Dealing with essential impossibility

[MithrasRahl]

Our DM plays in a very low-magic world. Magic items from the DMG cost 2-2.5 times more than they should, and we rarely find useful magic items, or even gold with which to buy magic items.

We had a recent encounter with 4 Iron Half-Golems, and the entire party almost died. The only reason we survived is because our resident power gamer happened to roll particularly well, and the DM rolled particularly badly.

After the combat, he laughed and said "These guys are only CR4! how crazy is that?"

...

Well, when all level 6 fighters should have access to +2 weaponry...

There is no real question here, unless it's "How do you say something without pissing your friend/Dm off?"

 

[Mort]

Our DM plays in a very low-magic world. Magic items from the DMG cost 2-2.5 times more than they should, and we rarely find useful magic items, or even gold with which to buy magic items.

We had a recent encounter with 4 Iron Half-Golems, and the entire party almost died. The only reason we survived is because our resident power gamer happened to roll particularly well, and the DM rolled particularly badly.

After the combat, he laughed and said "These guys are only CR4! how crazy is that?"

...

Well, when all level 6 fighters should have access to +2 weaponry...

There is no real question here, unless it's "How do you say something without pissing your friend/Dm off?"

The CR system assumes standard wealth, why not ask the DM if he's taking into account the fact that you guys have 3 times less than that? If he blows off the question, or says something to the effect of "be creative" you know it's not going to be a fun time.

It's usually best to express your dissatisfaction in a polite but direct manner - If it's left to fester things will just blow up later and lead to hurt feelings and loss of friendship.

 

[frankthedm]

There is no real question here, unless it's "How do you say something without pissing your friend/Dm off?"

Offer to run a game.

Not everyone agrees with the Edition of Entitlement wotc made 3E/3.5. If the DM comes in from another edition, how swiftly to hit modifiers and damge output goes up may sneak up on them.

Examine your options, DMs sometimes put in ways to defeat encounters with tactics, rather than Swing until the other side drops.

Also when low on gear, spellcasters need to buff before blasting.

Half golems are nasty though IIRC.

 

[mvincent]

The CR system assumes standard wealth, why not ask the DM if he's taking into account the fact that you guys have 3 times less than that? If he blows off the question, or says something to the effect of "be creative" you know it's not going to be a fun time.

Agreed. The DM is likely not aware that low-magic dramatically throws D&D's play balance entirely out of whack. By informing him of this (show him this thread if need be) you will be doing him a big favor i.e. making his life easier.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a low-magic campaign, but the balance issue needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, D&D did not make this easy. One possible solution might be to treat CR's as two levels higher than listed.

 

[Infiniti2000]

There is no real question here, unless it's "How do you say something without pissing your friend/Dm off?"

Why are you worried about angering him when he clearly is not worried about angering you? You should not be concerned unless you think there is a double standard in your relationship. The basic problem is that your DM is trying to run an advanced game without a firm grasp of the rules. If he did, he would understand CR better and the effects of such a low level of magic.

 

[Patlin]

Doesn't help with the lack of gold, but is he as restrictive on crafting? Maybe you ought to make up an artificer PC.

 

[mvincent]

Why are you worried about angering him when he clearly is not worried about angering you?

Geez Infiniti2000. Advocating for conflict as a resolution does not sound like wisdom.

So much for using this thread as a voice of reason that the player can show to his DM (i.e. in an effort not to create conflict with a friend).

your DM is trying to run an advanced game without a firm grasp of the rules.

CR 4 opposition doesn't sound very high level (or if you were using "advanced" to refer to the complexity of low-magic; new DM's often think to use that to reduce complexity).

 

[Infiniti2000]

Geez Infiniti2000. Advocating for conflict as a resolution does not sound like wisdom.

I don't think I'm arguing for conflict, just for a resolution. The only resolution I see is to point out the error to the DM, just like you are doing. Obviously, even discussing this issue is seen as a possible conflict by the OP, so any suggestions even to see this thread would be considered arguing for conflict by you. Maybe it is conflict, and if so, I say go for it because not taking the advice as you and others suggest here will be worse in the long run.

Does that sound less bad now, and more like wisdom? Really, I'm not suggesting they fight it our or anything.

 

[brehobit]

I'm of the opinion that overpowered encounters are fine as long as the PCs have option (some way to find out how nasty things are or just the option of running).

That said, it can be really annoying if the DM doesn't intend to be doing it...

Mark

 

[Moon-Lancer]

it really is anoying when a dm makes a low magic campain and gives them alot less gold, but dosent change anything else to balance out?

Why do dms do this? Is it the only way they think they can "win", or stay ahead? besides being a dm from 1e or 2e, what other facters creats dms like this? It really bugs me, and i wish to know more about these dms and what makes them tick?

anyone have any insights? keep us up to date MithrasRahl, K?