So, I got in a number of playtests of Wrath of the Autarch during Origins. Weirdly, they were all of the Infiltration mini-game, probably because it has an element of finality to it that the other mini-games don't.Anyway, I don't have any huge revelations or overhauls (probably a good thing), but I did think of some minor changes both during play and afterward.
- Use spatial maps for Infiltration. This isn't required, but it does make it fun. The only issue is that the default mode is that any zone can be reached from any zone, and that's not always true when you bring in a map. Have to think if that will make it too hard.
- For casting spells in the narrative scene, the first mana spent should just fuel the spell (and not also act as a fate point). It's good enough to use Spellcraft for a power.
- Use compels to add new obstacles related to the players aspects. I did this a lot to great effect - need to make sure it's spelled out clearly as an option.
- Limit the narrative phase to three rounds, instead of four. Four was a little too long, and that needs to be as quick as possible. Luck could really sham the players occasionally, but as it stands now I think it's a little too easy.
- Need to make sure there are a good variety of outcomes for Infiltration missions on the strategic game, particularly for things like assassination. I'm guessing assassination could already be covered as just a way to sabotage certain developments, but this needs to be spelled out.
Other thoughts, outside of that, revolved mostly around trade missions and the overall strategic game. I've simplified trade a little, but I may need to go further.
I have some other thoughts on what I'm going to do with the document going forward, but I'll save those. For this week, I think I'll add in those tweaks, and maybe work to completely finish the Autarch chapter. That will give me a good template for all the other factions.
