I hired two game designer/analysts to take a look at the ODS Rules and conduct a systematic analysis of two aspects of the game; Wealth and Combat. The analysis was returned this weekend and I have to say that it was worth the cost. Evan Jones of QED Games (author of such games as "Dog Eat Dog", "Blue & Grey", and "Stash") conducted the analysis, with some guidance from the awesome David Kahn.

The analysis of the wealth system shows principally what I was hoping to find. The system is reasonably well balanced.

The analysis of the combat system turned up some significant issues in terms of how long it takes for disparate groups to effect wins under various conditions (with magic, w/o magic, using Range weapons, not using range weapons, etc). The general benefit of the analysis overall is that it shows a variety of excellent metrics to use to determine the game balance. Some recommendations were made which I am reviewing now. Really great. Quite pleased.

I will post the analysis results later in this thread.