Post by Magic Rob on Apr 14, 2015 12:00:21 GMT -8
Recently, Staff came across a misunderstanding without ourselves how 'Cinematic' is described, specifically in regards to combat resolution. For the edification of all involved, here is how staff will be utilizing that term moving forward, and the criteria that must be met before we transition that scene to a cinematic one.
The primary difference between a Cinematic scene and a Non-Cinematic scene is the function of dice rolls and order of operation. In a properly run combat scene, actions happen in a very specific order based on the attributes of the characters involved. Actions resolve clearly based on the result of dice rolls which are also a function of the attributes and abilities of the characters invoking them. In a cinematic scene, these slower (but more accurate) rules are suspended to allow the storyteller in question to craft a more ascetically (and much faster to resolve) pleasing scene.
As an example, in a proper combat scene, the Storyteller will collect initiative information, declarations of actions, and resolve them in proper order rolling dice for each stated action.
In a cinematic combat, the Storyteller collects appropriate actions of the characters involved and crafts those into a scene that they then describe to those involved. Generally, this is much faster, and staff will determine how successful the stated actions were based on arbitrary involvement (generally their whims).
The criteria for going into Cinematic is basically the willingness of those involved to do so. Staff can't utilize this mechanic without the agreement of those involved. Players shouldn't feel pressured to accept this option; players are always entitled to let their dice and sheets dictate their scene resolution. Generally speaking, the Cinematic option is only utilized once an outcome seems inevitable to those running the scene. Overwhelming force, or exhausted resources, or the scene not resulting in harmful long-term consequences.
However, if the Cinematic option is engaged, players are somewhat at the mercy of the Storytellers administering the scene. If the declared actions are harmful to another PC, staff may utilize those options or suspend Cinematic until those harmful actions are resolved.
Cinematic is a much faster option, however, the players are less 'involved' in the outcome. I can't stress enough that players shouldn't feel obligated to accept going Cinematic. However, once you're in a Cinematic scene, it will resolve how the Storyteller feels is best appropriate to a cinematic scene and consequences thereof are how that scene resolved.
Cheers!
-Rob.