Alternative Skill Improvement System
By Saverio (saverio.lorusso@libero.it)
Like all features of the game rules, the skill improvement system for Conspiracy X is somewhat course. A player could spend weeks and weeks studying a skill but still not be able to apply any improvement in play? For example, if he had worked hard to gain 29 CPs in a skill, he would not gain any game play benefit until he secured one more CP and was able to advance to level 4 in that skill.
In exchange for a bit of record-keeping, an alternative method could be used. This system allows a player character to gain some benefit in lower CP improvements. In effect, the CP requirements for each successive skill level are broken down, and smaller increments result in a gain of +1t or +2t. The following table shows the skill level, the CP cost to reach that level, and the total CPs spent on that skill.
Revised Skill Cost Table
|
Level |
Skill Cost |
Skill Total |
|
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
1+ 1t |
1 |
3 |
|
1 +2t |
1 |
4 |
|
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
2 + 1t |
2 |
8 |
|
2 +2t |
3 |
11 |
|
3 |
3 |
14 |
|
3 +1t |
5 |
19 |
|
3 +2t |
5 |
24 |
|
4 |
6 |
30 |
|
4 +1t |
10 |
40 |
|
4 +2t |
10 |
50 |
|
5 |
12 |
62 |
For example, Dimitri has just reach Throw at level 3 (at the total
cost of 14 CP).
He can perform a Df1 test with no roll,
He can perform a Df2 test with no roll,
He can perform a Df3 test by rolling a 7 or less,
He can perform a Df4 test by rolling a 4 or less.
After some download time, he has invested 6 more CP in his Throw
skill (total spent is now 20 CP). He can now add +1t to every Throw test.
He can perform a Df1 test with no roll,
He can perform a Df2 test with no roll,
He can perform a Df3 test by rolling a 8 (7+1t) or less,
He can perform a Df4 test by rolling a 5 (4+1t) or less.
After he spends another 4 CP in Throw, he will gain a +2t to each test.
A similar progression (allowing a +1t or +2t) may be followed using the Brawling and Martial Arts skills. Under that scheme the rules for close combat moves remain unchanged-the combatant gains five moves per level. An added option increases the number of moves incrementally as the bonus to target numbers is added. The following chart summarizes these additions.
Brawling/Martial Arts Moves Allowed
|
Level |
Moves Known |
|
1 |
5 |
|
1 +1t |
6 |
|
1 +2t |
8 |
|
2 |
10 |
|
2 +1t |
11 |
|
2 +2t |
13 |
|
3 |
15 |
|
3 +1t |
16 |
|
3 +2t |
18 |
|
4 |
20 |
|
4 +1t |
21 |
|
4 +2t |
23 |
|
5 |
25 |
For example, Nicholas has Martial Arts 2+1t (having spent 8, 9 or 10 CPs).
As well as a bonus of +1t, Nicholas gains an additional move,
bringing his total to 11.