In A Perfect Game: SG/DS/RPG's - Experience Vs. Training
From: "Brian Bilderback" <bbilderback@h...>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2001 13:00:58 -0800
Subject: In A Perfect Game: SG/DS/RPG's - Experience Vs. Training
My brain, being the odd little realm it is, was pondering last night on
the
issue of training vs. experience. I began to notice a shortcoming in
most
game systems, both wargames AND RPG's. I noticed that few if any
distinguish
between skills/abilities/quality that a unit/character STARTS with
(through
natural ability and/or training) and those that have been improved by
experience. Once a character has progressed, it's all just 1 number.
Even
in SG/DS this is a problem. Notice that unit quality seems to be more a
reflection of experience than training.
Now, I will admit that experience is more important - at least, that's
what
I've been told by everyone who's "Seen the Elephant", and I trust their
judgement. But the underlying training is also important. The question
is
HOW important? Is a veteran unit with no training better than a green
unit
with Elite training? Who is better in battle - a green graduate of BUDS
or
Hereford, or a 3rd world milita vet who's managed to stay alive against
other rabble for months or years? and how is this reflected? Maybe
there
should be TWO parts to quality - Unit Experience
(Green/Blooded/Veteran/Grognard) and Unit Quality
(Rabble/Militia/Regular/Elite). In addition, maybe the experience should
weigh in on morale as WELL as on ability. Let me create an example:
Let's imagine a conflict involving the US Army. Let's further imagine 2
US
units entering a battle in this conflict. One unit is Elite - Say
Rangers -
but green. They've never seen battle, but they have exquisite training.
Let's say the other unit is a regular light infantry unit. They have
less
elite training, but they've been in combat for a while, and so when
their
experience is factored in, they're comparable in fighting ability to the
Ranger Unit (for arguement). Thanks to a good R&R, strong leadership,
etc.,
their morale is also just as high as the Ranger unit's. The question
is,
when these two units come into contact with enemy fire, despite having
the
same "Quality" and morale, will their reactions be the same?
I know the panic rule deals with part of this, but IIRC, it applies to
"Green" units only. However, since any unit above "Green" are
considered to
be experienced, this does not allow for better trained but inexperienced
units to experience the same effects. If I'm remembering incorrectly,
please remind me.
Either way, I'm wondering if maybe the dual designation of both
experience
AND quality might not be a plausible house rule. Thoughts?
Brian B2
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