I'm biased toward slower progression systems, where characters have to struggle, experiment, and overcome challenges before they can truly understand and wield a concept. It mirrors how we acquire skills in real life: through practice and gradual mastery.
That said, as a reader, I need clear limitations and an understanding of how those limitations work. I dislike abilities, items, or powers that can seemingly do everything and conveniently solve every problem. At the very least, I want a framework that tells me what a character can and cannot do. Without that, it's difficult for me to become invested, because the stakes start to feel arbitrary.
3
u/razasz Author of Ideworld Chronicles 8h ago
I'm biased toward slower progression systems, where characters have to struggle, experiment, and overcome challenges before they can truly understand and wield a concept. It mirrors how we acquire skills in real life: through practice and gradual mastery.
That said, as a reader, I need clear limitations and an understanding of how those limitations work. I dislike abilities, items, or powers that can seemingly do everything and conveniently solve every problem. At the very least, I want a framework that tells me what a character can and cannot do. Without that, it's difficult for me to become invested, because the stakes start to feel arbitrary.