Design Principle Attribute trade-off

[Nils_Lindeberg]

Originally Posted by Chris Rice

Interesting points, but another key feature of TFT is that it's fairly rules light, so I don't want lots of rules for these things.

If it's important to the story that the scholar has to stay up for nights searching for a key piece of information, I might consider his ST in that. Or I might not.

If it's interesting that the Physician should be able to stitch someone up in a hurry, I might consider a roll against DX. Or I might not.

Like I said, the point you make is an excellent one, and a good GM can use that understanding of the underlying principle to make the game more interesting.

I agree completely. Rules light is the way to go. That is why I want fewer hard rules and more examples and soft suggestions on how to apply the rules. Maybe it is enough to start the talent section with a paragraph on the subject.

And when it comes to how and when different suggestions should be applied is of course up to the GM. But if your campaign includes a Physician with a surprisingly high ST, then the challenges should reflect that if possible. Just like a player choosing to play a bard specialized in poetry might get himself into poetry contests, poetry research and performing scenes where poetry is appreciated. At least if the GM makes custom adventures for his players.

But for all those players used to the fact that each talent has one and only one attribute connected to it, it might be worth it to point out that TFT is different. There is a trade-off and all three of the attributes can come into play. :-)