For the gaming part of Rockets and Mayhem, we use Fate Core, as previously mentioned. It’s a narratively focused quick rule system that is fairly universal in it’s approach to things. Anyway, one of the things that it asks players to provide is creative descriptions for the injuries they take.
We definitely do that. But also, as with a couple other mechanical options (Stunts, Extras) I provide some samples and examples for the players so if they get stuck in a low-imagination moment, play doesn’t grind to a halt. So, here are my “default” injury levels, arranged by Mild, Moderate, and Severe Consequences.
|
Damage |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| Common / Non-Lethal | Stunned | Stunned | Stunned |
| Mental / Poisons | Lethargy | Weakness | Partial Paralysis |
| Physical / Biological | Sickened | Infected | Contagious |
| Physical / Respiratory | Out of breath | Difficulty Breathing | Collapsed Lung |
| AOE fire damage | 1st Degree Burns | 2nd Degree Burns | 3rd Degree Burns |
| Mental / Social | Angry | Enraged | Homicidal |
| Mental / Social | Embarrassed | Ashamed | Mortified |
| Physical / Endurance | Tired | Fatigued | Exhausted |
| Morale | Shaken | Depressed | Despondent |
Arm, Leg |
|||
| Physical / Blunt | Bruised * | Sprained * | Fractured* |
| Physical / Edged or Projectile | Hurt * | Disabled * | Crippled* |
| Physical / Energy | Burned * | Blasted * | Crippled* |
Torso |
|||
| Physical / Blunt | Hurt | Bruised | Vomiting Blood or Sucking Chest Wound |
| Physical / Edged or Projectile | Hurt | Bloody | Internal Bleeding or Penetrating Chest Injury |
Head |
|||
| Physical / Blunt | Pain | Confusion | Loss of Memory or Semi-Conscious |
| Physical / Edged or Projectile | Stunned | Head Trauma | Fractured Skull |
| Physical / Other | Buffeted | Blurred Vision | Eye Damaged |
| Physical / Other | Headache | Confusion | Convulsions |
Extreme Consequence / Physical Trouble |
|||
| Severed [arm, leg] | |||
| Blinded | |||
| Deafened | |||
Rockets and Mayhem! 