Jon Chung
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Peori, have you forgotten that the entire point of the P-combo is that more or less almost nothing except the P-combo or something exactly like it (replicated the functions of "I don't die instantly to surprise, badtouch, extra action mote attrition or combinations of any of the above") worked?
Here's the CYOA list, for a GM running a stock Exalted 2.
a) Explicitly run opposition as completely incompetent within the system's framework of what is effective and not effective.
- Pros: Can avoid P-combat. Makes unobservant players feel like badasses.
- Cons: Very obvious. Players who use halfway competent tactics (or full up P-combat) will steamroller opposition with zero effort so must be prevented from doing so. Complete loss of game layer interest. No reason to use system. Requires GM to know system meta of what works, what doesn't.
- Conclusion: Only way this actually works is if all players including GM are system-expert tier and know explicitly what not to do in combat tactics or builds.
b) Run opposition as competent within the system's framework as best suits their position in the setting, eg, a Wyld Hunter should be good at combat, a centuries-old survivor should be good at not dying.
- Pros: Does not require unobservant players who won't notice the idiot balls being handed around liberally.
- Cons: Forces P-combat, and P-combat is terrible and boring. Can cause group-breaking "oops" TPK events if GM's ability to see what is effective is superior to group's, or GM does naive things like give earth immaculate grand goremauls or water immaculate grappling.
- Conclusion: Only way this actually works is if all players including GM are system-expert tier and know how to tune threat level of combat tactics or builds.
c) Change system so it doesn't suck donkey balls.
- Pros: Has neither problem of a) or b).
- Cons: Requires you to be game developer. You did not presumably pay White Wolf in order to write your own game system. Huge amount of work.
- Conclusion: lawl.
d) Don't use system, since it sucks donkey balls.
- Pros: Has neither problem of a) or b), or the work required for c).
- Cons: Requires you to be game developer to adapt setting to alternate system. Or requires totally onboard group for freeform writing jam with no system, which is not actually a game.
- Conclusion: Best way to do it, but note prerequisites and also note complete lack of use for system.
e) Don't play Exalted, other games provide better fun-to-effort ratio.
- Pros: Fun.
- Cons: Can't think of anything.
As usual, you seem to be posting from the position of c) or d). Most people who want to play the game are stuck with the choices of a), b) or e).
This attitude, I am convinced, ensures that the tabletop gaming community cannot have nice things.
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