[HoE] Hucksters in HoE

[Casey McGirt <cmcgirt@hotmail.com>]

Well, after reading John's recommended idea, I agree with most of it.  
However, I think his solution should be simplified somewhat, as it creates 
three separate types of Hucksters in HoE.  My recommendations are listed 
below.

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Junkers may buy the following Arcane Background:
Arcane Background: Part-Time Huckster (1 pt) - The character has learned his 
craft through the use of Huckster skills that evolved into the Junker 
abilities (as opposed to being taught his Junker skills directly).  
Unfortunately, as the character has not had the extensive time needed to 
adapt to the power level of Manitous (which rose after the bombs dropped), 
they are subject to the following penalties.  First, Red Jokers cause 
backlash, just like Black ones.  Second, the Part-Time Huckster takes +4 to 
all Backlash rolls.  Third, the character may not buy Huckster edges (such 
as Arcane Prodigy or Old Hand).  Finally, the character may not buy the 
Hexslinging skill above a level of 5.
[It is easier to put limits on the skill level and edges, than to track an 
increased minimum hand level - less confusing, too]

Full-time Hucksters (who generally have at least a decade of practice with 
their skills, and a rare few being Veterans of the Weird West) can buy the 
full 3-pt version of the Huckster Arcane Background.  However, due to the 
increased strength of the manitous after the bombs dropped, they still take 
the +4 to Backlash rolls.

A Part-Time Junker, after years of practice (use the same criteria as buying 
the Old Hand edge), can purchase the full Huckster version of the Arcane 
Background if the GM agrees.
----------

This is simpler (only two versions of Hucksters to track).  I also feel it 
is a better for both game and roleplaying purposes.  You get better with 
age, but there is a law of diminishing returns - a 200 year-old huckster and 
a 50-year old huckster are both experts in what they do.  I don't feel there 
needs to be an extra bonus for taking Veteran of the Weird West, since the 
character can already buy his Hexslinger higher and get appropriate edges to 
reflect their expertise.

-Casey

P.S.  Also, I could easily see a Junker using some of their starting points 
to buy a Belongin': Mad Scientist gadget.


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