RE: [BNW] Hello - powers package concept - please don't

["Erik Kjerland (S&T Onsite)" <a-erikkj@microsoft.com>]

I don't want to disparage your ideas for the game, but the concept of strict
power packages will decrease the likelihood of me purchasing the game. It
sounds like a class-based system, not a powers-based system.

Actually, for a gameworld that emphasizes the quest for a return to liberty
and opposition to totalitarianism, this game design seems a bit totalitarian
and not at all liberating. ;-)

In every game I play or GM, whether it be RPGs, wargames, computer games, or
whatever, I prefer to have as many options as possible.  Of course, the more
options a player has also gives them the power to exploit the system.
However, every RPG has a built in regulator to thwart this exploitation: the
Gamemaster.  If a GM is too weak and spineless to deny a player the right to
take advantage of this or that loophole in a game, it's the GM's fault, not
the game system.

What I'm saying is that the problem you are trying to alleviate is indeed a
problem.  However, your solution will, IMHO, create an even bigger problem
(for me at least).

So, my feedback is: do not restrict the players.  Let the GM do that.

It would be better to include an in depth discussion of munchkins,
powermongers, and rules lawyers and methods for the GM to control them.

If you do go ahead with your package/class system, please include an
appendix or optional rules system that will enable greater liberty in
character creation.



Hi All: 

Just thought I'd de-lurk and let you know I've been reading your posts with
some interest. ; )

Work on BNW is going smoothly, with only small speed bumps here and there,
mostly from my other Pinnacle duties. I'm expecting to have a first draft
done
by the end of the month. It's looking good so far, and I hope you all really
enjoy it. 

As to character creation, I'm going with an unusual, two pronged system. You
build your standard person with a quick and easy, point-based system, but to
add superpowers, you buy them as a package. No mix and match here. All the
packages are built to make sense and provide an amount of balance to the
game.

I thought of going with a strictly point-based system, but why try to
duplicate Champions? It's a game I have a lot of respect for, but these days
I
find it a bit too cumbersome for my tastes. So I'm going for something a lot
easier. No min-maxing numbers. Just build your character, then add a power
package, and you're done. 

That's all for now. 

Thanks for stopping by, 

Matt Forbeck
Pinnacle