Post originally by Malcolm Craig at 2004-08-02 11:00:48
Converted from Phorums BB System

I can see where you're coming from on this one. Without hope, The City would just be a dark, malevolent, awful place with no redeeming features (kind of like where I live, but that's another story!). Hope serves to encourage players to try and alleviate some of this awfulness. However, as you've pointed out, it doesn't sit well with some GMs/Players and may not suit the needs or wants of certain groups. Perhaps it would be best to consider the bit about hope just as my way of running the game, rather than a concrete "this is how it is! See, it's written in stone!" kind of thing. Individual GMs should feel free to junk any and all parts of the game that don't suit them, as has been the case with games from day one. There are opportunities (loads of 'em!) for villainnous types, just go for it.

And thank you for your kind words about the setting, that's the part of the books that's closest to my heart!

Cheers
Malcolm