Pyramid #3/72: Alternate Dungeons

[OldSam]

@Kromm: Many thanks for "Pointless Slaying and Looting"!

I am really, really happy that you released a cool quick character creation system like that, it will help a lot with spontaneous, 'casual' gaming sessions.

Also finally we have an "official counter" against the critics refusing GURPS because of the complex character build process that takes its time :-P

[Kromm]

Originally Posted by OldSam

@Kromm: Many thanks for "Pointless Slaying and Looting"!

I am really, really happy that you released a cool quick character creation system like that, it will help a lot with spontaneous, 'casual' gaming sessions.

Also finally we have an "official counter" against the critics refusing GURPS because of the complex character build process that takes its time :-P

Let me know how it works out for you!

[OldSam]

Originally Posted by Kromm

Let me know how it works out for you!

I will... :)
About 2 years ago, I made a draft version of a small system for gurps character creation, too. My concept had some similarities to your version, but it was more of a quick&dirty thing, not so well rounded and all that ;)


While reading through your article I had an idea for an extension, though.
I think it would make this mini build system even cooler IMHO and especially it would be easier for newbies (time saving!), at the cost of some additional paper space:

I would love to see a version where small intuitive icon graphics in front of the text captions immediately show the reader what to expect and where to find it at first glance. You know, things like a mini picture of a strong arm (big biceps) when we're talking about a Fighter with high ST - Archetype: Brawny - and maybe a brain symbol for the intelligence part (Brainy) ... etc.

This approach would probably be even more helpful for the abilities, when at the same time these would be sorted by category (type of usage). Maybe a wizards staff could indicate here is magic stuff, some trees, plants, animals could indicate here is the nature related material, some weapons: Here it is about fighting... etc.

In my experience most people love this kind of intuitive access to a new thing... ;)

(and IMHO this system is especially appealing for quick shot games with new player, thus short time, probably few or no knowledge about the material on the player side - a handout "for dummies" is always welcome I guess :p)

Originally Posted by PK

I've been musing on whether, if and when we do another worked-genre series, if it might be worth spending a full chapter or two setting up a simple package system in the vein of "Pointless Slaying and Looting." Yes, it'd take up space, but then in the next chapter you can take advantage of it to make actual character creation insanely short and simple.

IMHO that would be a really great idea!
Maybe with that "graphical extension" for easy access I suggested aboved? :)

Man, that would be so nice...