Re: [DL] Possible way to keep the ABs at a reasonable level

["Daniel Gwyn" <dgwyn@colba.net>]

Hi,
    I think that the best way to keep AB's to a minimum is simply for the
Marshall and the players to build characters cooperatively and to figure out
what does and doesn't fit the campaign.  In this way, the Marshall's fiat
can work with player restraint and avoid excess "Mojo" in the campaign.
After all, the easiest way to deal with AB's is simply to reason with the
player.
    Curiously enough, I've always found most AB's have enough disadvantages
to make someone think twice before selecting them let alone using them.  In
the campaign I've played in, we've had a fair number of AB's but they were
generally held in relatively in the background, (with a certain huckster
being a notable exception).  My experience with AB characters was limited to
a short lived half-breed shaman who inadvertantly acquired Owl as a guardian
spirit at 5.  Before he died, he was trying to get rid of it by deliberately
not keeping the oath!
          Daniel Gwyn
"No matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend
Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again!"
From "The Mary Ellen Carter" by Stan Rogers (1949-1983)
-----Message d'origine-----
De : Yuri <yuriz@twcny.rr.com>
À : deadlands@gamerz.net <deadlands@gamerz.net>
Date : December 3, 2001 5:30 PM
Objet : RE: [DL] Possible way to keep the ABs at a reasonable level


>I find that the best way to limit the number of AB is just to tell the
group
>"in order to keep the game balance, and some degree of normalcy, I am going
>to limit the number of Arcane Backgrounds to X." I tell my players that,
and
>usually tell the group that there will be only 2 Arcane Backgrounds in the
>posse.
>
>Deadlands isn't Dungeons and Dragons where you need to have a Priest, and a
>Wizard in the group for it to be a viable party. Sure, having a Blessed and
>Huckster is useful, but they are hardly necessary. Now, if the players
start
>to evolve into the Arcane Backgrounds. For example, if one of the players
is
>enamoured with the Hexes, and wants to become a Huckster, than let him...
>but that is purely a roleplaying moment, and should be encouraged... but it
>should seem realistic...
>
>
>Your pseudo-Shadowrun idea seems interesting, although it does take away
>from the unique character generation that I love in Deadlands.
>
>Yuri
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-deadlands@gamerz.net [mailto:owner-deadlands@gamerz.net]On
>Behalf Of Sitting Duck
>Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 4:48 PM
>To: deadlands@gamerz.net
>Subject: [DL] Possible way to keep the ABs at a reasonable level
>
>
>However, this requires the use of the non-random trait
>system described on PEG's web page. This is basically
>a variation of the Shadowrun character creation
>system. You assign each of the priorities to Traits,
>Aptitudes, Cash, and Arcane. Here's the chart (hope it
>comes out straight):
>
>Priority  Traits   Aptitudes  Cash  Arcane
>   A     Grizzled     30      $300    Yes
>   B     Veteran      24      $250    No
>   C     Seasoned     18      $200    No
>   D     Greenhorn    12      $150    No
>
>Of course, unless you're a complete moron, you'll
>assign D to Arcane if you want a non-arcane character.
>Hindrances and Edges are done as normal, except that
>the Arcane Background edge is only available if you
>selected A for Arcane and want a multi-arcane like a
>metal mage. What do you think, sirs?
>
>=====
>I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace,
>that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress.
>
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