Help Wanted: Automaton Design

[ffutures]

This is a quick question for the role players in the audience. I'm working on rules for Victorian automaton design (think big clanking steam robots, clockwork musicians, etc.)

I'm writing this as a variation on character generation, with costs in money rather than points, and differences in the base value of some skills and some unavailable. This seems to work well enough, but I now need to think about adding some "chrome" to make it more interesting. Would you prefer:

1: Detailed complicated rules

2: Simple rules but prices for a lot of components e.g. rubber "skin", weapons systems, etc.

3: Vague "think of a number and double it"

4: A mixture of all of the above.

Can't do a poll on a free account, but comments would be very welcome.

Comments

[elementalv.livejournal.com]

Personally, I would prefer number 2 -- start off with a base package, and as money becomes available, so too do the add-ons.

[doctor-toc.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer a mixture of 1 and 2. After all, part of the fun of doing this sort of thing is fine-tuning your creation until it's just right. Why not make simple rules for those who just want a quick-and-dirty solution, with an optional additional level of complexity for the gearheads who want to make the ultimate steam-tech monstrosity?

[ci5rod.livejournal.com]

Simple rules would seem to be more in the FF style. I've no objection to you writing The Bits That Were Too Crunchy For GURPS Steampunk, but it doesn't quite seem in period. After all, a Victorian automaton ought to look hideously complex but be simple to operate, unlike 20th century stuff!

[sirernest.livejournal.com]

I'd prefer the second option

rules

[suaveswede.livejournal.com]

I´d go for number 2 never being a friend of overextended rules.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Thanks everyone - I think no. 2 wins. The way it's looking so far it's going to be some very basic calculations for things like calculating engine weight and cost (add 10% per "eye", 1lb per skill, that sort of thing), power plant, etc., then optional add-ons.