BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat

BattleTech Game Systems => A Time of War => Topic started by: BiggRigg42 on 03 January 2019, 20:45:31

Title: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 03 January 2019, 20:45:31
After explaining the game to people over Discord and explaining a bunch of stuff to my local players, I thought it would make life easier if I made an instructional series on the game mechanics. Here is it. Let me know if I need to correct anything. I do not go back to work until Monday, so I have some time to make last minute corrections if need be.

Also, a big thank you to all of you guys on this forum who helped me learn the game. You know who are.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD


Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 03 January 2019, 21:40:53
Cool... I'll check them out over the weekend.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 05 January 2019, 11:34:30
I just watched the Character Creation video... I disagree that using the Module system "takes all day", or requires you to read 40+ pages (skim, sure, but not necessarily read).  The module system also allows you to have more negative traits, as ones acquired via modules and optimization don't count against the 10% maximum of "bought" XP.  Aging effects and the benefits of formal schooling (Skill Fields) were also missed in your explanation.  That said, using modules does require a lot of book keeping, and that's why I (and others here) have built spreadsheets to help with that.

Other specific things I saw:
- Connections are essentially useless without Protocol, Streetwise, or Negotiation (depending on the kind of contacts they are).  All three rely on CHA, so if Connections are something you want, CHA isn't something to "min".
- Your comment implying a specific tonnage implication for the number of Trait Points in Vehicle, while a common interpretation, is not supported by the rules as written.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 05 January 2019, 13:55:55
Thank you for the feedback. The life-module system does take me all day to do the book keeping; thanks for letting me know that this may only be particular to me. Also, I intentionally left the aging affects and school fields out to keep the video simpler. However, you may be right that they should be explained.

I will set the character creation video to private and work on making a new one. The new character creation video will give a fairer interpretation of the life module system and will explain the skill fields and aging.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 05 January 2019, 13:57:21
Your feedback on the Connections Trait is also noted.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 05 January 2019, 14:12:32
When I help people create characters, I usually try to get them to give me an idea of the kind of character they're looking for.  That vastly simplifies the decision making surrounding which modules to take.  For a (much) more detailed example, I might recommend looking over this thread (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=56029.msg1287789#msg1287789) by Takiro.  A lot of it is unit stuff, but the characters are all very interesting.  My approach in that thread was to start with an idea, then flesh it out via the life module process.

Thanks for doing this, by the way.  I do think explainers will help the community grow.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 06 January 2019, 14:11:33
The new video on character creation is up. I added in the skill field system and aging effects. While I do go back to work tomorrow as a university writing consultant, I can find the time to remake any videos that need to be improved upon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiftY28tTe4&t=0s&list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD&index=12
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: beachhead1985 on 06 January 2019, 14:19:48
Tagged!!!

And book marked!
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 06 January 2019, 14:23:46
Cool... I've got a few things to do this afternoon, but will take a look this evening... thanks!
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Phalanx on 07 January 2019, 02:51:21
The new video on character creation is up. I added in the skill field system and aging effects. While I do go back to work tomorrow as a university writing consultant, I can find the time to remake any videos that need to be improved upon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiftY28tTe4&t=0s&list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD&index=12

You character is a Hot Shot Mechwarrior...but he's mute(no Language skill). 8)

Great Video!

I know you are not a fan of the Life Paths, but could do a run of the Life Paths before you do Equipment Purchasing?

 
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 04:08:16
I was overtaken by events last night... Hopefully I'll have time tonight after work...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 07:35:30
Oh crap I forgot the language skill. Right, I need to go over the minimum requirements. You know how people forget sometimes? It happened to me.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 08:39:05
Don't worry, I will edit in a section on the minimum requirements and give Hot-shot Mechmac a language skill. I will also go over how the language skill works. It will be the same video, just with a couple of edited in sections.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 18:23:21
I just got home, and have a few threads to wade through before I can look in here... shouldn't be too long (I hope).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 19:26:32
Got through everything, and when I tried to go to YouTube, it gave me a "This video is unavailable error."  Please let me know when it's back up.  I've only got about 90 minutes of free time left tonight, but there's always tomorrow...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 20:05:56
Yep, I set the video to private because I forgot to give the character a language skill in English. I am never publishing a video on the same day I make it again. Had I waited a day, that oversight would have been found. Anyway, here is the same video but with a section on the minimum skill requirements and a section giving Hot-shot Mechmac the Language/English skill.

