From:	Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject:	Re: A debate from Tucson
Date:	Mon, 24 Oct 1994 15:54:49 -0400

On Mon, 24 Oct 1994, Stainless Steel Rat wrote:

> Nightfox> Athletics/lifting - you know how to correctly position yourself,
> Nightfox> steal yourself to the weight, use your weight to help, and use
> Nightfox> all of your msucles in your body to help you lift.
>
> Yeah, that sounds right, both in RL and game mechanics. But again, as I
> stated, having a high skill shouldn't be the only requirement. My technique
> may be the best in the world, but with a Strength of 3 I'm most definitely
> NOT going to be breaking any records.

Yes, but lifting is determined MOSTLY by strength. The maximum
that a character can lift is Strength x 20 kilograms + (StrengthD6 kilos)
+ athletics successes for a limited time. As you can see, even with a
but-high skill, people with even one more strength point are going to
outclass you completely unless you get lucky. I think the above system
is correct, and if not it's awful close. I don't have my book handy. So
even Farmer Billy with a strength of 6 and no athletics skill is going to
outlift MR. Spiffy with Strength 4 and athletics 6.

Marc