Just a little question

[Greg Smith]

Originally posted by Ramage



I sorta like the CODA system, but I find the Professions limiting. I think the CODA base system (stat range, skill ranges) is an improvement over the ICON system (I found the 1-6 bit far, FAR too limited). The Professions ARE similar to D&D Character Classes, however. Certain skills are easier to gain than others. You have levelled (every 1000 XP is not really that much different from the D&D numbered levels) advancement with specific benefits open to you as you advance. You have a choice in your benefits.

The main difference is that in D&D levels most benefits are fixed - (to-hit bonuses, hit points, saving throws) and some skills/feats are prohibted while in Coda your options are unlimited.

Conversely, once you have chosen a Profession in the CODA system you cannot alter from this except by chosing an Elite Profession, and again you can only have one of these. This means there are a host of potential skills (Professional Abilities) closed to that character for all time.

This is absolutely not true. Firstly any professional ability can be bought using the Innovative edge. Secondly, while you can only have one basic profession, you can progress through any and all elite professions if you want.

Okay, this is only one person's opinion and it should probably remain as such. I am not putting this out as an attack and I hope I have not come off too grumpy.

You don't.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a levelled system nor anything inherently great about it.

I have to disagree. I find level/class systems too restrictive.

Is CODA the same as D20? No. Are there some similarities? Yes, and protesting does not make this go away. D20 is neither the Ultimate Game nor the Ultimate Doom. It is just another game on the market. The same can be said for CODA.

The approach of both Coda and D20/D&D is very similar - give the players a tool box full of stuff to play with (which I like). But in terms of flexibility Coda is leagues ahead of D&D. IMHO of course.

[Imagus]

Originally posted by Ramage
The problem is that is an opinion, not a fact...

Err, what is? That we need an FAQ? I think it's a fact - there are a number of frequently asked questions (of which this is one - I think it numbers at least four separate threads), and there are standard answers - hence an FAQ would be good. Of course it's my opinion that it is a fact

Originally posted by Ramage
I am not in love with the D20 system, but I am familiar with it. D&D3e is NOT AD&D 2nd ed. Yes, they are similar games, but 3e is a new game. Amongst other matters it is very easy to switch from one class (profession) to another. OTOH, I have no intention of doing D20Trek. Just a matter of taste.

Did I mention 2e? I was talking about 3e, which I'm currently playing a lot and beginning to find extremely irritating (call me picky but I don't want to set up a wargame for a simple battle ).

I agree with you that 3e is a different game than 2e - in the same way that Coda is different to Icon. IMO, 2e was a better game at its core. Yes, it's easy to swap classes in 3e - it's one of the things I do like about the new system - but it restricts you in other ways.

Originally posted by Ramage
I sorta like the CODA system, but I find the Professions limiting

SNIP

Greg's already covered my immediate response to this, so I won't repeat!

I agree, they've both equally valid - liking one, both or neither is perfectly valid

[Dan Stack]

Moderator hat on...

d20 seems to be like religion and politics...

While comparing d20 and Coda would seem to be appropriate, I think it would be best if we limit d20-only discussion to the General Area.

Thanks.

[Ramage]

Originally posted by Dan Stack
Moderator hat on...

d20 seems to be like religion and politics...

While comparing d20 and Coda would seem to be appropriate, I think it would be best if we limit d20-only discussion to the General Area.

Thanks.

LOL! Yeah, and as I am a non-practicing everything (see General Chat) I am also amphibious when it comes to game systems...

Probably also explains why I like both Macs and PCs, too...