Re: DragonQuest Numbering/Index

["dbarrass_2000" <david.barrass@ed.ac.uk>]

--- In dq-rules@yahoogroups.com, "rthorm" <rthorm@c...> wrote:
> An index is definitely part of what I hope to have in the new version.
>  It seems to me a little bit 'cart before the horse' to do the index
> now, however.  But it is helpful to keep indexing in mind from the
> outset.  And to that end, I have been thinking about a new numbering
> system.
> 
> Some time ago there was some discussion about a new numbering system
> for the DQ rules.  I tried to find the discussion, so I could see what
> had been suggested.  If someone could help dredge that up, I'd like to
> take another look at the suggestions that were discussed.

I can't find it either, I came up with some complicated rules to do
this, but never published as I decided I was becoming too anal.

>From what I remember the main idea was to add a three letter initial
to distingush our own house rules.  We could use owr own initaials or
choose our own as long as it was unique,  I bagged DNA. So if I
replaced the unarmed combat section with my own the new section would
be 21.DNA. With subsection numbers added as I needed them eg 21.DNA.5.
 If wanted to replace just a sub section, eg 18.3 then that would
become 18.3.DNA.

I don't see any problem with combining this system with yours

> I've come up with my own version, which (I think) draws on some of
> what was previously suggested, but, again, I don't recall exactly. 
> What I am trying to set up with this is something like the Dewey
> system for cataloging a library.  This would allow new rules to be
> added and appear in sequence, so that the rules would hold together
> and make sense, no matter which rules were added or subtracted.  (The
> Poor Brendan's numbering problem.)
> 
> This draft uses the same main categories as the SPI version.  But
> rather than having sequentially numbered rules, I am instead using a
> three digit rule number.  Paragraphs of a rule would be lettered,
> rather than having a point number, allowing for up to 26 rule
> paragraphs to a rule, rather than 9.

> So the main categories would be:
> 
> 0    - License
> 1    - How to Play the Game
> 2    - Game Terms
> 3    - Character Generation
> 4    - Combat
> 5    - Magic
> 6    - Skills
> 7    - Monsters
> 8    - Adventure

I  presume we could add sections eg 9  - Spirits & Religion etc

> Rule numbering would follow the form:
> 8-255-a
> for example to refer to the currency conversion rule [2nd Ed 81.1]
>

Sorry I don't like this, what if you have 27? Why can't we just
continuing nubering beyond 9 eg 8-255-16. For house rules it would be
8-255-DNA-19 if I made a change

> Alternatively, keep roman numerals for the categories, then a three
> digit number for the rule, and then a letter for the paragraph:
> VIII-255-a  or even VIII255a

> Though on looking at it, I think using numbers for the categories is
> cleaner.

I think numbers is better too

> Translation between editions could also be facilitated by keeping
> reference to the old rule number in place of the letter.  For example,
> 8-255-[81].  We shouldn't use this for individual cases (where the
> lettered paragraphs are used), but just in the Table of Contents or
> other cross-referencing materials.  
> 
> --Rodger

I think Your numbering system is an excellent idea

David