I didn't talk about the minimum attribute requirement nor the max attribute requirement (based on phenotype), but those are mentioned in the video description. I will talk about phenotype in a future video, and the minimum attribute requirement should be discussed in an earlier video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo1BWEGyAA4&t=0s&list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD&index=13
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 20:12:38
Excellent intro... still watching...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 20:17:20
One point to make about attributes is that they're MUCH cheaper to buy up at creation than later on.  That's not so much the case with skills.

Looks like I'm going to be posting as the video plays so I don't forget to make comments...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 20:18:25
Sounds good
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 20:20:22
One other point on Attributes... Link Modifiers (sadly) don't translate to Total Warfare scale.  I asked TPTB about it, and it was a deliberate decision.  Apparently, they only want clanners with Targeting Computers and Pulse Lasers to attack at LOS range...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 20:26:29
Wow, I always wondered about whether or not the link transferred to TW with the Gunnery and Piloting skills. I may have to make a video over the Tactical Combat Addendum--or something--and go over that.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 20:33:09
I just checked AToW, and I'm honestly not sure if you can take Skill Fields with Point Buy.  The description of Skill Fields is under Stage 3, and nowhere else.  It doesn't seem to be banned, so I suppose it depends on how you choose to read it.  Might be worth a Rules Question, though the AToW board usually takes a while to get answers.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 20:37:10
I just checked AToW, and I'm honestly not sure if you can take Skill Fields with Point Buy.  The description of Skill Fields is under Stage 3, and nowhere else.  It doesn't seem to be banned, so I suppose it depends on how you choose to read it.  Might be worth a Rules Question, though the AToW board usually takes a while to get answers.

Page 89 says that you can use the skill fields under the point buy-system. It is in the very lower right hand corner. However, a point-buy character is limited to choosing up to three skill fields.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 20:42:33
Cool... missed that bit (sorry, I don't use Point Buy at all, so I'm less familiar with it).  Aside from other comments, I think that was a good overview of the Point Buy system, though you might want to point out that page 89 reference since it's so easy to miss.

Will you do a video on the Life Module system?  Your intro will certainly intrigue some...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 07 January 2019, 20:46:24
I put a comment about page 89 in the video description.

Yes, I will do a video on the life module system. It may take me a bit. I don't want to rush this is and have to do it over again because of a careless mistake.

Thank you so much for the feedback.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 January 2019, 21:01:44
You're very welcome!  I was probably typing when you mentioned page 89, so I'll be more careful next time.  I look forward to your Life Module video... just let me know when it's up!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Robroy on 08 January 2019, 05:01:33
Wow, I always wondered about whether or not the link transferred to TW with the Gunnery and Piloting skills. I may have to make a video over the Tactical Combat Addendum--or something--and go over that.

I was under the impression that it was optional. Will have to check the book when I get off work.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: AdmiralObvious on 08 January 2019, 13:30:34
I was under the impression that it was optional. Will have to check the book when I get off work.
Quote
As noted in the sidebar A Time of War vs. Total Warfare (see p. 40), character Skills in A Time of War convert easily and directly into Total Warfare Skill ratings by simply subtracting the character’s relevant A Time of War Skill level from the Skill’s TN. For example, an Inner Sphere MechWarrior character with a Gunnery/’Mech Skill level of +4 would subtract that number from the Skill’s TN of 8 to receive a Total Warfare Gunnery Skill of 4 (8 – 4 = 4).
These tactical combat rules, however, presume the
players will instead continue to resolve actions using the rules presented in this book. Thus, instead of converting Skills from A Time of War to Total Warfare, the players should instead convert from Total Warfare to A Time of War. They may do so simply by subtracting the relevant Total Warfare Skill from the TN of its appropriate A Time of War Skill equivalent.
For example, in the case of the Inner Sphere MechWarrior referenced above, the player would convert the MechWarrior’s Total Warfare Gunnery Skill of 4 to a Gunnery/’Mech Skill level of +4 in A Time of War (8 [Gunnery/’Mech’s A Time of War TN] - 4 [TW Skill] = 4)

Hope it's okay to copy this directly, not sure of the full rules yet. I pulled it from page 201 of A Time of War, 2010 printing.

