Removed the latest transgender discussion and warned somebody. I'm sorry I had to remove the whole thing, but it started from a bad place.
Thanks Toads, removal of off-topic is appreciated.
Back on games - I recently had a fun conversation about a theoretical concept for a game with realistic medieval combat.
Basically, the game would properly track weight, momentum, bodytype and other features. The idea stemmed from a conversation about dual-wielding swords, and from there went from a game concept realistic enough to show how ludicrous the idea is, and then to a topic that might concern this thread.
Biologically, females have considerably less strength potential than males, hence why thorough history female warriors have been less common than male ones, cultural reasons aside.
The idea was that we could realistically reflect this by giving female characters these modifications:
-STR
-AGI
+DEX
+CHR
Less strength and agility because in our world men have less limitations in both those areas, but more dexterity because of women's finer motor controls, proved through various studies. Charisma in this sense means one's disposition to agree with the character - and studies have also shown both male and female humans are more agreeable to a female than to a male.
What I propose is a discussion of said system, opinions on the suggested implementation or defense or attack of the conclusions I have shown.
A post from my discussion, because it's interesting info:
"Also worth pointing out real female warriors were oftentimes aware of their limitations, and adapted to overcome them.
Onna-bugeisha were basically female samurai of sorts in japanese history, and they mostly fought with the naginata (a spear-like weapon) and the bow, since both these weapons helped them overocme their lower upper body strength.
I'm thinking of starting work in a game that'll allow women characters but will add the proper realistic limitations, i.e. they'll be weaker and thus forced to use said weapons in their advantage.
Honestly I think that's an interesting factoid, and to balance in a RPG they could maybe have a bonus to accuracy, dex or charisma."
To add: I don't think every game needs to realistically depict the biological differences between men and women, just that a fully realistic (or close to, anyhow) simulator of medieval combat would be interesting. Less humongous swords and cheesy dialogue and more trying to find nooks and crannies within armor and two-strike duels.
Also, the game is theoretical - so we haven't reached a level of discussing how to program said functions per say, but discussion on that is cool, too, even if I think it'd stray from topic.