- Joined
- May 13, 2017
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To bring in a new problem, game designers need to be careful about falling so in love with a clever mechanic that they overuse it. The usage die is a good example of that. In general, I like it. It's a cool mechanic for dealing with a spendable resource when you aren't entirely sure how long it will last. It works great for charges on magic items, to give an example.
The problem is when The Black Hack tries to stuff it everywhere, like using it to track things like arrows. There is the obvious issue that an archer looks foolish when they don't know how many arrows they have, but it doesn't even make any sense as good game design either.
The classic way to track arrows is just to right the number of arrows you have. As you use arrows, make hash marks next to the number. When your hash marks equal the number, you are out of arrows. It's easy and accurate.
If you use a usage die, you need to add an additional die roll to combat, slowing it down, and you still need to track the current size of the usage die on your sheet, so it isn't even like it's keeping you from record keeping. And it doesn't work as well anyway.
It's a great mechanic when used appropriately, but stop trying to shove it in everywhere.
The problem is when The Black Hack tries to stuff it everywhere, like using it to track things like arrows. There is the obvious issue that an archer looks foolish when they don't know how many arrows they have, but it doesn't even make any sense as good game design either.
The classic way to track arrows is just to right the number of arrows you have. As you use arrows, make hash marks next to the number. When your hash marks equal the number, you are out of arrows. It's easy and accurate.
If you use a usage die, you need to add an additional die roll to combat, slowing it down, and you still need to track the current size of the usage die on your sheet, so it isn't even like it's keeping you from record keeping. And it doesn't work as well anyway.
It's a great mechanic when used appropriately, but stop trying to shove it in everywhere.