The RPG prefers to stick to the values presented in it.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Maelwys on 08 January 2019, 13:37:40
The book simply says "simply subtract the character's skill level from the skill's Base Target number as listed in the book."

No mention at all of the linked attributes, and also no mention of the fact that the Clan's Phenotype Field Aptitude modifies the actual target number. I assume that the Field Aptitude modifier applies, but the link doesn't necessarily.

Of course, it depends on how detailed you want the Total Warfare game to be. If you just want a quick conversion than the book is pretty simple. If you're using a fully detailed record sheet then you may want to apply everything.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Robroy on 08 January 2019, 13:45:05
Well considering Attributes and Phenotype Field Aptitude are a part of the end skill level, I would include them.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 08 January 2019, 17:10:03
I certainly house rule them in, but as I said up thread, I specifically asked TPTB about it, and they said it was a deliberate decision to exclude Link Modifiers.  Here's the link (https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=52293.0) (haha) to my rules question.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 09 January 2019, 18:15:31
You're very welcome!  I was probably typing when you mentioned page 89, so I'll be more careful next time.  I look forward to your Life Module video... just let me know when it's up!  :thumbsup:

The life module video is up. It is titled as open for peer review. I'm fairly certain I got everything right; however, I am still sitting on it for a bit until I KNOW everything is as it should be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n68BQ4fvOo
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:17:07
Hmmm... still says "unavailable" to me...  :-\
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: AdmiralObvious on 09 January 2019, 18:21:02
I second the unavailability of the video.

It could be listed as private, or maybe the video URL changed.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 09 January 2019, 18:40:11
Oops, It is open now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n68BQ4fvOo
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:42:49
OK, this time, I'm pausing the video while commenting... I'd recommend "attributes" vice "scores" when initially describing what the modules provide.  On to the next...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:45:23
Your camera doesn't focus fast enough to see the "Federated Suns" part of the page... that's not necessarily a problem.  When I first made my spreadsheet Herb (the line developer at the time) specifically asked me to "minimize verbatim content", so you're probably good.  Just thought you should know your camera lags your ability to bring the page up to it.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:50:16
You might want to mention how long the stages are (i.e., Early Childhood gets you to age 10, Late Childhood to 16, etc.).  If you cover that later, that's good, but it's not a bad idea to mention it early on.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:54:09
When you talk about "Military School", you're actually talking about "Military Academy"... that distinction is probably worth making up front (since "Military Schools" include Enlistment, and OCS).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 18:56:52
Just to be clear, Cloister Training is only for clan characters...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 19:52:42
Sorry for the delay there... my wife came home, and we had quite a bit to discuss about our days...

I'm at around 12:00 minutes in the video, and you said "we're 21 when we got out of Prep School"... you're actually 16 when you finish Prep School (Stage 2).  The Military Academy takes as long as is mentioned in its entry based on the Fields you take (which means you could graduate an Academy at 18, if you took the minimum fields (Basic and one Advanced, with no Specials)).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 09 January 2019, 20:09:24
I will definitely fix the age problem
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 20:10:13
Cool... I just got to minute 27 or so... that's pretty funny how you threw in the other complicating factors like age and such...  I'm hoping you're waiting to mention that there are spreadsheets to help with that stuff (mine does age automatically if you enter the durations of each stage properly).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 09 January 2019, 20:17:19
Can you give me a link to your spreadsheet that I can put in the video description? I haven't brought up the spread sheets because I don't have any direct way of people getting to one.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 20:28:03
Here's the current link to mine, though I'll say it's not the only spreadsheet on the board here (the thread includes instructions): https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=52309.0

