Tech Specs

Tech Specs are a series of eight separate ratings that measure the core abilities of Transformers. All Transformers have all eight Tech Specs, with each ranging on a scale from 1 to 10. Other essential ratings of Transformers called Derived Specs are calculated based on these Tech Spec ratings.

These Tech Specs are directly taken from Tech Specs from original Transformer toys, and adapted to work with Fate System mechanics.

When making rolls with a Tech Spec, use the standard Fate Dice and directly add the Tech Spec to the roll.

Tech Specs
Tech Specs form the numerical building blocks of all Transformers. The eight Tech Specs are:

Strength
Measures a Transformers ability to lift, carry, and push physically; also defines how much Equipment they can have in Robot Mode


 * Rolls related to moving things physically, including climbing
 * Unarmed melee attack rolls
 * Basis for Robot Mode Equipment points

Intelligence
Tracks a Transformer's mental processing power, ability to create, and powers of observation


 * Rolls related to investigation, observation, and deduction
 * Rolls related to creativity, design, and scholarship
 * Modifies Awareness Derived Spec
 * Modifies Defense Derived Spec
 * Modifies Phy. Handling Derived Spec

Speed
Measures how fast a Transformer is, both in moving physically and in reaction to sudden changes


 * Rolls related to outracing characters and environment
 * Rolls for jumping or dodging
 * Basis for Movement Ratings
 * Basis for Initiative Derived Spec
 * Modifies Defense Derived Spec
 * Modifies Stealth Derived Spec

Endurance
Represents a Transformer's overall durability


 * Rolls related to long-term effort and resisting harm from the environment
 * Basis for Physical Stress Track
 * Basis for Physical Armor

Rank
Defines a Transformer's persuasiveness and general respect within society; also defines how much Equipment a Transformer has in their Transformation Mode


 * Rolls related to convincing others of your opinions, both factual or otherwise
 * Rolls relating to having connections to others, including gathering information from them
 * Basis for Social Stress Track
 * Basis for Transformation Equipment points
 * Modifies Intimidation Derived Spec

Courage
Tracks overall willpower of a Transformer (including discipline under stress), as well as their mental fortitude


 * Rolls related to determination and willpower
 * Basis for Mental Stress Track
 * Modifies Initiative Derived Spec
 * Modifies Awareness Derived Spec
 * Modifies Authority Derived Spec

Firepower
Represents the weaponry a Transformer carries, as well as part of their ability to use that weaponry in battle


 * Basis for Weapon Ratings
 * Modifies Accuracy Derived Spec

Skill
Measures a Transformer's ability to carry out actions they set their mind to, both in and out of combat


 * Rolls related to craftsmanship, repairs, and other physical manipulations
 * Rolls related to piloting vehicles, and awkward maneuvering through an environment
 * Modifies Awareness Derived Spec
 * Modifies Stealth Derived Spec
 * Modifies Accuracy Derived Spec
 * Modifies Phy. Handling Derived Spec

Derived Specs
While Tech Specs are at the core of a Transformer's definition, there are still other characteristics that make up the mechanical numbers of a Transformer character. These Derived Specs expand upon Tech Specs, most often by effectively averaging two Tech Specs together to form a new score. All Derived Specs are Mode-Specific, have their values adjusted based on Mode, and can also be altered with a Transformer's Equipment in that Mode.

Round down for all calculations. Equipment can further modify these values as well.

Initiative
Measures a Transformer's ability to spring into action


 * Initiative = (Speed + Courage) / 2 + Mode modifier

Defense
Tracks how difficult it is to hit a Transformer with an attack


 * Defense = (Speed + Intelligence) / 2 - Size + Mode modifier

Accuracy
Represents how well a Transformer can attack an opponent using its weaponry


 * Accuracy = (Firepower + Skill) / 2 + Mode modifier

Brawling
Measures a Transformer's ability to manhandle, grapple, pummel, slam, and otherwise injure without using weaponry


 * Brawling = (Strength + Skill) / 2 + Mode modifier

Awareness
Represents a Transformer's ability to pay passive attention to their surroundings


 * Awareness = (Intelligence + Courage) / 2 + Mode modifier

Stealth
Covers how well a Transformer can avoid detection


 * Stealth = (Speed + Skill) / 2 - Size + Mode modifier

Authority
Measures how well a Transformer can push others to cooperate with them despite any difference in opinion


 * Authority = (Rank + Courage) / 2 + Size + Mode modifier

Articulation
Tracks the Transformer's ability to pick up and manipulate objects physically


 * Articulation = (Intelligence + Skill) / 2 + Mode modifier

Stress Tracks and Armor
Typically characters have three Stress Tracks, each equal to half of a specific Tech Spec. Armor can differ between Robot and Alternate Modes, mostly due to Size but also as a result of Equipment and abilities.

Power Levels
At a base level Transformers can be measured against one another based on the total of all of their Tech Specs. Using Tech Spec references from Generation 1 Transformers, most of them are around 48 to 56 total Tech Spec points.

Energon Reserve are the same as Refresh Points in traditional Fate games, and may be either used for Stunts and Powers or provide an influx of Energon Points at the start of an adventure (just as Refresh Points do for Fate Points).

Converting Fate Skills and Trappings to Specs
In general, Derived Specs are what characters use for most conflicts, while Tech Specs are used for non-combat situations. This table shows what Tech Spec / Derived Spec should be used for Trappings from other Fate-based RPGs.