OK... I know that Night's Dark Terror encounter with the swimming Iron Ring slavers AIR - I think I'd probably have statted them as standard 1st level monsters (brute or skirmisher probably), if there are more than 7 or 8 then maybe make the rest of them Human Rabble min-2. And I'd make the dock thugs as 9th or 10th level minions same as you did, thus both (standard-1s and min-9s) would have about the same XPV and in-world the same threat level. I like how flexible 4e is that way.
-
The VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Rules, Rules, Rules (Legends & Lore)
- Thread starter delericho
- Start date
OK... I know that Night's Dark Terror encounter with the swimming Iron Ring slavers AIR - I think I'd probably have statted them as standard 1st level monsters (brute or skirmisher probably), if there are more than 7 or 8 then maybe make the rest of them Human Rabble min-2. And I'd make the dock thugs as 9th or 10th level minions same as you did, thus both (standard-1s and min-9s) would have about the same XPV and in-world the same threat level. I like how flexible 4e is that way.
Yes, very few games escalate PC power as rapidly as D&D, and this affects the feel of the game markedly. 3e aimed at x2 power per +2 levels, 4e's x2 power per +4 levels is a big dial-back.
A few things that I would like to say about this article.
Why couldn't the rules contain all three options? If a PC is climbing something like an everyday ladder with no problems then they climb at half speed. Now while climbing the ladder some flying creatures come in and start attacking the PC's. Now this has turned into using option 2 or 3.
Let's use the same ladder but it's an old metal one that is rusted all to hell. Well option 2 and 3 could be used because the ladder has become dangerous.
All it takes is a small change in the scenario to go from something simple to something complex. I can't run up a ladder as fast as I can the ground so I could understand the 1/2 speed rule. Ever try walking up a ladder in the middle of winter or when it's raining? It's very difficult because the snow and the rain make the ladder slippery.
Having option 1,2 and 3 at your disposal is great because it allows the DM to the room to adjust his/her game anytime that it's needed.
Why couldn't the rules contain all three options? If a PC is climbing something like an everyday ladder with no problems then they climb at half speed. Now while climbing the ladder some flying creatures come in and start attacking the PC's. Now this has turned into using option 2 or 3.
Let's use the same ladder but it's an old metal one that is rusted all to hell. Well option 2 and 3 could be used because the ladder has become dangerous.
All it takes is a small change in the scenario to go from something simple to something complex. I can't run up a ladder as fast as I can the ground so I could understand the 1/2 speed rule. Ever try walking up a ladder in the middle of winter or when it's raining? It's very difficult because the snow and the rain make the ladder slippery.
Having option 1,2 and 3 at your disposal is great because it allows the DM to the room to adjust his/her game anytime that it's needed.
keterys
First Post
Look at the rules for difficult terrain... by default it costs an extra square of movement, and that's it.
Make that difficult terrain also slippery, and maybe you have to make an Acrobatics check or fall into it. Or maybe it's full of sharp caltrops, and if you're pushed or fall prone in it then bad things happen.
Two difficult terrains I used in EPIC3-2:
Ice Shards: All squares containing ice shards are difficult terrain. Any creature that moves through or is forced through more than one such square takes 15 damage. This damage may only be taken once per turn.
A creature that is knocked prone or chooses to go prone in a square containing ice shards also takes 15 damage.
Web: The web squares indicate thick webbing that reaches to the ceiling. They are difficult terrain that cannot be jumped or flown over. Any creature without spider climb that enters or starts its turn in a web square is slowed (save ends). A save cannot be attempted against this effect while in a web square.
And yet, the rules for difficult terrain can remain pretty simple without mentioning every possible type of difficult terrain or way things can be mixed up.
I've also seen difficult terrain that took 3 or 4 squares to enter, or that was blocking unless you made an Athletics check, then was difficult. General rules. Specific exceptions. Start with the basics of what is needed, only, then let people add as many options as they want.
