Advantage

[Agamon]

I like the mechanic, but not the name. From playtest reports, it sounds like quiet people aren't left behind the noisy people, but "advantage" implies that roleplaying gives you an advantage over those who don't, even though those who don't can get a bonus from the mechanics.

I'm at a loss as to what else it could possibly be called though.

 

[Yora]

I think a sidebar in the DMG of 3rd Edition called it "The DM's best friend". Assigning a + or - modifier of 2 or 4 to a roll, when you think the situation makes the action easier or harder than under normal circumstances. Being able to describe what specific arguments you want to make in a negotiation would be one case of such favorable situations.

 

[JohnSnow]

I like the mechanic, but not the name. From playtest reports, it sounds like quiet people aren't left behind the noisy people, but "advantage" implies that roleplaying gives you an advantage over those who don't, even though those who don't can get a bonus from the mechanics.

I'm at a loss as to what else it could possibly be called though.

"Circumstance bonus."

 

[Blacky the Blackball]

I'm guessing that the reason for that name is that it is an extension of 4e's "Combat Advantage" into non-combat situations.

Having "Advantage" in combat may allow various characters to use special abilities, and having it out of combat may do the same.

I'm also guessing that there may be abilities that reliably grant "Advantage" as well as being able to get it situationally via roleplaying.

 

[Buugipopuu]

The problem with giving out bonuses to players who make good descriptions.

 

[soulcatcher78]

"Circumstance bonus."

I prefer this term over Advantage, if for no other reason than eliminating the perception that one player is doing a better job than someone else.

I've always allowed bonuses based on set up (whether it's something said in character (i.e. taunts, etc) to something more tactical (i.e. barricading the door and getting some attack bonuses while something tries to get through)). Being able to do this on the fly keeps the action moving and the players engaged IMO.

 

[Sunseeker]

While I have long rewarded my players for being descriptive while playing, something about the word "advantage" bugs me. It feels like the game is saying "this guy is better than you, nyyaaah!" And I usually keep these bonuses out of combat, I don't care how well someone describes how they attack. Dunno, something just rubs me wrong. Feels like the game is trying to DM for me.

 

[Serendipity]

I've always done this in games I run, with the implicit table understanding that really overly complex descriptions may not come off quite as intended.
What kills it for me is the image of people prairie dogging out of their chairs screaming "ADVANTAGE!!!" whenever they want to take, well, advantage of this.
Circumstance bonus or circumstance modifier works just fine, circumstance advantage if they REALLY have to use that word in there somewhere.

 

[Sunseeker]

I've always done this in games I run, with the implicit table understanding that really overly complex descriptions may not come off quite as intended.
What kills it for me is the image of people prairie dogging out of their chairs screaming "ADVANTAGE!!!" whenever they want to take, well, advantage of this.
Circumstance bonus or circumstance modifier works just fine, circumstance advantage if they REALLY have to use that word in there somewhere.

Yeah, that's part of what worries me about book-ruling in the idea that cool descriptions get special bonuses. If the book tells me to reward player creativity, that's fine. If the book tells Joe in no inspecific terms that he gets a +2 bonus every time he takes the effort to describe something, that's a problem. The last thing I want to happen is to be rules-lawyered into giving people bonuses for what really, they should largely be doing already.

 

[kitsune9]

I'm at a loss as to what else it could possibly be called though.

Operational Beneficial Situation Positive Modification Assessment