The Most Important Danger of Writing Home Grown Rules

It's so silly, it's almost comical.

It's typical with home grown rules that they grown over time, and are adapted to to the groups style. When it comes time to transfer those to something that at least attempts to approach a professional rulebook for whatever reason, that degree of familarity (gained in some cases over decades) can result in very odd results.

For example, I just realized this week that my play test copy says nothing about cover and hit locations. I only found out because I used the concept as example of abstraction when replying to a comment here on this blog.

Sigh.

The actual rule isn't complex, more common sense based. And that's why it missed everyone's notice. They just apply it and go on. These are the types of things that sneak by, leaving people reading your rules wondering how it's actually played.

This one I caught, but I wonder how many I've missed. Still, perfection is the goal- not a real outcome in these things. One tries and sees what happens.

Blind play test groups are ideal for these sort of things. But not something a home grown rule designer really has access to.


In any case, there's one thing for certain. I doubt the primary target for the rules (i.e. my existing groups and off shoots) will notice the failings.

And a bit of a Update

Due to some health problems, it's been a while. But I'm still around. Let's get caught up some.

The play tests for Age of Heroes are going well, if a bit slower than I wanted due to Real Life (tm). But I'm still hoping to do a general release (with little fan fair) next month. My play testers and primary rule reviewer may disagree, and I hold their opinion in great worth, so we'll see.

The play tests are fun, when questions come up I can tell people to go to page x, and the answer is there. Nothing like a real copy of homegrown rules.



In the wider world of the gaming hobby, WotC has made a splash online with their coming 5th edition together with other moves. I talked about this back in Sept, and have nothing new to add. We'll see how it goes.