Broad abilities with sub-categories (Was Re:Dodging)

From: flynnkd2 <flynnkd_at_...> <flynnkd_at_...>
Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 22:33:57 -0000

<simon.hibbs_at_m...> wrote:
> Benedict :
>
> > ....The Narrator decides
> > on the improvisational penalty to apply when an ability is used
> outside
> > its precise area of application (e.g. using 'Dodge Strike' to
dodge
> > missiles) or if the ability is generic (e.g. 'Dodge'). The
Narrator
> also
> > has the option of disallowing too abilities that are too generic.
> >
> > Personally, I'd allow 'Dodge', but always impose a penalty.
>
> We (and I) have been down this road before with Close Combat.
> I've supported the idea of broad abilities that always have
> appropriateness penalties on them beofre, and I now
> believe this approach is wrong. Surely a game mechanic in which a
> target number is given, but which is always modified and never
> rollead against streight, is flawed?
>
>
> Simon Hibbs

I tend to agree with that, a skill that is always improvised isnt really a skill, but an untrained collection... in the same way CC is. The concept of a broad skill with sub skills is nice, and the only problem I see with it is that the cost in HPs is less than advancing the individual skills... so if this cost is the only reason you dont use Broad/subskills then change the cost! Instead of 1 HP for a sub skill make it 2 or 3. There is no reason a sub skill has to be cheaper/same than the Broad skill (1 HP)... in effect the Broad skill represents your initial learning/experiments in the skill, whilst the subskills are your training and experience gained. You could even say that any broad skill without a subskill should be improvised...as with CC. I plan to use it and see, each to his own :-)