Questions about proposed changes

[Sigfried Hunin]

I don't see how. You want a relatively even playing field. You don't want people to feel like they have to constantly RP for years to be relevant. You want there to be some kind of progressive "game" mechanic. You want something that doesn't trivialize new people.

How does removing CA not accomplish every single one of those points?

Everyone is at the same level of statistical strength. Differentiations in skill come through in writing quality when judged. Progress takes the form of buying Techniques and Custom techs. People will only be trivialized in that they have not earned XP to buy unique moves for their characters.

EDIT: And c'mon, Greg. You've been on this side before. How helpful is it for someone to say "hey just fix the system because of X"? Do you think we're not aware of the problems? If you were in my position, what is there to take from a post like that that you're not already aware of?

"I'm saying they found ways to address massive imbalance without removing the progression that made the games fun."

This. This right here. the part where you're like, "OH YEAHHH I'M BEING REWARDED FOR WRITING, AWRITE"

The part where you ACTIVELY COMPETE WITH OTHERS.

Right now it's like walking into a horse race with all of the other horses at the goddamn finish line. There's no incentive to write, if not to pass other meek, tiny little people and ONE DAY, after, I dunno A YEAR AND A HALF of solid writing being able to say, "Oh hey! I'm in the top ten!" Cause that's EXACTLY what I did. I was so distraught by the idea that I couldn't fucking fight people when I first got on this site. I was overwhelmed and disheartened, and don't try to marginalize that because MOST new people (and old people trying to catch up) feel that way.

NO, I didn't say "WELL FUCK IT, JUST GET RID OF CA," because I think that's not a solution to the problem, and addresses none of the fun competitive nature of writing and advancing.




I think if we were to tear this down with no suggestions of exactly HOW it would work, but to meet certain criterion, we would get a lot further in this discussion. that way we can set up a framework of "must have this and this, shouldn't have this, etc etc" and people can brainstorm "THE PERFECT SYSTEM" from there.

If I would have any say in those criteria it would be as thus:

1: Must be competitive between characters.
2: The volume of writing is the source of advancement.
3: Defined "levels" (ie: numerical PL, grading, stars, orbs, power coins, etc.)
4: Advancement should not favor "long timers," and allow very active characters to advance to near or at the level of other writers within 3-6 months (given they have been active enough to warrant advancement.)

Ideas:
Awards, trophies, power ups, medals, and other staff and RP awarded "objects" could permanently increase the advancement of a character or give them access to abilities, techniques or other perks that are not available to those who have not earned them.

Techniques may have permanent ramifications.

Advancement levels should be vague enough to allow for characters to spar and fight without being able to say "well, my character is stronger, so of course they'll win." Basically, leeway. This isn't a problem NOW, but it would be detrimental if a new system made it that way.

Smaller numbers/levels of advancement are favorable because they make it easy to round, easy to manage and easier to implement on a management level (IMO)




I think if everyone made some VERY VERY VAGUE qualifiers to a rule system they would like to use/see, it could be very useful. That means that you don't think of a system you've already dreamed up and perfected, but just try and make a list of things that would help narrow down the scope of what you'd prefer. that way, coders and rule writers have as much room as they need to work so that no matter what system they come up with, it should appeal to MOST.