(03-05-2015, 03:22 PM)K Wrote: What it really comes down to for me is... to keep it simple, let's say everyone involved is a melee combatant. What if X was really good and taking on several opponents at once whereas Y and Z could just about manage one or two at a time. Doesn't it somehow feel like Y and Zs contribution is heavily mitigated if they spend the best part of the scene dealing with 4-5 enemies between them while Z needs at least 10+ to do justice to his skill level?
There's a slight error in that logic - because it assumes all of the enemies are at the same skill level to each other. Perhaps the one that the Overpowered character is facing is also above the norm as well? That would be absolute most simple answer to a simple question, similar to what Freelance has said.
In this way the group can decide, does the 'OP' player duel with the sub-boss? Or does the other players team up on them while the 'OP' player handle the adds? Working with what feels more comfortable to everyone, will insure that players will all feel included.
And it's ok to discuss and weigh in on these individual instances back and forth. This kind of discussion is healthy. It's how we learn to balance things on a case-by case basis instead of just paint with broad strokes. Again, not everyone are going to be able to play either an under-powered or overpowered character correctly. And while it's easier to maintain engagement in a casual 'bar' setting RP, it can stagnate quick for some. (I'm 31, I began RPing online when I was 13. The bar scene does kinda wear thin after so much of it.)
