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  1. cmbarona

    Making combat more challenging: increase monster level or monster number?

    Hmmm... I'm quite interested in this concept of keeping same-level defenses. Is this spelled out anywhere in the MM2 explicitly? Or is it more of an implicit design assumption based on their stats? I haven't done a stats comparison of my MM2 yet, and I'm at work, so that would have to wait. :)...
  2. cmbarona

    Why do DM's like Dark, gritty worlds and players the opposite?

    Agreed. I think poor DMing can take just about any form and happen in just about any world. These interactions of variables also hinge on different ways of defining poor DMing: "gotcha" moments, forced bad choices, and railroading are all things I can think of off the top of my head that both 1)...
  3. cmbarona

    Why do DM's like Dark, gritty worlds and players the opposite?

    Well... While Snoweel is on hiatus, I should quickly attempt to clarify the analytical point he was trying to make. Correlations do not imply causation. BUT, in the world of statistical analysis, it is assumed that a strong enough correlation still has SOME underlying cause. Let's assume for...
  4. cmbarona

    How meticulous can the planning be in a six-second combat round?

    This is a fantastic question to ask, because if they're a dedicated group of adventurers, I can guarantee that the characters would discuss tactics outside of combat. After a level up, it might be fun to discuss the new tricks/spells/prayers everyone has been engineering/studying/contemplating...
  5. cmbarona

    Making combat more challenging: increase monster level or monster number?

    I hear a lot of people advocating for using traps/hazards. That's all good and well, but I honestly consider that to fall under the "more monsters" category since they are treated like monsters for the purposes of incorporating them into encounters. Or am I misinterpreting the intent of these posts?
  6. cmbarona

    Why do DM's like Dark, gritty worlds and players the opposite?

    I can attest to having a fantastic GM in a dark world, namely Vampire: the Masquerade's World of Darkness. What made it grim wasn't players constantly dying. I was the only character to die, although that was a combination of a very rare "gotcha!" GM moment and a poor decision on my part...
  7. cmbarona

    Making combat more challenging: increase monster level or monster number?

    I'd agree. There seems to be an overwhelming majority of people not only voting but commenting for more monsters as opposed to higher-level ones. I may consider judicious use of elites, though, to counter some of the extremely legitimate concerns mentioned by Markn. Combat may take a bit longer...
  8. cmbarona

    Making combat more challenging: increase monster level or monster number?

    Thanks for the responses, everyone. The poll is already producing some good results, although I'll take the advice that it needs to be reworded and try to edit it. D3nt3: I'm afraid you missed the point of my question. Contriving my encounters to eliminate the possibility of a short rest isn't...
  9. cmbarona

    Making combat more challenging: increase monster level or monster number?

    A quick question from the DMs perspective. When designing encounters, I like to challenge my players. I notice that the standard encounter (Level=N) is a bit of a pushover for experienced players, so I'd like to create a bigger challenge for them. However, I'm worried about taking this to an...
  10. cmbarona

    elf rouge

    You'll want to check out two chapters in particular: Chapter 9 for Combat (read this all the way through) and certain portions of the Classes chapter (in particular, the introduction where they explain the layout and the Class Features section of the Rogue). From these, you should be able to get...
  11. cmbarona

    How were you introduced to RPGs?

    I had always been into sci-fi and fantasy type games, but I think the earliest one I played and actually got into was Phantasy Star IV for the Genesis. Sadly, none of the other PS series has lived up to that standard. My first introduction to tabletop RPGs was through college friends in the...
  12. cmbarona

    Gamers in the Workforce

    "Other" here. Clergy, United Methodist.
  13. cmbarona

    Thought exercise: Could the Ranger be a martial controller?

    I stumbled upon this thread recently: http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19741874/Martial_Controller_Compromise_The_Ranger This has given me food for thought. Is there some way the basic class features of the Ranger can be reworked so that it's a controller at heart? Or are their...
  14. cmbarona

    D&D 4E Two Camps of 4e Players (a rant)

    Huh... it sounds like your'e complicating things for yourself. So what if you need to write down the text of your powers? Is memorizing Xd6 for Fireball, where X equals your level, any more difficult than simply figuring it out before the session and writing it down? It sounds like your group is...
  15. cmbarona

    Warlord equipment advice

    Dude, chill out. I don't agree with the ruling either, but he's still a good friend. If he comes around and changes his mind later, fine. In the meantime, I need to figure out a viable (i.e., cheap) alternative. Hopefully a Dynamic weapon will fulfill that role.
  16. cmbarona

    D&D 4E 4E Class Survivor - Round 6

    Heh... As someone who proudly plays an Inspiring Warlord, I have to admit having a "Henchman" similar to the Beastmaster Ranger build would be freaking sweet. :)
  17. cmbarona

    D&D 4E 4E Class Survivor - Round 6

    I have to confess, the lack of this is what fuels my vote. I just don't get the Warden, partly because there isn't an iconic character associated with it. Similarly, I don't get the Invoker (who I will likely vote for next round), and I think Gandalf is a poor character on which to draw an...
  18. cmbarona

    D&D 4E 4E Class Survivor - Round 6

    Please just die already, Warden. I just don't get you. I'm puzzled about the leaders as well. I guess they require a mindset that doesn't appeal to most players. It certainly appeals to me, though. *shrug* At this point, it's easy to see we're going to end up with a striker winning. The real...
  19. cmbarona

    Warlord equipment advice

    Hmm... my DM nixed the Grasping power at a range. Looks like Dynamic will be my next javelin upgrade. At least then I have a utility item; need a hammer? Got one! Knife? Here you go! Etc...
  20. cmbarona

    Warlord equipment advice

    Edit: changed the title of the thread to better reflect the category of advice I'm requesting. So, now that I've settled on the Greatspear, I'm curious about other good items out there to put on my wish/buy list. I just got a set of Stormscale Magic Armor +4, so that could use a better...
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