Rule of three

Information and discussion for players of the game. No spoilers here please!
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ChrisDDickey
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Rule of three

Post by ChrisDDickey » Thu Mar 14, 2019 2:40 pm

Just started reading the rules for the first time and like what I see so far, but am disappointed to see the reappearance of the rule of three (I was glad it was dropped from the latest editions of Earthdawn).

The example on page 30 seems to say it is not just 3 bonuses and 3 penalties, but that you can only have a total of 3 bonuses and penalties. Do penalties crowd bonuses out?

From the example, lets say the character is wearing armor (penalty), has a special pair of boots that enhance his initiative, and is doing Tiger Spring. 3 modifications (one penalty and two bonuses) is fine, but it says they are not allowed to do anything that would give another bonus (such as chug a speed potion).
Lets say that during the first round of combat the character takes some wounds that would impose a wound penalty. Does that mean that the following round he is no longer allowed to Tiger Spring? Since that would then be a 4th modification (two penalties only leaves room for one bonus)?
Lets say that in addition somebody Battle Shouts the character. With 3 penalties, does that mean that the penalties squeeze out the bonus for the boots and those can no longer be counted?
What if conditions are such that a 4th penalty would be piled on. Must the character count the 3 biggest penalties (getting to drop the smallest penalty) but also having to drop all bonuses already applied to him, and being unable to receive any bonus?

It seems to make debuffs and wounds even more punitive if they actually crowd out buffs.

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Andrew1879
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Re: Rule of three

Post by Andrew1879 » Thu Mar 14, 2019 4:43 pm

Penalties and bonuses are counted separately. Penalties do not crowd out bonuses. You are correct in that the three largest penalties apply. The player chooses which three bonuses apply to their character. The Rule of Three was kept for two reasons - one, to prevent powergaming, and two, because 1879 was developed from a version of CoreStep unbolted from Earthdawn before the current iteration of Earthdawn was finalized. This second reason has resulted in a lot of errata. Sorry about that.

ChrisDDickey
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Re: Rule of three

Post by ChrisDDickey » Thu Mar 14, 2019 8:15 pm

Thank you.
Is there an errata to look at? All I found was a thread in the Product Discussion sub-forum that had 3 or 4 entries.

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Andrew1879
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Re: Rule of three

Post by Andrew1879 » Sat Mar 16, 2019 2:23 pm

That's all we've got right now. I have a To Do item to create an Errata document and post it on the website.

Galeb_G4
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Re: Rule of three

Post by Galeb_G4 » Sat Mar 30, 2019 4:32 pm

Eh, makes sense, this way people have to rely on their game style and on luck instead of filling themselves to the brim with game-breaking accessories.
But yeah, the formulation in the original text of the rules can lead to confusion.

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Re: Rule of three

Post by gersolve » Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:49 am

I'm intrigued by the new rules introduced in the latest edition, but like you, I have reservations about the reintroduction of the rule of three. Your observations about its potential impact on gameplay dynamics are valid, particularly in how penalties might crowd out bonuses. The example provided on page 30 indeed raises concerns about the interaction between modifiers and the restrictions they impose on character actions. It's essential for game balance that debuffs and wounds don't unfairly penalize characters by limiting their access to buffs. A clearer explanation or clarification in the rulebook regarding these mechanics would be beneficial to ensure that gameplay remains fair and enjoyable for all players.x trench run

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