Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Does that seem realistic? I know effectively nothing about tactics, so I'd like input from those of you who know more.

(This is using the Attribute Substitution perk from PU-2, p15)

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Realistic? No. Although certainly noticing things is important, Tactics really is a knowledge skill - you're using your brainmeats to figure out a course of action, take advantage of terrain, etc.

Appropriate? Yes! A character who has a real eye for detail and strong senses but is otherwise not very bright (Per higher than IQ) could certainly use their advantage to make excellent tactical decisions - in a cinematic campaign. Note that decisions is an extremely important aspect here. Cardinal from Finder's Keepers would most likely have a Perk like this, as his supernatural perception allows him to make the most of any situation (although in this case, he also has a rather high IQ).

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

If I understand correctly what you mean, it seems a little odd to divorce Tactics from the reasoning element of IQ. Sharp senses don't make the tactical genius; the tactical genius is the one who makes the most of the sensory data available to him.

If I were GMing, I'd give the player a chance to get a bonus if there were something relevant he could sense that his foe couldn't, but that wouldn't be Tactics, I don't think.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

It's a perk that allows a skill usually based on one attribute to be based on an attribute also important to the use of that skill.

I'm thinking it's not appropriate for Tactics based on Per (except, as SuedodeuS suggests, in a highly cinematic campaign).

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Absolutely. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

I can sorta see it sometimes but wouldnt allow it in my games. However I do give bonuses and penalties to the Tactics and Staregy roles based on knowledge and perception can certainly help there.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Not incredibly realistic, but "realistic enough" for most games, sure. As far as Attribute Substitutions go, I've certainly seen stranger. :)

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

ST-based Physics?

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

That could work for research up to the level of Newton.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

The Human Supercollider?

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

How realisitc is the setting you're playing in?

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

DX-based Mind Block ("I snatch the telepathic waves out of the air before they can read my mind"), though ST-based Physics isn't bad, either.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

As regards the Per based Tactics, I'd allow it. It would be especially appropriate for a swashbuckler or flashy martial arts campaign, for the kind of character who can walk into a room and see how the bannister, the chandalier, the tapestries, and so on all could be used in the upcoming fight.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Nah that sound more like Visualization with Reduce Time 7 (GURPS Powers p.87)

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

Not terribly realistic, but cinematic combat abilities are discouraged.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

FWIW, afer first reading the Basic Set, I spent some number of months misremembering that Tactics was normally Perception based.

I'd say it can be nicely realistic for certain cases, like recognizing certain battlefield formations and actions on the fly, or identifying good cover locations in the heat of battle.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

An in 4e those would be covered by Floating the Skill to Per for this cases. But that not what this perk does, it make Per the base stat All usages.

it is great for Skills like Climbing where ST and DX based would represent different methodologies.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

That is exactly right, and a good possible example.

Re: Attribute Substition (Tactics based on Perception)
 

It is a cinematic combat ability.
You are discouraging cinematic combat abilities.
Therefore you should discourage it.


Why are you discouraging cinematic combat abilities?