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Hi guys, I think it would be nice to discuss the bulk system. I in general like the bulk system as it is a way of abstracting the difficulty of carrying things that is a distinct improvement over the I have 36 strength I can carry a battleship way of things that Pathfinder used. I also like that it is simple and streamlined. I have noticed a few issues though.
For instance, the .9 bulk rounds down leads to gaming this system frequently. Overall I think this is manageable though. One example of this is the yoski cheek pouches, because of the 1 bulk limit you can fit 19 of something in your mouth. The 1 cubic foot line is in there to prevent this from getting too out of hand in this case.
Another issue is the specific bulk of certain items. A couple I've noticed are batteries being negligible bulk. I therefor have zero reason not to strip every single bady's energy weapon for the battery, because I can collect an infinite number until my GM decides he's had too much and kills me out of spite. Another I particularly dislike is the bulk of the hygiene kit. I can carry 10 pistols or a pistol and 270 rounds, or 10 dueling swords and that is the same as carrying around what I put in a small bag I put in a carry on? Or a rifle? I understand that it is an abstraction, but I really feel the hygiene kit which provides almost no real game value but it pretty much required equipment should be light.
So over all I like it, but I'd like to see a bit more granularity in regards to the low weight portions. I think a simple solution would be to make items multiples of light if they are below 1 bulk, ie my hygiene kit is 2L (0.2 bulk) and my compass is 1L and that dueling sward if 5L.
So thought?
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I have to agree - I know what Paizo was going for, but the rules-light nature just means DMs at the table are going to have to be mindful of players abusing the system. However, starfinder society may not see many problems because of the one-shot nature of scenarios, and minor weight issues I doubt will surface.
If my PCs strip every battery in existence, they still have to charge those things, so if they pay for it, I'm fine with it. :) (Though the armor mod that charges batteries while you walk will probably be the first thing they buy...)
The GM explicitly has the ability to rule if certain situations or combinations would result in greater or less bulk. Gaming it will only take you so far.
I think it you start with multiples of L you might as well just go back to weights of items.
I also think a hygiene kit is more than a razor and toothbrush.
@ cyrad
Yes, and that's true for any rule, rule 0 is that the GM can do whatever he wants, but it can lead to some hard feelings.
For instance my brother was playing a yoski and wanted to be able to put a couple of pistols in his moth. RAW he could fit 19 or close to it (1 cubic foot is actually a huge amount of volume) but the GM balked at the idea. It took a lot of tense discussion to compromise that he could only fit 2 and that he'd take a disguise penalty when he did so. it worked out, but I can see where a lot of arguing may ensure since the system if a bit oversimplified.
Something a little more granular would make things less subjective without adding a great deal to the book keeping.
@ EC Gamer
I think the advantage of the bulk system is that it encapsulates more than just weight however, it also is an abstraction for volume and ease of packing/control. This helps to prevent some of the failings of a weight only system.
Hey, if people are abusing it, then it means they are actually using it; unlike in Pathfinder where most tables simply ignored the encumbrance rules.
That's a step up in my book, especially since nothing you've described strikes me as terribly abusive, or even unintended.
What I want to know is why some batteries come with guns that cost far less than the batteries themselves. I'd also like to know if the listed bulk for weapons and other devices includes that of the battery that it comes with. For most items, it will be negligible, but many items still come with some pretty hefty batteries.
It is definitely an improvement over the Pathfinder system, no argument there. I just feel like there's a few loop holes and oddities that the neg, light, full gradation creates. As for why there are guns that are cheaper to buy and toss rather than recharge... That's a whole other can of worms lol
The bulk of a weapon includes it's starting battery/ammo. They also come full loaded/charged.
There is supposed to be a battery FAQ very soon to deal with costs and the fact you can buy some items and sell the battery for a profit.
Hey, if people are abusing it, then it means they are actually using it; unlike in Pathfinder where most tables simply ignored the encumbrance rules.
That's a step up in my book, especially since nothing you've described strikes me as terribly abusive, or even unintended.
What I want to know is why some batteries come with guns that cost far less than the batteries themselves. I'd also like to know if the listed bulk for weapons and other devices includes that of the battery that it comes with. For most items, it will be negligible, but many items still come with some pretty hefty batteries.