Dice Modifier

A Dice Modifier (abbreviated to DM) is an addition or subtraction to a dice throw. DMs are used across Classic Traveller, MegaTraveller, TNE and T4. T20 uses the term "bonus" (which is used very rarely in Traveller) and G:T.

DMs can be:

• Arbitrary (i.e. decided by the Referee)
• Based on a characteristic (as in the MegaTraveller charcteristic divided by 5 rule)
• Derived from a skill (such as Vacc Suit-2, which might allow a DM equal to skill level)

Notation

Typically, DMs are expressd or written in a standard manner.

A positive DM is expressed as +x, where x is the value of the DM. Thus, DM +3 indicates that 3 may be added to the die or dice throw.

Conversly, a negative DM is expressed as -x, where x is the value of the DM. Thus, DM -3 indicates that 3 may be subtracted from the die or dice throw.

Included DM

Although the term "included DM" is not part of normal Traveller canon rules, its purpose here is to differentiate one type of DM from another.

An inlcuded DM is one that forms part of the throw itself. For example, a weapon might inflict 2D+3 wounds (a range of 5 to 15). Thus, any character that uses that weapon, and achieves a hit, will inflict 2D+3 wounds. The included DM of +3 has no bearing on the throw to hit.

The application of DMs varies acros the various Traveller rules sets. In Classic Traveller, DMs are derived mainly from skill levels