Fuzion
Encyclopedia
Fuzion is a generic role-playing game system
created by the collaboration of R. Talsorian Games
and Hero Games
. Fuzion is a combination of the Interlock System
, (used in games like Mekton
and Cyberpunk 2020
), and the HERO
system (used in Champions
, Justice, Inc.
, Star Hero
, etc.). Fuzion is an adaptable system which can be played in any genre and setting imaginable.
Fuzion is noted for its anime
-genre support, customizable rules flexibility, and being one of the first generic game systems to be released for free over the internet
. It is one of the first games to readily allow licensing, albeit not the "hands-off" licensing offered by the Open Gaming License
(OGL) that came about some years later. A modified OGL set of rules based on Fuzion is published by Gold Rush Games as the Action! System.
There are two versions of Fuzion that have been published: the simplified Instant Fuzion, and more detailed Total Fuzion (also known as Primary Fuzion). A third, Maximum Fuzion, was hinted at in Fuzion-based Bubblegum Crisis
RPG, but has never been published.
.
Certain campaigns using the Fuzion system can have Power Points (PPs), which are assigned to the players by the Referee just like CPs and OPs. PPs are optional and are used with Magic, Psionics, and Super Powers. CPs can be traded for PPs at a ratio of 1:1, (1 CP = 1 PP), and OPs can be traded as well, at a ratio of 5:1, (5 OP = 1 PP). Using PPs helps the Referee keep superpowers under control by restricting how often a character can use them.
Physical Group:
Mental Group:
Combat Group:
Movement Group:
In the slimmed down Instant Fuzion rules, the character has only four main Stats based on each of the four Stat groups: Physical, Mental, Combat, and Movement.
Character Points are used to buy levels in a Stat at a ratio of 1:1; 1 CP buys 1 level of a Stat. For the average "competent" human, each Stat has a level of 3 or 4, while 1 and 2 represent mundane abilities. Stats of 5 and 6 are considered "heroic"; 7 and 8, are "legendary"; 9 and above are "superhuman".
Fuzion is a flexible and easily modifiable system, so more Stats can be added to any category by the Referee as they see fit. For instance, in a magical world, the Referee could add a Mana Stat for the casting and control magic spells, or add a Comeliness Stat, which rates the physical attractiveness of a character. Likewise, Stats can be removed without too much difficulty. If the Referee feels there is no real difference between Dexterity and Reflexes, they could remove one or the other, and use a single Stat for both.
In Instant Fuzion, a character has two Derived Stats: Hits and Defense.
For free, a starting character gets a set of Everyman Skills that are picked by the Referee as appropriate to the campaign. Everyman Skills include 2 points each in such Skills as Education (which includes all basic knowledge a character learns through years of schooling like basic mathematics and reading for example), and other skills, like Evasion, Hand-to-Hand, Local Area Knowledge and Perception. For a modern or futuristic campaign, Driving and Computer Use may also be common Everyman skills. At the Referee's discretion, the Education skill can be used as a catch-all for when a character faces a challenge in a skill they do not possess; they can "wing it" by adding their Education skill bonus to the die roll.
Talents represent special innate abilities of a character that cannot be taken away from them, or used by another character. They represent certain areas of special training, or inherited abilities that are not covered by Skills. In a way, they are similar to Advantages in GURPS
, or Feats in a d20 System
game, and offer benefits to the character. Talents cost 3 Option Points each. Some Talents include: Combat Sense, Lightning Calculator, Photographic Memory, Light Sleeper, Speed Reading, and Ambidexterity.
Complications represent special hindrances to the character. They are similar to Disadvantages in GURPS
. Complications are a way to gain back OPs to spend elsewhere. Each Complication returns a number of points based on the hindrance they give the character, and how often they crop up in the game. A permanent Complication, such as Missing Limb, is always a problem for a character and returns many points. Others, like Enemy or Dependent, may crop up occasionally during a game and offer less points back. Some other Complications include: Bad Tempered, Sense of Duty, Stubbornness, Dependents, Phobias, Bad Reputation, Poverty, and Addiction.
Perks are similar to Talents, but are not innate to the character. They can be lost or taken away by actions in the game. They usually include Special Equipment, Security Clearances, Licenses, Permits, and Contacts (who a character can use to gain information or call in favors from).
Lifepaths are an optional way to randomly generate character backgrounds and personalities through a series of tables. A character rolls on a list of options, or they can pick and chose them as they see fit. Some Lifepath choices could give a character a special Talent, Complication, or Perk for free.
Templates are featured in certain Fuzion campaigns, which can be chosen by players to help design a well rounded character suited for a specific career, (such as police officer, soldier, doctor, etc). Templates explain things about the character's job, and give a listing of particular Skills, Talents, Complications, Perks and starting equipment.
