What the heck is "point salad"?

Pat and Che discuss the concept of "point salad" in GURPS, a term used to describe when characters have an excessive number of points to spend on abilities, leading to complex character creation and potentially distracting gameplay. They discuss an anonymous listener's message about a GURPS campaign where players are creating characters with a complex point system, including 200 base points, various disadvantages, quirks, and implants/biomods that are paid for with wealth. They note this as an example of "point salad" due to the complex allocation of points across different character elements.

Pat and Che discuss the mechanics-first approach in GURPS, where character mechanics are prioritised over world-building and character development. They emphasise that this style, often referred to as "Point Salad," can be time-consuming and may lead to out-of-character gameplay. Che suggests a better approach involves imagining the world first, describing it to players, and then allowing them to create characters based on that setting. Pat agrees and highlights the importance of inviting players to experience long-form play in a well-developed world.

Thanks to the anonymous listener who gave us permission to share their experience of play.

Thanks for listening and supporting the show.

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THANKS:

Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music:

https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

Logo by MJ Hiblen:

https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/

DISCLAIMER & NOTICE:

The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS system from Steve Jackson Games. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games.

GURPS is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do we mean when we talk about character development with the GURPS system?

Che and Pat discuss the concept of bonus character points in GURPS, clarifying that they are not experience points but rewards for attendance and good role-playing. They discuss character development in tabletop role-playing games, focusing on mechanical rewards and how different systems handle character progression. Pat emphasises that mechanical increases in character abilities are a common feature across many RPGs.

Pat and Che discuss their approaches to awarding points in role-playing games. Che explains his system in Karameikos, while Pat shares his method for Twilight 2000. They both emphasise the importance of these awards in motivating players and providing clear objectives for both characters and the party as a whole. Pat and Che discuss the Superior RP Award process, where players nominate peers for outstanding roleplaying moments.

Thanks for listening and supporting the show!

RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue

GOT A QUESTION?

Ask us via voice message:

speakpipe.com/gurpstalk

Ask us via an email:

gurpstalk@pm.me

THANKS:

Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music:

https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

Logo by MJ Hiblen:

https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/

DISCLAIMER & NOTICE:

The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS system from Steve Jackson Games. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games.

GURPS is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is GURPS Magic not, in fact, boring?

Pat and Che discuss listener Alex's question about magic systems in GURPS, addressing concerns about the basic Magic system. Pat explains the GURPS Magic system, emphasizing its flexibility and suitability for new players. Che shares his experience using the system with a new GURPS group, highlighting its potential for creative spell use and character development. They agree that the basic Magic system is a good starting point for many settings, though there are options available for more specific needs.

Pat explains how the Pvaric magic system in the Harn setting uses convocations based on six elements, with magic being learned and taught rather than innate. He describes how this system could be adapted to use GURPS Magic very simply. Pat emphasises that GURPS can suffer from "point salad paralysis" where players get overwhelmed by complex calculations and decision-making, leading to impractical use of magic in gameplay. GURPS Magic is a way of avoiding this problem.

Che and Pat discuss the use of further magic systems in the game, focusing on the Church of Karameikos in Che's Karameikos campaign, and the use of Divine Favor. Pat explains that Divine Favor provides a quick-to-use, in-play system that can be adapted to various gods or Immortals, offering a distinct vibe for clerical magic. He describes the mechanics of unlearned and learned prayers, highlighting the difference between spontaneous petitions to a god and pre-crafted spells.

Pat and Che discuss the development and implementation of magic systems in GURPS, focusing on the creation of a custom magic system for a player's character. They emphasise the importance of simplicity, usability, and quickness of play in magic systems, and highlighted the success of a recently created imbuement-based magic system for a paladin character. They also stress that custom magic systems should only be developed when a specific player expresses interest in a specific type of character, rather than pre-planning a large number of options for all players.

Big thanks to Alex for the question that inspired this episode... even if Pat did feel strongly that he stands wrongly accused.

We hope everyone will take the response with the love intended, all sarcasm aside.

(Well, ok, it's Che who's worried about what people think)

RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue

GOT A QUESTION?

Ask us via voice message:

speakpipe.com/gurpstalk

Ask us via an email:

gurpstalk@pm.me

THANKS:

Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music:

https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/

Logo by MJ Hiblen:

https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/

DISCLAIMER & NOTICE:

The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS system from Steve Jackson Games. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games.

GURPS is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.