Game Mecahnics Versus Role Playing Focus

[Jack7]

So how do I relate to a situation such as that described in the OP? Well, a character build arises from a ruleset just like a unified character emerges from a set of mechanical hooks. The thing that player forgot is that the ruleset for a given game is not only that described in the books, it also includes things like a book list, a set of house rules, and a set of guidelines for the type of campaign to be played (heroic? espionage-oriented?). If, at the most basic level, he is unwilling to play the same game as you, it's probably for the best that he dropped. One aspect he may have found frustrating is the promise of possibly opening up the book list down the road. There is a certain appeal to having a long-term plan - to someone who places importance on the mechanical capabilities of their character, it gives tangible rewards to look forward to. Adding in books midway through the game leads to either retcons that are disruptive to their sense of who their character is, or frustration with having 'missed out' on options that are now available.

I care very little for the gearhead (if that is what it is called) approach to role play gaming, however I do understand it in principle.

In many ways, my father, if he had ever played, being a tool and die maker, and also a mechanic, would have liked the sheer gearheadedness of such an approach.

I on the other hand am less concerned with the mechanical aspects per se (which I know I can always modify at any given point in order to improve a thing, indeed I expect to modify things continually to make constant improvement) than coherent and efficient function, being an inventor, among other things.

However I also suspect there are different types of gearheads, as well as different types of anti-gearheads (if that would be the proper term). I don't want to say a role player is the GH opposite because the gear head, generally speaking, is role playing, but role playing character function more than character nature. For lack of a better set of terms.

Anywho I thought you argued very well for your point.
Have some XP.