I would also like to offer some constructive criticism (well I hope they are constructive
).
I found very frustrating that there often only one skill to get an option.
In some case, as with the old ranger, I understand that a Guile of 2 is mandatory to succeed the bow challenge. Because Guile is the only skill that make sens for archery.
But for example, with Marie, I think there could be other ways to go with her.
She could be impressed if you have an Intimidation of 2 and choose to intimidate Kallie.
Or with a Melee of 2, she might think it would be a good idea to be friends with a girl who can fight. But I agree that for this option, we would need a scene where we could show our fighting skill.
With the blacksmith, if we have a good melee skill, we could praise is work and flatter him (because I assume that having a good melee skill involves knowing to recognize a good weapon). Adding that if nobody stand against the mercenaries, all the fine weapons he craft will fall into their hands instead of arming good people like the valiant guards of this town. And so we could convince him.
For other council member, a good Cunning or Guile could give us option to convince them.
Or with a good melee skill we could came with a good convincing plan against the mercenaries (because I also assume that a good melee skill involves some tactical skill as well). For example, blocking the mercenaries in the church, which is feasible because it has few exits and it is easy to outnumber the mercenaries if they try to exit. And then let them die of thirst if they don't surrender.
I understand that all the options can't be accessible at the same times. And that some may require a skill or another.
But I would love to have more than one way to achieve a goal (like going with Marie, or being able to save Elin and Juliet).
Because I feel I can't play the character I want, which is frustrating.
At first, I want to play a strong girl, with good melee and intimidation skills. The kind of badass woman you don't want to mess with
.
But these set of skills close lot of options.
And worse, I can't even gain some respect from the recruits. With a melee skill of 2, you can beat Leofrick. But even with 3 you can't do anything against Clifton. Maybe we can't defeat him, but at least it would have been good to finish with a draw.
After all, 3 in melee skill so early in the game means that you have invested all your starting point in that skill. It's the max you can get so early. It should make a difference.
