D&D 3.0/3.5 is the Greatest! But How Come... ?

[Steverooo]

How come, with the standard now being that 1" square on the combat map is alway 5' across, how come movement and ranges are given in increments of 5', instead of simply giving them in "squares"? Wouldn't it be quicker and easier for, say, a longbow's range to be "20 squares", rather than "100 feet"? Sure, I know that not everyone who plays D&D 3.0/3.5 uses miniatures (or cardboard counters) and maps with 1" (5') squares, but those players who don't are the exception, not the norm.

This one is easy, and it goes back to wargaming... Not everyone uses a grid, nor the same size of miniatures. If you're using 25mm figurines, while I'm using 50mm scale, then my guys are twice the size of your. It also makes sense that my buildings, etc., are of equal scale, and my rule might be that one inch equals five feet, while you use 1/2. Also, if I don't use a grid, but instead set up a diorama or sandtable, then distance may be measured directly with a tape measure...

"Okay, you shoot at the Orc, and he's... six inches away... At one inch equals five feet, that's 30 foot range." While for you that may be 60 feet.

Leaving it in real world measurements is probably best. It isn't that hard to convert, and makes online play easier, too. If you gave units in squares, it would probably cause even greater protests from those who don't have miniatures (and/or don't want to use them).

 

[Steverooo]

Still?

they still use Fort save, will save, reflex save

They still do? 1e didn't have'm. It had saves vs. Poison/Paralyzation/Death Magic (like Disintegration), All other Spells, Breath Weapons, etc.

 

[diaglo]

They still do? 1e didn't have'm. It had saves vs. Poison/Paralyzation/Death Magic (like Disintegration), All other Spells, Breath Weapons, etc.

i was only comparing the last two editions in that statement.

but in truth you are right we can include saving throws in general. the watered down version in today's edition doesn't seem to compare sometimes.

i mean where is the save or die?