I'm at minute 40 now, and you just said "the only way to buy off a negative trait is to buy it's opposing trait".  I'm not sure that's true.  As I understand the rules, you can simply buy off the negative trait by putting points against it until it's zero.  Functionally, it's almost identical, with the exception that you could then further purchase the opposing trait too if you wanted.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 20:31:29
One other thing I just realized... I'm not sure how you can simply buy another skill field outside of a Stage 3 Life Module (of which you can take more than one, which is probably worth  a mention).  I know you can do it under Point Buy, but I'm not sure otherwise.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 09 January 2019, 20:38:52
Good catch at the end there with the minimum +5 TP in Title/Wealth/Property, though I'll also add that simply aging your character a year would require GM approval.  I wouldn't allow it as a GM, but then I offer to do all the heavy lifting for character creation myself (since I'm most familiar with my spreadsheet, and can exercise my judgement on any fudging required... e.g., I usually round in the player's favor when there are single digits left at the end).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 09 January 2019, 22:40:22
Thanks again for your help Daryk. I am going to think about how to best implement your feedback.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 10 January 2019, 04:16:27
You're very welcome!  Character creation is one of my favorite things in AToW.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 10 January 2019, 23:21:39
I'm still getting a fairly constant stream of views. Accordingly, I've been discussing ways to improve the over all quality of my videos with people. A friend and I discussed how to stop the camera from going in and out of focus. We also discussed ways to turn my guest bedroom into a recording studio, so that you guys don't have to hear my refrigerator running in the background anymore. Lastly, I've been watching some tutorials on how to use editing software.

The life module video will be completely re-recorded. It might take a little bit to get it up, but hopefully the results will be worth it. This is my first time making videos. A little bit of a learning curve should be expected.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: AdmiralObvious on 10 January 2019, 23:43:48
Don't ruin yourself with trying to get perfect recording quality and such.

I've unfortunately not been able to watch the most recent video due to other obligations though...

You should be able to switch off autofocus on the camera in the settings. Most of them which have this feature should let you switch it off.

Editing videos can be fun though once you get it figured out though.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 10 January 2019, 23:47:37
Don't ruin yourself with trying to get perfect recording quality and such.

I've unfortunately not been able to watch the most recent video due to other obligations though...

You should be able to switch off autofocus on the camera in the settings. Most of them which have this feature should let you switch it off.

Editing videos can be fun though once you get it figured out though.

I will try not to try too hard. Don't worry about not watching the most recent video on the life module system, unless you want to provide feedback. That one will be completely redone.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 11 January 2019, 04:24:12
Cool!  I look forward to the next version!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 10:24:51
My video on the Life Module method for character creation is up. After watching some YouTube video classes on how iMovie works, I fixed the problem with my camera going out of focus. Moreover, I finally caught my refrigerator, so you won't hear it running anymore in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwoIvNEz_Fo&t=0s&list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD&index=13
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 11:10:40
Excellent... I'm still catching my breath after shoveling snow, but will try to get to it today...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 12:44:44
Excellent... I'm still catching my breath after shoveling snow, but will try to get to it today...  :thumbsup:


Shoveling snow can be so much fun. If you are ok with it, the next video I make may be over how to make a character with your spread sheet. This is simply a thought I just had.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: AdmiralObvious on 14 January 2019, 13:21:59
My video on the Life Module method for character creation is up. After watching some YouTube video classes on how iMovie works, I fixed the problem with my camera going out of focus. Moreover, I finally caught my refrigerator, so you won't hear it running anymore in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwoIvNEz_Fo&t=0s&list=PLW4v4K6PB7qIWAumfYAqdfxOlk4OgDOTD&index=13
You caught the fridge? Where was it "running"?

Okay... I'll stop now...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 13:49:53
You caught the fridge? Where was it "running"?

Okay... I'll stop now...


HAHAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 13:57:54

Shoveling snow can be so much fun. If you are ok with it, the next video I make may be over how to make a character with your spread sheet. This is simply a thought I just had.
I'm totally OK with that!   :thumbsup:

You'll definitely want to link to it, though.  I'm going to go through your latest video shortly, and will comment as I go through like last time.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:03:45
Just started, and it seems to be out of focus right off the bat...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:04:17
Ok, came into focus at 17 seconds...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:06:45
Oh cool!  You already linked to my sheet!  Thanks!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:09:07
You missed the last page in the Affiliations section: ComStar!

