Momentum

[Kannon]

In my opinion, Momentum as designed in RAW is not adjusted to the PbP environment in which PCs represent diverse factions.

In this game, Momentum shall be dealt with in the following way:

• The RAW makes a differentiation between Momentum and bonus Momentum. We'll build on this distinction, calling them Game Momentum and Scene Momentum, respectively.
• Only rolls mandated by the GM may generate Game Momentum, and only when it is explicitly said. Game Momentum pool is uncapped. It starts at 2 Momentum.
• All other rolls generate Scene Momentum that cannot be added to the Game Momentum pool and is lost if not used during that scene. Scene Momentum pool starts at 0 and is capped at 6 for all PCs in the scene.
• The above prevents from bloating Game Momentum pool with results of inconsequential rolls. If you think something you're about to do may contribute Game Momentum to the pool, summon the GM into that thread to make a call.
• Rolls that can contribute to Game Momentum may instead contribute to Scene Momentum if the player so chooses, but not vice versa.
• Game Momentum decays by 2 at the end of each IC Day. Scene Momentum decays completely at the end of the scene. The GM may judge, however, that if the scene has a positive Momentum count at its conclusion, it grants some Game Momentum.
• Game Momentum can be spent by any PC at any time to the amount of what they have net contributed in real time, +1. This is a safety valve against imbalances between earners and spenders. It means that your PF needs to have a thread in which your net Game Momentum contribution is tracked.
• Scene Momentum has no such restrictions; it can be spent by any amount by any PC in the scene as long as there is something in the pool.
• Both kinds of Momentum can be spent in ways described in RAW. There are no other technical restrictions on what kind of roll or situation Momentum can be spent on. However, squandering Game Momentum or channeling it into personal agendas may have in-game consequences (see below).
• When Momentum cost is paid, it can be taken from either Game Momentum or Scene Momentum in any combination as long as other criteria are met.
• Game Momentum pool will be collectively tracked by all of us in public threads designated for it.
• Scene Momentum pool will be collectively tracked by all PCs in the scene.

In addition, Game Momentum is promoted to the central meta-mechanic of this game.

• The measure of success of the whole CHOAM audit is going to be determined by the amount of Game Momentum in the pool at the end of the game. Thresholds for the measures of success are not disclosed to the players, but they are going to be vaguely communicated to the PCs by Fenring in IC manner.
• Additional Game Momentum gains to the pool can be secured by sharing Legitimate Suspicion or Conclusive Evidence with Fenring, once acquired. The former is worth 2 Game Momentum, the latter 5 Game Momentum. Momentum contributed this way cannot be spent; it represents the tangible achievement of the audit. It means that the Game Momentum pool cannot be depleted to zero once those contributions have happened, but to the sum of those contributions.
• It is perfectly fine to sabotage the mission by not contributing Game Momentum or spending it on personal or faction goals. Players need to be mentally prepared for other players to be doing so, and this is NOT an invitation to PvP. Any such behaviour, however, is antithetic to the Imperial mandate they are given, and hence the PCs who embark on this path need to be mentally prepared for Count Fenring to take interest in their clandestine pursuits.
• You can assume that the amount of Game Momentum contributed to the pool is going to impact on what extent of favours your faction may count on from the Golden Lion Throne in conclusion of the game.

Imposing upward necessity on the Momentum pools is not meant to discourage PCs from playing actively and adjusting their rolls and circumstances. Thus bonus Momentum has been stretched into Scene Momentum to encompass whole scenes and be a collective resource as many talents and game mechanics use only Momentum and don't give an option to grant the GM Threat instead. Still, remember that if you are hesitant or unable to spend Momentum, you can often do the same thing by giving some Threat to the GM pool.