I've also rethought the effects of radiation poisoning, and while the result is more complex than the -1 penalty to all rolls , just like wounds or fatigue, it is now closer in line with how radiation poisoning works in the crpgs, and perhaps a bit more distinct. Also simplified is the Incapacitation due to radiation; it's now a straightforward Vigor check, with any more bizarre results (like becoming a Ghoul, Glowing One, etc) relegated to the Harder to Kill edge from standard Savage Worlds.
Finally all items, Hindrances and Edges to do with Rad Resistance have been changed accordingly.
I'd be interested to know what you guys think!
Radiation
Rad(iation)
Resistance reflects to what extent the character is shielded from the
detrimental effects of exposure to nuclear radiation. Rad Resistance functions
as a Toughness value for radiation damage. The base value for a human character
is Vigor divided by 4, rounded down. Ghouls have a high radiation resistance,
and can withstand Low or Medium radiation area’s, but do experience negative
effects from High or Lethal doses of radiation. They have a base Rad Resistance
of 6. Super Mutants are immune to all forms of radiation. Characters can
additionally have Edges, Hindrances, items or chems that modify Rad Resistance.
There are 4
levels of radiation intensity: Low, Medium, High and Lethal. Characters take a
certain amount of radiation damage every minute (10 rounds of combat) they
spend in an irradiated zone. The effects from radiation are tracked in a
different Incapacitation track, called Rad Poisoning. If the radiation damage
received equals or exceeds the character’s Rad Resistance, he/she receives 1
level of Rad Poisoning. Some creatures emit or have attacks which cause
radiation in such doses as to be hazardous.
Radiation
damage should be rolled in secret by the Overseer. Characters can find out the
atmospheric radiation level by using a Geiger Counter, PipBoy or similar
devices. Glowing Ones can sense variations in radiation level as a feeling of warmth.
|
Radiation level
|
Radiation damage
|
|
Low
|
1d4
|
|
Medium
|
1d6
|
|
High
|
1d8
|
|
Lethal
|
1d12
|
A human or
Ghoul character can get 3 levels of Rad Poisoning before they are Incapacitated.
When a character becomes Incapacitated he/she must make a Vigor check. Success
indicates the character survives; failure results in death. Characters with the
Harder to Kill Edge may survive in case of a failed Vigor check; a human
character becomes a Ghoul; a Ghoul character randomly gains the Glowing One or
Feral Hindrance.
The effects
of Rad Poisoning are as follows. The effects of multiple levels are cumulative.
A lowered Trait affects linked attributes such as Toughness and Encumbrance
Limit as well.
|
Rad Poisoning level
|
Effects
|
|
1
|
Very nauseous, fatigued; Strength drops 1 die type
|
|
2
|
Vomiting, hair loss; Agility and Vigor drop 1 die
type
|
|
3
|
Skin loss; All Traits drop 1 die type, -2 Charisma
|
|
4
|
Intense agony; Incapacitation
|
The only way
to reduce Rad Poisoning is by taking RadAway or visiting a clinic in a major
town for radiation purge treatment. There are also said to be certain rare,
edible fungi and fruits that absorb radiation.
