Re: Narrator hero points

From: nichughes2001 <nick.hughes_at_...>
Date: Fri, 03 May 2002 14:57:24 -0000

> Ian Coopers, inter alia:
>
> >Rather the contrary: my point (or question) was, why
> give Narrator characters HPs _in any form whatsoever_?
>
> And my point was hero points represent a character's
> ability to assert their *importance* in the story.
> Conan stories don't end half way to the climax when
> the mook warrior gets a lucky roll. Hero Points
> represent this situation for characters in HW, you can
> avoid an ignominious and un-heroic fate (but only so
> many times). For the same reason a *villain* can have
> them too, because he needs to stick around for the
> climax, and theat confrontation needs to show his
> villainy despite an ignominious die rolls. Both sides
> get to say, yes the game relies on a dice throw, but
> I'm important to the story, so I get a 'second
> chance'.
>

I can see why you think this is worthwhile although I've never felt wholly comfortable with that style of running games. Blatantly lifting an idea from a rather different game you could grant villains villain points (VP) which are a measure of their villainous influence, initially they would probably have plenty but as the heroes thwart each of their nefarious plans their supply of VPs diminishes. Eventually the players will face the villian and the ease of the task they have will depend on the number of his/her/its plots and strategems they managed to foil.

> They are a game construct, but I think they should
> have an in-game description where your luck, divine
> favour, or whatever schtik you have carries you
> through.

Agreed, even if for most characters they themselves have little IC understanding of the schtik or how it works.

--
Nic