Strength loss v Fatigue Loss

[Chris Rice]

One of the strong points of TFT is simplicity; there are just 3 Attributes, making it quick and easy to generate a character and get started. But therein also lies a weakness; since each attribute has to stand in for a number of different things (sub-attributes if you will). So INT stands for both how difficult it is to know something and how many things one can know, etc.

One way of dealing with this (and I've done this myself) is to split the attributes into the things they are actually signifying; so INT becomes IQ (how difficult it is to know something) and KN (knowledge=how many things one can know).

However, it's been said by many (including Steve) that this isn't TFT any more, which is a valid point, even if I don't necessarily agree with it.

One of the problems arising from this is where loss of Strength is concerned . One can lose ST from wounds or from Fatigue (spell casting etc), but the two different sorts of loss are cumulative. ST lost from wounds is slow to recuperate and fatigue is quicker and yet Fatigue isn't a separate attribute. So somehow you must keep a discrete account of ST lost to Fatigue .

Example; a ST 12 Wizard is hit by an arrow for 6 points of damage. His ST is now 6. He then casts a 4 point spell. His ST is now 2 (but some of this is due to Fatigue). Another 2 points of damage will kill him in the same way as if all the damage was "wounds". However, if he doesn't suffer any more ST loss in this encounter, he will recover the 4 points of Fatigue lost by spell casting more rapidly than the ST loss caused by wounds.

Frankly, this is a bit of a pain to keep track of and it's not that easy to explain to new players.

I had the following idea:

Since it doesn't matter (in terms of an ongoing effect) what wounds or Fatigue you suffer until your ST reaches 3, it is logical to assume that all damage received until ST reaches 3 is fatigue. Once your ST reaches 3 you are "wounded" and suffer the -3DX penalty stated in the rules.

This has a number of advantages:

1. It is no longer necessary to take a separate account of ST lost to Fatigue.
2. Characters are a bit more robust as they can recover more quickly between encounters.

There may of course be disadvantages I haven't thought of. Or the whole idea may be nonsense. That's why I put the idea out here for your comments ;)