[HOE] Re:[HoE] Lifetap: mechanics and for other ABs?

[Matt and Teresa Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

David Heth wrote (Regarding the question of using Lifetap across other
AB's with Strain):

> A good question. Honestly the idea of meridians are found in both  the
> Sykers and Doomies powers and as such if an in game "explanation" is
> needed. The terms of the edges use are really universal. The idea of taking
> the power of your body instead of what ever you are normally channeling is
> easily transferred across AB's. The edge seems equally usable by all three
> backgrounds although I honestly never considered it as such.
>
Thanks, David.  This was pretty much my thinking as well.  Nice to know
I'm not the only one that can interpret it this way. I'm considering
offering it as an option to the other ABs.

(Regarding my retreatment of Lifetap as a 2 point edge):

> This seems like a good treatment and fix for lifetap. I would make it 3
> Points and the only option for the power excluding the 5 pointer below. The
> true abuse of this edge became most visible when dealing with any miracle
> that only takes 1 point of Strain.  Your system above fixes that.
>
Yes, I can see your point about making it a 3 pointer.  Actually I did
consider it, but chickened out for the sake of...well...okay, I guess I
didn't have a real good reason other than Hopler saying it was a 2
pointer.  Since I'm retooling it anyway, that point is moot. I
completely agree with the abusiveness as it is written with the 1 strain
powers...and perhaps your right in banning it, even as a 5 pointer...

> The five points this costs are still a small price to pay for the power it
> grants. After all the edge cost is a one time expenditure at the very
> beginning of a characters life. The skills and whatnot this Uberedge pulls
> points away from are easily gained in later play,  I still think anything
> that allows this magnification of a characters power is simply to much at
> any cost.
>

Yes, definitely a valid argument - especially if I open the edge up to
other AB's.  I'll have to do some more thinking before I offer it.

> Anyway! Enough babbling.  I like the 2 point rounded up thingie if you made
> it 3 points and the only option. :)
>
Hey - babbling, shmabbling...thanks for the thoughtful response!  Wish I
got more.  Any more thoughts anyone?

Matt Steflik
"I miss Teller, too."
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik/