Re: Glass beads as AP?

From: Andrew Dawson <asmpd_at_...>
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 16:06:51 -0400

I've been using poker chips for a while, because they stack nicely and because the sharply contrasting colors (blue = 10, red = 5, white = 1) make it easy to quickly count AP. I don't think that I would use glass beads for anything except for HP because they don't stack. I haven't worried about negative levels yet, because I just jot down negative totals as they happen and there hasn't been a need to visually show them because I can calculate whatever numbers are needed quickly enough. The poker chips are for the players who aren't calculation able/interested. I could probably find other poker chip colors if I needed them for negative levels.

The poker chips idea seems to work best when there is a easily reachable flat surface on which to move them. Tossing chips around or into a container would probably make them harder to quickly evaluate. I also have a player who is cranky about using dice, chips, beads, or tables; the system doesn't work for everyone.

Thanks,
Andy

At 04:11 PM 04/23/2002 +0100, Alex Ferguson wrote:
>> In a message dated 4/22/02 5:30:26 PM, mikrin_at_... writes:
>>
>> << I don't know. Blue (-1) and black (-10) beads on standby?
>>
>> -Adept >>
>>
>> No need for new colors, how about a negative jar or space on the table?
>>
>> Jim Chapin
>
>The situation only really arises from those that have just lost the contest
>(and hence won't really be needing any more beads), or berserks (who
>might indeed bring their own supply of "negative beads").
>
>I'm not wild about the beads idea; if it helps flog a few copies of
>the game to the CCG crowd, I'm all in favour, mind you. But my caveat
>would be that it focuses over-much on the "AP bidding game" aspect of
>the system, to the possible distraction away from the narrative per se.