Re: How do you compare published abilities without numbers?

From: Tim Ellis <tim_at_...>
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:38:27 -0000

• In HeroQuest-rules_at_yahoogroups.com, Chris Lemens <chrislemens_at_...> wrote:
  >
  >
  > Ian replies cogently to me:
  >
  > > > faced with the choice, the players need the information that
  their
  > > > characters ought to know. The numbers gave the narrator at
  least
  > > > some guidance.
  > >
  > > Channelling Greg - Gloranthans don't know the numbers!
  >
  > No, but they do know that Oddi's going to win a debate against
  >Braggi and Braggi would absolutely slaughter Oddi in combat. That's
  >the kind of knowledge that numbers _can_ convey quickly.
  

Gloranthan's don't know the numbers. but they do pick up on all sorts of clues based on their intimate knowledge of the cultures and peoples involved that can't necessarily readily be represented by the GM narrating a brief description or scene.

Also *Players* may equally not know the numbers (even if, using the HQ rules they have engaged both Oddi and Braggi in extended contests to learn what their AP totals are, they won't know what augment(s) might come in to play when they face each other...), but the GM ultimately needs to know them if they are going to come into play