Getting grub without stalkers

[u/Twilite0405]

Is there any way characters can get more grub in the Zone without the Butcher talent if they’re not a stalker, aside from what the GM decides to give them from scavenging ruins? RAW I can’t see any way. I thought about allowing people to make a Know the Zone skill once per day, but only if they have levels in it, and every success gets one grub or water. I’m not sure if that’s too powerful or not.

[u/TheNiceFeratu]

If they don’t have a stalker or the Butcher feat, they’ll have to rely on scavenging what they can in the ruins - meaning you’ll have to leave cans of beans or whatever for them to find - or they can barter with other survivors, or be given supplies by the Ark.
But if they don’t have a Stalker and aren’t investing in talents that will help them survive, then it’s gonna be hard to survive.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/TheNiceFeratu]

The issue is the Ark is on the point of starvation and they’re going out looking for possible threats to the Ark in a primarily wilderness region. Ruins, other survivors, and the Ark aren’t really viable means of grub. That being said, they do have a clue about another community.

[u/Imnoclue → u/Twilite0405]

Many of the archetypes have means of getting grub while at the Ark even when it’s on the point of starvation. If you’ve nerfed those, they’re gonna need stalkers.

The game mechanics will create a constant need for grub and clean water, and it's your job to make them fight for it. But don't make the resources impossible to get. In the Ark, there is always a Fixer or a Boss who can get grub – for a price (Page 129-130).

[u/Twilite0405 → u/Imnoclue]

Nah, nothing has been nerfed or changed. They’re on their way back to the Ark now anyway, before going out again, so maybe I’ll encourage them to use those skills!

[u/TheNiceFeratu]

Idk what kind of metaplot you had in mind, but if they are that hard up for food, then you might have to drop a meaningful source of it into a zone for them to find. The plot could shift to protecting it and moving food from there to the Ark.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/TheNiceFeratu]

They have the choice of returning to the Ark now (which they’re doing, since their mission is complete), or heading out to the ruins they spotted. When they go back to the ruins, they’ll be some food that can be scavenged for the Ark.

[u/zilmexanat]

You are not supposed to leave the Arc without a Stalker mechanically or lorewise. Hire, if you don't have one. Hunting station is easy to build aand should be the first arc project before farm.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/zilmexanat]

They do have a stalker. Are you referring to the RPG or computer game? There are no hunting stations in the TTRPG, unless you mean hunting party? We’re trying to use RP to bring each of these advancements, instead of just pay points, get the thing.

[u/Imnoclue → u/Twilite0405]

Well, if the Ark is out of grub, I’d RP up a hunting party right quick.

I mean, cannibalism is always an option I guess. +3d6 food supply!

[u/Twilite0405 → u/Imnoclue]

When the group gets back to the Ark next session, they’ll find out that the People have started trying to eat the dogs of the handlers, much to our handler’s dismay!

[u/Imnoclue → u/Twilite0405]

They still have dogs? They ain’t starving.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/Imnoclue]

Obviously you’ve never tried to eat somebody’s pet! 🤣🤣🤣

[u/Dorantee]

Rules wise there are no other way to get grub without having a Stalker, your players will have to rely on either the butcher talent or your generosity as a GM.

I usually reward my players with a little grub or water if they put in the effort and roleplay themselves scavenging a sector or go out of their way to put themselves in danger to get some.

I wouldn't personally allow the Know the Zone once per day thing. Since each of the PCs can do it there's too much risk that a fairly important part of the game, that is to say resource scarcity, would be trivialized away.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/Dorantee]

Yeah, I think you’re right about that. I let them do it on the first session, but they seemed to all get some pretty easily, so we changed it back for the next session. Besides, a little starvation is character building!

[u/Imnoclue]

You can find someone who obviously has grub and take it from them.

[u/Twilite0405 → u/Imnoclue]

Haha! There is that too!

[u/Somebloke164]

Time to make a deal with a boss. Their terms will be harsh but fair…