ComStar is also probably the easiest place to mention you can have two affiliations.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:19:36
Just got to where you're discussing Universal XP... I think a page reference might be a good idea (maybe you already do that, I just haven't seen it yet).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 14:23:14
You missed the last page in the Affiliations section: ComStar!

ComStar is also probably the easiest place to mention you can have two affiliations.


Yeah, I chose not to mention that, simply because the video is already over an hour long. However, I will mention that (and anything else I may have omitted in the interest of time) in the video description.


By the way, your video may have started off blurry because YouTube does not always start each video in the highest resolution setting.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:36:25
Makes sense, thanks!

Just got the part where you're talking about skill fields... good call on switching to Special Forces vice Pilot/Battle Armor!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:40:57
One quibble with your explanation on Skill Fields: the reason for the rebate is to "[reflect] the benefits of the professional training received in the Higher Education Stage" (AToW, page 71, top of the first column).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:45:08
Your initial discussion of attributes (around minute 27) has 300 XP down for INT, but only "2" for its value...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 14:51:36
Your initial discussion of attributes (around minute 27) has 300 XP down for INT, but only "2" for its value...

I end up correcting that around minute 38.

As for the official reason for the rebate, I remember my players complaining about having to take all of the skills in the skill fields. It was my explanation of the rebate that appeased them. Perhaps that is why I gave the reason that I did. The page 71 reason will be added to the video description.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 14:57:29
Cool, on both counts.

The only caveat I'd add to your explanation of the optimization process (specifically where you say "that's what we call a 'no-no'" around minute 32) is that dropping things that way could potentially count as "buying XP".  Of course, your ability to do that is limited to the 10% of starting XP rule.  I often shave down Rank for PCs and NPCs that way when I'm making a unit because a Company doesn't need 4 Captains...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:01:51
Just before minute 36, where you're showing optimization of Traits, I don't see the extra 200 XP for optimizing Glass Jaw that you mentioned earlier...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:06:50
Just saw you fixed the INT problem, though I have to say... as much as I encourage Attribute values of 4 across the board (except for EDG), you didn't actually need it, as the requirement from the Affiliation only applied if you took one of the Natural Aptitudes.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 15:07:06
Cool, on both counts.

The only caveat I'd add to your explanation of the optimization process (specifically where you say "that's what we call a 'no-no'" around minute 32) is that dropping things that way could potentially count as "buying XP".  Of course, your ability to do that is limited to the 10% of starting XP rule.  I often shave down Rank for PCs and NPCs that way when I'm making a unit because a Company doesn't need 4 Captains...


I'm not sure how to see that potential. Page 87 says that, "The optimization process must come before attempting to use negative Traits to gain XP..." And part of the optimization process is that it, "...reassigns them [XPs] back into the character's XP Pool." (from, page 87.)
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 15:08:24
Just saw you fixed the INT problem, though I have to say... as much as I encourage Attribute values of 4 across the board (except for EDG), you didn't actually need it, as the requirement from the Affiliation only applied if you took one of the Natural Aptitudes.


This is true. However, I wanted to leave the option open for getting the trait in the future and forgot to mention that. A note of this will be made in the video description.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:13:42

I'm not sure how to see that potential. Page 87 says that, "The optimization process must come before attempting to use negative Traits to gain XP..." And part of the optimization process is that it, "...reassigns them [XPs] back into the character's XP Pool." (from, page 87.)
Right, not arguing with the order, just that it can be done (later).

I just got to the part where you talked about Rank (just before minute 44).  You mentioned needing Rank 3 on the Officer list, but you haven't taken OCS... you may do that later, but I thought I should mention it here.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:16:39
Heh... just saw your Vehicle discussion.  You might want to note that Vehicle is an option in the Tour of Duty module (vice Equipped).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:18:28
OK, that looked like the end of your Trait section, but Glass Jaw still hadn't coughed up the 200 XP (that would really have helped) yet.  Also, the character is 23, so is due 200 XP for that too...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 15:20:04
Right, not arguing with the order, just that it can be done (later).

I just got to the part where you talked about Rank (just before minute 44).  You mentioned needing Rank 3 on the Officer list, but you haven't taken OCS... you may do that later, but I thought I should mention it here.


