The Cog-Port Regulators
A “Soft Cap” Balancing Mechanic
For this campaign we are introducing The Cog-Port Regulators (CPR) as a new balancing mechanic to prevent the run-away success of certain gangs. The CPR are designed as a “soft cap” that will give agency to the players. Ultimately it is up to you to decide if you want to stay covert and off the radar continuing to build your underground empire, or if you want to stick the middle finger up at authority, go overt, and face the bloody consequences as your rivals gang up on you, supported by the CPR themselves.
WE HATE IT WHEN OUR FRIENDS BECOME SUCCESSFUL
If during the campaign one gang’s rating begins to far exceed all others, the arbitrators and player will discuss a rating for the gang to maintain while other gangs try and catch up. If the gang maintains this level until other gangs have caught up, no further action will be taken. If the gang chooses to exceed this value, consequence will ensue in the form of a CPR raid with deputised rival gangs.
The gang must then complete the Regulator Raid, a single scenario heavily weighted against the player to represent the full weight of the authorities falling upon a gang in a large raid, killing and capturing its members. The scenario is designed to be extremely one-sided and damaging to the gang, with the intention of forcefully lowering the gangs rating.
Why Exceed the Regulation Value
It is important to note that exceeding the Regulation Value is the player’s choice and may be done for a number of reasons. To conclude a gangs story, to reset a runaway gang to a lower value, or simply for bragging rights. You will lose fighters, you will lose territory and you may not have control over who or what is taken. But it offers you a chance to conclude stories and test your gangs mettle. No one likes removing a fighter from their gang, but worst of all is being made to remove them without concluding their story. Try to see this as a chance to conclude those stories: Will your all-powerful leader go out in a hail of gunfire or be seized by the authorities and dragged back to the cells to face justice? Will your champion make the ultimate sacrifice holding a key door way while others escape to rebuild the gang? The conclusions to their stories are up to you and the dice in your hand.
How to Stay Below the Regulation Value
There are a variety of ways to reduce the points value of your gang such as hiring scum or expensive bounty hunters, buying equipment that is one-use, or selling equipment from your gang stash. If you are struggling to keep your gang value below the Regulation Value speak to an Arbitrator and we will help you.
