[Justin D. Jacobson]

Originally Posted by Joe Sala

Justin, in your book you say that characters must be awarded around 10 energy points per adventure. Then they can buy the following advantages:

- +1 to an attribute check of your choice, including skill checks using that attribute (2 points)
- +1 to an attribute score (2 points)
- 2 hit points, 3 if Con is 15+ (1 point)
- 1 plot point (4 points)
- 2 skill points, 3 if Int is 15+ (2 points)

So, if I am not wrong, after only one adventure I can increase Strenght in 5 points, or even better, have a +5 in ALL Intelligence checks, including the related skills. So why should I increase skills? Don't you think that players will first increase all attributes to 20 before buying something else? (Yes, I now that munchkins are not the target for Passages, but anyway...)

Maybe I am missing something, so please tell me.

I'm guessing the principle disconnect is in what constitutes an "adventure". My expectation is that adventures in Passages will be longer (in real terms) than what we think of as adventures in, say, Dungeons & Dragons. But what you're talking about is character advancement. If you think that advancement is too accelerated, simply award fewer points. The 10 points is explicitly a suggestion and is certainly not required.

As for the comparison between attribute check bonuses and skill bonuses, 2 cep gives you a +1 bonus in an attribute check or 2 skill points. The 2 skill points you can use to get a +2 bonus in one skill or a +4 bonus in a sub-skill (or 2 bonuses in two different sub-skills). So, it's an issue of increasing bonuses for greater specialization. Whether someone wants to get a +1 bonus in all Intelligence checks or a +2 bonus in Sabotage or a +4 bonus in Sabotage (Demolitions) is a matter of personal preference.