Regardless of what the character is rolling against, the player has to roll the target number or higher on the dice to succeed. This the opposite of Fuzion's parent, the HERO System (which is similar to the GURPS mechanic), where the roll must be equal to, or less than the target number to succeed.
" and has a higher probability of success. Using a d10 is more unpredictable and adds a level of uncertainty and suspense. When using d10, the DV values are set lower than when using 3d6.
Another aspect of Fuzion' s flexibility is the easy adaptation to the use of d12 or d20 dice for making checks. Consult the table below for variations of the Difficulty Values by die type:
The resolution formula is: Stat + Skill + Die Roll vs. Difficulty Value (DV). When an action is opposed by another character or two characters are competing to complete the same action, the formula becomes Stat + Skill + Die Roll vs. Stat + Skill + (Die Roll or +X). Combat resolution is similar to an opposed skill check. If a character's Stat + Skill already meets or exceeds the DV, it is usually considered an automatic success without making a die roll.
There is also the optional rule of Critical Successes and Critical Failures. If using a d10, rolling a 10 is a Critical Success, and allows a second roll. The result of the second roll is added to the first to calculate the result. Further 10's may be rerolled. A roll of 1 is an automatic failure. When using 3d6; a roll of all sixes, (an 18), is a Critical Success, and two additional dice can be rolled and added to the result. A roll of three ones, (a 3), is a Critical Failure, (even if all you only needed to roll was a 3 to succeed the check). A Critical Failure may represent something more disastrous happening to the character as the Referee sees fit. A Critical Failure on a Lockpicking task, for example, could trigger a silent alarm the character wasn't aware of.
During a Phase, a character can perform one of several Basic Actions, such as Attack, Block (Parry), or Move.
Advanced Actions usually take more time and additional phases to perform, like casting a spell, or performing another complex task.
Free Actions take such little time that can be performed immediately and do not use up time, such as dropping an item, standing up, or calling to an ally. The character in a party with the highest Reflexes stat acts first, or they can hold the action and wait to see what someone else is doing. There are no Initiative checks unless the Referee decides to randomly see who goes first. In such a case, the Reflexes Stat can be added to the 3d6 die roll. Usually a party of several NPC's act on one Initiative. Initiative is rolled again for each combat Phase, or to save time, the GM can opt to use the same initiative for the rest of the combat scene.
When making an opposed roll against another character, (or NPC), the resolution is handled differently and attempt to counteract what the opposition does.
The typical opposed check formula is:
Attack Value (AV) + Die Roll vs. Defense Value (DV) + Die Roll, or Defense Value + Flat X
To make things easier, a player should calculate their character's AVs and DVs ahead of time before beginning play. Another option for the defender to choose Flat X, (or Flat 10), where the Difficulty is always 10 + the defender's DV. The attacker only rolls dice during the combat Phase, which helps speed a combat scene along. The Flat X can be further modified by armor, cover and range penalties.
Inanimate objects, have Structural Damage Points or SDPs. When an object loses all its SDPs, it is rendered useless; (a vehicle shuts down and grinds to a halt, a weapon will no longer fire, etc). It is destroyed when it reaches twice its SDPs in damage. To keep things simple, (and avoid rolling lots of dice), large scale weapons inflict points of damage called Kills, which represent destruction on a much larger scale. Kills are used for such things as giant mecha robots and spaceships. Weapons that inflict Kill damage are not usually small enough to be carried around by characters.
Character sized weapons in Fuzion have Damage Classes, or (DCs). Each point of DC represents a six-sided die that is rolled to see how much damage the weapon can cause. Six-sided dice are always used for damage rolls, regardless of using a d10 (or other die types) for checks. For instance, a light weight handgun typically has a DC of 3; meaning 3d6 is rolled to determine the damage it causes when it hits something. Some weapons also have a Weapon Accuracy (WA) value. This number is further added to the Attack roll and raise the chances of getting a successful hit.
Melee weapon sometimes have a Minimum Strength value. This is an optional rule to add more realism. A character must possess the listed minimum level of STR to fully inflict the weapon's damage. For every point of STR under the minimum, the weapon does one less die of damage. For example: A Battleaxe has a DC 5 and a Minimum STR of 5. A character with an STR 3, that uses the Battleaxe, suffers a -2 penalty to his Attack roll. It will also only inflict DC 3 of damage because the character's STR is 2 less than the minimum of 5. The character also suffers a -2 penalty to any Reflex checks and Reflex-based Skill checks when wielding the weapon.
For unarmed physical damage, a character deals 1 DC of punching damage per level of STR Stat, that is, a character with STR 3 does 3 DC of damage. Kicking adds an additional DC, that is, with a STR of 3, a character deals 4 DC of damage with a kick.
