Saturday Q&A (apr 27)

Bob in Ohio writes,

Of the scores of Sage Field/Study articles you've written which are you happiest with and why?

Answer: Ranking things that are utterly subjective ... let's see. I suppose the parts of the sage ability system that I like best are the problems it solves in the original game regarding rules that were never properly explained or defined: hiding in shadows, tracking, finding food, being able to make things, being able to identify things, having permission to do things ...

I like the stealth ability, though it's still unfamiliar because it doesn't get used that often ... but every time we have used it, the players find it straightforward and utterly rational.

The jack of all trades, because it allows thieves to be more than thieves.

The hereditary weapons ability, because they counter the elf "specialness" of bow and sword.

The instruction study over all, because potentially anyone can learn anything.

The horseback riding study, along with camels and dogs and such, because in addition to clearly defining this as a definitely possessed skill, that doesn't need a die check, it also defines who CAN'T do it.

The swimming ability, because it makes a distinction among all those who can swim not necessarily being able to do it with the same alacrity.

The genius of the sage system is in that it provides those details rationally for the players so they don't have to feel that they're being given a "hint" when in fact their character sheet states plainly that they know something. For example, if I decide to have some weird mushroom be central to a story, if one of the characters has studied mushrooms, it provides a fully acceptable excuse to flat out give exposition, without the players having to ask someone or thinking they're being given a gift. This is absolutely wonderful from a DM's perspective. It makes the players feel proud of their characters in a way totally separate from their combat prowess or their personal role-playing ability. "My character knew that because she studied mushrooms," lends itself to the player feeling actual affection for the character, as its a way of producing individuality and potential too, without having to contrive a totally made-up, unearned background.

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If readers would like to reply to the above, or wish to ask a question or submit observations like those above, please submit  to my email, alexiss1@telus.net.  If you could, please give the region where you're located (state, province, department, county, whatever) as it humanises your comment.

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