Attribute Gen proposal for v2

[Choinski, Burton]

Assuming we retain the 10 standard attributes...some terminology changes, so
that Hasbro won't sue us. :}

    Mundane:  The average non-player character
    Legend:   The old P&P "character-class".


1) Player chooses genotype for each attribute.  N (normal) is the default if
you want to be quick about it.  They may also opt to choose H (high) on any
attribute, but must take a corresponding L (low) on another.

Example: Joe decides to go for physical prowess for his fighter.  He goes
with genotypes of S(H), St(H), D(N), A(H), I(N), W(N), E(L), Em(L), C(N),
Ap(L).


2) Roll native ability. For attributes genotyped as "N", roll 3d6+2;  For
attributes genotyped as "H" roll 2d6+8.  For attributes genotyped as "L",
roll 2d6+3.  Add racial/sexual modifiers.


3.1) For S, St, D, A, I, W, E and Em assign multipliers for maximum
potential based on genotype.  For "H" assign "x4"; for "N" assign "x3";  For
"L" assign "x2".   If designing a mundane use HALF these values.


3.2) For C and Ap roll 1d10 for multiplier on the appropriate charts for
race (which will be collapsed to three columns, i.e. x2, x3, x4 for human),
use 1-3, 4-7, 8-10 for column rolls.  Again, Mundanes get HALF the normal
multiplier.


Benefits of the above system:
   Simplification, with an easy way to roll up a reasonable mundane for use
as flunkies.

   Since the rolls are already weighted, there is less chance that you will
feel "robbed".  If you are going for High strength you will on average have
a good strength.  Rolling a 4 on S when you are going for a fighter is
asking for a reroll.

   It gives players more of a feel of "point based" balance (everyone has
the same number of "genotype levels" to spend), so they can feel like they
have a say in the shape of the character.  But the random element prevents
cookie cutter characters.

   The reduced complexity in multipliers limits min-maxing munchkins.

   GM's could well provide a "free" H genotype without the corresponding L,
as a sign that the player's legend has been tagged by the gods or something.
Expect a call from an avatar sometime in play. :}


Assuming you cannot get the rights back from Hasbro (the bastards!),
possible attribute renames/conversions/modification proposal:

   Physique  (P): A measure of strength and body size (S)
   Endurance (E): A measure of physical staying power (St)
   Reflexes  (R): A measure of gross body flexibility and speed (A)
   Control   (C): A measure of fine body speed and timing (D)
   Mind      (M): A measure of intellectual Prowess (I)
   Spirit    (S): A measure of personal will and spirit strength (W)
   Openness  (O): A measure of the ability to communicate (E)
   Awareness (A): A measure of ability to feel the surroundings (Em)
   Health    (H): A measure of heath and resistance (C)
   Looks     (L): A measure of personal attractiveness (Ap)

Note: all attributes may now be represented as single letters.  This
simplification allows us to use two-letter "things" as "second-level"
derived attributes (PB, for Physique bonus).  Following this same logic,
there should be no single letter stats or calculated things.

Also the naming of the stats does imply a slightly different feel to what
skills they will control.  Having a skill to assist in seeking hidden
characters would previously be fudged as using Em, but feels it should most
definitly tied to A.  Likewise, a "stealth" skill would probably rely on
(A+R)/10 for its formula.


----------------------------------------
Burton Choinski
Principal Software Engineer, Quality Engineering
email: burton.choinski at matrixone.com

phone: 978-589-4089
fax:      978-589-5903

MatrixOne, Inc.
210 Littleton Rd.
Westford, Ma 01886
www.matrixone.com

The First in Intelligent Collaborative Commerce
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