Some Fuzion campaigns offer an optional Hit Location Chart where 3d6 is rolled to determine what specific part of the body is hit by an attack. Depending on the location, the damage may be modified. For instance, if damage is applied to the head, the damage taken is doubled. If a hand is struck, the damage is halved. Using Hit Locations allows Called Shots with a -4 penalty to an attack roll to strike a specific area.
Generic role-playing game system
A generic role-playing game system or universal role-playing game system is a role-playing game system designed to be independent of setting and genre...
created by the collaboration of R. Talsorian Games
R. Talsorian Games
R. Talsorian Games, based in Renton, WA , is a publisher of role-playing game books and accessories. Their titles include the Cyberpunk 2020 series and for anime-related titles such as Dragonball Z. Their major product line today is the Fuzion system.The company's chairman is Mike Pondsmith,...
and Hero Games
Hero Games
Hero Games is the publisher of the Hero System, a generic roleplaying rules set that can be used to simulate many different genres, and was the co-developer of the Fuzion system.-History:...
. Fuzion is a combination of the Interlock System
Interlock System
The Interlock System is R. Talsorian Games' proprietary role-playing system. It is one of the direct parents of the Fuzion system . The Interlock System is a "skill-based" system — characters are created by choosing skills for them, and by advancing those skills individually; rather than by...
, (used in games like Mekton
Mekton
Mekton is a role-playing game which centers on the conventions of mecha anime and science fiction...
and Cyberpunk 2020
Cyberpunk 2020
Cyberpunk 2020 is a cyberpunk role-playing game written by Mike Pondsmith and published by R. Talsorian Games.- Overview :This role-playing game is based on the works of William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, and other authors of the "Mirrorshades group"...
), and the HERO
Hero System
The Hero System is a generic role-playing game system that developed from the superhero RPG Champions. It is used as the underlying mechanics of other Hero Games role-playing games such as Dark Champions, Fantasy Hero, Star Hero, and Pulp Hero...
system (used in Champions
Champions (role-playing game)
Champions is a role-playing game published by Hero Games that is designed to simulate and function in a four-color superhero comic book world. It was created by George MacDonald, Steve Peterson, Bruce Harlick, and Ray Greer....
, Justice, Inc.
Justice, Inc. (role-playing game)
Justice, Inc. is a role-playing game designed to simulate the adventure stories in the pulp magazines of the 1930s.It was one of the first non-superhero applications of the point-based game system that had been developed for the Champions superhero game...
, Star Hero
Star Hero
Star Hero is a role-playing game, published by Hero Games, which uses its Fifth Edition Hero System rules to represent the science fiction genre. Though not nearly as popular as its Champions, Dark Champions, and Fantasy Hero lines, the genre book has been received well by fans and critics alike,...
, etc.). Fuzion is an adaptable system which can be played in any genre and setting imaginable.
Fuzion is noted for its anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
-genre support, customizable rules flexibility, and being one of the first generic game systems to be released for free over the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
. It is one of the first games to readily allow licensing, albeit not the "hands-off" licensing offered by the Open Gaming License
Open Gaming License
The Open Game License may be used by game developers to grant permission to modify, copy, and redistribute some of the content designed for their games, notably game mechanics.-Language of the licence:The OGL describes two forms of content:...
(OGL) that came about some years later. A modified OGL set of rules based on Fuzion is published by Gold Rush Games as the Action! System.
There are two versions of Fuzion that have been published: the simplified Instant Fuzion, and more detailed Total Fuzion (also known as Primary Fuzion). A third, Maximum Fuzion, was hinted at in Fuzion-based Bubblegum Crisis
Bubblegum Crisis
is a Japanese cyberpunk direct-to-video animated series. It displays strong influences from Blade Runner, also making occasional references to it.- Setting :...
RPG, but has never been published.
Making Fuzion characters
Fuzion uses a point-based creation method for building characters. This system is similar to both of the parent systems as well as other generic games like GURPSGURPS
The Generic Universal RolePlaying System, or GURPS, is a tabletop role-playing game system designed to allow for play in any game setting...
.
