Reaction Scores

[dwaynec]

Though I have the Star Trek (and now on its way LotR) RPG - i have actually yet to play it - one thing which struck me though was the reaction scores - they all seem to be quite low (even for the 'established' characters) and some are used as opposing scores against skills - has this been a problem in your games? do you often use reaction attributes? It just seems that it is something overlooked compared to beefing up your skills...

[Dan Stack]

I have found the reactions are indeed a bit on the low side, making dodging of so-so use.

That said, I think the best options in combat are...
1) Do not get shot at

2) If shot at, there are those that stand to face the music and those thar run for cover. Cover is better.

[dwaynec]

Yes i agree - but one thing it is not just combat - things like social skills and the like also seem to use the reaction score - i was thinking that the same social skill could be used to oppose the roll if your reaction score was lower...

do people tend to use reaction tests in their games? or is it mainly skill orientated - purely reaction based tests seem to me to require a much lower DC otherwise most people would fail...

again since i havent actually 'played' i don't know if this is an issue...

[KillerWhale]

I use the Reaction scores, and it's true they are fairly low when compared to skills.

So what... The players have to raise them. When we play as often as we do, it's good to multiply the things the players have to buy