The more I look...
Under Charisma, Maximum number of Henchman is now called, "Sidekick Limit".
Sidekick?
Yet, in the paragraph below, sidekick limit is described as the maximum number of "henchman" you can have. The word henchman is used once more. (Further rules for this are probably in the GMs guide).
Why the change? Why the new term "sidekick"?
If OSRIC is supposed to be an efficient reorganization (clarification) of the original rules, why introduce a new term just to use the old term (twice) to explain the new term?
.png)
Table needs centering.
Nobody has 10 "sidekicks".
The addition of the word "sidekick" is the very definition of unnecessary. You don't need another word to describe one that is already there. You'll only confuse the matter. It is terminology bloat. They clearly want to transition to a new term.
The original Player's Handbook calls henchman non-player characters who will "serve" as permanent retainers. OSRIC 3.0 says a henchman is someone who is "willing to accompany your character", it is a "long-term relationship".
Softening up the language is not rules clarification.
OSRIC is turning into something else.
Just saying.
That is disappointing, but not surprising in this day and age. To me a sidekick is very different than how I envision the role of henchmen. Like you said NO One has 10 "sidekicks". Who are these changes for??
ReplyDeleteA newer, "softer crowd", I suspect. In a way this is subtlety apologetic of the original language. I expect this kind of nonsense from WoTC, not hardcore fans of 1st Edition.
DeleteRight. Is the "softer crowd" even interested in this type of product??!
DeleteThat "assumption" is always the mistake. It is specifically written with the intention of teaching new players, to help them understand the archaic rules. Still...
DeleteThey could use "companion".
ReplyDeleteSure, but Henchmen has worked for 50 years.
DeleteBut they're not really companions either. They work for you, you pay them, you're their employer. That's why they have a morale score, when things go south, they abandon you, run away when the going gets tough. Henchmen.
Delete