Character Points
Fuzion characters are built with Character Points (CPs), also known as Stat Points. Depending on the "power level" of the game, the Referee (or Game Master), assigns players a number of CPs to buy Attribute Stats. Usually, 40 to 50 points are enough for a heroic "action-adventure" setting. Fewer points would be given for low-power games set in a more realistic, "mundane" world. A hundred (or more) points are given for high-powered, superheroic adventures. CPs are used to buy levels in Primary Stats which are the basic attribute abilities of the character.Option Points and Power Points
Option Points (OPs), or Campaign Points, are given to characters to buy Character Options. OPs are assigned by the Referee and are usually kept separate from the Character Point pool. The Referee usually gives a pool of as many OPs as he gives CPs. At the player's choice, any leftover CPs not used to buy Stats can be traded for OPs at a ratio of 1:5, (1 CP = 5 OP) and vice versa. OPs can also be converted into money to buy Equipment at a ratio of 1:100; (1 OP = 100 units of currency). The actual type of currency is dependent upon the genre being played, (for instance a fantasy medieval-era game may use gold pieces, a modern action game set in the United States would use dollars, a sci-fi future setting may use galactic credits).Certain campaigns using the Fuzion system can have Power Points (PPs), which are assigned to the players by the Referee just like CPs and OPs. PPs are optional and are used with Magic, Psionics, and Super Powers. CPs can be traded for PPs at a ratio of 1:1, (1 CP = 1 PP), and OPs can be traded as well, at a ratio of 5:1, (5 OP = 1 PP). Using PPs helps the Referee keep superpowers under control by restricting how often a character can use them.
Primary Stats
In Total Fuzion, a character usually has ten Stats, (or Characteristics), organized in four groups as follows:Physical Group:
- Constitution (CON)
- Strength (STR)
- Body (BODY)
Mental Group:
- Intelligence (INT)
- Willpower (WILL)
- Presence (PRE) (or Personality (PER), or Cool (COOL)
Combat Group:
- Technique (TECH)
- Reflexes (REF)
- Dexterity (DEX)
Movement Group:
- Movement (MOVE)
In the slimmed down Instant Fuzion rules, the character has only four main Stats based on each of the four Stat groups: Physical, Mental, Combat, and Movement.
Character Points are used to buy levels in a Stat at a ratio of 1:1; 1 CP buys 1 level of a Stat. For the average "competent" human, each Stat has a level of 3 or 4, while 1 and 2 represent mundane abilities. Stats of 5 and 6 are considered "heroic"; 7 and 8, are "legendary"; 9 and above are "superhuman".
Fuzion is a flexible and easily modifiable system, so more Stats can be added to any category by the Referee as they see fit. For instance, in a magical world, the Referee could add a Mana Stat for the casting and control magic spells, or add a Comeliness Stat, which rates the physical attractiveness of a character. Likewise, Stats can be removed without too much difficulty. If the Referee feels there is no real difference between Dexterity and Reflexes, they could remove one or the other, and use a single Stat for both.
Derived Stats
Fuzion characters have numerous Derived Stats, which get their values based on the level of a primary Stat and performing a mathematical formula to calculate a number. For instance, a character gets Hit Points (called Hits), and Stun Points (called Stun), by taking their Body Stat and multiplying it by 5. Therefore, a character with a Body Stat of 5 would have 25 Hits and 25 Stun. Derived Stats do not cost points to purchase. Depending on the genre, the Referee can choose what Derived Stats he wants in his campaign. Some are required, like Hits, Stun, and Recovery, but others, like Luck and Humanity, are optional. Characters can also trade up to 1/2 of their Stun points for more Hits if they so desire.In Instant Fuzion, a character has two Derived Stats: Hits and Defense.
Skills
Fuzion characters have Skills that represent specific areas of knowledge that are useful in the game. Skills are purchased with Option Points at a ratio of 1:1, (1 OP = 1 level of a Skill). Fuzion has a large array of Skills to choose from. Referees and players can also make up their own skills as needed. Skills are organized by type:- Fighting Skills are used mainly in combat situations for evading attacks and using hand held weapons. They may also be used for Martial Arts and unarmed combat. Usually a character focuses on a particular type of weapon, such as Sword, Mace, Dagger and Hand-to-Hand.
- Ranged Fighting Skills are used for handling ranged weapons such as guns and bows. Usually they are focused on a particular type of ranged weapon, such as Crossbow, Shotgun and Rocket Launcher.
- Awareness Skills are such skills as Perception, Search, Tracking and Lip Reading
- Control Skills are used for operating vehicles and handling animals. Usually they are focused on a type of vehicle, such as Automobile driving or Helicopter piloting.
- Physical or Body Skills are such skills as Acrobatics, Climbing, and Stealth.
- Social Skills are such skills as Bribery, Interrogation and Etiquette.
- Technical or Technique Skills are complex skills such as Surgery, First Aid, Demolitions and Lockpicking.
- Performance Skills are such as Acting, Singing, Painting and playing a specific kind of musical instrument.
- Knowledge Skills represent complex areas of specialized education, such as Criminal Law, Forensics, Chemistry, Engineering, and Foreign Language.
