[BNW] Package Limits

[Sandor <Sansil@Earthlink.net>]

> what are the limits to packages?  That's part of the point of my arguements
> what is an acceptable package if it isn't inclusive? If everything can't be
> done then what are the things that CAN be done?

Page 172 of BNW:

"A power package usually involves one or two powers, although it's
sometimes more. If the powers give a bonus to a skill or trait, it's
rarely more than +5, and then only  if the package only has one power.
If there are two or more powers, the bonuses are accordingly less."

"The rule of thumb here is that if the new power package is obviously
much better than one already in print, it's probably too powerful."

I'm not going to make any attempt to parse out what abilities or powers
are acceptable. There are just too many precedents and possibilities in
a "super hero universe" to start making cut and dried distinctions.

I'll offer my take on how powerful a new package can be: BNW strikes me
as a "team" world, like Shadowrun or D&D. Deltas have some focused
specialties, but to take on a multi-faceted threat, they have to work
together, compensating for each other's weaknesses.  Could this new Hero
effectively accomplish everything (information gathering, strategy
planning, slug-fests, defusing bombs, throwing Volkswagens, saving
innocent bystanders, using new technology to battle an unusual villain,
etc...) that it would take a team of "published" Deltas to do? Thne the
Hero is most likely too powerful for the scope of BNW, as it stands now.

Frankly, I don't see lower power levels as "limits", but then I'm not a
"Power Gamer," if you'll excuse the bad attempt at puns. When the heroes
are practically gods, the story lines are going to suffer. You may be a
great GM, but I think you'll hit the wall after the 4th or 5th "save the
planet\solar system\galaxy\universe" romp. It forced DC to a its
"Crisis" and it keeps Marvel pulling "NEW!" versions of old heroes out
of the hat every few years. 

We can fall back on the "it's your game....blah blah blah" shtick, but
I'd like to think that after putting together a boot load of games, and
a couple of "jen-u-wine" award winners at that, Matt and PEG have a good
grasp of game design and balance.  

Sandor