[Torg] New Basic Skills

[Benjamin Grant]

>>Benjamin Grant <benn at 4efix.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> >>You might have a point, had I any interest in persuading you or
>>> >>engaging you socially.
>>>
>>> Then why continue to engage?
>>
>>*You* are of no interest to me. The analysis is.

You are either conversing and attempting to persuade me, or you are writing
just to "hear yourself talk".

To be charitable, since you can pursue the analysis without back and forth
from me, there must be something that interacting with me provides to you -
or you wouldn't keep doing it.  Whatever that motivation is that keeps
making you respond to what I write - *that* is the way in which I *am* of
interest to you, minimally at least - QED.

>>> So far you haven't demonstrated to me any significant valid points.
>>
>>No, you just don't want to admit that I have. Witness as I make a
>>suggestion, and you confirm its correctness...

No, not only is that incorrect, my statement is one of "so far" - you cannot
disprove it by coming up with something *new*.

>>
>>> >>If using an advantage system, it'd be a simple matter to have an
>>> >>advantage
>>> >>that boosts skill totals while providing a mechanical distinction
>>> >>between
>>> >>innate qualities and learned expertise,
>>> [...]
>>> In my game we are using a concept called Virtues and Flaws that come
>>in
>>> three levels.  Flaws are free, of course, but Virtues cost 5
>>possibilities
>>> for the first level, ten possibilities to go from one to two, and
>>fifteen
>>> possibilities to go from two to three.  I figure one use of a Virtue
>>could
>>> be to represent a Knack of some kind.  So someone may have a low
>>Spirit,
>>> but the level 3 Virtue: Knack for Intimidation might make up for it.
>>I
>>> haven't worked out any numbers yet.
>>
>>Precisely. You have the appropriate tool. Use it.

I have many tools - that one is a useful one, but so are others.

>>
>>The next step is to realise that proper application of this approach
>>better simulates innate resistance to social manipulation than
>>duplicating skills.
>>
>>(Especially when you realise that somebody can be both innately
>>resistant to charm and persuasion and be mentally astute *in addition*
>>- a combination that should result in even higher resistance than
>>either quality alone.)
>>
>>Travis Hall

That is a wonderful point, the idea of having both the knack and the high
underlying attribute, and one I have already been considering and discussing
with a gamer friend of mine.  In fact, it is likely that I will permit
knacks to be purchased for any skill, at the appropriate costing.  However,
I still feel the concurrent appropriateness of having two paths to
self-control and resistance to charm and whatnot - meaning that I think the
Spirit based Determination clone of Willpower is still in, but the Knack
idea is also probably a keeper.

-Benn Grant
eFix Computer Consulting
benn at 4eFix.com
603.283.6601