Load Bearing Rules in TTRPG

[Reynard]

Not to mention the impact on matter-of-degree systems. This came up in a couple discussions of M&M resistance/saves, and some participants didn't seem to realize without adjustment just how dramatic shifting from a D20 to 2D10 or 3D6 would be in effect there.

I HATED that both GURPS and Hero (3d6 roll under systems) used linear modifiers.

 

[LordEntrails]

So my question is: Do you ever change load bearing rules?

Generally no. If a core concept of a rule system is not working for me I look for a new rule system. Years ago I used to fuddle with creating new systems and such, but I would much rather create adventures and play than to spend time with the fiddly bits.

 

[Thomas Shey]

I HATED that both GURPS and Hero (3d6 roll under systems) used linear modifiers.

Well, you aren't likely to like it any better from that, but having those be diminishing returns at both ends was not an unintended consequence. In other words, that was a result doing was doing what it was supposed to be doing; you just may not have wanted what they were going for.

 

[Reynard]

It was

Well, you aren't likely to like it any better from that, but having those be diminishing returns at both ends was not an unintended consequence. In other words, that was a result doing was doing what it was supposed to be doing; you just may not have wanted what they were going for.

Just harder to judge modifiers at a glance.

 

[Thomas Shey]

Well, I think the idea wasn't to judge the effect; it was to look at the general defined value for them and use that whether it was going to have a lot of effect or a little.

 

[aramis erak]

It was

Just harder to judge modifiers at a glance.

The point in GURPS was to ensure that a modifier of a given value is of less value when combined with others of the same sign.
Which it does.

 

[Reynard]

The point in GURPS was to ensure that a modifier of a given value is of less value when combined with others of the same sign.
Which it does.

Sure, but that doesn't make it any more intuitive at the table.

 

[Micah Sweet]

That's going to be a negative. If I have to change a load bearing rule then I'm better off switching to a different game.

Years ago, I mentioned on a board, perhaps this one, that when running Savage Worlds I eliminate the Swimming/Throwing/Climbing skills and combine them into Athletics. Someone felt so strongly that it was important to have those three, seperate skills that they'd never play in any game I was running. We PEG revised SW guess what they did? They rolled Swimming/Throwing/Climbing into one skill.

Just because the company agreed with you doesn't mean the person who disagreed was wrong.

 

[Thomas Shey]

Sure, but that doesn't make it any more intuitive at the table.

I'm not sure on-the-fly intuition for modifiers was ever an intended priority there. Most people weren't going to have a good sense of intuition for likelihoods on 3D6 until they had considerable experience anyway.

 

[Fenris-77]

Just because the company agreed with you doesn't mean the person who disagreed was wrong.

Nor does it make them right. The size and granularity of skill lists comes down to taste and style more than anything. Some people love huge skill lists and some don't.