a bit off topic and way too long
While I don’t want to argue the infallibility of Steve Long, ( there are many things I disagree with) this one is not really one of them. At least not in this context.
Using the examples above,
DelayMan has
48 Multipower, 60 points, extra phase on all powers (-1/4)
5u 4D6 HKA, extra phase
5u 20" Flight, x8 NCM, extra phase
SlowSwitchMan has
48 Multipower, 60 points, extra phase to switch slots (-1/4)
5u 4D6 HKA
5u 20" Flight, x8 NCM
DelayMan should be
48 Multipower, 60 points, extra phase on all powers (-1/4)
4u 4D6 HKA, extra phase (-1/4)
4u 20" Flight, x8 NCM, extra phase (-1/4)
Now, this is only 2 points, or 1 point per power…but both characters have their own shtick. One takes a while to change his powers around….lets say adjust his metabolism, the other…could be said that his powers need to charge up for every use…more so when they need to change.
Now, the argument you are posting is that it is much better to have slow switch man then it is to have delay man.
Making an inefficient character is easy no matter what, here you are using inefficiency as the reason it is not fair. I do not think that is a valid argument, but that is just me.
I think arguing that Multipowers should have a cost per slot is a better argument.
Also speaking of inefficiency, why 60 point multipowers when 50 will do :-)
While I understand where you are going, I think it is foolhardy to argue the decisions of the “ Line director†when you are in the vast minority. The rules of this game offer flexibility Vs. balance, so balance falls on the GMs and players out there.
The hero system currently is decent, flexable and enjoyable. It is up to GMs to verify characters are balanced and effective enough in their role chosen by the GM.
While I and others differ in opinions with Steve Longs approach, I think he is doing a pretty great job overall. Currently this game has more life then I had dared to hope it would have when FRED was first announced.
My main argument against the hero system is the GM need to really be on top of the rules and the characters, and that the GM must control the effectiveness of his characters in all facets. The “rules†do not help the GM in any way here. This could be fixed with some hard line Champaign books, but then others will complain on lack of flexibility.
FYI: as for the my main complaint about Steve Longs direction, it is in that he leans to “Game realism†instead of fun “game play†for my taste. All the normal weapons do more damage then I would like, and monsters and such have huge defenses or attacks. The Basilisk from the bestiary being a great example…most super hero teams would fall to that thing, not to mention that it could take out entire armies of the medieval type quite easily.
Now killing it would be quite easy as well…but a persistent 6d6 RKA NND with pretty high stealth???? On an average roll that is 18 body 36 stun taken straight.
But anyway, more to the point is when people ask for “official†interpretations of the rules, I think it is fair to say Steve Long truly has the last word, with the option to change his mind, regardless of other peoples opinions. If that is not respected then you have rules by a comity of thousands, and in my opinion that is much much worse then anything Steve Long has done to my knowledge.
