Am I missing something here? Isn't the point of playing these games to have fun? I feel that as long as everybody is having fun and no one is getting sore over the guy with the OIF on all his powers than what's the big deal? Why is it that so many GMs complain about balances like this on here?
Not to sound like a D-bag (which I'm sure I do) but I've never had a problem like this on either side of the screen. Players MIN/MAX where they can with the RAW. If a talented player comes up with a build that works for him/her than there should be no problem. It’s only my opinion but it has served me for several decades of playing. End FUN is the goal. If a player takes a limitation that can be exploited then exploit it OCCASIONALLY. From then on they try to play their best to not have it happen again. The notion of losing a focus usually has me scared for the entire game session. I like that nervous anticipation and it gives me a level of immersion that I wouldn't have otherwise. Which bumps up the fun. I also feel that there is a certain unspoken agreement between GM and player (in good games anyway) where the player doesn’t push too far to abuse a rule and a GM has final say on whether or not the player can do it. Such as VPPs that can be changed on the fly to almost anything (another HUGE sore point on these boards so it seems and which I have in my current game). The GM I have currently, who happens to write and edit books for the company, tells me when I can and can’t do something and I have a ton of fun playing it. I never push to do something crazy and he gives me plenty of leeway to have FUN.
With the focus, there can be a lot of ways to manipulate it. A focus can be lost, stolen, or broken. A lost focus can be a plot point to find it. A stolen one can be tracked down. A broken one can be repaired or replaced. A broken focus can function less than optimally. Say maybe lose a few DCs until repaired or get a RAR to see if it works. A focus, based on how its SFX is explained, can be less than functional in certain evironmental situations. Magic foci can have difficulty in Anti-magic fields. Electronics can have trouble in intense magnetic fields. Mechanical ones can be subject to rusts or other contaminents to fuels sources. All of these can be story points. Do it once or twice and a player will wonder when it comes again which, as I’ve said, can add to the FUN.
It all feels like getting a little too bogged down in mechanics and missing some of the story and playability. The vast open play of the system is one of its toughest hurdles and its greatest reward to the player and GM. If a GM wants to limit a player based on what is on their sheet I think they are missing the point. Limit a player on how they play their character and the rewards are more profound for both. The rules and mechanics are just a guideline for the fun. So make sure everybody has fun. Some players/GMs are going to whine no matter what though. That is the type of player/GM I try to avoid.
Hope I helped a little and didn’t come across as a #@$%.
: )
-Cheers
