RPGnet Columns
07-02-2004, 03:20 AM
Post originally by Rob Carriere at 2004-07-02 02:20:07
Converted from Phorums BB System
Walt,
Good article! I think you're describing a fairly common problem very well. I do have one point, though:
Would you agree that it'd be better to make a distinction between *what* a player wants to play (combat, social, puzzles, etc) and *how* they want to play it (crunchy, improv, etc)?
I know people who enjoy approaching social situations pretty much like the combat players you describe. They see this as an opportunity for strategy and tactics and will be pissed if they can't do something because they aren't as eloquent as their character. They'd love your extended roll sequence with the shiny mods: more tactical maneuvering space! On the other hand, some people (especially in Feng Shui) are into combat for the cool descriptions, never mind the die roll. They'd like your 'before' roll system, so, depending on the die roll, they can describe either a cool success or a cool failure. ("I swing from the chandelier, aimed straight for Baron Badbut. Countess Comely sees me, drops her handkerchief, and the baron bends to pick it up her just as I swing by. I miss by inches.")
So, I think both your problem description and your proposed solution are cool, but IMO they are more widely applicable. Of course, your combat/social divide is the classical example.
SR
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Converted from Phorums BB System
Walt,
Good article! I think you're describing a fairly common problem very well. I do have one point, though:
Would you agree that it'd be better to make a distinction between *what* a player wants to play (combat, social, puzzles, etc) and *how* they want to play it (crunchy, improv, etc)?
I know people who enjoy approaching social situations pretty much like the combat players you describe. They see this as an opportunity for strategy and tactics and will be pissed if they can't do something because they aren't as eloquent as their character. They'd love your extended roll sequence with the shiny mods: more tactical maneuvering space! On the other hand, some people (especially in Feng Shui) are into combat for the cool descriptions, never mind the die roll. They'd like your 'before' roll system, so, depending on the die roll, they can describe either a cool success or a cool failure. ("I swing from the chandelier, aimed straight for Baron Badbut. Countess Comely sees me, drops her handkerchief, and the baron bends to pick it up her just as I swing by. I miss by inches.")
So, I think both your problem description and your proposed solution are cool, but IMO they are more widely applicable. Of course, your combat/social divide is the classical example.
SR
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