Combined Actions rules flaws - how do you get around them?

[TheDoctor]

Combined Action Rules in summary:

*Character with highest PERCEPTION or Command is the "Commander"
*The Commander can coordinate only as many people as s/he has Command dice
*Command difficulty is based on how well the coordinating characters know each other and complexity of the task
*If the Commander is working on the task as well, there's a MAP
*A successful Command check results in a Combined Action bonus of +1 per character combined (or +3D per 3 people) added to Character's roll with the highest skill level for the relevant task.

Problem 1: The average squad is between 8 and 10 troopers commanded by either a Corporal or Sergeant, does that mean every Corporal or Sergeant has at least 7D in Command?

Problem 2: Han is working on repairing the Alluvial Dampners and could use some help from Chewie. Being the Captain, Han would be the commander, would suffer a -1D MAP for "Commanding" and fixing the Alluvial Dampners, but would only receive a +2 [edited from "=1"] to the roll representing Chewie's help. Intuitively it makes sense that Chewie would be helpful, but it game terms, his +2 help doesn't outweigh the -1D MAP.

Problem 2.5: Han gets a +2 bonus for combining actions whether the "helper" is Chewie or Jar Jar Banks (sorry, Jar Jar!). You'd think there'd be a difference.

How do you guys get around these scenarios? Do you have house Combined Actions rules?
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"We attack under cover of daylight. Yes it's the last thing they'll be expecting, a daylight charge over the minefield." - Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC SSC

[Ral_Brelt]

In response to question two...

Han is also participating in the repair, so wouldn't that make it +2D for 2 beings? Which would then make it a net +1D to the repair roll. (2D bonus - 1D MAP)

[TheDoctor]

[griff]

Reply to #1. I too always had a problem with the #D=to people commanded. If I remember there is a Command Difficulty chart. Second Edition (Blue Vader Book).
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"EXECUTE ORDER 67. Wait a minute, that doesn't sound like order 67..... No, wait. Yes, yes it does. EXECUTE ORDER 68" Palpatine's last moments - robot chicken.

[shootingwomprats]

I have been considering this in my games as well. First off it does not seem that the bonus is nearly high enough (+1 per person, 3 people is +1D). It does seem a messy system as well. Though I think your example would be a combination of Command and Tactics, but I do understand what your saying.

I will have to give this some more thought. Share some of my ideas. Then again I am not the be all, end all of the SWD6 mechanics. I too would love to see peoples suggestions on this as it currently is 1. ineffective and 2. doesn't make much sense.
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Don Diestler
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[garhkal]

[TheDoctor]

So it's not just me...that's good.

Now I know this is straying into House Rules territory, but does anyone have alternate rules for combining actions?

At a con where I was running a D6 game, I couldn't remember how the combined actions rules went, so I made it up on the fly that the people cooperating on a task would both roll, and the higher roll would count toward the task.
_________________
"We attack under cover of daylight. Yes it's the last thing they'll be expecting, a daylight charge over the minefield." - Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC SSC

[griff]

Just a thought, if two are combining have the higher skill roll with one level difficulty lower, decrease the repair time in half. You shouldn't need to make a lot of convoluted adjustments. If many hands make light work the task, a simple solution would be the best for quick game play.
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"EXECUTE ORDER 67. Wait a minute, that doesn't sound like order 67..... No, wait. Yes, yes it does. EXECUTE ORDER 68" Palpatine's last moments - robot chicken.

[CRMcNeill]

With regards to question 2, recall that the MAP only applies in the round in which the Command is given, but the bonus for coordinating continues for the length of the repair (base of 15 minutes, subject to modification). If Han takes 1 round to use his Command skill to coordinate with Chewie, he just has to wait until the next round to start making the repair.
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"No set of rules can cover every situation. It's expected that you will make up new rules to suit the needs of your game." - The Star Wars Roleplaying Game, 2R&E, pg. 69, WEG, 1996.

The CRMcNeill Stat/Rule Index

[Random_Axe]

[griff]

From last post- 4D+2. +3+4+2 equals 4D+11.

I have treated all bonuses to die codes as normal pips which the roll would be 7D+1.
_________________
"EXECUTE ORDER 67. Wait a minute, that doesn't sound like order 67..... No, wait. Yes, yes it does. EXECUTE ORDER 68" Palpatine's last moments - robot chicken.

[garhkal]

[Quetzacotl]

Which is nearly the same as it is now.
Each person +1, Every 3 Persons +1D (instead of the +1 each).
But this ignores the abilities of the people again.


Another idea could be:
Make everyone roll.
The first person uses his full result.
The second person adds half of his result.
The third person adds one third of his result and so on.

At one point another person more doesn't really add anything, he might even stand in the way.

[TheDoctor]

[TheDoctor]