Ian Cooper a �crit :
>>> And we used the HW followers rules: they grow as you grow. So, add
>>> another 4-6 high level abilities (not always available, but even
>>> then...). We shall not do that anymore.
>>>
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>> OK, yeah, that's a big difference there. I like that rule in some ways. I
>> wonder if there isn't some way to meet somewhere in between.
>>
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> The chief problem with that Hero Wars rule was that it encouraged using all your hero points to up a single skill on your character. Your hero's followers then automatically rose at the same time. So an abusive player would realize that because you can use your followers abilities in a contests, this was a cheap way of buying a cascade of skill increases. So for example I spend all my points on Close Combat (Sword and Shield) [Close Combat was a broad skill in HW days] and my follower had Debate. Every time I raise my Close Combat, his Debate goes up too. If I have two or three followers I can become good at a whole range of activities very cheaply. This tended to lead to very one-dimensional characters and to the heroes of players who did not follow this approach being eclipsed. "Guys my nameless follower is the best amongst us at debating".
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We had the very same effect. And, even with a named follower, it was
strange to see that there had better magic than you. Particularly when
they where worshipping the same god!
But the HQ approach ("pay for them, pay for the relationship, roll for
the obeisance and pay again for making them better") is a bit harsh.
Who's going to pay for a skill they could develop by themselves?
Trotsky suggested to base them on the fifth best skill. In the same
spirit, we planned to use the average of the first five skills. It grows
slowly and somewhat get rid of the 'peak ability' problem.
We also had the followers pass some 'tests' to grow beyong certain level
(1w2 in our case). The followers are 'elsewhere' for a few months. So, a
trollkin tried the Rebirth ritual and successfully became a Uzko. It
changed his 'Trollkin' ability into a 'Small Troll' one. Another, a
student, had to present her master thesis in Esrolian Philosophy :)
It also helped to developp them.
Philippe