[BNW] I'm so confused

[Andrew Ross <arosslaw@earthlink.net>]

First off, thanks to everyone for the responses so far. They've been
very helpful. Its always nice to hear from people who've been using a
system for a while when one is trying to learn the ropes.

Now, I can accept the notion that some packages are just plain better
than others, though all have some usefulness in any given situation.

Someone commented earlier that the +5 Gunners get makes a real
difference. But is it that different from what someone with an
equivalent level of skill can do? Granted Gunners get Tricks, but is the
+5 bonus really enough to let them stand up against other Deltas?

Total aside here, but why do the werecreature packages have a major
vulnerability to silver? They don't gain any armor or damage reduction
ability. Is an extra point or two of size really so good it needs to be
offset by a vulnerability this nasty?

Next question, the Covenant. This "package", along with Bargainers, and
Gadgeteers, are obviously a breed apart from the other deltas who have
very rigidly definined abilities. Gadgeteers are limited in terms of the
number of toys they can keep working, but otherwise the sky is pretty
much the limit. Bargainers are potentially more powerful, as long as
they don't mind pushing small children or loved ones in front of school
buses in order to make their toys (an exaggeration, but only a slight
one).

But the Covenant . . . they seem to have been inspired by the Deadlands
Blessed. They have a wide variety of powers usable pretty much at will.
They do have an activation roll, but with a TN of 5, you figure they're
not going to fail to activate all that often.

The question is, is the Covenant package an aberration or can there be
similar delta packages? For example, I could easily see a martial artist
package, also lifted almost straight out of Deadlands, with a bunch of
chi powers. Or a mentalist package with a bunch of low-level mental
powers (say Hell on Earth brainburners only less powerful). Or a more
"pure" mage with a selection of spells to chose from? Are these
"legitimate" packages within the design philosophy of the game?

And I realize its my game and I can do what I want. What I want,
however, is to avoid unbalancing a system I'm not terribly familiar with
as yet. I've got ideas for some new packages I'd like to use in my game,
but like to keep things fairly equitable. For example, the whole skill
bonus as power idea still seems a bit weak. And then you've got vampires
who are supposedly just another type of delta, but with a variety of
powers far beyond what anyone other than an alpha (supposedly)
possesses.

How broad can or should a package be? Would weather control be too much?
We have a ratmaster, so individual animal control is okay but someone
who can control all animals would be too much?

Most powers are very set in their effects, they're either on or they're
not, with the exception of shrinkers. What about growth? Density
increase? 

How would you distinguish between a delta who can turn his skin to stone
and one who can become steel? It would seem the latter should be better
in pretty much every way (more Strength and armor), but that seems to
undercut the philosophy of the game. Or does it? (I'm so confused) :)

Lastly (for now at least), vis a vis Deadlands to BNW conversions,
anyone have any thoughts on how BNW armor compares/converts to DL armor?
My initial, off-the-cuff response is 5 pts in BNW equals 1 level in DL,
but that may be too generous.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to respond. Its appreciated!

Andrew Ross (arosslaw@earthlink.net)