Strange Aeons: Second Edition...

[LidlessEye]

Perhaps a slight tweak to the double-barreled shotgun, currently a bit of a no-brainer inclusion. Two fire modes; "give 'em both barrels" (using the current two shots & requiring an action to reload) and a single shot (with the standard shotgun profile).

I was recently doing a bit of research (I know next to nada about firearms) and realized how backwards we have the single and double barreled shotguns.  Double-barrel should be a break-action weapon that requires reloading when both barrels are fired, and I think the cost could be reduced to 1 point in that case.  Potentially very nasty in the hands of a model with Lightning Fast though.

[Mr. Peabody]

Good points oh Lidless One and Ballardian.

Tracking ammo or shots fired would introduce some atypical book-keeping. This is off the top of my head, but how about giving the 'Spread' and 'Ready' special rules to the Double Barrel? This would allow both barrels to unload on one target or for two targets each to get a single barrel. Then pray and reload.. Would kill this gun as an 'Alert' weapon though.

That said, is there a need at all for a 'Reload' special weapon rule? A full 2 action activity? That would open things up for a bit of black-powder, perhaps tame some of the big guns and not mess with Alert...

2¢ from #64

[LidlessEye]

I'm loathe to introduce a second rule so similar to Ready, but this does present a challenge.  Ready quite specifically requires an Action prior to taking a shot.  This makes sense for weapons that require advance prep, like setting up a tripod, focusing a scope, inserting a shell, etc, but it doesn't really reflect the need to pop the weapon open and reload after taking a shot.  If I was writing it in a vacuum (ie. not concerned about interaction with existing rules), it'd look something like this:

Unload - This weapon may double it's Rate for one Shooting Action. However, an additional Action must be expended to reload the weapon before it may be fired again.

[Mr. Peabody]

Yup, that describes it very well. Tidy, too.

Are there any other firearms / weapons it could or should apply to?

[LidlessEye]

Hmm, could add it to the Hand Cannon, changing the rate to a fixed 3D.  Nothing else immediately springs to mind, though I expect it'd be useful for more modern weapons: automatic pistols, assault rifles and the like.

[Mr. Peabody]

Then it adds depth to, or extends the system. Unload can be more than just a patch for the 2xbarrel shotgun. It still begs a small amount of tracking in game, but a totally acceptable amount.

Meanwhile, 2nd Ed. is still going to need muzzle-loading black-powder weapons. 

[Mason]

I think the most important thing for 2nd should be getting the solo rules sorted, as that way we can ALL play SA any time we want.
 

[Mr. Peabody]

Indeed! We need more Autonomous-Fish-Men!

[Van-Helsing]

I think the most important thing for 2nd should be getting the solo rules sorted, as that way we can ALL play SA any time we want.
 

SOLO RULES GOOOOOD!

[Uncle Mike]

Just going through this again. Getting back up to speed on the rules side of things. Many of these suggestions have already been acted on and we begin basic testing next week. But don't let that stop you, please post thoughts and I will begin to be less mysterious in my responses as I become certain about the framework of the Second Edition.

Cult members will be illuminated further in the coming issue of Fhtagn! All hail the Dark Mum! Join us before it is too late!!!

[Van-Helsing]

Im so glad I finally did LoL!

[Uncle Mike]

Played the first 'second edition' game to test the core changes and points spreads. Seemed to work frightfully enough...still couldn't manage to win though...

As we progress and work out the bugs I promise to start up some reports. Got a bunch of new figures on my desk that need to be painted first! 

[Van-Helsing]

Has anyone else noticed that it seems that Games Designers rarely seem to win at their own Games . . . . . .

[LidlessEye]

Uhh, Mike, if you start winning regularly, I think it'll be a sure sign that we broke the rules.

[D@rth J@ymZ]

I'll endeavour to make sure that that never happens...