Action Points--How are they used?

[ForceUser]

I've noticed something interesting about action points in play. Among my players, more often than not, they are used not to perform daring feats of heroism, but to save one's bacon. By far, my players use action points to bolster low saving throw rolls. Distantly following that, they are used to increase low initative rolls and low skill checks on such skills as Tumble and Hide. I've even seen action points used to increase Diplomacy rolls while bartering for equipment. Rarely are they used to actualize bold maneuvers that place a PC in harm's way, Errol Flynn-style; instead, they are the ace-in-the-hole, the get-out-of-jail free cards.

Is this your experience as well, and if so, does it annoy you as DM? I'll be honest--sometimes, it annoys me. I like to see feats of derring-do. :\

 

[JoeGKushner]

Should be multiple choice. I've seen 'em used to make saving throws and to make jump checks when leaping upon the backs of giant flying bees!

 

[diaglo]

i use them up as fast as i earn them on frivilous things mostly.

 

[ForceUser]

Should be multiple choice. I've seen 'em used to make saving throws and to make jump checks when leaping upon the backs of giant flying bees!

Hence the catch-all "other" category.

Nice visual with the bees! That's what I'm talking about!

 

[Psion]

I'd prefer players use it to do (1). And I tried to introduce the "feat substitution" variant from UA because I feel it has real potential in this vein.

Pratically: 4 "Other". To kick butt. The single most used invocation of action points I see used is the extra attack.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I'd prefer players use it to do (1). And I tried to introduce the "feat substitution" variant from UA because I feel it has real potential in this vein.

Pratically: 4 "Other". To kick butt. The single most used invocation of action points I see used is the extra attack.

I was getting a lot of that too and then replaced the ability to do that with the feat from Eberron where it burns 2 action points to make that extra attack (and takes a feat.)

Slowed that down a bit.

 

[diaglo]

i prefer to play the game within the guidelines. i hat action/hero/whatever points.

i'd much rather just do the heroic things and use the stuff already on my sheet to determine success or failure.

 

[Hjorimir]

I've noticed something interesting about action points in play. Among my players, more often than not, they are used not to perform daring feats of heroism, but to save one's bacon. By far, my players use action points to bolster low saving throw rolls. Distantly following that, they are used to increase low initative rolls and low skill checks on such skills as Tumble and Hide. I've even seen action points used to increase Diplomacy rolls while bartering for equipment. Rarely are they used to actualize bold maneuvers that place a PC in harm's way, Errol Flynn-style; instead, they are the ace-in-the-hole, the get-out-of-jail free cards.

Is this your experience as well, and if so, does it annoy you as DM? I'll be honest--sometimes, it annoys me. I like to see feats of derring-do. :\

I've seen us use APs for heroics at times (especially on attack rolls we think are going to miss or a critical caster level check to overcome SR). That being said, the lion's share is definately in the 'save my bacon' category.

 

[ForceUser]

i prefer to play the game within the guidelines. i hat action/hero/whatever points.

i'd much rather just do the heroic things and use the stuff already on my sheet to determine success or failure.

Yes, but please stay on-topic. Everyone in the 3E universe knows how you feel about the game.

 

[JoeGKushner]

i prefer to play the game within the guidelines. i hat action/hero/whatever points.

i'd much rather just do the heroic things and use the stuff already on my sheet to determine success or failure.

But what will you do when in 3.75 they're part of the core rules?