thread: 2011-05-18 : Ben Lehman: Rules and their Functions
On 2011-05-24, Emily wrote:
Great clarifications. I misunderstood what Jonathan meant.
Continuing, mediated mechanics can be quantified or descriptor based. Randomized ones rely on quantified cues, or at least ordinal (Benedict is strongest in War). Mediation that is descriptor based is more suited to deterministic use ("the next scene is in Paris" in Doubt) but can be random or arbitrary ("pick a noun to help you describe the aliens" in Sign in Stranger).
A distinction of most freeform styles or traditions is the minimization of quantification. And the use of arbitrary, human choice rather than pure randomization. (Freeform traits, as in Dogs or Over the Edge relates to that meaning, though its applied in very different contexts.) Is arbitrary human choice deterministic?
Examples I'm thinking of are things like the choice of a partner in The Upgrade (the men choose a woman, not their mate, to be matched with over the course of the reality tv show)and the Devils and Angels scene in Doubt(again, the players choose whether or not to stray, pressured by extra-character narration from other players a la bird in the ear) on one hand, and the simple choice of what character does based on player impulse that characterizes all free-play, and most freeform style play.
It doesn't seem right to call free play deterministic. Free play, establishing or simple resolution seem more accurate.
