[HOE] Kids and their size

[Matt and Teresa Steflik <grifflik@stny.rr.com>]

Jeff S. wrote:

> The only part I would not agree is Veteran part.  I mean, yeah, these
> Young
> 'Uns are probably not as experienced in the world, but heck, look at
> Newt
> from Aliens--she was what, eight or something?  I'd call her a Vet....
> Still, an interesting concept for those players who want a
> challenge...

Thanks for the comment.  I designed the hindrance in accordance with my
campaign setting, so obviously individual mileage will vary.  However,
let me attempt to justify.  There is always an exception to every rule,
so sure...perhaps a Kid can be a Veteran.  However, "most" children that
have survived the war, IMO, would only been able to do so within some
form of community.  Even if the community was endangered, attempts would
be made to insulate the children from harm.  Thus, negating the
possibility of being a "veteran" to anything but potty training in all
but the direst circumstances.

In my group, in order to "rationalize" taking Veteran, you need to
submit a written background to me detailing exactly what qualifies you
to have "veteran" status (and thus the 15 points).  In the background I
also like my players to either directly or indirectly explain their
edges and hindrances as well.  If you're background does not seem to
justify where you've plugged your 15 veteran points, you either adjust
it, or lose points off of the 15. If the concept and background were
solid and realized enough, I could see bending the rules and allowing a
Young 'Un to be a Veteran.  Sure, I'm a bit of a hard ass, but the end
result is a more thoughtfully developed character and more background
material that I can use to personally involve my players in the
campaign.  Check out my house rules for additional info:

http://www.geocities.com/grifflik/Shelter-Houserules.html

To get back to your example of Newt from Aliens (and attempt to
translate her experience into a 15 bonus point "veteran" situation),
let's pretend that a player has written her up as a character in my
game, giving a similar background as she had in the film.  When compared
to other "Veterans of the Wasted/Weird West" (in this case, Ripley and
her "Alien" experience is the only one that applies...the Marines have
combat experience, which doesn't translate), would she deserve a full 15
point bonus during character creation?  Perhaps (depending on how well
it was written up), but I'd probably go instead with 5-10 points with
placement restrictions.  Newt survived by evading capture for several
weeks... I'd restrict her points to be divided only between skills like
Sneak, Survival, Dodge and (perhaps) Tinkering or maybe a similar
applicable Edge like Fleet Footed.  I wouldn't want to see any points in
firearms or any other combat skills other than brawling.

Anyway, yes...Young 'Un as written is definitely designed with the Role
(not the Roll) Player in search of something challenging in mind. 
Again, thanks for the comment.

Oh, and to David Goecke...nice job!  I dig the Kid specific Edges and
Hindrances!  Very cool!

Matt Steflik
Gimme Shelter - http://www.geocities.com/grifflik