I'm not ready to abandon extended contests yet (though one of my players is), but I've been thinking about it.
Here is a suggestion: Use a body ability (as already suggested by a few, including Michael Cule). Use the net edge values of weapon vs. armor to modify the number of "wounds".
Frex: Using a greatsword :5 vs. composite armor and shield :3 gives a net edge 2 to the sword wielder. If the sword wielder attacks the composite armor wearer in a simple contest, he does "damage" in the following fashion (according to the defeat level of the armor wearer):
Marginal Defeat: -2 (nothing plus edge)
Minor Defeat: -3 (-1 plus edge)
Major Defeat: -50%+ -2
Complete: Death (optionally an additional -2 on any attempt to heal)
This makes armor and weapons a lot more dangerous and still allows berserker to use their edge in simple contests. Augmentation still works normally and "lending AP" acts as augmentation.
The more I look at this, the more I wonder which way the next game session goes. I still think that AP/extended contests allow lucky streaks to have a great effect.
Thanks,
Andy
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