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Message: <blockquote data-quote="[OMENRPG]Ben" data-source="post: 5605476" data-attributes="member: 6677983">I think that one of the ways game designers "balance" this out is by explaining the shorter lived races to be more eager and frenetic with their education. They will flit around and try their best to learn as much as they can in their short lifespan, while doing everything they can to enjoy themselves.The longer lived races, much like the higher classed aristocracy in times past, will take on less practical tutelage or focus on something that is more obscure. For instance, elves might spend a large portion of their life learning thousands of synonyms for certain words to be used better in story-telling and lyrical choices. But, I would think that a system that utilized some kind of destiny point system or influence points could grant higher amounts to the young, but should give the old some other tangible bonuses, such as skill bonuses or higher acuity at combat/knowledge.Even in D&D 3.x there were rules for attribute bonuses/penalties for old and young, albeit within the context of each race as opposed to one another. A more plausible or "flat" system that has races that live all approximately the same lifespan, this becomes more sensible and easy to do. For example, in OMEN, one of the primary universe concepts is parallel evolution. All of the playable races are roughly comparable to a human both in anatomy, necessities (solid food, water, oxygen, and so forth) and lifespan. If all of the races live around 100 years, then it is pretty easy to apply bonuses and penalties dependent upon age.Although, the harsh reality is that as one gets older, there aren't many "advantages" other than the mercurial concept of wisdom. Bones get weary, muscles get loose, bellies get fat, minds get muddled, hair lines recede. I think when it comes down to the nitty gritty in a game setting, players prefer the age to be merely a flavor element, as while the young gun might be stronger and faster in the universe, the old timer's experience and knowledge compensate. Each of those characters might have the same exact stats, just described differently.</blockquote>

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