WTFate

[wtimmins]

So, on this rpg.net thread I've been hammering out and getting ideas for a 'light' Fate version that focuses on the elements I like -- Aspects.

Loosely, 'Will Timmins' Fate' -- or WTFate. ;)

Current version is, more or less (quoting from above link):

Comments

[anarchangel23]

This doesn't look lighter than FATE as it stands.

[wtimmins]

Well, there are no skills (or trappings of skill), stress tracks, or consequences, there are no stunts (which often fill up a lot of rulebook space).

Though I'm planning on adding something LIKE stunts, but much much simpler. (Essentially, 'personal declarations' - facts that always hold true, like 'I have a gun')

[anarchangel23]

Like Burning Wheel's Instincts? I like the sound of that. FATE Stunts don't really spin my wheels. Brad Murray, one of the designers of Diaspora, was ruminating the other day on how he's unsatisfied with stunts and might be on to something better. He didn't really elaborate though.

Those ruminations are in the middle of a long post about tweaking FATE, so it would probably be an interesting read for you.

[wtimmins]

Well, one can use a fate point to declare some trivial thing to be true 'there's a handy fire extinguisher!'
One can use a fate point + an Aspect to declare something more important to be true, 'Dr. Jones, I happen to know you don't speak Hovitos.'

In my view, one useful mechanic would be to have, essentially, a small list of riding 'declarations.' These would function like equipment, but also other things. ('I know a cop')

I'm also thinking of reducing magic and other powers to simple declarations. Spend a fate point with your 'Wizard of the Astral Order,' and you 'have a gun' for the scene (IE: blasty spell).
Again, if you want your blasty spell in every scene without paying for it, then you'd take it as a riding declaration...