From:	"Nat C." <natc@*****.net>
Subject:	Re: TopCat's Manifesto
Date:	Mon, 20 May 1996 17:05:13 -0400 (EDT)

On Sun, 19 May 1996, TopCat wrote:

> The TopCat Manifesto

> Credentials: In case you were wondering "Who the hell is this guy and why
[snippity snip]

I'm sorry to say that I didn't read a speck of this (too much mail, too
little time) and I don't really care (not to sound rude) because it
doesn't matter where you've been but where you are and I think you have
brought up some good points. I though would like to comment on some of
your 'rants'.

> 1. Magic vs. Cyberware: Which is "better"?

I think that both are very powerful and should be played correctly but I
don't think that either is really better. Just for example (not for
arguement), let's say that I have a gunner with a sniper rifle, eye mag
3, reflexes 2 (I'm not sure if that is possibel essence wise though) and 100
yards to your mage. No matter what the mage had, the gunner has the upper
hand. The mage will be patte before he can croak out a spell. Even in
non-combat situations, cyber is often much better. I'm not saying that
cyber is better overal though, I think they are both all to powerful for it
to matter most times. Also, a word about the gunner: It is one of my
favorite (and not to mention strongest) characters to play because when
he has the range, he can destroy almost anything, no matter what it is.
The problem is when he gets close enough for someone else to do some
major damage. Then he's just a guy with a gun.

> 2. Roleplaying

I'm just going to skip all of this. This shouldn't need explaining.

> 3. Stereotypes

The only problem here is that many if not most stereotypes are true. It
is a common stereotype that doctors are male but it just happens that
most doctors are male not to be sexest or anything but it is true. So I
think that even though some sams like to pick flowers and eat finger
sandwiches, most don't because most of the people who become sams are
violent and aggressive. You can make your character whatever the hell you
want him to be but have to many flower pickers. Also, I like what you
said about fleshing your characters out.

> 4. DICE

This topic to should be skiped. If you are in a party or know some one
who is in a party that rolls crap every thirty seconds, please leave now
and remember if you don't get help at Charter, please get help somewhere.

-Xyphius