[projectaon] Re: Outstanding Errata Sprint (Week 12) -- Footnote Frenzy (Part I)
- From: Jonathan Blake <jonathan.blake@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: projectaon@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:03:00 -0700
On Sat, Aug 13, 2011 at 5:30 AM, Simon Osborne <outspaced@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> The Darke Crusade
>
> (er/ft) 156: and erase any potions of Laumspur and/or Alether. [jfs: Is
> Laumwort omitted from this list intentionally? Or should it be added there
> too?]
> [Amarande: Other healing potions aren't mentioned, either, and there are a
> number of them (e.g., Larnuma, Oxydine, Oede, Kourshah, Baylon's Fungi,
> Silver Flask, etc.). I think we should trust in Joe here that he said
> "Laumspur" specifically and not "ENDURANCE restoring Backpack Items."]
>
> (ft) 156: Also, erase any Meals you may have been carrying in your
> Backpack, and erase any potions of Laumspur and/or Alether. [jfs: Does this
> apply to "jars" (as opposed to potions) too? Since jars (obtained in #13)
> might contain more than one dose of Laumpsur / Alether it is quite unfair to
> have Lone Wolf dispose of them fully if he is carrying these.]
> [Amarande: I do think it should apply to the Jars, though; IMO the Jars are
> merely Potions that contain multiple doses in a single Backpack Item slot,
> they are not intrinsically different from the potions. (As far as I recall
> there are VERY few cases where Joe specifically indicates a specific potion
> from among a given 'strain' of potions. E.g., book 3 where only the colored
> concentrates are usable in certain situations, or book 5 when you can only
> use a Tincture of Graveweed, not a concentrate. In just about every other
> case I've seen, Laumspur is Laumspur, etc.)]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/15tdc/title.htm#sect156>
"Given the extreme situation, you should probably erase all healing
and strength potions and related items from your Action Chart, even
those not listed here (e.g. Oede, Larnuma, etc.)."
How's that?
> (ft) 163: [DED: How about a footnote here to remind players that use
> of Kai-surge incurs loss of 1 EP?]
> [ik: Do we also need to add that Kai-surge can only be used if you have more
> than 6 EP? Or we add a footnote to the description of Psi-surge and
> Kai-surge. Then we don't have to add footnotes to each and every individual
> numbered section. Footnotes hurt the flow of reading. Therefore we should
> use them sparingly in numbered sections.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/15tdc/title.htm#sect163>
>
>
> (ft) 190: [DED: How about a footnote here to remind players that use
> of Kai-surge incurs loss of 1 EP?]
> [ik: Do we also need to add that Kai-surge can only be used if you have more
> than 6 EP? Or we add a footnote to the description of Psi-surge and
> Kai-surge. Then we don't have to add footnotes to each and every individual
> numbered section. Footnotes hurt the flow of reading. Therefore we should
> use them sparingly in numbered sections.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/15tdc/title.htm#sect190>
I agree that footnotes here seem to be overkill. Additionally, Joe may
not have intended it to follow the same rules as Kai-surge used in
combat.
> (ft) 221: If you discover that your answer is wrong, or if you cannot
> solve the puzzle [Sasha Cooper: The text this option leads to shows Lone
> Wolf giving up - it seems a bit strange not to allow more than one try.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/15tdc/title.htm#sect221>
It does seem strange, but it's hard to argue against explicitly stated
directions. In reality, if it bothers a reader enough, they'll just
ignore the directions and try again.
> ====================================
>
> The Legacy of Vashna
>
> (er) 14: If you win and the fight lasts five rounds or less, turn to
> 145. If you win and the fight lasts six rounds or more, turn to 25. [LeRoy
> McSwain, Jan 2007: Section 145 has the captain still alive after being
> defeated. Presumably, the problem might be solved by emending to: "If you
> win and the fight lasts five rounds or less, turn to 25. If the fight lasts
> into the sixth round, do not continue, but turn immediately to 145."]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/16tlov/title.htm#sect14>
In gameplay terms, the two sections are equivalent, so there's nothing
stopping us from switching the choices.
