Equipment in WotA

This week I wrestled with how to handle equipment in Wrath of the Autarch.  Fantasy games have a history of defining characters by the combat gear they wield.  The tough part about including rules for equipment in WotA was that it potentially creates a situation where combat is overemphasized compared to the other parts of the game.

Ultimately, I decided to just roll all the functionality of equipment into Stunts.  Stunts have a number of mechanical effects, such as adding to rolls, reducing Stress damage, improving effects, etc.  By abstracting out equipment to stunts, it has a way of grouping everything that modifies rolls into one spot.  And furthermore requiring players to invest in Stunts by spending Fate Refresh.

Equipment is handled very narratively.  If you want your character to have gear, they just have it.  There are no rules for encumbrance or costs for items.  There is an assumption that every character has some basic equipment necessary to use their skills.  Using Fighting implies the carrying of a weapon, etc.  However, there aren't any mechanical benefits for this type of gear.  If you want them to have awesome gear, which provides mechanical benefits, then you have to spend for it.