I've heard (a friend-of-a-friend said this) that there's a campaign rule in place that limits the range of PC Tier/Rank at a given table. Specifically, that the maximum range is 5 ranks, e.g., a PC at 1.5 can't play at a table with a 2.1 PC.

Is this correct?


Thanks.

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure at Origins 2014, I played at least once with me being 1.5 or 1.6 and at least one other player being well into 2.x.

I've never heard that rule or seen it enforced.

John

One thing to keep in mind if you do end up with big discrepancies at the table if you're the higher tier characters is to try and ensure that the lower tier characters get their time in the spotlight and feel useful. When there are large differences in abilities it can be very frustrating for the lower tier characters' players.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

Thanks for the responses. I'm really glad to hear that there's no such rule.

This question came up because a friend expressed interest in playing Arcanis, so I'm helping him build a PC at 1.5. But all the usual players here are at a minimum 1.8, with some up to 2.2. I'm confident that as GM I can manage the table to give the new guy fun and a challenge without killing him, while still making him a useful part of the group.

The only 'rule' on this subject I think was floated at Origins 2 years ago, and then only for convention play. Basically it was a case of if there is too much of a level gap, the lower level player is going to feel as though they are not contributing and have a negative experience, so they should be placed at tables with similar power leveled characters as themselves. However, if you are a good GM and the player isn't easily rattled by such things, there is nothing mechanical to prevent them from doing it.

If you're using the 1.5 leveling cert, keep in mind the restrictions about Season One episodes listed on the cert.

I honestly haven't seen many cases of lower tiered characters feeling outclassed (Assuming they started with 1.5 Cert or are at least 1.5+_. The nice thing about Arcanis is the slower progression of abilities across Tiers, so that a Tier 1.5 and a Tier 2.5 only differ by 10 advancements, so it's usually not bad. There are a few cases where the 2.5 has invested heavily in skills perhaps and will have a bigger bonus on key skills that a lower tier has vested in as well. Other than that, I don't recall seeing the lower tiers not feeling as if they contribute.

That said, it's a good policy, especially when veteran players play with newer players to let the newer players help drive the story and feel like they are contributing.

John

The issues I've seen tie more often to casters. By 2.5 they've already gotten their Tier 2 spells, all 3 skill advancements for their arcanum and potentially an extra point for their casting through stat, path or talent. Magic doesn't scale as linearly as general skill use or physical combat.

I agree that it doesn't pop up often. With the right GM and/or higher tier player it doesn't have to be a factor at all. As long as people continue to be mindful, bad experiences should be extremely limited.

With a sweep of his hat,

Paul

You're right. The spells available at Tier 2 can be (and often are) much better than Tier 1 and you can more easily modify your Tier 1 spells.

John