The other question is whether we are justified in cutting the combat
short. This has obvious gameplay implications. Given the text of 25, I
think we should make the suggested change.
> (ft) 60: [DED: As far as I'm aware, the text in this book doesn't
> explicitly state that you have now arrived in the Plane of Darkness. However
> you're asked in The Deathlord of Ixia if you've previously visited this
> Plane, and I don't see any other time it could have been than here. So, I'd
> suggest footnoting here that this is the Plane of Darkness.]
> [tw: 16tlov section 72 does mention that Shamath's home is on the Plane of
> Darkness. This is a mandatory section.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/16tlov/title.htm#sect60>
Section 72 is a lot earlier in the book, and it's not immediately
clear to the reader where they are. I think this footnote would be
helpful.
> (ft) 93: [DED: I feel there should be a hidden loyalty bonus here, as
> Scion-Kai with Pathsmanship should be able to understand any language.
> Suggest the following footnote: If you have successfully completed previous
> Lone Wolf adventures, possessed the Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship and
> attained the rank of Scion-kai, you may also turn to section 243.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/16tlov/title.htm#sect93>
Agreed.
> ====================================
>
> The Deathlord of Ixia
>
> (ft) 150: If you have ever been to the Plane of Darkness before, in a
> previous Lone Wolf adventure [DED: Suggested footnote: "This seemingly
> refers to your visit to the Demoness Shamath's domain in Book 17 'The Legacy
> of Vashna'" (IIRC the text of 17tlov does not explicitly state that you are
> in the Plane of Darkness, but this must be what's referred to as this is
> where you meet the Lavas.)]
> [so: Relates to the proposed footnote for 16tlov:60 above]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect150>
Is there any other time LW has been to the Plane of Darkness? I don't
remember another time. If not, I'd suggest "In other words, have you
ever visited the domain of Demoness Shamath?"
> (ft) 15: [DED: I think there's scope for a Hidden Loyalty Bonus here,
> as improved Magnakai Huntmastery at the rank of Primate enables you to climb
> without ropes. Suggested footnote: "If you have completed previous Lone Wolf
> Magnakai adventures where you possessed the Discipline of Huntmastery and
> had attained the Rank of Primate (enabling climbing without the use of a
> Rope), you may also turn to section 323."]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect15>
I don't think Primates would necessarily be able to climb a
mirror-like surface. Do we know of an example in the books where this
has happened?
> 23: [DED: Should there not be an issue/consequence here as to whether or
> not you choose to use the Sommerswerd in this combat?]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect23>
>
>
> 35: [DED: Should there not be an issue/consequence here as to whether or
> not you choose to use the Sommerswerd in this combat?]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect35>
I think the best we could do is footnote that you shouldn't use the Sommerswerd.
> (ft) 123: [DED: Surely it *is* pretty clear (contrary to the current
> footnote) that this is a Kai-Blast? Should the footnote not also mention
> that you should deduct -4EP?]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect123>
I would tend to agree, but the wording of the current footnote is
about as strongly worded as I feel comfortable being our official
word.
> (ft) 234: [DED: Add a footnote here to remind players to deduct 1 EP
> for the use of Kai-surge?]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect123>
Not necessarily true, and probably footnote overkill.
> (ft) 243, 336: Without weapons or equipment you have no choice but
> to fight this enemy unarmed. (Remember to make the appropriate adjustments
> to your COMBAT SKILL.)
> [LM, March 2007: What are the 'appropriate adjustments'? the combat skill
> loss for unarmed fighting has been eliminated]
> [TP: I'd suggest footnoting this rather than outright eliminating the
> parentheses.]
> [TW: Most players will have CS-boosting equipment and/or [Grand]
> Weaponmastery in the weapon they usually fight with, so this reminder is
> probably a good idea.]
> [DED: This issue is still relevant if the player has not completed previous
> Magnakai adventures where they had Weaponmastery (i.e. LM's comment "the
> combat skill loss for unarmed fighting has been eliminated" - the bold text
> in "The Game Rules" section explicitly states: "Only if you have completed
> these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in
> the course of the Grand Master series" - this appears to overrule the
> description of Kai/Magnakai Weaponmastery "...no COMBAT SKILL loss when
> fighting bare-handed" - indeed it might be worth footnoting this in the
> descriptions of Weaponmastery and Curing.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect243>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect336>
I think the parenthetical should stay just for the sake of normal
weapon bonuses.
However, for the record, It seems that the Grand Master Disciplines
section makes it clear that while you get no specific bonus to COMBAT
SKILL for Weaponmastery (without having completed previous
adventures), you do lose no points for fighting unarmed.
"During your distinguished rise to the rank of Kai Grand Master you
have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai
Disciplines. These Disciplines have provided you with a formidable
arsenal of natural abilities which have served you well in the fight
against the agents and champions of Naar, King of the Darkness. A
brief summary of your skills is given below.
"Weaponmastery
"Proficiency with all close combat and missile weapons. Master of
unarmed combat; no COMBAT SKILL loss when fighting bare-handed."
> (ft) 330: [DED: Should there not be a footnote here reminding the
> player that they must possess at least 6EP to use Kai-Surge? Also, once they
> use it, it should cost them 1EP.]
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm#sect330>
I don't think it's clear that that rule applies here.
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/17tdoi/title.htm>
>
> (er) Many: [JD: Is Ixiataaga undead? Do you get the Sommerswerd bonus
> when in combat against him?]
> [jb: I always assumed that Ixiataaga was undead - he looks like a reanimated
> skeleton after all. But then when I went to add a footnote about it, I
> looked for a reference to back up the footnote. I never found one. This
> probable misconception about Ixiataaga being undead may need a footnote
> itself.]
Given what you found, Simon, I suggest that we can add a footnote here
citing that publication.
> (er) Many: [JD: At what point does using the Sommerswerd become
> permissible again?]
The use of the Sommerswerd is confusing in this book. Any specific
suggestions on how to make it less so?
> ====================================
>
> THE MASTERS OF DARKNESS
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/12tmod/title.htm>
>
> BOOK 12 (220): [bk: Section 220 is unreachable. To get there, you have
> to be an Archmaster with Nexus, which means you have all but one discipline.
> However, the only route there is 150 -> 80 -> 249 -> 67 -> 121 -> 220. 249
> is only reachable if you don't have Huntmastery at Archmaster level, and 67
> is only reachable if you don't have Pathsmanship at Tutelary level. So to
> get to 220, you must be an Archmaster who has neither Huntmastery nor
> Pathsmanship.]
> [tp: The only (simple) way I can see to make it work is to move the "longer
> than 4 rounds -> 121" option to 83, rather than 67. Now, that seems like
> it's punishing you for having advanced skills -- in 83, you avoided the
> ambush thanks to your advanced Pathsmanship, but now you might get an
> instadeath if you take too long to win -- but I think it actually kind of
> works. Everything is in your favour: you ignore two rounds worth of EP loss,
> and your opponents have a Combat Skill that's 4 lower than it is in 67. If
> you can't finish this fight in 4 rounds, maybe you deserve to face
> instadeath. Anyway, it's arguably better than risking instadeath for not
> being a Tutelary with Pathsmanship.]
The question I ask myself is whether the cure is worse than the
ailment. An unreachable section isn't so bad. Tim's proposed fix is
pretty slick, but it's also a severe change to the book. Thoughts?
> ====================================
>
> SHADOW ON THE SAND
>
> <http://www.projectaon.org/test/en/xhtml-less-simple/lw/05sots/title.htm>
>
> (ft) 05sots 58: If you choose the wrong section, then turn to Section 156 as
> indicated above. You do not get a second guess. -> If you choose the wrong
> section, then turn to Section 98. You do not get a second guess. [jc: If you
> choose the wrong section, you trigger an alarm (as stated in section 156),
> so you cannot have a second guess and should go directly to section 98.]
Agreed
--
Jon
~~~~~~
Manage your subscription at //www.freelists.org/list/projectaon
Other related posts:
