Why doesn't 3.5 make SENSE?

[pemerton]

in 4e, all is sui generis -- Radiant Blah exists because of a need to balance against other powers of that level and frequency of use for other classes, to fire up this ability against that defense. It's NOT trying to simulate a myth or a story in pulp swords & sorcery, or a historical/war gaming reality -- it's trying to create a balanced game, with a fantasy setting.

I agree in part, but think you're underestimating the extent to which the 4e gameplay is intended to give a fantasy RPG experience. In this respect it's different from Magic: The Gathering, where the fantasy colour is very much subordinate to the gameplay. But even in Magic the colour is not irrelevant.

Foes says, "Wait, I can attack with my sword using a CHARISMA modified to hit if I take this power for paladin. How the heck can use Charisma to swing a sword?

One thing I like about STR vs CHA paladins is that I have a way in the game rules of distinguishing between Lancelot and Galahad.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

That's because the CMB rules essentially let you "take 15" on your grapple check, so if you can get one started you have a big advantage. It's the opposite of what I would have done, since I thought the problem with grappling was PCs could never get out of one.

...Yeah, not seeing it.

Grappling is simple. Strength+BAB (or for a monk, Strength+level, which is essentially just full BAB). Oh sure, you get bonuses if you're large, but I'm trying to find large PC races in Pathfinder and, what do you know, I just can't seem to glimpse any.

Thing is, your opponent's defense against it is Strength+BAB+Dex.

Oh, sure. If you've grappled them and they don't break free, you get +5 to keep grappling them. But, that +5 has no effect on their ability to break free - it just means you get to spend your turn keeping them grappled.

Seriously, could someone point out to me how monks become these awesome CMB gods, or how you get a free +15 to all your rolls? Because I really can't find anything like that. At all.

 

[Dandu]

Hey, just wondering, but does Freedom of Movement work differently in Pathfinder?

 

[DaveMage]

Hey, just wondering, but does Freedom of Movement work differently in Pathfinder?

Here's the Pathfinder spell.

 

[Dandu]

This spell enables you or a creature you touch to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that usually impedes movement, such as paralysis, solid fog, slow, and web. All combat maneuver checks made to grapple the target automatically fail. The subject automatically succeeds on any combat maneuver checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape a grapple or a pin.

Oh, bravo Paizo. Bravo.

 

[Dandu]

And why can't I delete double posts?

 

[coyote6]

And why can't I delete double posts?

The board has you grappled, and since it's much larger than you, you've got no chance to escape.

I would attempt to say something on topic, but the thread is about 3e not making sense, so I'm thinking nonsense is in fact on topic.

 

[haakon1]

Did you have fun?

Thanks for asking. It was more fun than NOT playing D&D, but I think I would have enjoyed 3.5 or earlier editions more.

I gave the DM a Pathfinder book -- he wasn't aware of what it is, but two of the players were.

It was mostly fun just to get back together again. This group hadn't met for two years (last seen in the World's Largest Dungeon in 3.5) because the DM moved 2500 miles and just moved back.

Only two us have played in between -- one a DM who runs 4e when he runs it, and me (who still DM's 3.5). The other guy with an opinion seemed nostalgic for 3.5, but two players seemed to have no interest in these issues, while the DM is a big fan of 4e making DMing easier and play more streamlined.

I believe the DMing could be much easier, from what he did.

But I also believe the rumors about the "grind", as our fight with a bunch of kobolds took dozens of rounds and 2 hours of play time. Partially because we were all stumbling over the rules, but also because the HP's are so much higher.

I'm not sure if I'll feel differently after 1st level!