Re: Walking from Roderick and Ellen Robertson on 2003-03-21 (HeroQuest-Rules)

From: Roderick and Ellen Robertson <rjremr_at_...>
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2003 12:23:25 -0800

> > After all, if we included the 0w2 rule, we'd then
> > also have to tell people
> > how to use it, as it was specifically meant to be a
> > "never roll this number" rule.
>
> That's true. Though just on its own, 20W1 style, would
> be an improvement on no information at all. It gives
> scale.

True. Like I said, i meant it to be a never roll this number situation, but there is certainly room to play with it - just not time.

Actually, people can extrapolate the number for themselves from the rules - taking the words "Can't Fail" and using the bump mechanism, you come up with something in the low w2 range. My only contribution is the "0w2" and augmenting that with other abilities instead of a straight "add 2 masteries".

> >... and if HQ is going to come out anywhere
> > *near* schedule, we just don't have the time for it.
>
> This professional publishing thing is *so* different
> from the club magazines I do. Main content finalised
> last Friday of the month, editing, checking, last
> minute additions to be done over the weekend and early
> part of the week, print it Thursday/Friday, hit post
> Saturday. It's a different scale. Even documentation
> to go with the computer projects I write: "by June"
> means "forever" for the entire project, never mind
> about the manuals. And yes, that does include testing.

Yep - when I was doing Line development for Pendragon, I allowed 2 months for the printer - they usually said "six weeks", but I allowed two extra weeks in my schedule for screwups - which do happen all too frequently. It's a different world, and I'm not sure why. Color covers? "Professional" printing (in this age of copy shops down on the corner?). I dunno.

> > For now, I'd say "keep it in the back of your mind
> > as you play". Hmm, I
> > think I'll write it up Pyramid and make it
> > semi-official (and at least
> > available to a larger audience than just this list).
>
> Sounds better than nothing. Maybe let the list
> play-test it for a bit first?

Please. I'd appreciate it.

I wouldn't want to have it in Pyramid before HQ debuts anyway, because most people would say "What is this crap?" and use it as an excuse to slag the rules before even seeing them. At least with HQ out (and advertised by SJG) it gives a context for a rules-related article. I encourage people to send in background/adventure articles beforehand, though - it will help build interest.