By Ben Rosen | brosen.itch.io
A solo roleplaying game about selling your mech.
You are a mech pilot. The time has come to sell your old ride.
Use this guide to help you write a “classifieds ad” that showcases your mech to potential buyers.
- This rule sheet
- 1 six-sided die (D6)
- 1 pack of standard playing cards
- Pen and paper
- Shuffle the deck
- Roll the D6 and draw that many cards (you can put the rest of the cards off to the side; you won’t need them)
- Play a card from your hand
- Use the SYSTEMS table and the ASPECTS table to derive a prompt (e.g. the prompt for the five of hearts would be “weapons anecdote”. Three of diamonds would be “AI quirk”. The ace of spades would be “power specifications”.)
- Roll the D6 and use the APPEAL table to determine how appealing buyers will find this aspect of your mech's system.
- Write a sentence or two (or three…) about this aspect of your mech's system, keeping in mind its appeal to your potential buyers.
- Write a short, descriptive title that will grab the attention of potential buyers
- Choose a fair listing price for your mech
- Double-check your ad for spelling and grammatical errors
- Post your ad somewhere potential buyers are likely to see it
| Suit | Aspect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ♦ | Quirk | Unique characteristics or idiosyncrasies of your mech that make it stand out from others. It could be an unusual feature, behavior, or attribute of the mech that might appeal to potential buyers. |
| ♣ | Appearance | The physical look of your mech. It could include things like color, size, or any additional aesthetic modifications you've made. The right appearance might be crucial for buyers looking for a specific aesthetic. |
| ♥ | Anecdote | Anecdotes are personal stories or experiences associated with your mech. They can add a personal touch or historical context to your mech, which can increase its appeal to certain buyers. |
| ♠ | Specification | Detailed descriptions of your mech's technical aspects, such as its power output, weapon capabilities, or sensor range. Clear and accurate specifications can assure buyers of what they're getting. |
| Rank | System | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | Power | The energy required to power the mech's various functions, including movement, weapon usage, and system operations. |
| 2 | Interface | The user-friendly control panel or control system that allows the pilot to operate the mech effectively. |
| 3 | AI | Assists the pilot by controlling certain functions autonomously, providing important feedback, and offering tactical advice. |
| 4 | Sensors | Allow the mech to perceive the world around it, identifying potential threats or objectives in the environment. |
| 5 | Weapons | Includes any offensive capabilities the mech possesses, from projectile weapons to energy beams or even melee weapons. |
| 6 | Armor | The defensive shell of the mech, designed to withstand attacks and protect the pilot and internal systems from damage. |
| 7 | Cargo | The storage capacity of the mech, for carrying anything from supplies and ammunition to secondary equipment or mission-specific items. |
| 8 | Chassis | The structural framework of the mech, providing support and integrity for the various systems and components. |
| 9 | Aesthetics | The visual design and appearance of the mech, which can be designed for practical purposes like camouflage, or for symbolic and cultural significance. |
| 10 | Communications | The systems the mech uses to send and receive information, whether communicating with a base of operations, other mechs, or other entities. |
| J | Safety | Features designed to protect the pilot and ensure the safe operation of the mech, such as safety protocols, emergency systems, and protective features. |
| Q | Repairability | This refers to the ease and efficiency with which the mech can be repaired, either through automated systems, user-friendly design, or support from external sources. |
| K | Accessories | Additional features or equipment that support the core function of the mech, enhancing its capabilities or offering specialized functions for specific situations. |
| Roll | Appeal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dealbreaker | This is a critical flaw or issue that could potentially dissuade all but the most desperate or specific buyers. It's something that seriously undermines the mech's value or functionality. |
| 2 | Problem | A problem is a significant negative aspect that may deter many potential buyers. It's not as severe as a dealbreaker, but it's something that would need fixing or dealing with. |
| 3 | Defect | A defect is a minor issue or fault with the mech. It's not ideal, but some buyers might be willing to overlook it, especially if the mech excels in other areas or if the defect can be easily repaired. |
| 4 | Feature | A feature is a standard, expected aspect of the mech. It doesn't particularly add or detract from the mech's appeal, but its absence could be noted. Features are the basic expectations any buyer would have for a functional mech. |
| 5 | Bonus | A bonus is an aspect of the mech that, while not necessary, adds value. It could be an extra feature, a unique design element, or an exceptional performance in a particular area. Bonuses could attract more buyers or justify a higher price. |
| 6 | Luxury | A luxury is an exceptional or rare attribute that greatly increases the mech's appeal. This could be a high-end feature, superior performance, or exclusive accessory. Luxuries can make the mech highly desirable to certain buyers, often justifying a premium price. |