Incompetents in Charge: an issue with some point systems

CavScout · January 27, 2009, 05:31:30 PM

Quote from: Cranewings;280915I just wanted to place my real answer to the question.

I don't like player characters being able to purchase rank and wealth with character points at all. I feel that those things should be assigned by the GM at the start of the game.

Character wealth, rank, and fame are all things that will have a dramatic impact on how the story is carried out. For example, if you are a fighter in dnd, the way you handle a group of orcs attacking your town is totally different if you are a prince. The GM should be the one to decide if you are a prince with men at arms. Giving up two of your feats for it is too much player control, and kinda lame.

I disagree in the sense that I do not think it is lame to give players as much practical control over their character's design as possible. I'd rather see a GM limit what players can take instead. Don't want princes or generals in your game, limit the ability to purchase said perks.

Spike · January 27, 2009, 05:52:45 PM

In the hands of a good GM (rather than a merely competent GM) player creativity and control over character can be a valuable tool to adding much to the game.

The Idea of allowing a player to declare they are a prince could take an ordinary, ho-hum game of D&D monster slaying to another level by adding the element of politics and responsibilities conflicting with proper adventuring...

Of course, I have my own opinon about the feat structure of D&D that goes beyond this from this aside: I've never felt Feats should encompass things that are exterior to the player, elements of birth and etc, given as they apparently represent those training and tricks the hero has mastered that set him appart from ordinary men...

Incompetents in Charge: an issue with some point systems

CavScout

Spike