Importance of Background Knowledge

A.C.: After Collapse is a post-apocalyptic RPG that uses a "classless" character generation system.  Players are provided with flexible easy to read rules that allow them to imagine any combination of knowledge and skills  they want.  Attributes for characters include mental and physical meta-scores that give players and referees more options when role playing or in combat.

Age is a determining factor for many elements when players create their post-Collapse characters.  Younger people are presumed to know less than their adult counterparts.  Individuals are allowed to have one category of Background Knowledge (BKN) for every three years of age they are at the time the character is created (Age/3 = # of BKN).  Players are encouraged to think of BKN as the context that their character has for what they see and hear as the game progresses.  Referees can use BKN categories as a form of measuring stick, to determine what is or is not common knowledge for the average post-Collapse person.

Some of the most common categories of Background Knowledge include: Agrarian Lore, Aviation Lore, Collapse Lore, Consumer Lore, Low-Tech Weapon Lore, Machine Lore, Military Lore , NBC Lore, Small Arms Lore, Transportation Lore, and Watercraft Lore.   Plese have a look at the Basic Rules for a more detailed list.  Referees who sometimes struggle with what characters do or don't know in certain situations will find the system of Background Knowledge to be useful.   Players are encouraged to think of them as a form of context.  During casual play, this makes it easier for everyone to "act" on the basis of what they do actually know.