>
> 2009/10/26 L C <lightcastle_at_...>:
>
> > >And the rules have help against overuse of broad abilities, which
> > >keywords certainly are.
> >
> > Well that's an interesting point.
> > I find that the rules certainly seem to imply that since a keyword has a
> > plethora of smaller actual abilities under it, it *doesn't* get hit with
> > stretch penalties and the like.
>
> Not the Stretch-rule, no... but see the Specific Ability Bonuses -rule
> on p. 51, which includes penalties for broad abilities used in
> contexts where another PC has a more specific ability, even if that
> character is not part of the contest.
>
> IMO, if keywords are broad loosely defined abilities (the Keyword-free
> model), the rule applies. If keywords are packages, it doesn't apply
> assuming there is a specific ability listed under it. In the
> umbrella-method, I would say that the penalty applies unless the
> specific ability has been improved separately -- but YMMV, obviously.
>
> Cheers,
>
> -- Nikodemus
>
The pre-release Sartar book says this under its character creation rules (which use the umbrella method) "Pick 9 more abilities which can include specialized "breakout" from a keyword or Rune, describing them however you want. One should be a Distinguishing characteristic. A breakout ability starts at +1 from the keyword or Rune."
Mark Mohrfield