[HOE] Re:Strain-Based Martial Arts

["John Goff" <johngoff@cavtel.net>]

I've gotta disagree with you Darrin on it being more expensive.

Under the old system, it cost 3 for Martial Arts Training, 2 for
Enlightened, 1/level for Ch'i, and 1/level for fightin': martial arts. Then,
each power cost 2/level.

To get a decent level with just 2 abilities and fightin' 4 and ch'i 2, it
cost 15 points. (3 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 4)

For 15 points now, a martial artist gets Martial Arts Training (3), AB:
Enlightened (3), fightin': martial arts 5, ch'i 4, and 4 powers. That
doesn't even take into account the greatly reduced cost of improving Ch'i or
buying new powers.

That's a _big_ difference.

As to the stats, you do need a fairly good base to work from, but when
you're talking a physical fighter who also has mystical powers, what'd ya
excpect? :-)

Now, as to Strain vs. Ch'i, you're right, it does go a little faster, but
more equally for everyone. The difference between a 4d12 Spirit (48 max
possible ch'i) and 2d10 Spirit (20 max possible ch'i) was a little wide.
Now, the difference is more along the lines of 12 Strain versus 10 Strain.

Plus most of the powers had their costs noticeably reduced. And a failed
roll doesn't waste any Strain.
I've been running a martial artist under the Strain system myself for over 4
months and haven't run out yet in combat.

I'll grant it's very different from Feng Shui--but then the Deadlands system
is very different from that of Feng Shui. :-)

John