D&D 4E 4e Knowledge

[xechnao]

Reading some info on some threads over here regarding skills it came to me, that 4e could explicitly treat knowledge as a kind of equipment one can seek to "buy" or better gain. Before entering an adventure location, knowledge could give for example a bonus to perception rolls among other things. And as cursed items it could also happen to provide penalties instead until misinformation is identified. Then there could be pieces of knowledge that one should need to have other pieces to "activate" them and these "pieces" should be of two categories: medium and subject. Moreover a medium could be activated after x period of dedication (ie reading a book-tome).

So what do you think?

 

[Hussar]

Sounds exactly like how knowledge checks are used now to be honest. Before you head off to that Chasm of Doom, you do knowledge checks to find out what kind of beasties you might face (thus allowing you to purchase items to better combat those), possible magic items or whatnot you might find and the like.

I'm not sure if I'm seeing the difference.

 

[xechnao]

Sounds exactly like how knowledge checks are used now to be honest. Before you head off to that Chasm of Doom, you do knowledge checks to find out what kind of beasties you might face (thus allowing you to purchase items to better combat those), possible magic items or whatnot you might find and the like.

I'm not sure if I'm seeing the difference.

Difference is rolling dice and the use of the skill point model (skills). I am saying that it could better follow an equipment model.

 

[GnomeWorks]

I am intrigued by the idea, but you don't give it a very thorough treatment in your first post.

Could you expand on the idea? Any ideas on how it would be implemented?

 

[Gloombunny]

He's saying that rather than having a number on your sheet that you roll based on to see if you already know something, you could spend some time and GP to gather relevant information on what you're about to do, and get the "I know this" bonuses that way.

 

[ForbidenMaster]

He's saying that rather than having a number on your sheet that you roll based on to see if you already know something, you could spend some time and GP to gather relevant information on what you're about to do, and get the "I know this" bonuses that way.

Isnt that just gather information? Granted GI is a lot less academic, but its the same fundamental action. I guess sort of comes down to the difference between socialising and using a library.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

If I am reading the OP right, the suggestion is to have characters seek out an old map of the Chasm of Doom and buy a journal written by Joe the Adventurer, whose buddies died in an attempt to pass the gate on the 5th level.... no "Knowledge" checks involved, just finding and purchasing 'things' that end up granting mechanical bonuses. Kinda like going out to buy a mountaineers kit before scaling the Cliffs of Doom...

That way the oddity of everyone having 1/2 skill level in the Knowledge skills does not destroy the plot device of 'go speak to the wizard in the green tower to learn of....'
{in the most simplisitc terms, of course}

Very insteresting idea.. and would fit into a skill challenge concept nicely with the group attempting to scour the town for 'I know stuff' items to assist them.

Perhaps call them 'IKS'

 

[redsand26]

Difference is rolling dice and the use of the skill point model (skills). I am saying that it could better follow an equipment model.

I really like this idea. This "equipment model" gives players more roleplaying options that don't necessarily require a roll. I can say I agree with this. It seems to me 4e has cut out alot of the number variance resulting from rolls and really homogenized the system (standardized hp level gain, max damage criticals, etc). It would be good to see this sort of change in the knowledge checks as well, (either you have the knowledge selected or not) All checks wont be based on strictly on d20 + knowledge bonus but rather if your character is particularly knowledgeable in that area. Anyone else like this idea?

 

[TerraDave]

I see this as the "sage" model, that has technically been part of D&D for a long time. (as in going to a sage, paying him, and him telling you stuff).

Nothing wrong with that, but I liked the way that 3E let you be your own sage. From what I see with 4E, there are no knowledge skills, but knowledge checks are rolled into other skills, so you can still know things on your own(we don't about things like divination).

Things like maps, journals, and so on seem more like things the DM has PCs find then things the PCs themselves would go out and seek.

But of course there should be a way to get knowledge from others--sages.

 

[Cyronax]

I see this as the "sage" model, that has technically been part of D&D for a long time. (as in going to a sage, paying him, and him telling you stuff).

Nothing wrong with that, but I liked the way that 3E let you be your own sage. From what I see with 4E, there are no knowledge skills, but knowledge checks are rolled into other skills, so you can still know things on your own(we don't about things like divination).

Things like maps, journals, and so on seem more like things the DM has PCs find then things the PCs themselves would go out and seek.

But of course there should be a way to get knowledge from others--sages.

All points in this thread rock. I may add this sort of thing into a house rule for 4e.