Control Rating
"Control Rating" (CR) is a general measure of the control exercised by a government. The lower the CR, the less restrictive the government and the freer the people. Government type (see Society and Government Types) does not absolutely determine CR – it is possible to have a very free monarchy, or a democracy where the voters have saddled themselves with thousands of strict rules.
Assign CR according to the following guidelines:
- CR0 – Anarchy. There are no laws, taxes, or controls.
- CR1 – Very free. Nothing is illegal save use of force or intimidation against other citizens. Taxes are light or voluntary. Only access to LC0 items is controlled (see Legality Class).
- CR2 – Free. Some laws exist; most benefit the individual. Taxes are light. Access to items of LC0 and LC1 is controlled.
- CR3 – Moderate. There are many laws, but most benefit the individual. Taxes are moderate and fair. Access to items of LC0 through LC2 is controlled.
- CR4 – Controlled. Many laws exist; most are for the convenience of the state. Broadcast communications are regulated; private broadcasts (like CB) and printing may be restricted. Taxation is often heavy and sometimes unfair. Access to items of LC0 through LC3 is controlled.
- CR5 – Repressive. There are many laws and regulations, strictly enforced. Taxation is heavy and often unfair. There is strict regulation of information technology: computers, photocopiers, printing presses, transmitters, etc. All goods are effectively controlled; you can't buy anything without the appropriate ration coupons or paperwork.
- CR6 – Total control. Laws are numerous and complex. The individual exists to serve the state. Many offenses carry the death penalty, and trials – if there are any at all - are a mockery. Taxation is crushing, taking most of an ordinary citizen's income. Censorship is common, and private ownership of any information technology is forbidden. All goods are controlled, and the government might even withhold basic necessities.
If a question of legality arises, or if you need to determine how severely the government checks and harasses newcomers, roll 1d. If the result is lower than the CR, then the act is illegal, or the authorities harass, delay, or even arrest the PCs (see Law Enforcement and Jail). If it is higher, either the act is legal or the authorities overlook it. If it equals the CR, the situation could go either way: play out an encounter or make a reaction roll.
Split Control Rating
A society does not have to have a single, uniform CR. If the GM wishes – and doesn't mind the extra work – he can specify several CRs for a society: one for basic human rights, another for taxation, a third for weapons, and so on. In worlds with magic, psionic powers, or super abilities, societies may have separate CRs for these things as well.