Boon and Bane terminology

[-Daniel-]

... the mechanic seems like something that belongs more in the optional rules book than the core rule book.

If you had told me about the mechanic and not told me it was now part of the core rules, I would have thought it would be an optional add on at best. While I do not dislike the mechanic, I am still unsure what it really adds other than a new layer of complexity to the game.

 

[vladthemad]

If you had told me about the mechanic and not told me it was now part of the core rules, I would have thought it would be an optional add on at best. While I do not dislike the mechanic, I am still unsure what it really adds other than a new layer of complexity to the game.

Agreed, and complexity for it's own sake usually only slows down play at the gaming table.

I do find it interesting that we are more concerned by the terms being used than by the mechanic itself. Does this mean we have a consensus that the mechanic itself is good?

No, but the original topic was about the names and I for one was mostly focused on that. I try not to derail threads...keyword is try. After digging into the nuts and bolts I decided I wasn't a big fan of the added items and started a thread to discuss the changes to the task mechanics.

http://forum.mongoosepublishing.com/viewtopic.php?f=132&t=112415

 

[NOLATrav]

A bit off topic but I tried rolling character stats with Boon, as an experiment...

Straight 2D6 gives what you expect. Boon gives SIGNIFICANTLY higher scores, quite regularly. 2-3 points higher. Low numbers were still possible of course but three out of four characters were getting positive DMs on all their stats. Figure same the other way with Bane.

Obvious, right?

So I think they're evolving the task system:

Assign a difficulty based on the story, that gives you a target number (Easy 4+, etc etc)

Don't know the difficulty? Average 8+

Now apply a situational modifier if necessary - driving wind and sulfur rain while trying to open the (Difficult 10+) electronic lock? Bane. Partner downloading specs to your hand comp on a balmy quiet evening? Boon.

Sure, storm could easily be Very Difficult 12+ or whatever the ref deems...

But it just feels different, more intense. Throwing 2d6 for 12+ but I got +2 for skill and +1 for stat and +1 for my higher-TL gear means I only need 8+ for a VD task... I can do it! On a Diff task (6+ with DMs above) that's almost a sure thing - but that Bane die makes me, the player, nervous - it could really go either way now...

 

[vladthemad]

Welp...thanks to one of my players, every time I read the words Boons and Banes, this is all I think of...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKsZpauhALQ