Post originally by William A. Peterson at 2005-04-29 10:09:41
Converted from Phorums BB System

Heh! Not only was I not counting the Novels (which I haven't read), I wasn't even counting the rules to Advanced D&D, but going back to the stuff prior to 'Basic' edition!
That may account for some difference in opinion, right there...

To be honest, the writing in BattleLords was so very bad, I never really made it to the Game Mechanics. When I see people gloat about how 'lethal' their combat system of choice is, then, I immediately flash back to RoleMaster, as it's one of the most lethal systems out there...
Maybe you think your entire party should get ripped apart by Doberman Pinschers, but I tend to prefer less humiliating defeats!
If BattleLords IS less lethal than that, that's nice...
The only reason I mentioned Superheroes is the difference in attitude, between the types of games, and the two characters you mention are perfect cases in point!
Neither Spiderman, not Batman, is *technically* bulletproof, true...
May I point out that both, despite having been shot, repeatedly, are stil alive?
For that matter, may I point out that both Supergirl (Mark I) and Dark Phoenix, who would have NO problem with hails of bullets, are Dead (this week, anyhow)?
Superheroes do not die because of the vagaries of the dice, nor do they die because their opposition is powerful enough to kill them...
They die because of what amounts to GM (Editorial) or Player (Writer) fiat!
Just because they won't die, however, does not mean that the Player can't feel strongly challenged by a Scenario...
That's why I'm unimpressed by arguements that say a Game System "has to be lethal", or the game "Doesn't mean anything!"...
It makes for a different TYPE of game, yes, but it's still a very good gaming experience!
{Might also have helped, in the first few years of my playing RPGs, if any of my characters had made it past 3rd level! Original D&D was a 'very lethal' combat system, you see...} :->