GURPS: Adapting the Duel of Wits

AchyuthC · 02-27-2015, 10:40 AM

I've been toying with the idea of adapting Burning Wheel's Duel of Wits to my upcoming game, since I'm so in love with that mechanic.

For those who might be unfamiliar, it's basically a system that codifies argument and rhetoric into something resembling combat, only using skills like oratory instead of brawling, a body of argument (will, essentially) instead of hit points, and moves like 'make a point' or 'make a rebuttal' instead of attack and defend. It also has you plan your moves in sets of threes (called volleys) and then see how your moves match up with the ones your opponent makes (basically like rock, paper, scissors but you pick three moves ahead). Obliterating your opponents body of argument lets you achieve your intended goal (say, you talk down the reckless barbarian chieftain from rushing enemy lines), but the more dents and nicks you take to your own will force you to make compromises (the barbarian chief agrees not to rush immediately, but he's definitely doing it soon!).

I know I could model it just using a basic skill check and abstract the whole conversation from that, but I've had a lot of fun in my experience with the mechanic and I'd love to adapt it to my preferred system.

This is all to say, I know it's a long shot, but I was wondering if there was anyone that could help me adapt it into the skills and attributes of GURPS? I've been having a tough time doing that on my own. Thanks!

02-27-2015, 10:40 AM	#1
AchyuthC Join Date: Oct 2012	GURPS: Adapting the Duel of Wits I've been toying with the idea of adapting Burning Wheel's Duel of Wits to my upcoming game, since I'm so in love with that mechanic. For those who might be unfamiliar, it's basically a system that codifies argument and rhetoric into something resembling combat, only using skills like oratory instead of brawling, a body of argument (will, essentially) instead of hit points, and moves like 'make a point' or 'make a rebuttal' instead of attack and defend. It also has you plan your moves in sets of threes (called volleys) and then see how your moves match up with the ones your opponent makes (basically like rock, paper, scissors but you pick three moves ahead). Obliterating your opponents body of argument lets you achieve your intended goal (say, you talk down the reckless barbarian chieftain from rushing enemy lines), but the more dents and nicks you take to your own will force you to make compromises (the barbarian chief agrees not to rush immediately, but he's definitely doing it soon!). I know I could model it just using a basic skill check and abstract the whole conversation from that, but I've had a lot of fun in my experience with the mechanic and I'd love to adapt it to my preferred system. This is all to say, I know it's a long shot, but I was wondering if there was anyone that could help me adapt it into the skills and attributes of GURPS? I've been having a tough time doing that on my own. Thanks!