Goonhub
05-16-2024, 12:26 PM
Overall, I see two main problems outlined
I disagree with the first point being a problem, but I can see how there could be some valid things with the second point. I'll address the them in order.
When it comes to Puritans exploding when cloned, I don't see problems with it on any front. Thematically, I think it can be rationalized fine. You can either go down the route of your DNA being messed up as Zamu suggested in the discord (you do turn out pale-white, as "somewhat" yourself), or you could say that the person morally doesn't want be cloned. Then, this person who doesn't want to be be cloned being cloned anyway, and then dying a horrible death in the name of more laborers for NanoTrasen is funny black comedy (to me), and thus perfectly fitting with the theme. DNR is more of an OOC consideration in my mind, but I like how players could RP their desire to not be cloned either way.
As for the gameplay experience for other players, I don't see a problem either. Biomatter is cheap, and generating a clone doesn't take very long, so it doesn't meaningfully hinder the cloning of other players. With the mess, I still think people exploding into gibs is funny, and it gives the janitors something to do anyway.
As for the benefits of Puritan, I've never considered how it could be used for a better midroll chance, but I can see how people could do that. I think Calliope put it on the discord quite well, that the main issue is people suiciding early, but that Puritans could still be given the midroll weight of round-start observers. That'd resolve that issue in my mind, at least. (you could even go as far as to get rid of their ability to midroll entirely. i just think that removing their ability to be borged or even cloned is too far)
Finally, you say that Puritan doesn't hinder the player in any meaningful way, but as someone who values being alive as a humanoid, I think that not being able to be cloned successfully a majority of the time is a pretty big hindrance. Yes people can clone you with skill, but it's not that often in my experience. That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to making it a +1 trait instead of a +2.
So overall, I think that some minor changes could be made to make Puritan more balanced in the context of other game systems, but I don't have any problems with how the cloning process of Puritans currently works.
- People exploding when cloned (because of gameplay and theme considerations)
- The trait not actually being that bad (better midroll chance, can still be cloned with skill, and +2 points)
I disagree with the first point being a problem, but I can see how there could be some valid things with the second point. I'll address the them in order.
When it comes to Puritans exploding when cloned, I don't see problems with it on any front. Thematically, I think it can be rationalized fine. You can either go down the route of your DNA being messed up as Zamu suggested in the discord (you do turn out pale-white, as "somewhat" yourself), or you could say that the person morally doesn't want be cloned. Then, this person who doesn't want to be be cloned being cloned anyway, and then dying a horrible death in the name of more laborers for NanoTrasen is funny black comedy (to me), and thus perfectly fitting with the theme. DNR is more of an OOC consideration in my mind, but I like how players could RP their desire to not be cloned either way.
As for the gameplay experience for other players, I don't see a problem either. Biomatter is cheap, and generating a clone doesn't take very long, so it doesn't meaningfully hinder the cloning of other players. With the mess, I still think people exploding into gibs is funny, and it gives the janitors something to do anyway.
As for the benefits of Puritan, I've never considered how it could be used for a better midroll chance, but I can see how people could do that. I think Calliope put it on the discord quite well, that the main issue is people suiciding early, but that Puritans could still be given the midroll weight of round-start observers. That'd resolve that issue in my mind, at least. (you could even go as far as to get rid of their ability to midroll entirely. i just think that removing their ability to be borged or even cloned is too far)
Finally, you say that Puritan doesn't hinder the player in any meaningful way, but as someone who values being alive as a humanoid, I think that not being able to be cloned successfully a majority of the time is a pretty big hindrance. Yes people can clone you with skill, but it's not that often in my experience. That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to making it a +1 trait instead of a +2.
So overall, I think that some minor changes could be made to make Puritan more balanced in the context of other game systems, but I don't have any problems with how the cloning process of Puritans currently works.