Simulate Claustrophobia/Cabin Fever

Aroooo · March 14, 2008

I don't normally cross post, but this seems to be a closed conversation over in the main questions section, so I thought I'd make sure the spacers among us saw this first hand just in case. The original conversation is here http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63992

What I'm trying to do is simulate cabin fever. Here's what I have so far, not including Silbeg's recent comments. I like the percentage of overcrowding idea. I'll have to see how to work that in.

Cabin Fever

Cabin fever is a condition that produces restlessness and irritability caused from being in a confined space, when a character or group is isolated and/or shut in, alone or together, for an extended period. To simulate the breaking point, assign characters a 'Cabin Fever Score' based on their EGO, as modified by character concept and background (see table below), plus points from any Resistance Talent (on a one for one basis). For characters with a Claustrophobic Disad, reduce the Cabin Fever score by the disad point value.

Character Type                       Base Score
Standard Traveller Character           EGO x 2
Well Travelled                         EGO x 3
Professional Spacer                    EGO x 4
 (Navy, Scout, Belter,etc)
Spacer, born and bred                  EGO x 5
Rookie space traveller                 EGO

For every day in space reduce Cabin Fever score by one when aboard a standard ship. Space stations, large ships, or cruise liners reduce the Score by 1 for every 2 to 4 days. For every day planet side, add one point to the Cabin Fever score. For actual R&R/Shore Leave time, award 2 or more points back per day; or simply reset the Cabin Fever score back to its start value. Cabin Fever score can never go above starting value, but it can go below 0.

When you get to 0 or less points, start making EGO rolls - one per day. Treat a negative Cabin Fever Score as a modifier to the EGO roll. If you are at -2 Cabin Fever, your EGO roll is 9+(EGO/5)-2. If you fail your EGO roll, you have a claustrophobic episode. The exact nature of the episode is up to the player and GM, but it should be appropriate to the situation, the story, and the negative value of the Cabin Fever score. For example, if your Cabin Fever score is 0 and you fail your EGO roll, the episode should be relatively minor, such as a a hysterical outbreak that requires sedation. If the Cabin Fever score is -4 and you fail the EGO Roll, perhaps you suffer major hallucinations and attack your fellow crew mates or passengers.

Characters or NPCs with appropriate skills like PS: Ship's Steward, PS: Counseling, SS: Psychology, PS: Recreation Director or PS: Morale Officer may use their skills to increase the ratio of Cabin Fever points lost, or negate them altogether (GM's discretion). Ships equipped with special recreation areas, lounges, onboard R&R facilities, etc. may increase the ratio of Cabin Fever points lost. For example, a standard space liner may have a ratio of 1 point per 2 days. A luxury cruise liner may have a ratio of 1 per 5 days to account for extra wide corridors, large rooms and meeting/dining halls, and dedicated stewards.

Aroooo

L. Marcus · March 14, 2008