Is min/maxing a flaw of a game, or the players?

Krylo · 12-28-2011, 08:22 AM

I'd mostly say Arch has it on the head, though with Exalted there are definitely serious issues that go beyond simple GM compensation and right down to 'you have to alter the core mechanics in serious ways to make putting any physical stat points into anything but dexterity not retarded.' Or 'Sorcery is made out to be magnificently powerful in the lore of the game but is basically terrible in practice.' This makes it the Dev's fault as well. As it does whenever GM compensation involves gutting and house ruling the hell out of the core.

I wouldn't ever really blame the players, though. Twinks are pretty irritating, but they're usually easily handled by a decent GM. Requiring in character justification for their stats is a good start. Granted, in exalted it's pretty easy to justify an invincible sword princess, but at that point it's just a matter of presenting challenges that can't be sworded to death. Same goes for any other ridiculous builds. Someone wants to bring a warstrider? Ride their ass about that upkeep, and drop the wyld hunt on them every time they get anywhere near civilization with it, etc.

12-28-2011, 08:22 AM	#11
Krylo The Straightest Shota Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: It's a secret to everybody. Posts: 17,789	I'd mostly say Arch has it on the head, though with Exalted there are definitely serious issues that go beyond simple GM compensation and right down to 'you have to alter the core mechanics in serious ways to make putting any physical stat points into anything but dexterity not retarded.' Or 'Sorcery is made out to be magnificently powerful in the lore of the game but is basically terrible in practice.' This makes it the Dev's fault as well. As it does whenever GM compensation involves gutting and house ruling the hell out of the core. I wouldn't ever really blame the players, though. Twinks are pretty irritating, but they're usually easily handled by a decent GM. Requiring in character justification for their stats is a good start. Granted, in exalted it's pretty easy to justify an invincible sword princess, but at that point it's just a matter of presenting challenges that can't be sworded to death. Same goes for any other ridiculous builds. Someone wants to bring a warstrider? Ride their ass about that upkeep, and drop the wyld hunt on them every time they get anywhere near civilization with it, etc. __________________ I am very tired.