[TML] A Plug for Trav CharGen

[royce at efn.org]

Hi, All,
   In light of discussions from the last week or more, I'd like to make a
plug for Traveller-style character generation.  When one approaches
character generation by generating an adequate sample of characters,
the following Darwinian benefits ensue:

1.  Unfit characters tend to be eliminated by survival rolls.
2.  Fit characters tend to be promoted more frequently.

   In a compromise between sample size and time, my fellow players and I
found that generating half a dozen characters usually resulted in an
acceptable PC.  This approach has the added benefit of providing the GM
with a large pool of NPC's.

   Non-Invasive Optional Rule:  Allow a character to have gone through
more than one career.  For example, one term in Army followed by a
career in something else can make for a more balanced character.
   In RL, a 42-year-old bureaucrat mightn't really be expected to retain a
20-year-old SMG skill.  For the game, however, the character can get a
balance of combat & non-combat skills without changing many rules.

   Nothing original here, I presume.
   Sincerely,
Asher