From:	abortion_engine abortion_engine@*******.com
Subject:	Priorities in the SR2/SR3
Date:	Mon, 27 Sep 1999 13:40:20 -0400

> > My point--I do have one--is this; the stupid bloody numbers on the
damned
> > piece of paper don't mean ANYTHING. One of my favorite things to do is
play

> > <snip me>

> > Just a point. Sick of hearing about "game balance," had to vent. How
do
you
> > fellows survive in real life?
>
> First off, I agree with your main point that the numbers aren't the
> important thing it's what you do with them. I'm a big fan of actual
> role-playing and like a challenge. People shouldn't focus on the numbers
> *instead* of role-playing.
>
> However, saying that the character creation shouldn't be fair is just
> plain wrong. No one here is wanting to make everyone the same, carbon
> copies of each other, but we do want the characters to start off on the
> same level. If someone wants to play a character with disadvantages and
> obvious shortcomings compared to the other characters (like what you've
> described) then any GM is going to allow it. However, nobody should be
> forced to play a character that is weaker or with less abilities. That
> is why game balance is essential for any game, both in the mechanics and
> the character creation. Players need to feel that they are being given
> the same opportunities and chances in the game without being forced to
> favor a certain style or character. I admire your desire to push the
> role-playing envelope, but surely you wouldn't force others to do the
> same.
>
Only two things;

1. I guess I just feel too much emphasis is placed on game-balance. If you
want to play a mage, you should want to play a mage no matter whether or not
that makes you "weaker." I think that the emphasis on game-balance, in a
way, lends credence to the idea that these numbers are actually important,
and far too many people end up thinking that.

2. I always forget that people aren't using roleplaying as a simulator run
on real life, with a few of the rules changed. Most people aren't all that
concerned with full-out realism. But because of the reasons I play, realism
is essential. So I am, as usual, coming from a different place than most
people on this. For instance, I never, ever, once, thought that roleplaying
should be fair. Most people do. So, in a way, it's pretty safe to ignore
what I have to say on this topic, as it likely has little bearing on your
own situation.