Re: In A Perfect Game: SG/DS/RPG's - Experience Vs. Training

----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Bilderback <bbilderback@hotmail.com>
To: <gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu>
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2001 3:00 PM
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?

One example pops into mind right off a newly formed but trained Roman
legion
Vs a veteran
Celtic or German war band.............Training normally wins.