This thread and Darkpriest's posts on officials got me looking at healer edges compared to those of the other classes. Although empowerment classes in general and healers in particular require a different sort of player than those habitually drawn to the AP class, healer edges don't really make the class more attractive to play or encourage more diverse tactics among those who do play the class. There are only two of you, though, so no one cares.
I suspect thief edges will follow the pattern we have seen: the edges simply make what the character does already better. Warriors are diverse, and so their edges increase their diversity. APs without ABS knowledge are almost purely offensive machines, and so their edges augment that (contributing to ridiculously overpowered scenarios in the hands of knowledgeable players, who like players of Doom in Godmode get to explore places we old farts will never see. Yes, I am bitter.). Thieves will get even more annoying.
The problem with using edges to cover weak areas and strengthen strong areas is that it makes the Great Balancing Act that much more troublesome. I suggest that edges ought to be retooled so that they are not combat oriented, but add enhancements to skills acquired through Exploration, Observation, and Commerce experience.
Boring? Yes, but you don't have to worry about upsetting balance.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/07/2008 11:45AM by Quixotic.