Artificial Referee Computer (ARC)
The Artificial Referee Computer (ARC): When you need to discern information in the game, you can “ask” the artificial referee computer questions to determine a result. These questions are categorized into either Simple Questions or Complex Questions.
Simple Questions: Simple Questions represent Yes or No questions that the traveler might have. Roll 2D and consult the following table to determine the simple question answer.
Asymmetrical results: Add asymmetrical results together as normal to determine an answer. Examples of asymmetrical results are 1,5 or 3,4 etc.
Double Results: If double dice results occur, they will add a narrative effect to the answer. Consult the table below
When interacting with an NPC or performing a task, the solo spacer should apply any DM that might provide a situational positive or negative effect.
Example of NPC interaction: Asking an NPC to do a task that is at odds with their drive, interests, or ability would apply a negative DM while asking them to do something that is along the lines of their drive, interests, or ability with apply a positive DM
Example of Environmental Interaction: Interacting with an environment or NPC under restrictions, stress, oppressive circumstances, or some other burden that would hinder the solo spacer would apply -1 DM per circumstance, while being in advantageous circumstances with regards to a lack or restrictions or any supportive situation would apply +1 DM per circumstance.
If either the “…And” or “…But” result allows for a more open response or if the traveller needs some additional insight, they can choose or roll 1D on the Complex Questions table to determine what column they roll a 2D on to provide some result to help continue the narrative.
Complex Questions: A complex question is a situational question to give purpose for answers to provide narrative descriptions or progression of a campaign objective. These questions are framed as Who, What, Where, When, Why, or How questions. The following table can be used to generate rumors, jobs, motives, etc. as well by rolling on each column and combining it into a narrative.
*Fringe: 1) Psion, 2) Drifter, 3) Alien, 4) Robot, 5) Runaway/Refugee, 6) Fugitive
**When: If generating a recent event, roll 1D+6 on this column instead. If generating an very old event, roll D3. Ancient events can be determined by rolling 1D to represent centuries past
Distance Questions: If the solo traveller asks the ARC a question regarding how far away a person/place/thing is, consult the following table.
Any possible location: Roll 1D
Planetside Location: Roll D3
Galactic location: Roll D3+3
Optional, Expanded ARC Tables
Detailed Answers: If the solo spacer needs additional details from the artificial referee or would like to use a more typical verb/noun or adjective/noun oracle, roll a D66 on each of the following tables to assemble the answer using prior information generated with the artificial referee.
Verb Table:
Adjective Table:
Noun Table:
*Settlement: Roll 1D; 1) Remote, 2) Urban, 3) underground / on water, 4) Orbital (remote), 5) Orbital (urban), 6) Unique.
**Astronomical Body: Roll 1D; 1-2) Gas Giant, 3-4) Asteroid Cluster, 5) Rockball planetoid, 6) Black Hole
***Base: Roll 1D; 1) Military, 2) Mining, 3) Factory, 4) Scout, 5) Secret, 6) Science
