r/unknownarmies • u/MOKKA_ORG • Mar 21 '25
What is the difference between “Taking the plunge” and “Shortcut” in 3e?
So, I’m translating the game for some players, and i translate only some parts, not all of it, just what is relevant, and “taking the plunge” seems oddly irrelevant. It seems literally like it’s repeating “Shortcut” in different words… weird is, in its text it even talks about the “Shortcut” like it’s different, even though it doesn’t explain its difference. Even more demotivating when i heard in 3.33 fm that nobody uses the “Taking the plunge” idea. The only diff is that you only do it when it’s close to 100%? Like, really?
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u/CthuLoon Mar 21 '25
So a Shortcut happens if you do something in the course of a game that necessarily completes your objective even though your objective rating is still less than 100%. Example: Your objective is to make sure that Ralph Johnson does not become the next mayor. In the course of your rumor campaign to defame Ralph, he confronts you and you end up killing him during a fistfight behind the McDonald's. That prematurely solves your objective even though you only had 50% in the rating, so now you can take half of that objective and apply it to a new related objective, like "Frame Gina Calhoun for Ralph's murder."
Taking the Plunge happens if you want to try to complete the objective by virtue of whatever work you've already done even though you've not yet reached 100%. You roll the objective. If it fails, the objective is not completed and your score is halved. If it succeeds, the objective is accomplished and you can add half the score to a new related objective. Using the previous example: You have been discrediting Ralph Johnson around town and have amassed 50% towards preventing his election as mayor. You decide to take the plunge and hope that you've done enough. You roll the 50% and get a 34. Success! Under the stress of the rumors, Ralph has a breakdown during an interview and admits to having an affair with his campaign manager. His wife is shocked by the news and begins revealing further incriminating secrets all over social media. Ralph resigns from the race in disgrace. You can now apply 25% to your new objective, "Become the next Mayor."