Re: Broad abilities (combat)

From: Thom Baguley <t.s.baguley_at_...>
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 11:52:25 +0100


> From: Alex Ferguson <abf_at_...>
>Thom Baguley:
>> ? Replace the number 1 in the cost of improvement with the number x (where
>> x is an integer greater than 1).
>>
>> What rule needs rewriting?
>
>The one you just rewrote, above...

Fine. You have a pretty odd interpretation of a rules re-write to me.

>Much the same could be said about Issaries' "rumoured" (I saw the man's
>lips move, mind you) rewrite -- hasn't stopped it being "vilified up
>the wazoo", has it?

I think the proposed changes discussed which have included have ranged beyond minor tinkering with tables in that they might intrude more heavily on games in play. (My suggested "re-write" would not alter my game, given that, as yet, no player has acquired a new fighting style subskill).

The rumoured point is irrelevant in that we've discussed rules changes that may be under consideration by Issaries and some which probably aren't.

>Since, then:
>
> a) I'm not looking for a simulationist outcome;
> b) This is problematic for the reasons I mentioned; and
> c) You're not advocating it anyway
>
>then the above suggestion looks slightly orphaned, all round.

I was hoping to indicate that there might be a space of possible compromise rule mechanics that address concerns of people unhappy with certain aspects of the present rules and those who are using and enjoying them.

>If you like, though that's to put it once again in expressly
>"simulationist" or "realist" terms. (And every time a broad abilities
>advocate responds to same, it's instantly assumed _they_ are making
>a simulationist argument, perversely.)

That latter point isn't correct IMO. However, the specific criticisms of close combat and subskills have been at least partly simulationist in their appeal to the issue of skill transfer.

>To recast it a little: if a heroic-level master of the sword decides
>to become a heroic-level master of Kralori sumo, isn't that more
>significant to the story than if a neophyte swordsman does?

I'm not sure of the point here. Possibly. However, I don't think the goal of hero wars rules mechanics is to have a mechanic to model any kind of narrative device. I'm happy the present system offers the flexibility to model most stories.

Thom

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