Operations is an extension to the All Us Gamers Inner Core Rules, available for free here on DriveThru. It is optional, but recommended, to also use the On Aptitude extension.
This Outer Core Rule Set deals with complex actions where several steps must be completed to achieve a goal. The module gives the game master a structure and language for framing the action, marrying the narrative and mechanics, and providing the players with concrete choices for moving forward, choosing alternate paths, placing the operation on hold or backing out of it.
An Operation is a path of steps from a Start position to a Done position. To move from one step to another the characters need to take successful actions to advance. The normal Inner Core rules for actions by an individual or a group are used, and if playing with the On Aptitude rule set then character abilities will be relevant.
Extreme success or failure provides temporary or enduring changes to the situation for the future action. The temporary changes are named Bonus and Upset. The enduring changes are named Boon and Hindrance. Using the terms during play allows the players to understand, even in abstract situations, what they are dealing with. For a Hindrance they may take time out from advancing the operation to try and fix the Hindrance.
Players may also seek alternate paths to the done position, with mechanics provided for making discovered alternatives a choice between number of steps and the difficulty of those steps.
There is a mechanism to create Timers for encroaching changes to the situation that the players may know about and try to deal with or prepare for. In some cases player action may trigger the Timers, giving them a sense of responsibility for what the Timer event does.
Although these rules are simple their use in play provides a rich experience. The players may not know these rules but by the GM sticking to the language of Steps, Moments, Bonus, Upset, Boon and Hindrance, by encouraging players to identify alternate paths and to be aware of Timer countdown they will quickly be working with the rules any way.
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