Acquisition Modifier for Scale

[Iku Rex 14]

Ok, so this has been bugging me for a while now.

The table for acquisiton modifiers on page 272 has examples for "Scale". The example for "Negligible" (+30) is "Single Man". "Trivial" (+20) is "Squad (3-5)". "Minor" (+10) is "Platoon (10-30)". And so on.

The problem is, there's a gap between each category. If you want 2 items, is that "Negligible" or "Trivial" Scale? What if you want 7? 

How do y'all deal with this?

[Chaki 15]

"Yay, spare parts!" basically

 

To elaborate: I understand each line as an "approximate". If you have a squad of 6 people, the modifier is still +20.

Edited April 6, 2014 by Chaki

[Iku Rex 14]

To elaborate: I understand each line as an "approximate". If you have a squad of 6 people, the modifier is still +20.

 

So you'd use

1-2 +30

3-9 +20

10-49 +10

50-499 +0

etc. ?

 

Seems like it will get a bit silly for the Negligible (+30) category, where PCs will be ordering 2 of everything. And it's quite a jump from "max 100" to "max 499" in the "Standard" category.

 

I think I'll just add a +/- 5 category in each gap. 

2 +25 

6-9 +15

31-49 +5

101-499 -5

etc.

[Chaki 15]

Well, my group likes the approach "Oh, we need a Common Heavy Bolter? Lets try to form a platoon of Heavy Bolters!"

[Errant 185]

I traditionally treat Acquisitions as more than just buying something, and provide a supply of the item in question. You don't buy one grenade, you acquire one supply of grenades (Generally I describe this as a Mechanicus artisan and/or the relevant design rites) that enables you to keep up to three on your person. If the players want grenades for the whole party, they can do that. 

 

It also makes a lot of plot/fluff-related elements regarding Upkeep tests available as well. That mechanicus artisan has been working loyally for months to craft those deadly rad-grenades the Rogue Trader demanded, but he's run out of a source of fissionable materials; he could reduce the quality of the grenades by using by-products from the engine coils, import them from the Lathes at exorbitant prices.

 

Anyway, I largely handwave the amounts. 100 Lasguns isn't really the same as 100 mercenaries.

[Magellan 185]

I went with allowing +30 if they're getting twin items. Two plasma pistols for dual-wielding? Yeah, sure. Two suits of power armour? No, suck up that -10 and buy suits for everyone, you spoiled brat.

[Tenebrae 429]

I tend to just insert a middle step.

 

"1 is +30, 3-5 are +20, but you want exactly 2? try +25"

- actual quote.

[Redbeard 9]

I do it just like that. There's so many instances where players might want 2 of something.