The ability of DFRPG PCs to "break" the world

[bocephus]

This answer will tread dangerously on the GURPS not DFRPG line but Im trying to stay in the boundaries.

I think what you have noticed is what I have referred to as lvl1 vs lvl20 reality separation. This is one of the biggest differences with a GURPS based game, though the terminology of explanation with be from one of the other games.

It is observed thusly... a "Lvl1" prospective adventurer walks into a bar, he's a burly fellow who grew up hard but now he's outgrown his families pig farm and doily shop so he's looking to see more of the world and maybe make a name for himself. (Translation he's a Lvl1 Fighter of some variety, roll a D20 three times and take the best number for HPs, a beafy brawler)

Sitting in the corner sipping on a dainty beverage is a small man with bright twinkling eyes. He's a "Lvl20" wizard who's just gone on a walk about to get away from studying the inter-dimensional widget factory he found when he discovered a way to move to other planes of reality. (This is the stereo typical "squishy", rolls a D4 for HPs and cant wear metal armor cause... reasons)

Exactly what you would expect happens and the Lvl1 takes umbrage to the Lvl20s dainty beverage and decides to start making a name for himself.

Heres where the difference in a game systems really show through

Those other systems... The Lvl20 is amused and proceeds to demonstrate that the lvl1 is a putz. Even though the wizard has never rolled better than a 2 for HPs dice, he has 40HPs and because he's leveled he's become much harder to hit inherently (as a result of leveling). He is never once in any danger that this buffoon could harm him, let alone defeat him and take his stuff.
The Lvl1 has an impressive 17Hps and can do a great deal of damage with his strength, and he has a little brass knuckle surprise for anyone he feels might be a challenge. He never actually has a chance, he can't even land a blow on this tiny twig of a man. Even if he could for some reason this scrawny book worm just takes anything he can dish out, its like punching an Ox, it connects but all it seems to do is disgruntle the bovine.

There is no scenario short of the Lvl1 is scripted to win where he can win in this encounter. The Wizard though he's ill prepared to melee with any monster in his weight class, has nothing to fear from something so far beneath him. Their realities no longer intersect in the same place. The Lvl20 has no reason to interact with someone so low except because they wish it. The Lvl1 has nothing he can offer to the Lvl20 that can impact his reality in any meaningful way other than possibly psychologically.

This Lvl20 can engage evenly with the Lvl1 in his element with no issue.

Enter GURPS/DFRPG

This same 100pt fighter is a real danger to a 300pt wizard. Without some preparation, equipment, and possibly a bit of martial training picked up along the way this Fighter could handily beat him if this devolves into fisticuffs.

The fighter has 14HPs and a 12ST, the Wizard has 10ST and 11HPs (innately) he's put the majority of his points into the ability to cast spells, a deep FP pool and other IQ related skills, advantages etc..

If this wizard tries to engage the fighter in his element without the aid of his magics or equipment built/acquired he's likely gonna get a beating.

summation

This is one of the main reasons I switched away from those other games. In GURPS No matter how good a wizard some one has become you are still human. Once you strip away the equipment and ability to prepare in advance a high point character is just as susceptible as a low point character.

You are not operating in a separate reality, you may run in different spheres of influence, you may have differing ability to alter the world around you. You might not have the same impact on the world but its not because you have moved into a different reality, it's because you have a reputation, skills, knowledge and have shown the "people that matter" that you are one of them.

But you still need to eat, look out for an arrow in a dark alley, need a safe place to sleep, just like everyone else.