Clarifying Gadgets

[solas]

When I read the rules and it mentions how many Story Points they cost, is this saying that's part of character creation? As in someone wants a gadget, this will come from their permanent Story Points pool?

[lomythica]

You are correct. On page 67 and 68 of the Gamemaster's Guide, it talks about having gadgets. In order to have a permanent item, that has abilities that your character wouldn't otherwise have, you give up an applicable number of story points for the ownership of the gadget.

the tradeoff, is that you get a tool that you wouldn't otherwise have that can be used and reused (as long as it doesn't run out of power/charges/etc).

From a PC standpoint, consider that a PC has a set amount of 'power' or 'ability'.. Beyond that, and they are limited. If they make or build an item, that item should be within the 'power' constraints of the character.

One question I'd have is, what if the GM gives you an item you find.. Should you be required to give up storypoints to take it? do you have to use storypoints to use it? Or, should there be a limit to a device's use.. Like, if it's for a one time use item that you find, then you can use it without using your points, but if it's a permanent item, then you use your points to 'own' it...

Any thoughts?

[misterharry]

May 20, 2010 15:25:59 GMT lomythica said:

One question I'd have is, what if the GM gives you an item you find.. Should you be required to give up storypoints to take it? do you have to use storypoints to use it? Or, should there be a limit to a device's use.. Like, if it's for a one time use item that you find, then you can use it without using your points, but if it's a permanent item, then you use your points to 'own' it...

Any thoughts?

This is a dilemma I often have with points-based systems - I used to play Champions regularly several years back.

In DWAiTS, as a GM I'd view the device as a form of experience award, possibly in place of awarding that character Story Points. For a gadget worth several points, maybe reduce that character's Story Points cap temporarily (until the gadget has been "paid for").

[allivingstone]

May 20, 2010 15:25:59 GMT lomythica said:

Any thoughts?

My take on it:
If it's a one-off mcguffin, rustled together with some impromptu jiggery-pokery, there's no permanent cost.
If it's going to crop up again, effectively becoming part of the character's schtick, it should reduce the character's maximum Story Points.

E.g. The Doctor's sonic screwdriver definitely cost him Story Points, but the timey-wimey detector from Blink didn't.

[solas]

Thanks guys! This clears up that question nicely for me.