Defaults - richardwilkes/gcs GitHub Wiki
Defaults appear in the Detail Editor of Skills and Equipment items that define weapon usage (see Melee and Ranged Weapons).
Defaults represent Skill Defaults (p. B173), not GCS Default Settings. They describe what a skill, spell, or weapon usage falls back on if you don’t spend points on it directly.
For example:
- A skill might default from an attribute (for example, DX-5).
- A weapon might default from a skill (for example, Broadsword).
- A block or parry could default from your calculated defense score.
[!NOTE]
You can add multiple defaults. GCS will use the one that applies and yields the best result given Tech Level and other conditions.
Adding defaults
To add a default:
- Open the skill, spell, or item’s Detail Editor.
- In the Defaults list, select Add
. - Choose a Source (Attribute, FP, HP, Parry, Block, or Skill).
- Enter the modifier (e.g.,
-5,+0) and any other fields that appear. - (Optional) Set a Tech Level condition.
To delete a default:
- Select Delete
.
How a default is built
Each default entry in GCS reads like a sentence composed of:
- a Source (what you’re defaulting from),
- a Modifier (numeric adjustment), and
- an optional Tech Level rule (when it applies).
The editor uses a mix of dropdowns and text/number fields. Pick from the dropdowns, then type names or numbers where prompted.
| Default Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | What this default is based on: Attribute, FP, HP, Parry, Block, or Skill. |
| Name | Only appears when the source is Skill. Enter the exact skill name. |
| Specialization | Optional, for Skill sources only. Use when a specific specialty is required. |
| Modifier | Numeric adjustment added to the source (for example, -5, +0). |
| Tech Level rule | A conditional clause like “when the Tech Level is …”. Use Operators for comparisons. |
Sources
Sources define what the default is based on. The fields you see depend on the source you are selecting.
Attribute
Defaults from a character attribute (e.g., ST, DX, IQ, Will, Vision, etc.) with a modifier. For example, DX - 5.
FP / HP
Defaults from Fatigue Points or Hit Points with a modifier.
Parry / Block
Defaults from the Parry or Block score with a modifier (p. B374).
Skill
Defaults from another skill (optionally with a specialization) plus a modifier. For example, Bow + 0 or Driving (Motorcycle) - 4.
[!WARNING] Skill names must match exactly as they appear in the library or on your sheet. Typos or mismatches mean the default won’t work.
Tech Level conditions
Each default can include a Tech Level clause. This is used if the default only applies for a specific Tech Level. Use Operators (text/number comparisons) to control when the default applies.
Saving defaults
On the Detail Editor toolbar:
- Apply changes: Select Apply Changes
to save. - Discard changes: Select Discard changes
to exit without saving.