Oh dang it. I missed the officer skill field requirement for the Rank trait. I don't know that can be fixed without redoing most of the video. I will mention this in the description. Maybe I will re-make this again, maybe not. I don't know.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:21:41
Man, your GM is mean... killing you for a missed Perception check?  I mean, I'd absolutely SHOOT a PC for missing a Perception check, but kill 'em?  Nah...  ;D

If you like, I can take a crack at this character you're building with my spreadsheet and see how the math shakes out...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:26:00
Just before minute 50, that's "Kentares IV"...
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 15:26:46
OK, that looked like the end of your Trait section, but Glass Jaw still hadn't coughed up the 200 XP (that would really have helped) yet.  Also, the character is 23, so is due 200 XP for that too...


There is a discussion about how to fix overlooked things later on, where I fix that glass jaw issue. As for the 200 XP for being 23 (two years over the base line age of 21), I saw that as an optional rule since it can only be used at the gamemaster's discretion (page 49). Page 49 also says that, "...a character's actual age may not conform to the XPs  allotted for his 'baseline age'." So, I wasn't even sure if one is supposed to started adding on XP for every year above 21 when using life modules.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 15:30:13
Man, your GM is mean... killing you for a missed Perception check?  I mean, I'd absolutely SHOOT a PC for missing a Perception check, but kill 'em?  Nah...  ;D

If you like, I can take a crack at this character you're building with my spreadsheet and see how the math shakes out...


Go ahead, but it probably won't check out. I may have forgotten to put in 160 of my flex XP even though I subtracted it from my XP pool. Maybe I should take this down and start over next week. Man it is so hard getting everything right when doing this by hand.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 15:33:14
I always use it myself.  It actually works best when you make a baseline graduate of the Academy (with just Basic Training and MechWarrior fields).  With one Tour of Duty, they're exactly 21.

And I'm laughing out loud at "we just don't hate the Combine enough!"... that's hilarious!  ;D

Cool... I'll fire up the spreadsheet when I'm through this version of the video (13 minutes to go!).  I'll aim for what I think you wanted and shoot for that (i.e., a Rank 3 Officer with a 'mech... I'll probably drop Special Forces for simplicity as mentioned above, though OCS will still make him over 21).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 16:31:17
Ok, the balanced character is attached.  There's still space to take 200 more Negative Traits under the "Bought XP" rule.  Working through it, I found two errors in my sample character, which I will fix and repost in my thread.  I got so wrapped around making the calculations work right, I made some book keeping errors myself, and none of my second checkers caught them (they were also dialed in on the calculations).  Thanks!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 14 January 2019, 16:49:16
Awesome.

I think I will keep my video up. The only errors are in minor book keeping, which have been made apparent in the video description. Besides, I ended my video with the message of it being ok to make mistakes because mistakes can be fixed, which is why I also demonstrated how to fix some mistakes. This is a nice message, and I don't want people to feel that they have to start a character over from the beginning when there is a very fixable error.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 14 January 2019, 16:52:34
Then I'm really glad I fixed my sample character!  The link from your video will probably drive some downloads (or at least I'd hope so!).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 26 January 2019, 23:48:49
Then I'm really glad I fixed my sample character!  The link from your video will probably drive some downloads (or at least I'd hope so!).

FYI: I am half way done recording the video on how to use the Excel character spread sheet. I couldn't get it done earlier because I got sick and had a lot real life job stuff. Hopefully, it will be up within the week; this one will take some video editing as well. 
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 27 January 2019, 06:17:25
Cool... I have a busy week at work ahead, so I may not be able to get to it until the weekend.  Glad you're feeling better, though!
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: E. Icaza on 29 January 2019, 23:14:29
These vids are fantastic and thanks so much for making them!

I do have one question/request however.  For the combat video, you have some sheets that you are using to mark off modifiers, etc.  Were those something that you came up with yourself or are they available somewhere?  I am running an AToW game for some friends and they are having some problems with wrapping their heads around combat and keeping up with all of the modifiers, etc.  I've been trying to give their math a second look, but that isn't always possible (or admittedly thorough) with the chaos of a game table.  I think similar sheets would be a great help with getting them "on track" for combat and was hoping to either use those or come up with something similar myself.

Most of them have never played anything more complex than D&D 5E, so they are finding a bit of a learning curve for AToW.

