(06-29-2015, 09:11 AM)FreelanceWizard Wrote: In the poll, I voted level "sometimes matters" for two reasons. One, it's a quick and dirty measure of power that can be applied when there's no other alternatives. When would this matter? As Lililove noted, if some random level 1 tough starts making threats against my character with no OOC discussion or prearrangement, she's simply not going to take him seriously. It's a filter, more or less, against random assertions of power. Communication, as always, is key; I have no problem with a level 1 antagonist being super-scary if we have that discussion first.
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Now, when we're talking about things like dueling and rolling, while I like a level modifier as a way of showing relative expertise between characters, I have no issue with falling back on "superhero balance logic" and saying that everyone who asserts some expertise is balanced enough that chance is the defining factor (in fact, this is the core mechanic on which the Tower's Story Engine game system operates). However, that's a courtesy I extend when we have some discussion about exactly what's going on. I'm not going to concede to flat /random in an arcanima drawing contest when the opposition RPs a Doman merchant with no magical knowledge, just as I wouldn't deign to ask for that in a sword-and-board fight with no magic involved when the fight's between L'yhta and a trained gladiator. Instead, I would just lose, since that's the correct result given the situation.
That... makes a fair bit of sense. Again, I'm the sort that doesn't tie OOC level to IC ability at all, but I can definitely see that working. Not sure how seriously to take some walk-up who is trying to attack you? Check their level! Still, I would figure the idea of some random dude coming up to punch you in the face for no reason would be a problem in and of itself. Unless it's supposed to be some situation where they mistook you for someone else... which would be a pretty funny RP situation.
I also like the idea of when to use rolls - when there's a legit amount of chance involved considering folks are on a similar level - but then that still raises the question of how you identify being on a close enough level to commit things to chance. If one ties OOC levels closely to IC power, then it would likely be those of similar levels (which I suppose is a decent enough metric to go on - those of us who don't have to rely on a lot more guesswork and communication in that regard). But even then, what level range would qualify as "similar level"? Exact levels or a range (and how much of a range if so)? At what point, if you use OOC levels as a gauge, is someone "too high above" or "too far below" your own character's "power level" to deal with on a level playing field?
Ultimately, though, I think all of this contemplation seems to regard mostly to walk-up RP with someone you don't know. If it's a friend or FC-mate or whatever that you know well enough and have spent enough time with, you might be willing to give them more of a pass when they try to present a power level that might be discordant with their actual level. Or, if it's a villain character or some other event situation that bolsters one's power above the norm (either temporarily or permanently). Am I wrong in my assumption on this?
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