Hero Points poll!

[Enpeze]

Originally Posted by drohem

I have no problem with Hero Points, or any other similiar engine. Sometimes the dice gods are fickle and can cause players/GM to have a bad day.

We have developed the Mr. Hand (Fast time at Ridgemont High) theory in our gaming circle.

"If it's my time and it's your time, then isn't it our time?"

In other words, we all there to have a good time and spending precious time out of our busy lives. It would suck to have a character or campaign derailed over one errant dice roll.

Well the definition of a "good time" varies from group to group, I guess. My group associate "having a good time" with having intense experiences, choices, good acting and an immersive rather "realistic" world. (if you can say roleplaying and realism in one sentence) This implies death of unlucky or careless PCs too. Otherwise it would be unreal and would feel artificial. During the last 20 years I played sometimes such "carebear" games as player where our GM didnt let die the players because they were friends, husbands etc. or claiming that we "all want to have a good time (blablah)..." and they were not fun at all for me. (I had no good time with such games) They were not believeable, lack in authenticity and I always had the feeling that they were just shallow caricatures.

[jarulf]

For me, I'd say it depends on the campaign and what the focus and themes are. If you want to strive for a gritty tense feeling in a harsh or neutral world at best, where death is just around the corner and every FP counts then Hero Points and other meta-mechanisms, to coin a term, probably have no place, but if you want to go for a flashier larger-than-life mood where Lady Fortuna smiles benevolently on your heroes and the players have greater say in how the world works, the Hero Points would definitely be handy.

A little cross-pollination of ideas between systems and styles can never hurt imo, you take what you need and leave the rest. And as has been commented on often enough, BRP is flexible enough to do just that.

[Enpeze]

Originally Posted by jarulf

For me, I'd say it depends on the campaign and what the focus and themes are. If you want to strive for a gritty tense feeling in a harsh or neutral world at best, where death is just around the corner and every FP counts then Hero Points and other meta-mechanisms, to coin a term, probably have no place, but if you want to go for a flashier larger-than-life mood where Lady Fortuna smiles benevolently on your heroes and the players have greater say in how the world works, the Hero Points would definitely be handy.

Yep you are right. This would be an ideal, but in reality its not practicized. At least I dont know any groups which play today a gritty, harsh game and tomorrow a carebear game for flashy heroes. Either they think this type of game is fun or the prefer the other. Not both. Maybe sometimes there might be a change in playing style over the years, but but its rather a developement and not a matter of free choice which style you use.

[jarulf]

Originally Posted by Enpeze

Yep you are right. This would be an ideal, but in reality its not practicized. .

Perhaps not, I wouldn't know as I've only ever played with one group (face to face that is) and that group split ages ago. I do know I'd enjoy both types though.

[badcat]

hey, Enpeze, if you are ever in Seattle, look me up. I'm right there with you as far as game gimmicks like fate points go.

[drohem]

Originally Posted by Enpeze

Well the definition of a "good time" varies from group to group, I guess. My group associate "having a good time" with having intense experiences, choices, good acting and an immersive rather "realistic" world. (if you can say roleplaying and realism in one sentence) This implies death of unlucky or careless PCs too. Otherwise it would be unreal and would feel artificial. During the last 20 years I played sometimes such "carebear" games as player where our GM didnt let die the players because they were friends, husbands etc. or claiming that we "all want to have a good time (blablah)..." and they were not fun at all for me. (I had no good time with such games) They were not believeable, lack in authenticity and I always had the feeling that they were just shallow caricatures.

Well, my group plays gritty games and has no problem with character death if it happens. However, I still like the concept and have no problem with it. Most of our characters are heroes, whether saintly or vile, and thusly have an extra edge over 'normals' in the campaign worlds.

[Enpeze]

Originally Posted by badcat

hey, Enpeze, if you are ever in Seattle, look me up. I'm right there with you as far as game gimmicks like fate points go.

Ok. I if I am ever over there I will visit you surely. (and your cats too )
I have been in the states one time, but only on the east coast (NY etc.) not in Seattle. Although in my youth a had friend coming from Seattle who was exchange pupil and lived in our house for several month. A nice guy.

[Enpeze]

Originally Posted by drohem

Well, my group plays gritty games and has no problem with character death if it happens. However, I still like the concept and have no problem with it. Most of our characters are heroes, whether saintly or vile, and thusly have an extra edge over 'normals' in the campaign worlds.

No problem with me. In my post I just wanted to point out that "having good time" means different things for people.

[badcat]

Yeah, I just got side tracked big time with a new Savage Worlds setting, Solomon Kane, and it uses fate points, ads/disads and even cards...but damn its a good looking game! I think I can get over my prejudices for this one...

...and it will keep me from thinking and fretting about the new BRP book, meantime.

[drohem]

Originally Posted by Enpeze

No problem with me. In my post I just wanted to point out that "having good time" means different things for people.

Hehe...no problem, it's all good. I just wanted to officially note that I do not play or GM the 'carebear' style of play or campaigns.