Why are Contacts so Expensive?

[Anders]

Originally Posted by Peter Knutsen

I believe I know that when GURPS first introduced Contacts, in various supplements, they were very expensive.

Then at some point, either in later supplements or upon the publication of Compendium I or GURPS Basic Set 3rd Edition Revied (whichever of these came first), they were drastically reduced in cost. Possibly by a factor of 5.

You (and the OP at least in part) seem to suggest a further drastic cost reduction. Maybe as much as a factor of 25 relative to the initial cost (which I believe may have been in supplements such as GURPS Cyberpunk).

If the experience indicates it's overpriced, change the cost. Longevity was originally worth 40 points - I consider it a perk.

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Uh-hunh. What usually happens when you tell the sidekick to stay behind?

1. They do something stupid and get captured.
2. They don't do something stupid, and still get captured.

...If that's the ludicrous trope you insist on, I guess that's how your game works.

I don't see any logical reason for your Allies to inevitably get taken out that way while your Contacts are left alone, but if that's how you play I suppose it does give Contacts a certain advantage.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Uh-hunh. What usually happens when you tell the sidekick to stay behind?

1. They do something stupid and get captured.
2. They don't do something stupid, and still get captured.

That's the "Dependent" part of "sidekick" and not the Ally. If your Ally isn't a Dependent it won't disadvantage you in such a fashion.

A knight can have a horse for an Ally but that doesn't mean the horse won't stay in the stables when it's put there.

[Otaku]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Ms Celebutante isn't equipped to provide remote support. When she makes her appearance roll as an ally, she appears in the story and accompanies the character until the end of it (unless she dies) because that's how allies work. Now that could be the character getting constant "helpful" phone calls from her...but probably not and odds are the player doesn't want that either.

Just trying to clarify somethings, as I am losing track.

Part of the argument given for why Contacts are overpriced is that you can just take an Ally that does everything a Contact does but for an overall better "deal" (be it doing the same for less, more for less, less but for a lot less, or more but for not much more... possibly another combination or two I left out).

Now, getting to the generic Ally Advantage, if Ms Celebutante is bought as an Ally (or if she's built on enough points to be a Patron)... she doesn't have to actually show up to be of help even when the roll for Frequency of Appearance indicates she's available. If she is also a Dependent or has some other mechanical, in game reason (like her own Disadvantages) that would indicate otherwise, that's a different matter. At its basic level, an Ally can be helping you remotely, as could a Patron of Contact... at least how I understand the rules.

Given her description as Ms Celebutante, I get the impression as an Ally it is quite plausible for her to be assisting you "remotely" and to avoid danger, unless she is indeed also purchased as a Dependent.

[the_matrix_walker]

I've raised this point before in another thread. A contact is almost never a good deal points wise. Just use Allies.

[The Benj]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

That's the "Dependent" part of "sidekick" and not the Ally. If your Ally isn't a Dependent it won't disadvantage you in such a fashion.

A knight can have a horse for an Ally but that doesn't mean the horse won't stay in the stables when it's put there.

Just what I was going to say. :)

I also treat Contact skills as informational Wildcards. Haven't figured out what to do about Groups though.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by the_matrix_walker

I've raised this point before in another thread. A contact is almost never a good deal points wise. Just use Allies.

Allies are probably underpriced, though.

[sir_pudding]

Personally, I think Contacts are supposed to have unusual access that isn't automatically available for an Ally. For example you can take a Mob Boss as a contact and he's going to be assumed to have the resources of the mob at his command.

[Ulzgoroth]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Personally, I think Contacts are supposed to have unusual access that isn't automatically available for an Ally. For example you can take a Mob Boss as a contact and he's going to be assumed to have the resources of the mob at his command.

You could take a Mob Boss as an ally too.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by Ulzgoroth

You could take a Mob Boss as an ally too.

Well, sort of. As an Ally he couldn't take any Contacts himself, or any Allies. He'd wouldn't get any special access to Mob resources that a similar Mob Boss PC wouldn't get.