#14: Reflections and Refractions

[RPGnet Columns]

http://www.rpg.net/columns/talesfromtherockethouse/talesfromtherockethouse14.phtml

Summary:

On the Tarafore System and Concept Ownership

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[Paul DuPont]

Hey,

Nice article. I found it nice to see how people evolve systems over time in different ways.

Regarding the Luck/Fate points. Your comments about metamechanics is very interesting. As I was thinking about it, it struck me that in my setting I have many mechanics similar to this at different points in the games development and eventually, most of them got thrown out. The ones that stuck around were the ones that actually 'existed' in the setting. After reading your comments, it seems obvious to me that I did this to keep up the emersion factor. (Example: every character has a set amount of mana they can use to help them 'boost' magical abilities.)

Depending on the setting, you might be able to have a 'real' luck/fate point system. Call it Chi, Essence, Core Energy, etc. This might allow the Tarafore system to have both Narativistic and Simulation/Emmersion at the same time.