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Books / Re: Book Review Site
« on: August 20, 2009, 03:37:03 AM »
Oh I didn't realize you posted this here too. I responded on the actual review to your comment..
Think of it this way. If you have any experience with playing RPGs you will know a rule of thumb for a GM is to put the characters in a position that their strengths are mitigated, or focus on their weaknesses. For example, if you have a character with wings, put them in a building, cave, etc. where that character can't fly. If you have a mage with 5 fire spells, make 6 monsters attack. It adds more conflict, and more interest and forces the player to think a bit more.
I feel like this could have been applicable somewhat. Vaatzes obviously is a master engineer, which is really, really cool, but he has no conflict. He just breezes through everything manipulating those around him, with hardly a thought or effort. BORING.
Basically, I appreciate your comment about the pomposity. A lot. I think the story could have been absolutely magnificent if Parker had focused on that, but then had Vaatzes discover that he was wrong and COULD NOT manipulate people the same way he does his machines. That would have been a much more interesting story.
Think of it this way. If you have any experience with playing RPGs you will know a rule of thumb for a GM is to put the characters in a position that their strengths are mitigated, or focus on their weaknesses. For example, if you have a character with wings, put them in a building, cave, etc. where that character can't fly. If you have a mage with 5 fire spells, make 6 monsters attack. It adds more conflict, and more interest and forces the player to think a bit more.
I feel like this could have been applicable somewhat. Vaatzes obviously is a master engineer, which is really, really cool, but he has no conflict. He just breezes through everything manipulating those around him, with hardly a thought or effort. BORING.
Basically, I appreciate your comment about the pomposity. A lot. I think the story could have been absolutely magnificent if Parker had focused on that, but then had Vaatzes discover that he was wrong and COULD NOT manipulate people the same way he does his machines. That would have been a much more interesting story.