Bravado Bones FAQ

Bravado Bones is a rules-light storytelling system based on the skin of the Powered by the Apocalypse game adapted by our very own Sam Mars that focuses on STORY, not crunchy mechanics.  It’s not meant to replace the DR LARP ruleset, nor is it meant to replace the tabletop system published by Onyx Path.

We know that online play can never really replace the feeling of a live game, so Bravado Bones is instead focused on empowering all the things you couldn’t really accomplish in the live space.  The rules-light system means we have less focus on items, tracking Mind expenditures, or  worrying about little details so we can focus on the narrative of your character and their stories. We have a pretty epic story planned this weekend, and our system allows you to be the big damn hero you always knew you were!

You can still walk away from this event with some items for your DR inventory, brand new blueprints, and you can use Zone of Mechanics to make sure you take something with you to the live space.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bones:

Here’s some of the most popular questions we get about the Bravado Bones system.

Where can I find the rules for this system?

https://www.idratherbeinbravo.com/bravado-bones

How do I make a roll in Bravado Bones?

The core mechanic is explained in detail in our system page, but for reference:

2d6 + STAT (Combat/Wasteland/Civilized/Anomaly) + Advantage/Disadvantage

On the Discord server, you can use the #roll-dice channel to make rolls for Zones of Mechanics, or you can make the rolls in your mod rooms during the course of a module by typing /r or /roll. The Guide will help you enter the proper syntax for the roll.

How do I make a character?

Making a character in Bravado Bones is easy and quick!  Simply bring up your character in the database and follow the conversion guide in the first part of the Bravado Bones rules. If you are having trouble, you can ping @game runner or post in our #logistics channel on Discord to ask for help. We recommend getting your sheet sorted before you go on a mod, so that the mod can start on time. 

What if I don’t have a lot of XP or I’m a new player?

The Bravado Bones game is designed on purpose to be very forgiving. In fact, a character with virtually no XP still has a chance of getting at least a Mixed Success about 58% of the time.  This means that anyone can be a hero, no matter how long you’ve been playing. It is next to impossible to “fail” in a Bravado Bones mod, so our focus is more on the story we are telling together, in the spirit of “yes, and..”

Can I die in a Bravado Bones game?

No.  Well, not without your consent, at least. 

We believe that dying in an online space is inherently unfun.  We can’t really run an atmospheric Gravemind scene and we don’t want to rob you of that experience from the live space, so unless you explicitly CHOOSE to die as part of a module or scene we will assume you had that handy injectable nearby to save you.  

However, if you feel like the story demands it, and you want to choose losing an Infection through a death, we will have our STs available for Gravemind Scenes as needed.

How do I use my Body and Mind Points in Bravado Bones?

When you create your character in Bones, you get a Mind Point for every 10 Mind you have on your database character sheet and a Body Point for every 10 Body you have in the same way.  These are NOT used within the soft-RP rooms of the Discord Room, but only during a Bravado Bones module.  At the start of EVERY module you attend, you refresh your Body and Mind. We assume a badass like you had ample access to meals and brews in between the action. Save your brews for a live game!

How does Mind work?

Your Mind Points are not used to power skills, use items, or craft items. Instead, these Mind Points allow you to modify your Success level in a Bone mod to make you more successful.  When you spend a Mind, that roll is instead treated as a level of success higher (so a Mixed Success becomes a Success, etc.). If you have a relevant TAG or Profession Focus Achievement, you can move the result up TWO levels!

Can I use weapons, armor or other items in Bravado Bones?

Generally, no. Instead, the bonuses or penalties you would get from armor or items are reflected in the system of PIPS and TAGS, and THREATS.

While you are free to flavor your RP around the items you have, a Bravado bones roll is less about tracking every swing or counting damage and more on the RESULTS of those actions. So you might describe how you are setting that Raider on fire with your Candlepin Flame Belcher, but it will still be resolved with something like a COMBAT or ANOMALY roll.  If you want to feature that item you are particularly proud of, let your ST know during a mod so they can help you use it during the game!

What are Pips?

Pips allow you to get a +1 on a Bones roll, representing temporary bonuses from things like brews, weapon augments, or equipment. These are generally gained from Zones of Mechanics or sometimes even from awards by the ST for actions in a module. Pips are normally only used in a Bones module.

You can have up to THREE (3) Pips in your ‘inventory’ at any time, so make sure you use them wisely!

What are Threats?

While the Bones system is designed to be tough to fail, sometimes failure can make for an epic story.  THREATS are similar to Tags, but are instead used by the Storyteller!  During a Bravado Bones module after you make a Success or Heroic Success on your roll, the ST can suggest that the THREAT becomes an issue for you instead.  This is completely optional, but if you decide to go along with the suggestion, you regain one Body or Mind Point and the roll is considered a Failure instead.  

Can I use Pips or Mind on a Bravado Bones roll from a Zone of Mechanics?

No. These Zone of Mechanics rolls are considered “off-camera”, and do not use Pips, Tags, or Mind Points the same way. Save these for the Mods!

Can I use my Bones rolls to attack another character or take other CvC actions?

Generally no. CvC in our online games is not allowed or supported, except by explicit player consent. We will have a specific channel to engage in this type of behavior, but there are WASTELAND areas in a Bravado Bones event, so all CvC must be voluntary.

Your Bones stats are only used during a module and on some Zones of Mechanics.  Within a module, our focus is on a story and not attacking another leading character. Save the CvC for live play, when you can start earning the attention of Murder Incorporated!

How do I learn skills?

We are allowing self-taught skill purchases during this event. Please email us at info@dystopiarisingtx.com to request any XP expenditures on your sheet for this event or put it on your End of Game form post-event. We are not doing Professional Focus Achievement trials at this time, so that is the only type of skill you cannot ‘learn’. You are, of course, more than welcome to roleplay learning the skills in our soft RP rooms to symbolize the normal tutoring process that happens in a LARP event.

Can I use gathering skills like Salvaging in Bravado Bones?

Generally, no. With the lack of risk while crafting or gathering, no real NPC roaming threats, and limited ability to grant items through a Post Office, these behaviors aren’t really used in our system. Instead, we will have Zone of Mechanics that you can use to gain resources, or you can submit a “Do Work, Get Paid” form to perform more traditional crafting.

With our focus on a narrative system for story, we’d rather you spend your time role playing with your friends or experiencing cool stories. At the end of the game, you can still receive items which can be traded in for things like herb, scrap, currency, or even Blueprints to represent the hustle you’d normally do in a live game.

What about other questions not covered here?

We can’t cover every question, but you always post in #logistics-questions on the Discord to ask about anything not answered! We will answer you when we can!