Developing from the 4e base line

I would like to see something which perhaps extends some of the role thinking into non-combat arenas... maybe not explicitly but...  a number of team role theories are out there... like for instance


a suitably nerdie presentation


which is based on


other takes on it exist or one could use roles from military organizations (arguably where classes came from too).

One thought is to provide more interesting aid effects for instance my aide increases the peak our specialist can achieve because I am the spark (my name for their plant)... another ally is able to prevent lower checks but doesnt increase the peak performance.... another is a producer allows the task to culminate quicker etc.

Could be interesting, though personally I like as few mechanics in my social interactions as possible (tools to resolve bits when the RP breaks down is the only thing I want in that part of the game) but I'd be okay with more elements in the exploration side if things (ie. movement, detection, analysis of clues, puzzle-solving, etc.).

Skill challenges are the current 4e technique for group application of skills but they arent appropriate for every circumstances which in some ways is why I mentioned the ideas of using improved stylized aiding. And these roles are not locked down either there is no reason for one project you cant be the specialist and the next you are the coordinator. A particular personality may have a bonus when they are operating under one role or another. For instances you might be a spark/plant but be situationally the best to operate as the specialist (hard to operate as both at the same time)

Chris24601 wrote:

Could be interesting, though personally I like as few mechanics in my social interactions as possible (tools to resolve bits when the RP breaks down is the only thing I want in that part of the game) but I'd be okay with more elements in the exploration side if things (ie. movement, detection, analysis of clues, puzzle-solving, etc.).

This. I think this has really interesting potential for exploration/

Social skill use is always something to wonder about and always will be... the primary value and concept is bringing the team work elements even more fully to the game (which was I suppose the goal of sc too)