Radiation rules

Well, radiation certainly rules in the wasteland, but I'm talking mechanics here. I've been going over the radiation rules as I wrote them down a few years ago but the system strikes me as too complicated. The radiation rules in Savage Worlds on the other hand are too basic for the importance of radiation in the Fallout universe. So I've been tinkering with the rules and here's the result. Instead of Rad Resistance being a die type to check against a static number of radiation intensity, it is now a static value (like Toughness) against variable types of radiation damage. Checks are now made every minute of in-game time, instead of at variable intervals.

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.