For free, a starting character gets a set of Everyman Skills that are picked by the Referee as appropriate to the campaign. Everyman Skills include 2 points each in such Skills as Education (which includes all basic knowledge a character learns through years of schooling like basic mathematics and reading for example), and other skills, like Evasion, Hand-to-Hand, Local Area Knowledge and Perception. For a modern or futuristic campaign, Driving and Computer Use may also be common Everyman skills. At the Referee's discretion, the Education skill can be used as a catch-all for when a character faces a challenge in a skill they do not possess; they can "wing it" by adding their Education skill bonus to the die roll.
Character options
Character options come in the form of Talents, Complications, Perks, Lifepaths, and Templates.Talents represent special innate abilities of a character that cannot be taken away from them, or used by another character. They represent certain areas of special training, or inherited abilities that are not covered by Skills. In a way, they are similar to Advantages in GURPS
GURPS
The Generic Universal RolePlaying System, or GURPS, is a tabletop role-playing game system designed to allow for play in any game setting...
, or Feats in a d20 System
D20 System
The d20 System is a role-playing game system published in 2000 by Wizards of the Coast originally developed for the third edition of Dungeons & Dragons...
game, and offer benefits to the character. Talents cost 3 Option Points each. Some Talents include: Combat Sense, Lightning Calculator, Photographic Memory, Light Sleeper, Speed Reading, and Ambidexterity.
Complications represent special hindrances to the character. They are similar to Disadvantages in GURPS
GURPS
The Generic Universal RolePlaying System, or GURPS, is a tabletop role-playing game system designed to allow for play in any game setting...
. Complications are a way to gain back OPs to spend elsewhere. Each Complication returns a number of points based on the hindrance they give the character, and how often they crop up in the game. A permanent Complication, such as Missing Limb, is always a problem for a character and returns many points. Others, like Enemy or Dependent, may crop up occasionally during a game and offer less points back. Some other Complications include: Bad Tempered, Sense of Duty, Stubbornness, Dependents, Phobias, Bad Reputation, Poverty, and Addiction.
Perks are similar to Talents, but are not innate to the character. They can be lost or taken away by actions in the game. They usually include Special Equipment, Security Clearances, Licenses, Permits, and Contacts (who a character can use to gain information or call in favors from).
Lifepaths are an optional way to randomly generate character backgrounds and personalities through a series of tables. A character rolls on a list of options, or they can pick and chose them as they see fit. Some Lifepath choices could give a character a special Talent, Complication, or Perk for free.
Templates are featured in certain Fuzion campaigns, which can be chosen by players to help design a well rounded character suited for a specific career, (such as police officer, soldier, doctor, etc). Templates explain things about the character's job, and give a listing of particular Skills, Talents, Complications, Perks and starting equipment.
Fuzion game mechanics
Whenever a character does some kind of critical action in Fuzion that needs to be resolved, a character makes a die roll to see if they succeed or fail at the task. There are two kinds of resolution tests in Fuzion; those rolled against a Difficulty Value (DV) determined by the Referee, and those rolled against what another character does. DVs range from "very easy", such as hefting a bag of garbage to the street (DV 2), to "cosmic", like hefting a mountain and throwing it into an ocean (DV 100+). When resolving a contest between characters, the DV of the check is the result of the roll the opposing force makes or, to save time, the Referee could add a set number, "+X", to an NPC's abilities, which typically is +10 when using 3d6 or +5 using 1d10.Regardless of what the character is rolling against, the player has to roll the target number or higher on the dice to succeed. This the opposite of Fuzion's parent, the HERO System (which is similar to the GURPS mechanic), where the roll must be equal to, or less than the target number to succeed.
Resolving actions
Under standard rules, Fuzion offers two ways to resolve actions with dice. A Referee can pick either using three six-sided dice (3d6), like the HERO System, or one ten-sided die (d10), like the Interlock System used in Cyberpunk and Mekton. Using 3d6 for checks subjects it to the more predictable "bell curveBell curve
Bell curve can refer to:* A Gaussian function, a specific kind of function whose graph is a bell-shaped curve* Normal distribution, whose density function is a Gaussian function...
" and has a higher probability of success. Using a d10 is more unpredictable and adds a level of uncertainty and suspense. When using d10, the DV values are set lower than when using 3d6.
Another aspect of Fuzion
| Difficulty Value | 1d10 Resolution (+5) | 3d6 or 1d20 Resolution (+10) | +1d6-1d6 or +1d10-1d10 (+0) | +1d12 (6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenged (DV 0) | 5 | 10 | 0 | 6 |
| Everyday (DV 4) | 9 | 14 | 4 | 10 |
| Competent (DV 8) | 13 | 18 | 8 | 14 |
| Heroic (DV 12) | 17 | 22 | 12 | 18 |
| Incredible (DV 16) | 21 | 26 | 16 | 22 |
| Legendary (DV 20) | 25 | 30 | 20 | 26 |
The resolution formula is: Stat + Skill + Die Roll vs. Difficulty Value (DV). When an action is opposed by another character or two characters are competing to complete the same action, the formula becomes Stat + Skill + Die Roll vs. Stat + Skill + (Die Roll or +X). Combat resolution is similar to an opposed skill check. If a character's Stat + Skill already meets or exceeds the DV, it is usually considered an automatic success without making a die roll.
