Thread by @__ThoughtPolice

We are reviving the #diceless bidding system that ran the LARP that brought us all together and set the course for Thought Police to even exist. Major RPG modernizations, updates, and a bit of #Motif flavor are in playtesting now. Stay tuned for more info about the Chorus Engine.

Basic structure:
Core "Elements" (basic descriptor tags: Savage, Deceptive, Tireless, Genial, Perceptive, etc.)
"Skillsets" (careers & dedicated hobbies)
They have "Uses". Must always bid at least 1 Element Use, which determines the approach, tone, and consequences of the action.

Skillset Uses can be spent to raise the bid.
Highest bid wins.
Pool of Uses each for "live" actions & "downtime" efforts.
Environmental/"static" challenges = a minimum for relevant Elements + Skillsets. Meet it, auto-succeed. Otherwise, must spend that 1/2 many Uses to overcome.

Skillsets also include auto-success. Anyone can take trivial actions automatically absent obstacles. Skillsets have 3 levels. The auto-success increases to routine actions at 1st tier, complex actions at 2nd, and difficult actions at 3rd, relative to the career/hobby.

Someone with Physician (Surgeon) at 3 can even perform transplant surgeries without a check or bid, provided they have the time and standard equipment. It is a difficult surgery, but they are a true expert.

Opposition, less than ideal conditions, severe distraction, and similar obstacles to completing the task trigger the static challenge or bid. But an expert musician need not exert more than routine effort (for them) to pull off complex pieces or put on a quality performance.

The focus is on bidding when it counts and only slowing the play flow for dramatic scenes. There is a lot of question of what is worth the effort and strategizing spends. Creativity in problem solving and going big on key actions are highly encouraged by it.

For example, take trying to explore ways to get at a Big Bad in their compound. In our playtests so far, players (as much as plot timing allows) take their time to explore and consider different options to conserve as much as possible for the big confrontation.

Another common thing is relying on an NPC network. Even in variations with no social ties or the like, the players often end up going out of their way to invest time in NPCs for "free" resources. (Finding a bribable cop is bid cheaper than interrogating people yourself.)

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