1.3.1 System Overview

Role-playing games employ different systems of mechanics. These mechanics come in many different types and styles and generally provide a method for directing the flow of play. Thus, the specific mechanics necessarily result in a particular style of play. The Bullseye system is designed to facilitate fast, fun games. It relies heavily on the creativity, preparation, and skill of the GM. Its simplicity makes it a good fit for new GMs, but its robustness makes it ideal for experienced ones. More than with other systems, the more talented the GM, the better the game.

At its core, the Bullseye system uses a quasi-task resolution system with a 20-sided die as a randomizer and target numbers. These terms are explained more fully later in the book. In summary, when a character is involved in a situation that has an element of chance, the character’s controller makes a check: He rolls the die, adds in all relevant modifiers, and compares the result against another number. If the result exceeds the other number, the situation is resolved in the character's favor. If it falls short, the situation is resolved to the character's detriment.

The Bullseye system also incorporates the concept of degree of success or failure. Like in archery, it doesn’t just matter if you hit the target. The better the shot, the better the result. In this case, the better the result of the check, the greater the success. Conversely, the worse the result of the check, the greater the failure.

The robustness of the system comes from the variables attendant to this fundamental system: When is a check made? What modifiers apply? What is the target? What does the result of the check mean? These questions are answered in greater detail later in the book.

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