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posted by [identity profile] wirednavi.livejournal.com at 08:12pm on 07/02/2005
I disagree, actually. I don't think Amber uses random numbers in any real way. GM-selected hidden information is only equivalent to randomness if the hidden information is then subjected to a random selection process.

'I need to roll a 6 on a d6' to succeed is the same as 'I need to pick the same number 1 through 6 that the GM is thinking of'. However, neither of these is equivalent to 'I don't know how powerful my opponent is relative to my static Warfare attribute.'

Diceless does not equal nonrandom, but Karma does not equal Fortune. At all.
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posted by [identity profile] apollinax.livejournal.com at 08:17pm on 07/02/2005
Let's distinguish "randomness" from "uncertainty." The former is a way to achieve the latter. From a omniscient perspective, Amber does not have the former; however, a much more useful way to concieve of the problem is in terms of an imperfect observer. In this case, statements such as "chances are he bought up his swordfighting" become important.
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posted by [identity profile] benlehman.livejournal.com at 08:19pm on 07/02/2005
I have the feeling that everyone has played very different Ambers.

In canonical Amber, you can buy your stats up at various intervals. Let me give an example.

In the opening bidding:
Adrian has a Warfare of 32 (3rd)
Britt has a Warfare of 31 (4th)
Charles has a Warfare of 30 (5th)

Britt engages Charles in a duel. Britt knows that he has not bought up his Warfare. Is he going to have the advantage on Charles, or is Charles going to have the advantage on him? It is random.

yrs--
--Ben
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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] wirednavi.livejournal.com at 01:29am on 08/02/2005
Right. But Britt engages Corwin in a duel. Corwin is this guy whose stats only the GM knows. Is Britt going to have the advantage on him? Probably not.

Not all conflict in Amber takes place between non-GM characters.
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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] wirednavi.livejournal.com at 01:32am on 08/02/2005
To be more clear, I am trying to differentiate between a system where the random factor is determined by calculation or set number and a system where the random factor is determined by player fiat.
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