While I think the mechanic has a problem - an obvious problem seems to be people not understanding it.
They seem to be using an expanded version of Pendragon's (also written by Mr Stafford of RQ/Glorantha fame) opposed roll mechanic - which while simple is very good at confusing gamers who are used to the old 'how much did you make it by' idea.
Basically - either
1/ both succeed - higher number on the dice wins
2/ both fail - lower number on the dice wins
3/ one succeeds, one fails - should be obvious who wins....
No maths involved. Just look at your skills and the number you rolled on the dice. I dont have a problem with maths (as you'll see later) - but anything that speed up the game is good
The problem with the MRQ opposed tests comes with
possibility 2. (which pendragon didnt have)
Possibility 2 skews the probabilities in favour of the lower skill if the higher skill is low - the lower always has less chance of winning - but not proportionate with his lack of skill.
Currently -
Skill 50 vs. Skill 40 - Higher wins 54.05%, Lower wins 45.05%, Draw 0.9% - seems ok
Skill 90 vs. Skill 70 - Higher wins 65.6%, Lower wins 33.6%, Draw 0.8% - again seems ok
Skill 70 vs. Skill 20 - Higher wins 72.25%, Lower wins 27.25%, Draw 0.5% - a bit off
Skill 90 vs. Skill 5 - Higher wins 90.3%, Lower wins 9.55%, Draw 0.15% - again a bit off IMHO
However -
Skill 50 vs. Skill 5 - Higher wins 62.1%, Lower wins 37.35%, Draw 0.55% - wildly out...
Someone with a 10th of the skill winning more than 1 in 3????
So -
I think it should be higher number on the dice wins for possibility 2 (as well as 1)
Do these probabilites sound more reasonable?
Skill 50 vs. Skill 40 - Higher wins 59.05%, Lower wins 40.05%, Draw 0.9%
Skill 90 vs. Skill 70 - Higher wins 67.6%, Lower wins 31.6%, Draw 0.8%
Skill 70 vs. Skill 20 - Higher wins 87.25%, Lower wins 12.25%, Draw 0.5%
Skill 90 vs. Skill 5 - Higher wins 98.8%, Lower wins 1.05%, Draw 0.15%
Skill 50 vs. Skill 5 - Higher wins 84.6%, Lower wins 14.85%, Draw 0.55%
Thank you for your attention
Dort Onion
Mathemagician
p.s. For those interested in the maths -
% Chance of a draw =
(100-Higher+Lower)/100
Current System -
% Chance of Lower Skilled Char winning =
((Lower*Lower-Lower)/2+((100-Higher)*(100-Higher)-(100-Higher))/2+((100-Higher)*
Higher))/100
My revision -
((Lower*Lower-Lower)/2+((100-Higher)*(100-Higher)-(100-Higher))/2+((100-Higher)*
Lower))/100
This would be easier to understand with illustrations but not sure i f can put pictures here :/