Kaiser Omnik
2015-04-09, 07:08 PM
Hello Playgrounders!
I am currently working on the design of a new rpg system based on relationships of all kinds (affiliation, alliance, rivalry, etc.). In this system, relationships have a qualitative description but also a value that goes up as you invest more into them. They're a big part of character creation as well as character advancement. My question is this: as rpg players, how do you feel that would be better represented? Would it be a good idea to have every player in the group using the same big relationship map so that everyone can get a sense of setting and the important ties and conflicts that drive the narrative (with mechanical benefits of relationships noted on each character's sheet where applicable)? Or do you feel like players would prefer drawing their own small relationship map on their character sheet to highlight what's most important to their character? The first option seems like it could also enable collective worldbuilding by letting each player add a new setting element from his or her character's background to the game (round-robin style). However, for the mechanical side of things, option #2 may be simpler since it would serve as a personal "advancement tree" kind of thing.
I hope my question is clear, as English is not my first language and the system I'm creating is still a bit abstract...
I am currently working on the design of a new rpg system based on relationships of all kinds (affiliation, alliance, rivalry, etc.). In this system, relationships have a qualitative description but also a value that goes up as you invest more into them. They're a big part of character creation as well as character advancement. My question is this: as rpg players, how do you feel that would be better represented? Would it be a good idea to have every player in the group using the same big relationship map so that everyone can get a sense of setting and the important ties and conflicts that drive the narrative (with mechanical benefits of relationships noted on each character's sheet where applicable)? Or do you feel like players would prefer drawing their own small relationship map on their character sheet to highlight what's most important to their character? The first option seems like it could also enable collective worldbuilding by letting each player add a new setting element from his or her character's background to the game (round-robin style). However, for the mechanical side of things, option #2 may be simpler since it would serve as a personal "advancement tree" kind of thing.
I hope my question is clear, as English is not my first language and the system I'm creating is still a bit abstract...