Re: steel

[Greg Mowczko <mooch@ns1.cioe.com>]

> Subject: steel
> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 15:47:28 -0500 (EST)
> From: "Kevin Collins" <kcollins@bilbo.bio.purdue.edu>
>
> Hey guys,
>
[ absolutely no pigs were killed in the forging of this letter ]
> 	I also disagree that steel or any other material should give a 
> bonus "to hit" or "to damage".  The edge that can be put on a iron, steel,
> or adamantite weapon isn't that noticable.  The only differences is the 
> duration of the edge.  Instead of bonuses, steel and adamantite weapons
> should require less upkeep and repair than iron weapons.
>
> Kevin
>
This is one thing that has always confused me.  I can see a need for some
advantage of using steel for swords and armor. I have never understood why
you get a +1 to hit though. I might give you a better cut so +1 damage 
(real damage so pre-multiplyer in crits unlike magick +1 ). The only
other advantage gamewise is your sword gets a higher resistance check when
a GM remembers, that and he wants to blow your corpse to smithereens with all
of your magic items.

While the upkeep is a fair point it isn't a playable enough concern for the
difference. As for armor I have to think you get pluses but how small can the
armor be before there is no viable plus. Does a steel helmet get you a +1 to
CDV and MDV? I play it as such based on some precedent I believe.

							Greg