Alternate Systems....

This post is based on a conversation I had with Lysator a couple of weeks ago, discussing 'alternates'. Erebus and Twilight (as far as I'm aware) have paved the way to 'Grinding' alternatives. And alternate advancements systems to xp with 'honor' and 'ka'. Which in the Guards case more honor gives different abilities, priviliges and spec access, the Wandslingers (which I believe were first) give access to new abilities, bonus specs and spec access with higher 'ka'.

They're both similiar in that both systems still rely on kills, Wandslingers with their Vigils, Guards in their defense of Losthaven. So in that sense they're still both tied into the old system, but in a much more different and more dynamic way. When will the next attack on LH happen? Who will it be? And in both cases it's reaction rather than action. You react to happenings in your vigil or watch. This is important actually, because it prevents 'grinding' honor or ka.

I'd like to see more alternate systems, with alternate ways to gain power or ability, and perhaps not based on kills but some other mechanism. Healing for example or crafting. It's important there be mechanisms in place to prevent grinding it too and LONG development times such as the guard has.

They offer nice alternatives to grinding, which me and a few others bore of, but we do, because it's the only way to get those levels up and levels translate into attribute points and specs.

Not everyone will like every system and that's as it should be. Variety is indeed the spice of life.