Ran L5R again last night. Having much more fun than I thought I would. Looking back at a system I co-designed… gee, was that five years ago? Six? Wow.
I’m looking back at it with different eyes. Having developed a grudging respect for the Amazing Engineering Feat that is d20 (no pun intended), spent so much time debating system philosophy with Speaks-With-Diaphram, talking about LARP mechanics with Trekhead, and with five (six?) years behind me, I’m thinking about all the things I would have done differently.
• Honor does not work the way I wanted. I knew that when the book was published, but I wasn’t a good enough game designer to know how to make it work right. Now, I know. I’m trying out different things with the group; the last three times we played, their Honor did three different things. I’m still working it out, but I’m getting a grip on it.
• I know what makes the Unicorn cool. When I was working on the game, the Unicorn were purple warrior-maidens on horses — specifically designed to appeal to the “chick gamer.” (If you’re appaled, just imagine being the Lead Writer with that thrown in your lap. Yeah, you’re offended.) Now, I know what makes the Unis cool, and it ain’t their horses.
(In the game continuity, the Unicorn haven’t returned yet. But, they will. And man, they’re gonna be cool.)
• Traits above 5. Oh, baby. You’d need a cigarette after I tell you about that one.
• Ancestors. I have such a bitchin-cool mechanic for ancestors. Man. I can’t wait for someone in the party to do something stupid, so I can kill him.
Anyway, I’m having a blast, and a lot of it has to do with the Saturday group. Just wanted you guys to know, you’ve helped me find the love I lost for this stuff. You guys rock.