Meta Dice

Meta Dice Chart Die Minimum Value Range Dice Notation d4 1 1/2/3/4 d4 d6 2 2/2/3/4/5/6 d6(2) d8 3 3/3/3/4/5/6/7/8 d8(3) d10 4 4/4/4/4/5/6/7/8/9/10 d10(4) d12 5 5/5/5/5/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 d12(5) Meta Dice Meta Dice refer to the special forms of the d6, d8, d10 and d12 dice used in Metaforce (The d4 is excluded for reasons that will be explained). Unlike normal dice which have the full range of numbers (d6 having 1/2/3/4/5/6), they have a minimum number as decided by the value of a character's Attribute or their Metaphor value. As seen on the right, the d4 isn't special because its minimum number is the same as any other d4, thus it can't be considered a true Meta Die, though it is used as a bonus in checks that call upon it. The odds of rolling any value above the minimum remains the same as a normal die, but the player can't roll below the minimum, ensuring better averages overall. Beyond d12 / +5 Minimum Value Range Dice Notation +5 5 to 12 d12(5) +6 6 to 13 d12(5)+1 +7 7 to 14 d12(5)+2 +8 8 to 15 d12(5)+3 +9 9 to 16 d12(5)+4 +10 10 to 17 d12(5)+5 +11 11 to 18 d12(5)+6 +12 12 to 19 d12(5)+7 Beyond d12 Since Attributes and Metaphors can exceed a +5 value, and there isn't a die larger than d12 used in Metaforce (normally), values above 5 are simply a fixed bonus on top of the roll to slightly improve odds. When an Attribute or Metaphor reaches +6, they use the d12/5 Meta-Die as normal, then add +1. Regardless of the limits set by the Game-Master (To 10, to 12 or beyond), Meta-Dice can continue to grow for as long as the Player invests in that particular aspect of their character. Usage Attribute/Improvised Checks Meta Dice are used in a character's Attributes whenever they have a modifier that is non-zero. When it is in the positives, they may gain access to the appropiate Meta die when applicable. However, depending on the Game-Master, negative values in an Attribute may apply Meta-Dice as a penalty instead of the original value. An Improvised check, or 'Straight-Attribute' check is when a character is called upon to a task or circumstance in which they have no appropriate Metaphors to call upon. It is at this point that the player may use their Attribute Meta-Die as a last resort. When applying Attribute bonuses (or penalties) to Metaphors the character does possess, they generally only receive the minimum or base value of the Attribute instead of the die. Only in circumstances where the Game-Master allows, or the player takes the appropriate action or requirement can they use an Attribute's Meta-die on top of their other modifiers and bonuses. Metaphor Sub-Abilities Meta Dice feature most prominently as part of a character's Metaphor Sub-Abilities. Particularly as part of a Skill, but other forms of Metaphor can also work provided the bonus can allow for random values each time it is called upon. For Skills, a Sub-Ability whose condition is fulfilled can roll a Meta-Die and add its value to its check. For Combat Metaphors, this often allows for additional ToHit, Damage or Magnitude for certain effects. Meta-Point Ability: Create a Meta-Die Using Meta-Points, a player can create a d12/5 Meta-Die for use in a check or interaction to help their odds of success or survival. It is free to roll the die to view its result but costs an an amount of MP equal to the result rolled.