Post originally by DouglasCole at 2003-11-23 18:03:24
Converted from Phorums BB System



Wes Johnson wrote:
-------------------------------
I think the problem with point buy generation systems is that there is a certain level of goffiness involved. For example if I am a pyromaniac that means I get 10 points to put into good things. The point value from GURPS might be off (I am at work and hence don;t have reference material handy).

I like CORPS and GURPS so far as mechanics go, they are okay. It is the character building I take umbrage with.

Cheers,
Wes


While you might not be implying this, there are some who say "being a Pyromaniac makes me more skilled?" I think that point systems should not be looked at with that kind of "cause and effect" relationship. The point-based character design systems take a game-fun stance (really!) by assuming that a character with certain skills and abilities is LESS useful when constraints are placed on his behavior then one with no constraints. In order to make them "equal" from a game fun point of view, constraints on behavhior are balanced in game-fun terms with a more able character.

As a basic example, if you're a Pyromaniac, you might be out of the action periodically because you're sitting there staring at a camp fire. So to keep the game "fun" for the pyro player, when his IS in the action, he gets to partake with a higher skill level.

Point systems are usually "balanced" for game-fun. Not utility (your combat monster will be useless at a social ball, and your suave spy might be swiss cheeze in combat) directly, as that's very GM subjective, but typically "equal shot at a balance of skill contribution vs character contraint."

dhc