This sounds like a very nice idea.
Quote Originally Posted by Secura View Post
I'd really appreciate input for this game; Beskar told me it was attempting to be too flashy and would end up confusing, so feedback on that would help me refine things.
I've looked over the rules, and I really like what I see so far. That said, Beskar's warning is fair and valid. You should make sure that abilities and items are balanced for this game, not strive to make it true to the original. That's the number one pitfall when designing a game based around your favorite setting, whatever that setting may be. Be sure that you have a set of core rules for this game that works out well, and then worry about how to map those rules back to the setting.

As I said, I think there are several very interesting ideas from your rules. Ability upgrades/character specializations is a really cool idea, complex personal goals is a must for any RPG-esque mafia game. I also like the idea of using Bodahn Feddic as a neutral auction.

Two things I'm less certain about. The hit points mechanic seems a bit complex for a mafia game, is there any reason it cannot be simplified down to a vitality stat like the one ATPG uses in Resident Evil? You could still call it hit points. Also, story-wise I would think it somewhat weird if there was an Archdemon hidden among the characters. Archdemons tend to be quite hard to miss after all... I think Beskar is right in that regard, about trying to make it more epic/flashy than it really needs to be. How about making the mafia some different faction that is still humanoid? A blood mage cabal perhaps? I realize that makes the Warden less of an obvious protagonist though, but a full Blight isn't really a subtle threat that lends itself well to a mafia game methinks.