Hussar
Legend
Odhanan, you can get huffy all you like, but, it doesn't change the fact that this is bad design. The reason that SoD got reduced in power is exactly the same as the reason permanent level drain got stripped down in 3e. It's too powerful as it was originally conceived.
A single hit from a level draining monster could drop you 1-3 levels. That was huge. And the reward for facing this monster was pretty insignificant in relation to the risk. So, level draining got reduced in power, not removed entirely, just dropped down, in keeping with the power of other abilities.
SSSoD retains the threat without making it an instant kill.
You've explained how to use a SoD monster in an encounter. Fine. But, the exact same thing applies to SSSoD without the inherent overpowered mechanics.
Whenever this topic comes up I always ask the same question and never get an answer, so, I'll try again.
If I designed a monster that, on a hit, did the target's hit points plus 11, would that be a well designed monster? Is that a good power to give to a creature? Now, if it's not a good power to give to a monster, how is it different than a creature with a SoD effect?
A single hit from a level draining monster could drop you 1-3 levels. That was huge. And the reward for facing this monster was pretty insignificant in relation to the risk. So, level draining got reduced in power, not removed entirely, just dropped down, in keeping with the power of other abilities.
SSSoD retains the threat without making it an instant kill.
You've explained how to use a SoD monster in an encounter. Fine. But, the exact same thing applies to SSSoD without the inherent overpowered mechanics.
Whenever this topic comes up I always ask the same question and never get an answer, so, I'll try again.
If I designed a monster that, on a hit, did the target's hit points plus 11, would that be a well designed monster? Is that a good power to give to a creature? Now, if it's not a good power to give to a monster, how is it different than a creature with a SoD effect?