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Wot, no character advancement ?

Started by Sean, March 26, 2008, 08:09:47 PM

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Jason Coplen

#15
March 27, 2008, 04:52:07 AM
Maybe Star Frontiers. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I've seen it mentioned online that it had no advancement.
Running: HarnMaster, and prepping for Werewolf 5.

Jackalope

#16
March 27, 2008, 05:39:17 AM
Oh hey, the Indiana Jones Role-Playing Game had no rules for advancement.

Or character creation.
"What is often referred to as conspiracy theory is simply the normal continuation of normal politics by normal means." - Carl Oglesby

grubman

#17
March 27, 2008, 08:20:41 AM
Quote from: Jason CoplenMaybe Star Frontiers. I can't remember off the top of my head, but I've seen it mentioned online that it had no advancement.

SF had advancement.  It was a skill system, you got X number of XP after each adventure/session that you could use to increase ability scores or skill percentages.

grubman

#18
March 27, 2008, 08:24:22 AM
Quote from: SeanSay for instance you had a system where a character started as a hero/veteran, maybe able to gain temporary benefits that can get used up (action/fate/fortune/drama points) but didn't get any better than being a seasoned adventurer (so no supermen or demi-gods).

Take a look at HEX (Hollow World Exploration) if you want to see a real neat system like this (Style Points).  It's one that actually promotes role playing directly with rewards (not abstractly), but doesn't go so over the top as to become annoying, restrictive, or opressive.

I've had an idea myself for many years for a game that did away with character advencement...unfortunately it is fantasy so It would probably tank in todays market...still, I don't want to reveal the secret to what makes it "special" just in case I get the urge to actually do it some day before I die. :)

Rob Lang

#19
March 27, 2008, 08:46:15 AM
If I removed all character advancement, some of my players would actually explode.

Skyrock

#20
March 27, 2008, 10:06:05 AM
For completeness' sake, Wushu and InSpectres should be mentioned, but I'd rather lump them into the
Quote from: Seanone-shot beer and pretzels games
camp.
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Pseudoephedrine

#21
March 27, 2008, 11:41:54 AM
Games without any possibility of growing, changing or developing your character are kind of silly. It seems like the only reason you could get away with it would be to emulate a particular genre where the characters are already far more competent than the typical person (pulp or superheroes, as others have pointed out). I am generally uninterested in pulp or superheroes - I'd rather play a curious scholar than Spiderman or whatever.
Running
The Pernicious Light, or The Wreckers of Sword Island;
A Goblin\'s Progress, or Of Cannons and Canons;
An Oration on the Dignity of Tash, or On the Elves and Their Lies
All for S&W Complete
Playing: Dark Heresy, WFRP 2e

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stu2000

#22
March 27, 2008, 11:47:20 AM
Metal, Magic, and Lore is meant for campaign play and does not include character advancement. The rules are available online. I believe they were simply meant for a later supplement.

The available development rules advance a character very slowly. They're there to live and thrive in the world, not to manifest superpowers at a predictable rate. It's not that kind of game.

It does put the onus on me to find a wide variety of reinforcement for the players, using only campaign elements. The players are into it, bless 'em. I'm generally more at home in a high-gonzo environment, so it's been a refreshing challenge for me.
Employment Counselor: So what do you like to do outside of work?
Oblivious Gamer: I like to play games: wargames, role-playing games.
EC: My cousin killed himself because of role-playing games.
OG: Jesus, what was he playing? Rifts?
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The Yann Waters

#23
March 27, 2008, 12:33:15 PM
Puppetland is a bit of a borderline case in that it's basically meant for a single campaign ("brave little puppets overthrow the mad king Punch"), but it does lack mechanical advancement of any kind. Strictly speaking the characters can only get worse, since healing grievous injuries isn't possible at all.
Previously known by the name of "GrimGent".

James McMurray

#24
March 27, 2008, 01:37:30 PM
Quote from: KingSpoomI do have it backwards, thanks.

MSH Basic doesn't have character advancement, as that was added to MSH Advanced as an additional use of karma.  I'd say that it's intended for long campaigns.

MSH Basic has character advancement in the campaign book. You spend karma to increase traits and buy new powers or skills.

Jason Coplen

#25
March 27, 2008, 02:19:04 PM
Quote from: grubmanSF had advancement.  It was a skill system, you got X number of XP after each adventure/session that you could use to increase ability scores or skill percentages.

Oops. :deflated:

Thanks, Grubman. If you hadn't mentioned that I'd have gone on ignorant until I finally decided to crack open my set for the game at some future date.
Running: HarnMaster, and prepping for Werewolf 5.

Balbinus

#26
March 27, 2008, 02:45:44 PM
Quote from: JackalopeThe game I'm designing (a murder of crows) largely dispenses with character advancement.  Skills do increase, but you'd have to play for a VERY long time to see it happen.  And I'm only begrudgingly including that.

Of course, a murder of crows is designed more as something you pull out when key players don't show up for a regular session.  It does support long term campaign play though.  It's designed to simulate shows like Supernatural, X-Files and Kolchak: The Night Stalker, where the characters start as highly trained professional who are already amongst the best in their field.

Murder of Crows is a kickass name for an rpg.

It's off topic, but seemed worth saying all the same.

flyingmice

#27
March 27, 2008, 02:48:35 PM
Quote from: BalbinusMurder of Crows is a kickass name for an rpg.

It's off topic, but seemed worth saying all the same.

As soon as it's out, I'm ripping it off and filing off the serial numbers, and calling it A Conclave of Cardinals.

Just because!

-clash
clash bowley * Flying Mice Games - an Imprint of Better Mousetrap Games
Flying Mice home page: http://jalan.flyingmice.com/flyingmice.html
Currently Designing: StarCluster 4 - Wavefront Empire
Last Releases: SC4 - Dark Orbital, SC4 - Out of the Ruins,  SC4 - Sabre & World
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James McMurray

#28
March 27, 2008, 03:11:30 PM
Quote from: flyingmiceAs soon as it's out, I'm ripping it off and filing off the serial numbers, and calling it A Conclave of Cardinals.

Just because!

-clash

But you'll both be outsold when Rotwang cranks up the awesome and renames it Flock of Seagulls.

Jackalope

#29
March 27, 2008, 03:23:07 PM
Quote from: BalbinusMurder of Crows is a kickass name for an rpg.

I get that a lot. :)
"What is often referred to as conspiracy theory is simply the normal continuation of normal politics by normal means." - Carl Oglesby
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