The Essentials articles are atrocious.

[fuzzlewump]

I think I misread Umbran's post, I'm still not quite sure what he was trying to say, but thanks for the correction.

the odds are only meaningless in the aftermath...AKA you have double my chance to win...but I win more then twice as much as you...how does it make you feel better that you had better chances???

What? So, if you had the choice between the two, double chances or normal chances, you would pick normal chances because it's only results that matter?

Also, what is this notion that people who optimize characters don't play for the fun of it? Does playing a Fighter with 15 strength make things more fun for you somehow then the next guy who has a fighter with 17 strength?

The reason I'm using all-or-nothing terminology, as Cadfan pointed out, is because you're the one who is using it. Either the odds matter or the don't. Pick one. You seemed to have picked that they do matter, but only to a certain point? Why do odds stop mattering? Like Cadfan is arguing, Odds produce results. There is no Black Box between the two.

Well, in any case, good gaming to everyone, I think there is no more to be discussed.

 

[Garthanos]

Your playstyle can be different, but don´t tell new players it is a good idea to be easier to be hit as defender...

Being the worst choice to hit can be a defender failure too... over defensiveness is a likely failing of a new player in my experience.
With more than enemy around being more common than the isolated minion... and being only able to play your "dont attack my friends" extra hit once.

Shrug there are extremes in both directions...

The granting combat advantage against the single minion if the difference is 3 i am still slightly harder to hit... and when the enemy isnt a minion a fact I might not know.... I am more potent against them too.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I think I misread Umbran's post, I'm still not quite sure what he was trying to say, but thanks for the correction.

What? So, if you had the choice between the two, double chances or normal chances, you would pick normal chances because it's only results that matter?

I would take what came and be happy with it... becuse twice the odds are still odds not assured. I wont turn down another ticket, but I wont say my odds are bad without it...

Also, what is this notion that people who optimize characters don't play for the fun of it? Does playing a Fighter with 15 strength make things more fun for you somehow then the next guy who has a fighter with 17 strength?

It depeends... sometimes I play with the 17 some times I play with the 15 it depends on the build... why does a 15 make it less fun then the 17?

The reason I'm using all-or-nothing terminology, as Cadfan pointed out, is because you're the one who is using it. Either the odds matter or the don't.

why is it either or?

Pick one. You seemed to have picked that they do matter, but only to a certain point? Why do odds stop mattering? Like Cadfan is arguing, Odds produce results. There is no Black Box between the two.

there IS a black box. You have a 99% chance of winning and I have a 1% chance... if I win explain that...there is the black box. It only matters so much, at some point you have to stop playing the odds. examples again are when you argue about 2 or 3 pts of DPR... really when it is that close why can't I use other critria...like prefrence, and coolness, and concept...

Well, in any case, good gaming to everyone, I think there is no more to be discussed.

great way to try to get the last word...

 

[The Little Raven]

BREAKING NEWS: Jaded forum-goers that overanalyze every rule change and statement from game companies to find layers of hidden meaning don't find beginner-focused articles useful! Full story at 11!

 

[Garthanos]

I would take what came and be happy with it... becuse twice the odds are still odds not assured. I wont turn down another ticket, but I wont say my odds are bad without it...

Being half of what they could be if you do take the ticket.... is a hard to argue "not bad" extreme when taken in direct comparison.

 

[Klaus]

Sure Strike is the attack power you want if:
- You are facing a foe with high AC, like a solo monster of a level greater than yours (say, a Fighter 1 vs. a 4th level dragon).
- You have a low-accuracy weapon with a high damage die (say, an executioner axe).

Add to this the Exotic Weapon Fighting feat to add another +2 or +3 to damage with a Sure Striking exotic weapon and you have a neat combo. Plus, if you wield an two-handed weapon, the bonus from Sure Strike can offset the penalty from Power Attack, adding a bit more punch.

 

[Garthanos]

Maybe at WOTC they use a lot of minions in very tactical spread out and appearing in waves ... awesome I approve and want to see more encounters that feature this.

Sure strike actually starts becoming better say if your chances have started lagging seriously behind monster defenses let's suppose during epic tier, and monsters start having good chances of hurting you so that granting combat advantage might not be a "no big deal".

Recommendations without reasoning are just so much less useful

 

[Garthanos]

BREAKING NEWS: Jaded forum-goers that overanalyze every rule change and statement from game companies to find layers of hidden meaning don't find beginner-focused articles useful! Full story at 11!

heheh

Beginning player articles need more not less explanations and so ... statements without whys are considered bad form... news at 11.

 

[The Little Raven]

Beginning player articles need more not less explanations and so ... statements without whys are considered bad form...

I disagree. Information glut is a huge problem with beginning players, especially one with access to DDI and its overwhelming number of character options. When learning this game, most adult players I've inducted have wanted to get a bit of information on what would be good for them to do (without the why) so they can jump in and learn on the go.

 

[Runestar]

I am fairly sure that the CO board members could write articles that are intuitive and easy to understanding, without compromising on the integrity of the builds.

If the beginning players (supposedly the target audience) are going to take the advice inside at face value, then may as well ensure that the information contained within is of highest quality, right?

The thing is, even without mathematical proof, if I am to choose between 2 characters, both of which are almost identical but one has a slightly better attack rating due to better optimisation of feats, why wouldn't I take the better one? I certainly see no reason to say no to better stats overall.