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<blockquote data-quote="MichaelK" data-source="post: 4876166" data-attributes="member: 60635"><p>My intention isn't to create a false dichotomy, rather to present two polarized examples for maximum illustrative purpose and allow the reader to extrapolate the in-between results.</p><p></p><p>Sorry if that was unclear.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Although that is possible, I find that it generally results in less tactics and random chance than following the actual rules. While it's not a guarantee, GMs tend to lack consistency within their own judgements that might be solved by them following a prewritten set of rules.</p><p></p><p>This tends to lead to two situations. (Unlike the first, this is presented more as a dichotomy, false or not).</p><p></p><p>1) The GM's rulings are haphazard and make tactics impossible as the result of actions can not accurately be determined. The players may begin to declare their actions somewhat randomly, they may constantly pause gameplay with "can I do this?" questions or they may find their tactics by manipulating the GM's personality instead.</p><p></p><p>2) The GM's rulings are consistent at least to a degree sufficient for everyone to understand what is possible, what is likely, what is unlikely and what is impossible. Through a highly complex method you've basically created a rule system that isn't written down. Why not just write these rules to begin with? It'll make it easier if a new gamer, unfamiliar with your social contract, sits down at your table.</p><p></p><p>Or worse, some situations fall into the first category and others fall into the second category. That can really degenerate into a mess.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="MichaelK, post: 4876166, member: 60635"] My intention isn't to create a false dichotomy, rather to present two polarized examples for maximum illustrative purpose and allow the reader to extrapolate the in-between results. Sorry if that was unclear. Although that is possible, I find that it generally results in less tactics and random chance than following the actual rules. While it's not a guarantee, GMs tend to lack consistency within their own judgements that might be solved by them following a prewritten set of rules. This tends to lead to two situations. (Unlike the first, this is presented more as a dichotomy, false or not). 1) The GM's rulings are haphazard and make tactics impossible as the result of actions can not accurately be determined. The players may begin to declare their actions somewhat randomly, they may constantly pause gameplay with "can I do this?" questions or they may find their tactics by manipulating the GM's personality instead. 2) The GM's rulings are consistent at least to a degree sufficient for everyone to understand what is possible, what is likely, what is unlikely and what is impossible. Through a highly complex method you've basically created a rule system that isn't written down. Why not just write these rules to begin with? It'll make it easier if a new gamer, unfamiliar with your social contract, sits down at your table. Or worse, some situations fall into the first category and others fall into the second category. That can really degenerate into a mess. [/QUOTE]
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