Shiruba´s Big Faq Book - Perception/Reflexes
Im going to post questions here about game mechanics that I hope that together (me, you and the community) we can find useful (but not definitive, since this kind of thing is always relative) answers, idea or even more questions.
Its kinda an egoistic project, since most questions will be mine, but feel free to use the comments OF MY BLOG to make questions, leave the comments of this book page to discuss stuff already posted, so the comments will not be cluttered.
I would like to point that this book page here is kinda sister to "Shiruba´s Thoughts" book :)
ok, enought jibba jabba!
Question 1.
How are your thoughts about "Perception" and "Reflexes" in RPGS? They should be treated as Attributes? Skills? they should be primary (Ex: St, dx, iq, perception...) or secondary (dx+agi = perception) ??? its possible to have pure perception/reflexes based skill or should perception/reflexes benefit actions in other way? how would they fare in combat? hell! what can we really say about it? are they related? what perception or reflexes can mean in a RPG system?
Just my thoughts
Perception and Reflexes in RPGs? Very good question.
Perception should be treated as a number of skills. After all, the five senses are independent of each other. A "catch-all" Perception stat does not feel right. I also believe that Perception-based skills should (if possible) be modified by intelligence. After all, while you may have good senses, in order to perceive something you must be able to lace it in context.
Reflexes, on the other hand, is innate and should be a stat. As such, it is "primary" by your definition. Being strong or dextrous does not make you react faster. That is a function of your subconscious reactions to something and the way your body works.
Should they help actions? Yes. I like systems where a success in a roll can benefit a related action.
Slight of hand
As usual, it really depends on the genre and goals of the game. I'm inclined to interpret perception as the aspects of a characters senses, while reflexes maps more to their dexterity and movement. Perception can be used in diagnosis of all kinds so I'd lend a bit more wight to it in deciding which to include in a game.
Both would be intrinsic elements of a character's body (primary attributes) However, someone with the right skills or extensive training might be able to boost these abilities. A two tour green beret in 'Nam would know what to look for and have more experience in reacting during the fire fight than a fresh recruit off the plane.
This could mean that wisdom/intelligence could replace them to some extent - know what to look for and how to react. It seems a little counter-intuitive to block a sword with a knowledge ability, but as the cliche goes - "fight smarter, not harder".
Pure perception skills are easily possible - diagnosis illness for example. Reflexes might add to a few skills like avoid ambush or dodge, but unless blindfolded you're probably going to be using your hands in concert with your eyes.
There is a fine line between hobby and obsession. I seem to have lost sight of it some time ago.