Note: Just to be clear, I've moved from a discussion on this particular rule (which, I agree with simjimm, has by now probably been sufficiently debated), and on to a more general philisophical discussion of d20 ... just because I can.
August, while your comment about the level of crunchiness in d20 is true, in fact applying to (possibly arugably) every RPG, I think one of the important facets of d20 is the fact that virtually eveything covered by the rules is defined in the rules. Some consider this a strength, others a flaw.
Off hand, I can't think of any other example where a rule
requires an arbitrary GM decision, without explicitly stating such, or providing a good grounding by which the GM can formulate his decision.
But perhaps I'm really just nit-picking now.
I am very sorry that I was so imprecise. I'll try to define things better next time.
To be fair, the misunderstanding of two posters on this forum doesn't
necessarily indicate imprecision. It's always
possible I failed to comprehend what most will consider obvious. :wink:
And, since I've possibly raised more complaints (albeit minor ones) than I have offered praise regarding Lone Wolf as a whole, I think I'll take this opportunity to say great job, August. Lone Wolf rocks. It's moved me from a position of "I recognise d20 can be many things, but for me it won't work for anything other than hack and slash" and "Mongoose who?", to one of "I think d20 is to be my system of choice for some time" and "Conan is the next game I'm picking up, and I'll be keeping an eye on other Mongoose products."
