Why the D20 system has no merits and flaws system ?

[Dextolen]

I've seen merits/flaws overused - GURPS, where every character is a one-legged blind alcoholic with a photgraphic memory.

But when used in moderation I like them. Swashbuckling adventures has them. They take a feat slot and most can only be purchased at first level. There are virtues (for good characters), wiles (for evil characters) and hubris - flaws that gain you an additional feat of your choosing.

 

[Cybern]

If you look in your DMG, you will find you are wrong. It's an option, but you will find that xp award for RP are discussed.

I meant core rule, not optional.

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

I used to add merits/flaws to D&D every chance I got. I stopped doing it after awhile. The problem -- in my opinion -- is that the flaws can override the DMs plot and are then typically ignored. So if you have the flaw "an evil guy is hunting me" the DM can basically either:

a) scrap the idea for the next adventure
b) forget about the evil guy for awhile effectively giving the player free points.

I've found other flaws that basically ammount to "put the character in this situation and a party member dies".

What I'd like to read more about is the flaw system in 7th Sea. There you have to spend points for flaws, but when the flaw is evoked you get exp for roleplay (assuming you roleplay it). I like that system.

 

[Cybern]

What I'd like to read more about is the flaw system in 7th Sea. There you have to spend points for flaws, but when the flaw is evoked you get exp for roleplay (assuming you roleplay it). I like that system.

Never played that game, but this idea is really my type!

As in Mechwarrior, where you got as much XP for fumbling as for getting it right, you learn from your mistakes.

 

[Crothian]

When I create a character I usually create flaws in the background. I don't look for compensation for doing so either. I think player characters have enough merits going for them usually, but if a PC wants something a little extra I'm more then willing to allow it. I like doing it more as an open ended thing with few definitions. When players get a list of things they tend to take what is powerful, but asking them to create something for their character and I've found they get more creative.

 

[Psion]

I meant core rule, not optional.

Again, why? Why is it obligatory in order for you to use the rule for it to be the default for everyone else?

One size does not fit all in gaming. They make optional rules for a reason. If a particular rule works for your group, then you should use it.

 

[Nightchilde-2]

If you want to play a undead-slaying shy cleric, the DM is gonna say to get a low Cha score. Then this shy cleric isn't good at turning undead anymore. So you add him a feat to turn more undeads... even though your rolls will get crappy.

I wouldn't say "get a low Charisma score." I'd say "well, play it that way."

Charisma is also force and strength of personality as well as general "I'm liked"-ness. Maybe your character's a quiet little mousy thing until the zombies start poppin' up then up she steps and forces her back with nothing but the force of her undead-hating personality and a shiny little holy symbol.

Ability scores are more than just "high and low." It's the life that's put behind them that makest he difference. You must transcend the numbers on the sheet...

[For the record, I'm generally a fan of a merits & flaws kinda system, but not really for D&D]

 

[Cybern]

Ok, but since game balance is a chronic disease we're all infected with since 3e, then you can't play a rich princess who's 1st level. The other players won't get all these ressources, and as the "princess" part is fluff, the extra gold isn't.

BTW, I don't play rich sorceresses princesses, it just seemed like an easy enough example.

 

[diaglo]

i agree. d20 has no merit.

 

[Psion]

What I'd like to read more about is the flaw system in 7th Sea. There you have to spend points for flaws, but when the flaw is evoked you get exp for roleplay (assuming you roleplay it). I like that system.

Incidentally, this is very similar to the drawback system in Vigilance, and one of the few things I liked about Vigilance.

(And for the sake of my own ego, I'll point out I first proposed a per-incident drawback system on the rpg-create mailing list years ago. All these other people are just bandwagon jumpers. )