[UA] d20 UA

[Rev Kev]

> On a related note: How is Ascension or the Magdalene
> selling? Is there even
> a market for D20UA or are we just kidding ourself?

I'm going to guess "pipe dream."  Here is my justification.
 Tear it apart as you see fit.

To be completely simplistic, I'll group gamers into two
categories:
A. Those who play D&D (d20) and nothing else.
B. Those who are willing to examine other game systems.

Clearly games outside the box, such as UA, Over the Edge,
and In Nomine, appeal only to those in group B simply
because their systems are not d20.  At the risk of sounding
condescending, I'd have to wager that people in group A are
in that group because they're not comfortable branching out
too much.  Why explore something new when the status quo is
just fine?  I already know that d20 roll equals a hit of AC
xx.  I don't need to know that d% roll under xx means
success.  Why change?

Now, I hypothesize that people in Group A apply this to
plots, as well.  Again, I threaten to be condescending when
I say this, because this essentially says that people in
Group A prefer the upfront plot of the warrior avenging his
father's death or stealing a magical chalice from a dragon.
 A plot where a cult wants you to steal a videotape while
an adept wants it so he can try to bargain his dead wife
from the grave may be outside what these people want.  Why
throw in conspiracies, consequences, and negotiation when
the dungeon delves and helping the mayor with a beholder
problem are so much simpler to work with?  Why buck the
system?

That's my thought.  Now, that's not to say that people
can't have d20 campaigns worthy of TNI.  Just that those
people don't fall into category A.  They are willing to
look outside the box but are okay with d20.  

Of course, my theory is shot to hell if you find many
people who hate looking outside of d20 but are capable and
willing to run campaigns of great complexity and intrigue. 


Kevin
Who thinks d20 UA would be fine if we strip out levels,
classes, Armor Class, Hit Points, and the current magic system.