Post by etsmith on Oct 4, 2007 11:46:11 GMT -5
As far as I know, the issue of what exactly constitutes a Column Shift has yet to be resolved. The original rules never clearly define the concept, its possible to interpret the chart in different ways and it became a debate when ZeFRS first started. The ZeFRS document acknowledges this, and offers two different interpretations. Unfortunately, I don't think either of them work very well. The "Many Columns" approach, by which interpretation there are 29 separate columns, renders modifers meaningless. Even something as drastic as fighting blind (six column shifts) only impairs a fighter's ability by 15%. Conversely the "Few Columns" approach, by which there are only 7 columns, is both extreme (a single column shift turns a supernaturally capable swordsman into merely competent) and sloppy to interpret.
The similar Marvel Superheroes resolution chart has specifically 13 columns, so that seems like a good indication of what the ideal number should be. I was looking at ways to redivide the chart along those lines when I noticed there is a very easy way to get the right number of columns without changing the chart at all. Simply, each Shift counts as a 5 point bonus or penalty to the talent rating. Thus, a Talent rated at 8 with a 1 Shift Penalty rolls as if it were a 3. Easy, quick to apply at it creates the equivalent of 12 columns.
Comment and alternate approaches appreciatted.
The similar Marvel Superheroes resolution chart has specifically 13 columns, so that seems like a good indication of what the ideal number should be. I was looking at ways to redivide the chart along those lines when I noticed there is a very easy way to get the right number of columns without changing the chart at all. Simply, each Shift counts as a 5 point bonus or penalty to the talent rating. Thus, a Talent rated at 8 with a 1 Shift Penalty rolls as if it were a 3. Easy, quick to apply at it creates the equivalent of 12 columns.
Comment and alternate approaches appreciatted.
