Multiple Action Penalties Redux

[dph]

Hi folks

I don't usually house rule much, except for very minor things, but I've been thinking about some of D6s more cumbersome rules lately I had a bit of a radical idea.

Multiple Action Penalties

I love MAPs and I think it's one of the strengths of the SWD6 system... but...
Even after nearly 2 decades, we still find it hard keeping track of the MAP penalty; particularly when there's numerous distinct NPCs (and groups of NPCs), Reaction Rolls and incidental one off penalties (like drawing weapons) and wounds...

But what if we simplify the foundations of the MAP?

Instead of nominating a number of actions, we simply increase the penalty each action after the first, if you want in, you jump in at that penalty.

So first action, everyone's rolling full dice.
Second Action, everyone's rolling -1.
3rd, -2 etc.


Moves
You might need to introduce a 'move' round before the first (no penalty) action.

Reaction skills
This is a bit trickier.
Perhaps if you haven't acted, you must use that action; if not, you take an additional -1 or forgo the next action.

It isn't a perfect solution and hell, maybe it doesn't need a solution, but maybe I've just stumbled across an elegant idea... maybe...

Anyone else out there tried this?
Anyone see any obvious problems?

I guess I'll just have to try it and see!
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[Naaman]

I'm wondering what you mean by "round." In our games, we do it almost exactly like you describe, but each "round" represents a series of actions and reactions which starts with the highest initiative and goes to the lowest. Anyone can take whatever actions they want on their turn or take reactions, etc.

MAPS are applied progressively, rather than to all actions, such that the first action is rolled at full dice. Reactions are always free, unless a separate reaction is required (for example, needing to dodge and parry in the same round).

[dph]

[Merrick]

I generally stay vanilla on this. I trust my players to keep track of their actions declared and taken. I make a vocal check before proceeding past each action sequence: "Has anyone not taken their first action or are you holding it? Last call for first actions."

Occasionally we get someone out of order, if it did not result in a critical negative outcome we assume the out of order character or npc held their action for a moment for some reason or make up a reason. (The targets dodge took them out of your line of fire for a split second)

I don't create too many NPC groups for the initiative order unless its a very important fight, thus reducing the turn order complexity.

I just keep track of NPC's for the most part and rarely have them take more than 2 actions unless there is a more powerful npc, that keeps it a little simpler. If they didn't use a reaction, they shoot again.

[DarthOmega]