Re: Re: Skill Levels at Character Generation

From: Alex Ferguson <abf_at_...>
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 19:05:49 +0000

On Thu, Mar 18, 2004 at 02:21:47PM -0600, Andrew Dawson wrote:
> More generally, the Imperial Lunar Handbook also states Additional Native
> Abilities receive a +4 if already possessed. This seems at odds with HQ p.
> 19, but the ILH was published first (though this is not yet errata
> IIRC--can't get to that part of the web site right now). I use the same
> method Andrew Graham (IIRC) mentioned: after all abilities from keywords
> are listed, I have the players cross off the second and subsequent
> instances of abilities, and permanently augment the first instance (each 17
> rating becomes a +2; for example a hunter following Odayla would start with
> Archery 19, but one following Yinkin wouldn't). This is a house rule and I
> announce it as such.

There's certainly a logic to that, and given that in effect one can obtain that effect by taking nearly-but-not-quite identical abilities (or the dreaded 'generally useful augments'), it's hardly a power-gaming outrage. OTOH there does seem to me to be something of an ambiguity about which such are simply 'make sure you get it from somewhere', and 'even more of the same'.  

> While I appreciate the reasoning here, I like the +2 difference (from the
> house rule) between male and female Heortling warriors (one has been
> practicing a lot longer presumably). If someone considers this sexist, add
> "and was raised as a boy by her family" (or something similar) to the
> character description, or whatever other justification you want to achieve
> the end you desire.

Though that'd strictly speaking then be a 13 ability (d'oh!) and an AA of +1, rather than +2. On the basis of it being an 'unusual background' it'd make perfect sense, of course. (Use male cultural keyword instead, or pick and choose between the two, perhaps.)

Cheers,
Alex.