In any case, thanks again for the videos!  I'll probably post the link to the YT page for my players so they can get a better visual representation. 

Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 30 January 2019, 12:07:21
These vids are fantastic and thanks so much for making them!

I do have one question/request however.  For the combat video, you have some sheets that you are using to mark off modifiers, etc.  Were those something that you came up with yourself or are they available somewhere?  I am running an AToW game for some friends and they are having some problems with wrapping their heads around combat and keeping up with all of the modifiers, etc.  I've been trying to give their math a second look, but that isn't always possible (or admittedly thorough) with the chaos of a game table.  I think similar sheets would be a great help with getting them "on track" for combat and was hoping to either use those or come up with something similar myself.

Most of them have never played anything more complex than D&D 5E, so they are finding a bit of a learning curve for AToW.

In any case, thanks again for the videos!  I'll probably post the link to the YT page for my players so they can get a better visual representation.

I made that sheet myself in Microsoft Word. Let me see if I can post it up somehow. I made a sheet for the advanced hit location rules and a sheet for the standard rules.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 30 January 2019, 13:03:07
These vids are fantastic and thanks so much for making them!

I do have one question/request however.  For the combat video, you have some sheets that you are using to mark off modifiers, etc.  Were those something that you came up with yourself or are they available somewhere?  I am running an AToW game for some friends and they are having some problems with wrapping their heads around combat and keeping up with all of the modifiers, etc.  I've been trying to give their math a second look, but that isn't always possible (or admittedly thorough) with the chaos of a game table.  I think similar sheets would be a great help with getting them "on track" for combat and was hoping to either use those or come up with something similar myself.

Most of them have never played anything more complex than D&D 5E, so they are finding a bit of a learning curve for AToW.

In any case, thanks again for the videos!  I'll probably post the link to the YT page for my players so they can get a better visual representation.

Let me know if I should make any changes to it.

Here you go:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1gsj4FGoDpHXPAh3bbCDxCmuHm6n1kJh7

Edit: after I first posted this, I had one of my local players take a look at it for errors. My local player found a couple of very small editorial errors (e.g., forgeting a closing paranthesis, etc.) So, I took the origional versions down and put the new ones up. You have the wrong copies if you have something from Microsoft Word. If you have something in PDF, you MIGHT have the right version. Anyway, the first posting was only up for a couple of hours before I fixed stuff.

Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Giorgio76 on 07 February 2020, 07:58:56
I am going to set aside 4+ Hours next weekend so I can watch all the videos, take notes, and try to make pre-gen PCs and NPC for ATOW. May the Gaming Gods have mercy on my soul… 😉

Taking a look at the 14 videos released so far, I would like to ask @BiggRigg42 if he could make a video #15 about using the Mechwarrior Destiny rules to integrate RPG and Tabletop CBT play (once MWD is released).
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 07 February 2020, 16:17:17
If you're going to GM Destiny, do NOT let your PCs take an Assassin, or anything else fast with an LRM launcher.  They can kill anything slower than them without taking return fire under the Destiny rules due to the way movement works and infinite ammo (and yes, I reported these problems during the Beta).

And as I mentioned in the other thread, if you send me what the PCs want, I can crank through them pretty quickly.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Giorgio76 on 08 February 2020, 06:28:01
And as I mentioned in the other thread, if you send me what the PCs want, I can crank through them pretty quickly.
I will take you up on this offer next weekend (2/13-2/16), thanks! :)
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 08 February 2020, 08:17:53
Great!  I'll look for your PM, or a post in one of the threads!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: Daryk on 23 February 2020, 21:05:59
You should have a couple of e-mails from me... one asking for an initial vector check, and the other my first stab at the list of templates you gave me (in the absence of a vector).  Once we're set on a general direction, the other Infantry templates will fall out pretty quickly.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: KennyHass on 12 May 2020, 16:17:34
Just googled and found your videos in this topic. That really helpful so much to understand how to play ATOW. Thank you.
Title: Re: I made an Instructional YouTube Series on the AToW Game Mechanics
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 16 May 2020, 16:36:08
Just googled and found your videos in this topic. That really helpful so much to understand how to play ATOW. Thank you.

No problem.