07-01-2017, 01:47 AM | #1 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2017
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Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
Hi there,
today I have created a very beautiful (+6/2) super charismatic (+4) celebrity-like reputation (+4) singer (+2). Then, I have read the part in "How to be a GURPS GM" where it points out how ".... someone with a +5 reaction bonus, from 3 or 4 social traits, is realistic; one with a +15 reaction bonus, from seven or eight social traits, is cinematic..." and here comes my doubt: Since I have used 4 social traits (Appearance + Charisma + Reputation + Voice) should I assume that my character is realistic? If I do so, should I apply +16/12 bonus to reaction rolls, or what? What might be the maximum realistic bonus to reactions? Shall I stick to pick only the maximum situational one (like Very Beautiful +6 if she is seen) and use the rest to suck penalties or in quick contests? Thanks for answering. |
07-01-2017, 02:00 AM | #2 |
GURPS FAQ Keeper
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyïv, Ukraine
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
Having someone that beautiful luck out to also be charismatic on the level of some religion-founders and with a great voice looks rather unlikely. Whether that's outright cinematic is a matter of some debate, similar to other improbable-but-not-impossible things.
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07-01-2017, 02:09 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Berkeley, CA
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
To the degree reaction bonuses are realistic at all, they probably aren't strictly additive (so having all of those traits wouldn't add up to a +16). However, any such rule should probably also change the cost of those traits.
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07-01-2017, 07:05 AM | #4 | ||
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ronkonkoma, NY
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
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07-01-2017, 07:48 AM | #5 |
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
Remember also that there are some safeguards built into the system. First of all, you reach a level of diminishing returns - once you're at +10, an extra +1 doesn't get you that much extra. Second, the GM can always override the reaction roll, especially if it would short-circuit the scenario.
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“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius |
07-01-2017, 10:19 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
The GM is always free to fill the world with lecherous perverts constantly hitting on the PC, jealous people that resent the PC for their looks and seemingly easy life, NPCs who will do anything they ask... as long as the NPC looks good and improve their own reputation from being around such a renowned celebrity. A posse of utterly enthralled admirers might actually be full disadvantage, i.e. Enemy (Watcher, Live-tweets your every move).
Having so many fans your can't leave your house and having a million friends, none of whom actually care about you as a person at all are all real phenomena. |
07-01-2017, 10:28 AM | #7 | |
GURPS FAQ Keeper
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Kyïv, Ukraine
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
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07-01-2017, 10:35 AM | #8 |
Untagged
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Forest Grove, Beaverton, Oregon
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
Curmudgeons and hipsters will at least pretend to dislike anyone that is that popular.
Also some trait insignificant to most will have major impact on some. I really dislike narrow noses, for example. I just cannot see anyone with one as attractive regardless of other features. Of course this for when needed, and shouldn't be used by GMs upset about letting a player take so many bonuses. Hamstringing paid for advantages mid-game is not conducive to player fun.
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07-01-2017, 11:11 AM | #9 | |
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
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Now here are some considerations 1. What is her reputation for? Just having a reputation for being beautiful and a great singer doesn't cut it. The adulation for that is baked in. Actually if you want a trait for being generically well regarded because she's a successful entertainer, I'd go with Social Regard, not Reputation. 2. While people who actually make as big time celebrities usually do have a force of personality that makes them stand out a bit from equally or more beautiful and talented people the beautiful and talented celebrities generally don't have more than one or two points of it because they don't need it. Charisma 4 is the kind of force of personality that basically drowns out physical attractiveness. 3. On the flipside given these traits...isn't she rich? Being rich means +1 Social Status unless she's actually bought down her social status because her origins were really humble. So if you wanted a realistic famous celebrity performer I'd go with Beautiful +4/+2 Voice +2 Charisma +1 or 2 Social Status +1 Social Regard "Celebrity" +2 And of course Watched By The Media. Any reputation she had would probably be specific and mixed to bad like "gay friendly", "unlucky in love" or "struggles with substance abuse" |
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07-01-2017, 11:15 AM | #10 |
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
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Re: Maximum Realistic Reaction Bonus
Having the press as an enemy (Watcher) is probably warranted.
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“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius |
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