Grade the Savage Worlds System

[Reynard]

In that case, I'm not sure I would describe Star Wars or Eberron as 'pulp,' they have some fairly complex plots and factions. I can see Green Hornet, though.

So you admittedly don't know the definition of the term, but are arguing with the definitions provided you? I don't understand what your intent is.

 

[CleverNickName]

So you admittedly don't know the definition of the term, but are arguing with the definitions provided you? I don't understand what your intent is.

I know the definition; that's the problem! I'm struggling to see how it applies to Savage Worlds. It sounds like people are saying "Savage Worlds is trashy and that's a good thing," and my brain shorts out.

 

[Retreater]

I know the definition; that's the problem! I'm struggling to see how it applies to Savage Worlds. It sounds like people are saying "Savage Worlds is trashy and that's a good thing," and my brain shorts out.

I think a lot of people have fondness for "pulp" applied to media. There's the film Pulp Fiction. There's the game Pulp Cthulhu.
Even when you look at the old Explorers Edition of the game, it was printed on cheap paper for $9.99, designed to be a low cost, easy entrance into the game.
I don't think it's a bad term at all, for me anyway.

 

[overgeeked]

I should love Savage Worlds, but I really do not like the basic dice mechanic or raises. I get that it comes from a wargame and needed simple mechanics, and as someone who loves rules-light, ultra-light, and rules-free gaming I should be good…but nope. I am also a huge fan of pulp action-adventure stuff…but nope.

 

[CleverNickName]

I should love Savage Worlds, but I really do not like the basic dice mechanic or raises. I get that it comes from a wargame and needed simple mechanics, and as someone who loves rules-light, ultra-light, and rules-free gaming I should be good…but nope. I am also a huge fan of pulp action-adventure stuff…but nope.

But you gotta admit, the exploding dice mechanic is pretty cool right?

 

[Reynard]

I know the definition; that's the problem!

You literally don't. Or you are being intentionally obtuse. I can't actually tell which. The point is that in the modern parlance of entertainment, "pulpy" means exactly what I have said multiple times now, and the OED definition is not the least bit relevant.

 

[overgeeked]

But you gotta admit, the exploding dice mechanic is pretty cool right?

It is. Very much. There’s a lot I like about the system. Just not enough to get over how much I dislike the basic task resolution mechanic.

 

[Reynard]

It is. Very much. There’s a lot I like about the system. Just not enough to get over how much I dislike the basic task resolution mechanic.

You can actually move it into a PbtA-like space pretty easily by using failure, success, and success with raise as failure, success with cost, and full success.

 

[thullgrim]

You can actually move it into a PbtA-like space pretty easily by using failure, success, and success with raise as failure, success with cost, and full success.

I do this frequently. Success or success with additional benefits, failure; failure with consequences for critical fails.

I’ve always found SW to be intuitive. I just don’t think too hard about it.

I think Shooting needs looked at generally, I’d probably look for a ranged Dodge attribute based on Athletics the same way Parry is based on Fighting. Shooting is just too easy based on the core mechanics. You really have to look at cover/obscurement to make it more difficult.

RE: Pulp, in this context it refers to the type of stories being told. I think for purposes of this discussion you could probably use the term interchangeably with cinematic, and be close enough. For examples of pulp: Indiana Jones, the 1999 Mummy, Doc Savage, original Conan, Lensmen, John Carter, and more. Daring, competent heroes. Eberron in the original book is described as D&D meets Pulp Noir.

 

[Reynard]

I’ve always found SW to be intuitive. I just don’t too hard about it. I thinking shooting needs looked at generally, I’d probably look for a ranged Dodge attribute based on Athletics the same way Parry is based on Fighting. Shooting is just too easy based on the core mechanics. You really have to look at cover/obscurement to make it more difficult.

I think this is intentionally. Because the game is ona grid, position and movement are important. So taking cover and such is a net benefit.