I'm rewriting the ailing Bionics book for Icar at the moment and I came up with a system for building your own bionics using a tradeoff between points and cost. It seemed to look nice on paper but was quite complex. I think I've got it explained quite well (I'll release the PDF as an alpha when I've finished the example) and for fun, I wrote an online system for making your own suit. This allows the min-maxers to player with different configurations of systems. To be fair, I think it would be difficult to use the system without the online tool. So, here's the question:

Is it unreasonable to create a complex system in a pdf format, knowing that you've got an online tool to help?

or

Would you prefer a purely printed system that was very simple and sod the online tool?

I suppose this comes down to the manner in which you use your roleplaying resources. Whether you use everything computerised (one end of the scale) or sit in a cave with a candle (other end of the scale).

I don't know the specifics of your game so I can only imagine the level of complexity you're talking about. In reality, it used to be quite common for games to have complex point-buy systems that minmaxers could play with for hours, so there's no absolute answer even if you don't provide an online system.

So in my opinion as long as your rules are explained clearly, it's really just a matter of which audience you want to appeal to. Minmaxers will be thrilled to have tools to assist them; others may find the system tolerable and still others will wonder what the point is.

Are you able to get feedback from people who already play your game?

Elliot,
You're right that I do need to show the system before you can make a really good appraisal. My current player group is mostly made of people who are so ingrained with Icar, if you cut through a bone, you'd probably see "Icar" running through it. Their thoughts are valuable but they are hardly newbies.

The new bionics system is indeed new to most of them but I am not sure they are the usual sort of people who pick Icar up. They do seem to like it (and want similar online systems for other point purchase bits of the game) but they're quite net-friendly and would happily use any online tool. I was wondering about the RPG players at large, would they really use the online tool?

As for simple explanations, that's certainly a holy grail that can be striven for. No doubt after the 9th iteration, I'll get to something that will sound reasonable in a head outside my own.

Hi Rob:

I don't think it's unreasonable at all, just don't make it the only way to get cool bioware. Create a good range of bioware with the tool and make them available as off-the-rack standard types, probably at reduced price because of economies of scale. Offer them alongside the nuts and bolts roll-your-own bits. Then everyone has access to bioware.

-clash

PS: Yes you are barking up the tree of madness for not charging for this excellent game, you nut!

Thanks clash!
Off the rack is definitely a good way to go for those who just want the basics. With Icar's obsession of prited sheets, each stock item will have its own pre-filled in printed sheet, so it will be easy for the player to get augmented with the new systems.

Quote from: Rob LangThanks clash!
Off the rack is definitely a good way to go for those who just want the basics. With Icar's obsession of prited sheets, each stock item will have its own pre-filled in printed sheet, so it will be easy for the player to get augmented with the new systems.

Coolness! That's the way to go. Let the gearhead delve as far as they want to, but don't make the math-phobes need to do it. Everyone is happy!

-clash