I didn't find it difficult per se, it was more my players having a real difficult time framing what they wanted out of the conflict. Because I spent so much time coaching them through it, it felt more like we did "here's a situation" "negotiate a resolution" and repeat without the roleplay in between the situation.
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> > In my reading of it, it really doesn't seem that different as far as play, there's just a single resolution mechanic.
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> This is certainly a big difference to most games and the thing that drew me to HeroWars as it then was. A Unified conflict system is a major difference and to me was simultaneously an eye opener and a source of confusion based on my Basic RPG background. My first understanding was that all conflicts could be framed as fights. (To some extent the game text itself is still stuck in this slightly unhelpful frame of mind.)
I may have understated that. The single resolution mechanic is what is making me want to like HQ. I agree, it is a big difference to the other games. Just the flow of the game is basically the same up to the point there is a "conflict" of any time. Conflict doesn't revolve around task resolution as in D&D.
While I don't do dungeon crawls, in other games it tends to be focused on the tasks of detecting traps, fighting baddies, taking stuff, fighting the BBEG. I see HQ as hand waving all the tasks as more narration unless they have more significance to the story line, then you use the resolution mechanic. Or, you could take the whole dungeon as an extended resolution garnering points to see if you go through. I think...
> Your perceived procedure of play seems to be a bit off and focused on developing situation but more on this later.
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> Playing is certainly a good idea. I would offer to try and run through an example over MSN but as you appear to be on the opposite side of the pond to me (England) that could be tricky time wise (but not impossible if you were up for a cross time zone chat).
I may take you up on that, although it would have to be a weekend when my wife hasn't planned something. With spring coming on, that's getting more difficult.
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> --
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> My procedure for play would be thus:
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I think I might be getting it...playing would certainly help. I may try running my wife through a scenario or two and post the results to see where I go wrong if I do.
> ---
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> I should probably pause for comment here, any thoughts or insights?
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> Jamie
>
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