Recent content by Umbran

I try to fully inform folks about the nature of games before play begins. If they get weird about it after that, it is there own dang fault, and they can just find a game more suited to their desires.

Ah, that kind of goon. Fair enough - that can be a concern for folks who play in public spaces.

Mod Note: If you joined this conversation just to dump on people, that will end poorly for you. Please stop.

No, that's not why game mechanics cannot be covered by copyright. Mechanics are simply a different kind of IP - systems, processes, and mechanics are covered by patent law, not copyright. Copyright covers, "I said a cool new thing". Trademark covers, "This means ME for business purposes."...

I find "conflict over medial issues" to be really strange. I can understand medical issues causing an issue for scheduling. But "conflict"? Like, we get into arguments over your migraines? Really? Who does that?

"Exploding" dice have been called such for years in various systems. It is not unique.

Wow, how cynical that sounds. This isn't a full setting product to satisfy "big fans". It is an example, a taste so that folks who haven't done up a setting before can see the basics of how it is done. Greyhawk was pretty bare bones in its original incarnation, and it is a nice nod to the...

In Fate, this is pretty easy to do as well - if a system allows one to make a character that will be okay if a mook or two comes at them, but they aren't a major threat to draw attention in a fight, that supports high power disparities.

It is easer to support such a character in a game with fewer players. When there's only one other character, getting spotlight is pretty easy, no matter your stats. When there's five other characters that are more powerful, it is harder for a weaker one to shine.

And, you'd kind of expect it in Apocalypse World, as well. Folks in an apocalyptic setting are going to be moving around looking for safety and resources and all.

I don't think in terms of "which of these are the largest problems, in general". I don't have table concerns "in general". I only have them in specific. If I am at a table with one of these concerns, then it is a problem. I don't need to compare it to problems I don't have.

This is a question for @Morrus .

Agreed. Even reading the comics, you have to sometimes wonder why Bats doesn't pull out the big guns every time. In a game, when the player looks at a character sheet, and it says he can do a thing... why doesn't he just do it? If you have a big "I win!" button, why don't you press it every...

Mod Note: Folks, While racism in the game is a valid topic, in general, let us not stomp this thread into the ground with it. If you want to talk about issues of racism in older products, please take it to another thread, and let folks move on with discussion of the upcoming new material here...

I think that really depends on the game. For example, I think games that are trying to aim you at a particular setting and specific feel do well to have consistent art direction. Games that are actively encouraging you to go your own road can do that with a more varied art direction.