|
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.
|
|
|
Post by markkrawec on Oct 4, 2007 12:36:50 GMT -5
Personally I don't mind that column shifts have only a small effect on the overall chance of success. Even a shift of one does slightly alter the distribution of color results & it doesn't bother me that a mighty hero who gets a sack pulled over his head still has a shot at laying a beatdown on his assailants.
On the other hand, your 5-column shifts (pents, maybe?) aren't excessively punitive or rewarding either, so I think it's mostly a question of taste.
|
|
|
Post by etsmith on Oct 4, 2007 13:38:07 GMT -5
The minor penalties are less satisfying when the heroes have just schemed to get a sack over the bad guys head for such little payoff. Still, as you say its largely a matter of taste.
I like Pents, much better thah Up Shifts and Down Shifts, unless this were a NASCAR game.
|
|
|
Post by markkrawec on Oct 5, 2007 11:50:42 GMT -5
...much better thah Up Shifts and Down Shifts, unless this were a NASCAR game. Well it is supposed to be a generic system now. Have everybody take automotive Talents & presto! you're playing Daytona: The Circling.
|
|