THE ENGINE OF WAR: THE SKL10 SYSTEM
Updated: Sep 22
SYSTEM STATUS: ONLINE // CLEARANCE LEVEL: COMMAND TRANSMISSION ID: OTB-MECH-1987-03 SUBJECT: THE ENGINE OF WAR & THE SKL 10 SYSTEM
Welcome back to the command tent. In our last briefing, we covered the alternate history that set the world on fire. Today, we are pulling directly from the design files to look at the mechanical core of the game.
Our primary goal is to make On the Brink a fast to play, easy to learn game. To achieve that, we needed an game engine that keeps your eyes on the battlefield, not buried in a rulebook.
The SKL 10 System
At the heart of On the Brink is the SKL 10 System. This is our official designation for the core D10 game engine.
To keep gameplay fast and intuitive, all dice rolls in the game use this single, unified mechanic. Whether you are resolving Skill Tests, Survival, Leadership, or Seeing if that Longshot destroys the target tank, the SKL 10 System governs the resolution.
Whenever a test is required, you roll a D10.
The result must be equal to or higher than the Skill or Leadership value to pass the test.
Modifiers will always be applied to the die roll, so it easy to remember what you need to succeed.
Why We Unified the Engine
Many other tabletop systems force players to frequently switch between die rolls and making it hard to learn what makes a "good" dice roll. A game might ask you to roll high for a skill test, but roll low for a morale check.
We unified the core dice mechanics drastically reducing the learning curve and speeding up dice resolution. By utilizing a streamlined "Roll Over" system, to avoid switching between high/low rolls so players can focus on the mission, not the math.
The Core Tactical Profiles
Under the SKL 10 System, every unit’s capability is defined by a clean, easy-to-read set of core Target Numbers.
TRN (Training): The baseline value used to determine a unit's competency. Tests require matching or exceeding this Target Number (TN) on a D10.
LDR (Leadership): The target threshold for morale and panic tests under pressure.
SRV (Survival): The target number to resist or ignore incoming hits.
For example, if an a unit has a Leadership (LDR) of 6+, you must roll a 6 or higher on a D10 to pass a Leadership Test. It is that simple.
Next week, we will dive into the geopolitical fallout of the Summit in Geneve and the factions scrambling for power in the ashes.
END OF TRANSMISSION // PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT
