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[center][size=29][color=#A00000]Balance System[/color][/size]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/IsJ7oIP.png[/img][/center]

The mechanics of the World of Darkness are not perfect, as they were primarily designed for tabletop games. By default, these systems are intentionally simplified, presented in a way that allows Storytellers and players to engage with the game without delving into complex mathematical calculations or equations. This approach ensures a light and smooth experience for everyone involved.

However, in our chronicle, we've taken matters into our own hands and implemented a unique balance system. We recognized the benefits of having a more intricate balancing mechanism that would discourage excessive min-maxing. While our system doesn't actively prevent players from min-maxing their characters, it significantly diminishes the advantages and benefits associated with such playstyles. In other words, min-maxing won't provide players with the same level of benefits as non-min-maxed characters.

By making this deliberate choice, we aim to create a distinct gaming experience that encourages thoughtful character development and strategic decision-making, rather than solely focusing on numerical optimization. Players will find that investing effort into creating a well-rounded character, rather than solely maximizing specific attributes, will yield more satisfying and rewarding gameplay experiences.



[size=22][color=#A00000]So what exactly is the issue?[/color][/size]
As experienced players may be aware, the allocation of Starting Points and the utilization of Freebies can significantly impact the Raw-Experience value you possess.

For instance, consider the allocation of 7 Starting Points among Physical Attributes. Assigning them as Strength 5, Dexterity 4, Stamina 1 would result in a Raw-Experience value of 64 Experience. However, distributing them as Strength 4, Dexterity 3, Stamina 3 would yield a Raw-Experience value of 48, indicating a loss of 16 Experience. And this is just in relation to Physical Attributes—other aspects of the Character Sheet also come into play. The discrepancies can escalate to astronomical differences when comparing the absolute minimum to the maximum values achievable (e.g., for Vampires, it's 69 when excluding Humanity vs. Willpower gain). Additionally, the allocation of Freebies can lead to similar issues.

For example, spending 5 Freebies to increase Dexterity from 1 to 2 equates to a mere 4 Raw-Experience value, while investing those 5 Freebies in a Background instead amounts to 30 Raw-Experience value.

Overall, optimizing the usage of Starting Points and Freebies can have a profound impact—a difference we deem unhealthy, particularly in a chronicle where players have more freedom without a Storyteller present around the clock, as is the case in a tabletop setting.



[size=22][color=#A00000]How is it solved?[/color][/size]
To address this issue, our system has been designed to determine the absolute maximum Raw-Experience value achievable for each Race. When allocating your Starting Points and Freebies, the system actively tracks your Raw-Experience value. Once you have completed allocating both your Starting Points and Freebies, the system will provide a notification indicating the amount of Experience you are eligible to receive.

This Experience reward will be granted gradually during active gameplay, specifically while actively roleplaying (yes, the system can distinguish between active roleplaying and non-roleplaying states). You will receive 1 Experience for every 4 hours of active roleplay.

While we won't delve into the specifics of the algorithm behind the scenes, we believe it is neither appropriate nor necessary to discuss its intricacies for the effective functioning of the system. Rest assured that the system has been designed to ensure a fair and rewarding experience for all players.



[size=22][color=#A00000]How can you fully utilize the system?[/color][/size]
If you are an old VWH-RP player, you may recall that players used to allocate their Starting Points to maximize their character's potential and also acquire a significant number of Merits and Backgrounds using Freebies, which were only available during character creation. While we have already addressed the issue of Backgrounds earlier, the matter of Merits remains.

Merits, just like Backgrounds, can now be purchased during gameplay at the cost of 6 Experience per dot. This allows players to invest Experience points in acquiring Merits, providing additional depth and customization options for their characters.

Our goal with this change is to encourage players to primarily use their Freebies to enhance their Character Sheet. While it is still possible to purchase a few Merits (2-3, for example), we aim to discourage the excessive acquisition of numerous Merits. We will enforce this guideline to ensure a balanced and fair gameplay experience for all participants.

When examining pre-made characters in the corebooks, you will typically find 1-3 Merits and perhaps a few Backgrounds. We intentionally present these examples to avoid excessive and unbalanced character builds. Our intention is to maintain a sense of realism and consistency in character creation, promoting engaging roleplay and preventing overpowered combinations.

In addition to fostering balanced Character Sheets, our aim is to encourage players to actively engage in appropriate roleplay to earn their merits throughout gameplay. This system promotes immersive storytelling and character development, where the acquisition of merits is tied to in-game actions and interactions. For instance, a character focused on social skills seeking to acquire a physical-oriented merit like "Good Right Hook" might engage in roleplay at the gym, demonstrating their dedication to physical training before being considered for the merit. By intertwining merit acquisition with roleplay, we create a dynamic and immersive environment that rewards players for actively embodying their characters and contributing to the evolving narrative.