There is also the optional rule of Critical Successes and Critical Failures. If using a d10, rolling a 10 is a Critical Success, and allows a second roll. The result of the second roll is added to the first to calculate the result. Further 10's may be rerolled. A roll of 1 is an automatic failure. When using 3d6; a roll of all sixes, (an 18), is a Critical Success, and two additional dice can be rolled and added to the result. A roll of three ones, (a 3), is a Critical Failure, (even if all you only needed to roll was a 3 to succeed the check). A Critical Failure may represent something more disastrous happening to the character as the Referee sees fit. A Critical Failure on a Lockpicking task, for example, could trigger a silent alarm the character wasn't aware of.
Combat actions
Fuzion uses rounds, (called Phases), to time actions taken in combat. A typical Phase in Fuzion represents 3 seconds of real time, and 20 Phases = 1 minute.During a Phase, a character can perform one of several Basic Actions, such as Attack, Block (Parry), or Move.
Advanced Actions usually take more time and additional phases to perform, like casting a spell, or performing another complex task.
Free Actions take such little time that can be performed immediately and do not use up time, such as dropping an item, standing up, or calling to an ally. The character in a party with the highest Reflexes stat acts first, or they can hold the action and wait to see what someone else is doing. There are no Initiative checks unless the Referee decides to randomly see who goes first. In such a case, the Reflexes Stat can be added to the 3d6 die roll. Usually a party of several NPC's act on one Initiative. Initiative is rolled again for each combat Phase, or to save time, the GM can opt to use the same initiative for the rest of the combat scene.
When making an opposed roll against another character, (or NPC), the resolution is handled differently and attempt to counteract what the opposition does.
The typical opposed check formula is:
Attack Value (AV) + Die Roll vs. Defense Value (DV) + Die Roll, or Defense Value + Flat X
To make things easier, a player should calculate their character's AVs and DVs ahead of time before beginning play. Another option for the defender to choose Flat X, (or Flat 10), where the Difficulty is always 10 + the defender's DV. The attacker only rolls dice during the combat Phase, which helps speed a combat scene along. The Flat X can be further modified by armor, cover and range penalties.
Resolving damage
Living characters in Fuzion can take two kinds of damage; Lethal Damage, (that subtracts Hits), or Stun Damage, that subtracts Stun points. When Hits fall to zero, a character is unconscious and may be dying. Losing further Hits can kill a character if it should fall twice below their Body Stat, that is, a character with Body 5, (and 25 Hits), dies when his Hits fall to -10. When Stun falls to zero, a character is out cold. At this point, any further damage becomes Stun Rollover at 1/5 the Stun damage and begin deducting from their Hits. When a character loses 1/2 of their Hits, all their stats drop by 2. If 3/4 Hits are lost, all stats drop by 4.Inanimate objects, have Structural Damage Points or SDPs. When an object loses all its SDPs, it is rendered useless; (a vehicle shuts down and grinds to a halt, a weapon will no longer fire, etc). It is destroyed when it reaches twice its SDPs in damage. To keep things simple, (and avoid rolling lots of dice), large scale weapons inflict points of damage called Kills, which represent destruction on a much larger scale. Kills are used for such things as giant mecha robots and spaceships. Weapons that inflict Kill damage are not usually small enough to be carried around by characters.
Character sized weapons in Fuzion have Damage Classes, or (DCs). Each point of DC represents a six-sided die that is rolled to see how much damage the weapon can cause. Six-sided dice are always used for damage rolls, regardless of using a d10 (or other die types) for checks. For instance, a light weight handgun typically has a DC of 3; meaning 3d6 is rolled to determine the damage it causes when it hits something. Some weapons also have a Weapon Accuracy (WA) value. This number is further added to the Attack roll and raise the chances of getting a successful hit.
Melee weapon sometimes have a Minimum Strength value. This is an optional rule to add more realism. A character must possess the listed minimum level of STR to fully inflict the weapon's damage. For every point of STR under the minimum, the weapon does one less die of damage. For example: A Battleaxe has a DC 5 and a Minimum STR of 5. A character with an STR 3, that uses the Battleaxe, suffers a -2 penalty to his Attack roll. It will also only inflict DC 3 of damage because the character's STR is 2 less than the minimum of 5. The character also suffers a -2 penalty to any Reflex checks and Reflex-based Skill checks when wielding the weapon.
For unarmed physical damage, a character deals 1 DC of punching damage per level of STR Stat, that is, a character with STR 3 does 3 DC of damage. Kicking adds an additional DC, that is, with a STR of 3, a character deals 4 DC of damage with a kick.
Some Fuzion campaigns offer an optional Hit Location Chart where 3d6 is rolled to determine what specific part of the body is hit by an attack. Depending on the location, the damage may be modified. For instance, if damage is applied to the head, the damage taken is doubled. If a hand is struck, the damage is halved. Using Hit Locations allows Called Shots with a -4 penalty to an attack roll to strike a specific area.
Rewards
After a good game of Fuzion, Referees can reward characters with more Option Points, (or Award Points), which they can use to improve skills, and convert to money to buy more equipment. Enough OPs that are saved up can later allow a player to raise a Stat or two, and maybe buy a Talent or Perk, however the price for future ability upgrades becomes costly and keeps characters from becoming too powerful, too quickly. For example, to raise a skill from 4 to 5 costs a number of Option Points per point of the skill's next level. In this case, 5 option points. To raise it again to 6, costs 6 more points. To raise a primary stat costs 5 option points per level starting with the first. For example, to raise a stat from 4 to 5 costs 25 option points (5x5). Again to 6 would cost 30 more points (5x6).Games that use Fuzion
- Armored Trooper VotomsArmored Trooper Votomsis a 52-episode anime television series, created by Ryosuke Takahashi and Sunrise, featuring mechanical designs by Kunio Okawara. The series originally aired in Japan from April 1, 1983 to March 23, 1984 on TV Tokyo...
" (R. Talsorian): A science fiction game based on the anime of the same name. (ISBN 0-937279-93-5) - Artesia: Adventures in the Known WorldArtesia: Adventures in the Known WorldArtesia: Adventures in the Known World , is a role-playing game based on the comic book Artesia is written and illustrated by Mark Smylie and published by Archaia Studios Press ....
(Archaia Studios PressArchaia Studios PressArchaia Entertainment, LLC is an American comic book publishing company established by Mark Smylie in 2002.-History:Mark Smylie formed the company as a home for his comic Artesia because the publisher, Sirius Entertainment, wanted to print the third series in black and white...
): A fantasy game based on the Artesia series of comic books. (ISBN 1-932386-10-6) - Atomik Fuzion: The Atomik family of Fuzion products (Alienz, Cyberware, Magick, Motorwarz, Psioniks, Vigilantian and WAR) were exhaustively researched by Mark Chase and published freely under the Atomik Vortex Studio http://www.meta-earth.com/atomik/ imprint. Due to a disagreement over licensing restrictions, the Atomik Fuzion line has been converted to generic role playing aids tied to no one gaming system and are no longer free.
- Bubblegum CrisisBubblegum Crisisis a Japanese cyberpunk direct-to-video animated series. It displays strong influences from Blade Runner, also making occasional references to it.- Setting :...
RPG (R. Talsorian): A high-powered cyberpunk game based on the anime of the same nameBubblegum Crisisis a Japanese cyberpunk direct-to-video animated series. It displays strong influences from Blade Runner, also making occasional references to it.- Setting :...
, with two support books. (ISBN 0-937279-80-3) - Champions: The New Millennium (Hero GamesHero GamesHero Games is the publisher of the Hero System, a generic roleplaying rules set that can be used to simulate many different genres, and was the co-developer of the Fuzion system.-History:...
): An update of the setting of the classic ChampionsChampions (role-playing game)Champions is a role-playing game published by Hero Games that is designed to simulate and function in a four-color superhero comic book world. It was created by George MacDonald, Steve Peterson, Bruce Harlick, and Ray Greer....
superhero role playing game, with two support books. (ISBN 0-937279-88-9) - Chronicle 001: Xenomorph Invasion RPG (Dilly Green Bean Games): Hardcore science fiction war game with strong military content. Themed like Aliens, The Thing, Transformers.
- Cyberpunk v3.0CyberpunkCyberpunk is a postmodern and science fiction genre noted for its focus on "high tech and low life." The name is a portmanteau of cybernetics and punk, and was originally coined by Bruce Bethke as the title of his short story "Cyberpunk," published in 1983...
RPG (R. Talsorian): The canon sequel to Cyberpunk 2020Cyberpunk 2020Cyberpunk 2020 is a cyberpunk role-playing game written by Mike Pondsmith and published by R. Talsorian Games.- Overview :This role-playing game is based on the works of William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, and other authors of the "Mirrorshades group"...
, it takes place sometime in the 2030s. (ISBN 1-891933-03-5) - Dragonball Z (R. Talsorian): A role-playing game using Instant Fuzion, based on the anime of the same name. (ISBN 1-891933-00-0)
- Guardian Universe (Dilly Green Been Games): SuperheroSuperheroA superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
Fuzion superhero RPG with one support book. (ISBN 0-9744698-0-7) - Lightspeed: High-fantasy space operaSpace operaSpace opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities. The term has no relation to music and it is analogous to "soap...
, inspired by Star TrekStar TrekStar Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
and Star WarsStar WarsStar Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
, as well as a dozen other sci-fi settings, with two support books. (The company and the product have the same name, as Lightspeed is the only product Lightspeed makes.) (RPGnow purchase link) - SengokuSengoku (role-playing game)Sengoku: Chanbara Roleplaying in Feudal Japan is a Samurai role-playing game, created by Anthony J. Bryant and Mark Arsenault and published by Gold Rush Games. The setting for the game is 16th century Japan. The tone can be realistic, heroic as in Akira Kurosawa films, or superheroic as in many...
(Gold Rush Games): Historic Japanese roleplaying in Japan's warring states periodSengoku periodThe or Warring States period in Japanese history was a time of social upheaval, political intrigue, and nearly constant military conflict that lasted roughly from the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century. The name "Sengoku" was adopted by Japanese historians in reference...
. (Hardcover ISBN 1-890305-41-3, Softcover ISBN 1-890305-50-2) (RPGNow Purchase Link) - Shards of the Stone: an electronic-only fantasy RPG.
- Teenagers from Outer SpaceTeenagers from Outer Space (role-playing game)Teenagers from Outer Space is a rules-light comedy role-playing game written by Michael A. Pondsmith and published by R. Talsorian Games. It was inspired by gag anime such as Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½. The game was first released in 1987, when anime was still mostly an underground sensation. The...
(R. Talsorian): A wild anime high school comedy game. The third edition was marketed as a Fuzion title, but the system predates Fuzion by several years and bears little mechanical resemblance to other Fuzion games. - Usagi Yojimbo Roleplaying Game: AnthropomorphicAnthropomorphismAnthropomorphism is any attribution of human characteristics to animals, non-living things, phenomena, material states, objects or abstract concepts, such as organizations, governments, spirits or deities. The term was coined in the mid 1700s...
animal roleplaying in feudal JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, based on the Usagi YojimboUsagi Yojimbois a comic book series created by Stan Sakai in 1987. In 2011 IGN ranked Miyamoto Usagi 92nd in the top 100 comic books heroes.-Concept:Set primarily at the beginning of Edo period of Japan , with anthropomorphic animals replacing humans, the series features a rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, whom...
comic book series by Stan SakaiStan Sakaiis a third-generation Japanese American Cartoonist comic book creator. He is best known as the creator of the comic series Usagi Yojimbo. -Biography:...
. Uses Instant Fuzion. (ISBN 1-890305-02-2) - VictorianaVictorianaVictoriana refers to items or material from the Victorian period , especially those particularly evocative of the design style and outlook of the time....
(Heresy Gaming): Victorian eraVictorian eraThe Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
fantasy roleplaying with a strong scientific romanceScientific romanceScientific romance is a bygone name for what is now commonly known as science fiction. The term is most associated with early British science fiction. The earliest noteworthy use of the term scientific romance is believed to have been by Charles Howard Hinton in his 1886 collection...
flavor. (ISBN 1-904649-00-9) - Xandoria: Saga Collection (Dilly Green Bean Games): Sci-Fi/Fantasy game with a strong Phantasy Star theme. (ISBN: 9780980189803)
- ZorroZorroZorro is a fictional character created in 1919 by New York-based pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The character has been featured in numerous books, films, television series, and other media....
(Gold Rush Games): Roleplaying in Spanish colonial California, based on the ZorroZorroZorro is a fictional character created in 1919 by New York-based pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The character has been featured in numerous books, films, television series, and other media....
novels by Johnston McCulleyJohnston McCulleyJohnston McCulley was the author of hundreds of stories, fifty novels, numerous screenplays for film and television, and the creator of the character Zorro...
. Instant Fuzion (ISBN 1-890305-26-X) and Total Fuzion editions are available.
External links
- Fuzion Links from the system's current owner R. Talsorian, a sparse but handy list.
- DGBG The creators of Guardian Universe, Xandoria and Xenomorph Invasion
- Gold Rush Games company website -- Although GRG has started selling their games under the OGL as Action!, they still provide support for the original Fuzion versions of their games, and Action! games are generally 95% compatible with Fuzion.
- Transfuzion, a page with most of the free Fuzion files in one place, as well as a selection of conversions and plugins made by others.