Hello all,
I've been watching this discussion for a while with no intention of adding to
the confusion, but I've changed my mind. This may be of some small interest to
the TML, but is primarily aimed at GDW via GEnie.
First some background to let everyone see where I'm coming from:
I've played in several different gaming systems (D&D, RuneQuest, Classic Trav,
plus GM-modified versions of the above). In addition, I attempted to Ref
a short MegaT campaign. About four years ago I created a character in T2Kv.1
but never had a chance to run him in a game. This is the extent of my gaming
experience. In particular, please note I have no experience with T2Kv.2
1. With that out of the way, let me start off by saying I like the task system
in MegaT and I would be sorry to see it go. It's not totally realistic, but
no skill resolution system is (and if they were, the game would likely be
nearly unplayable). It is one of the aspects that makes MegaT different
from other gaming systems. The explanation of how it works allows the ref
to create his own tasks very nearly on the fly in a gaming session.
In case that isn't clear enough, let me state it directly:
-- Please don't remove the task system.
2. The ship design system: I have not used it extensively, and so I don't feel
I am qualified to comment on it IN MY OWN KNOWLEDGE, but I've heard many
negative comments about it. I like the idea someone put forth (I think it
was a TMLer) about modular ship design, i.e. I'll take one 400 ton hull, one
standard sensor package, one model 9 computer, 2 triple beam laser turrets,
etc. Where the costs and attributes (power consumption, volume, etc) of
each item is enumerated in a single table. I like this idea. It makes ship
design easier for those of us who aren't into the details of it and only
need a quick ship encounter for our party. Another specific complaint I've
heard about the ship design system is the lack of variation in price due to
tech level (such as in GURPS).
3. I don't like the virus idea. The arguments already put forward by other
members of the TML go for me also. Assuming I like the new system, I will
NOT use this senario, at least not as I've heard it so far. If the official
senario is different from what I've heard so far, I will reconsider using
it. If you absolutely HAVE to collapse the Imperium, I think a MUCH more
likely reason is economic collapse due to the Rebellion. But remember, if
the Imperium collapses, for whatever reason, what keeps the Zhodani, Hivers,
and the other interstellar cultures from taking it over?
4. Let me close by saying I am very interested in playtesting your new system.
If you are interested in using me as a guinea pig, I can be reached on the
Internet at [email removed] or via snailmail:
Paul Baughman
[address removed]
[phone removed]
- ----------
In the dark no one can hear the color of your eyes.
Disclaimer: This is me. Do I sound like anyone else?
Paul Baughman PHB100 @ psuvm.bitnet
baughman @ gis.psu.edu