again.
If characters have survived, advanced several
levels, and are powerless compared to other
characters or the world around them, then they
should consider changing their occupation. Generally,
no compensation should be yielded. If they
have low LP or MP from several low rolls, this is
simply what they have.
Many players become so concerned with the
numbers on their character sheets that they overlook
the fact that this is a role-playing game.
Oftentimes, a character who looks terrible on paper
may be extraordinarily fun to role-play.
Mortification
Unfortunately, not everyone will enjoy this
game. This game is not meant for minors and can
be blunt and non-politically correct in a politically
correct world. If someone is mortified by the inherent
violence or sexual content, then the game
may be unsuitable for them. Whenever possible,
the material and rules for this game have a firm historical
or mythological basis. For instance, a quote
from Homer’s Oddysey reveals the prevalence of
violence and sexual content in much classical mythology,
“…I sacked the city, killed the men, but as
for the wives and plunder, that rich haul we dragged
away from the place -- we shared it round…”
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Maps Many characters adventure and explore.
Both the players and Aedile must be able to communicate
clearly regarding the movement of the
characters. In order to communicate clearly, the
players and Aedile must agree upon the use of certain
symbols and standards. All maps in F.A.T.A.L.,
such as in pre-written adventures, will conform to
the following guidelines for maps.
First, purchase some graph paper.
F.A.T.A.L. does not use hexagonal graphing paper,
only square graphing paper. In a corner of the map,
note the directions. Directions are usually indicated
by an arrow and an ‘N’ to represent North. Nearby,
indicate the scale, such as 1 square equals 5 feet.
Different scales may be selected depending on the
needs of the adventure. Usually, designating 1 square
to equal 5 feet is the most convenient and appropriate.
Map Symbols
Next, consider the map symbols. The map
symbols presented are an incomplete list. Instead,
this list is merely sufficent to develop maps. Additional
symbols may be introduced with different
adventures, and those symbols will be particular to
the adventure in which they are introduced. Note
that for the symbols for doors, a dot appears in the
corner of the symbol. The dot represents the location
of the hinges.