New Way of Using GURPS: Points-Less
Apr 18, 2012 9:08:10 GMT -8
Post by Nolinquisitor on Apr 18, 2012 9:08:10 GMT -8
Here's an idea, use GURPS without the points.
It is essentially the same thing as a GM doing NPC's without taking points into account.
Here is how it work:
- For generating Attributes, every stat start at 10, then depending on the campaign the GM ask the player throw a die as a modifier to that 10. For example, in a realistic campaign the GM could ask for a 1d-1 or 1d-2, giving stat between 8 and 15. Let's face it, stats higher than 16 is superhuman. That being said, a supers campaign could ask for two stats at +1d and two stats at +4d. Player can have the option of placing those stat or not (depend on the campaign type).
- For generating Skills, PC's also start with a predefined number of skills determined by the type of campaign. For example, it could be 1 x IQ in number of skills for a fantasy game, 1.5 x IQ for a modern game, or 2 x IQ for a military/spy game. Every skill start at a level equals to their governing Attributes, plus (again) a die modifier (ex: 1d-2).
- For generating Advantages & Disadvantages, the GM will allow a predetermined number of both, then the player simply choose what he wants and go with that!
Presto! Quick GURPS character.
Points-less GURPS have the following advantages:
- You don't have to teach new players how to calculate point cost of skills, powers, etc. (less character gen crunch)
- You save a lot of time on character gen.
- You can always figure out the details later.
- Some peoples like the way GURPS handle its stuff (skill rolls, combat, Fright check, Reaction roll, criticals, etc.) but not its default assumption that you have to calculate all the points the GM have "given" you. Sometimes, it's just that portion of the game the throw peoples out.
- This method of character creation aligns with GURPS 4th ed philosophy where point totals are less important that concept. In 3rd for example, iconic characters often had their point totals in round numbers, now they are like 452 points, 118 points, etc. It's suggested that totals aren't that important like before, a good thing.
Yeah I know, GURPS Basic Set 3rd Edition had a way of generating random characters but now the points-less option makes even more sense in this edition where difference in PC's point totals is acceptable.
It is essentially the same thing as a GM doing NPC's without taking points into account.
Here is how it work:
- For generating Attributes, every stat start at 10, then depending on the campaign the GM ask the player throw a die as a modifier to that 10. For example, in a realistic campaign the GM could ask for a 1d-1 or 1d-2, giving stat between 8 and 15. Let's face it, stats higher than 16 is superhuman. That being said, a supers campaign could ask for two stats at +1d and two stats at +4d. Player can have the option of placing those stat or not (depend on the campaign type).
- For generating Skills, PC's also start with a predefined number of skills determined by the type of campaign. For example, it could be 1 x IQ in number of skills for a fantasy game, 1.5 x IQ for a modern game, or 2 x IQ for a military/spy game. Every skill start at a level equals to their governing Attributes, plus (again) a die modifier (ex: 1d-2).
- For generating Advantages & Disadvantages, the GM will allow a predetermined number of both, then the player simply choose what he wants and go with that!
Presto! Quick GURPS character.
Points-less GURPS have the following advantages:
- You don't have to teach new players how to calculate point cost of skills, powers, etc. (less character gen crunch)
- You save a lot of time on character gen.
- You can always figure out the details later.
- Some peoples like the way GURPS handle its stuff (skill rolls, combat, Fright check, Reaction roll, criticals, etc.) but not its default assumption that you have to calculate all the points the GM have "given" you. Sometimes, it's just that portion of the game the throw peoples out.
- This method of character creation aligns with GURPS 4th ed philosophy where point totals are less important that concept. In 3rd for example, iconic characters often had their point totals in round numbers, now they are like 452 points, 118 points, etc. It's suggested that totals aren't that important like before, a good thing.
Yeah I know, GURPS Basic Set 3rd Edition had a way of generating random characters but now the points-less option makes even more sense in this edition where difference in PC's point totals is acceptable.