[Gamma World] In my grubby little hands

[buzz]

But you have to remember, PCs in GWd20 don't start at 1st level. They start at 3rd. So, even with the elimination of mutations like death rays, there is no real balance mechanism, other than having to live with 1-2 minor negative mutations at the start. Everyody's 3rd level.

I keep wondering why they didn't work with d20 staples like templates or Level Adjustments (if anything screams template to me it's "mutated human" or "mutated animal"). I think those would have been great balancing factors, e.g., stock humans get to have three class levels, while mutants get kewl powerz but fewer class levels.

Basically, any percieved balance issues are still there (which may simply be the way a GW rpg has to work), but with none of the fun bits.

But I'm still reading...

 

[Yellow Sign]

I am not saying the characters have balance. I am saying the game designers tried to give it balance by ditching all the neat abilites and mutations.

 

[buzz]

I understand that, Yellow Sign. I'm simply saying that I don't agree that balance was the reason the rules ended up the way the did. Not to mention, there are a few powers that are very much in "death ray" territory that PCs can start the game with. Solar Discharge does 6d6 at 100ft+ range; odds are good this will force a MD save every time.

Or that a mutation like Claws is somehow balanced but spines or a prehensile tail isn't? It's all just weird.

 

[Yellow Sign]

I understand that, Yellow Sign. I'm simply saying that I don't agree that balance was the reason the rules ended up the way the did. Not to mention, there are a few powers that are very much in "death ray" territory that PCs can start the game with. Solar Discharge does 6d6 at 100ft+ range; odds are good this will force a MD save every time.

Or that a mutation like Claws is somehow balanced but spines or a prehensile tail isn't? It's all just weird.

I guess they couldn't take every neat thing out!

 

[MrFilthyIke]

I guess they couldn't take every neat thing out!

This is a part of WW, there will probably 3 editions of various Race/Clan/Tribe/Mutie books for you to sink money on for more mutations.

 

[Tormentor]

(if anything screams template to me it's "mutated human" or "mutated animal").

That's how Darwin's World 2nd Edition handled it, and I liked it. I was hoping GW D20 was going to go the template route, but sadly no.

 

[Gallo22]

I'm glad I'm not going crazy. I thought I was the only one having problems with the new book and mutations issues. I'm going to use the new book, Darwin's World and Omega World , mix them all together and get what I want GW to be...like of old!!

Gallo22

 

[thundershot]

My only real complaint so far is that it doesn't take advantage of using Level Adjustments. Creatures should have level adjustments. Just because the author doesn't want to play x creature, doesn't mean someone else won't... I hope to see level adjustments in the future books (hopefully the GMG).



Chris

 

[buzz]

I might not count on it. I get the impression that the authors just aren't very conversant with the d20 system.

 

[Spatula]

Low-light/Darkvision? Nope.

Buh? What a strange oversight.