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<blockquote data-quote="Hussar" data-source="post: 5441957" data-attributes="member: 22779">Umm, for all the reasons I stated above?&nbsp; Because the SoD mechanics are exactly like an Orc with a +25 damage bonus?&nbsp; If the orc with +25 damage is broken, then why isn't a SoD 1 HD monster?&nbsp; (1e and 2e are chock full of them)Considering that Raise Dead is a 5th level spell, I would point out that Petrify is actually MORE lethal than something that kills you.Unless Pathfinder changed it back, there's a reason that 3.5 changed greataxe to falchion from 3.0.Don't get too wrapped up in the specific example.&nbsp; You want something better?&nbsp; Ok, how's this.Medusa is a CR 7 creature.&nbsp; Let's take a slightly smaller monster, a Troll, CR 5 (in 3.5 edition).&nbsp; Now, we add a +100 damage bonus to each of the troll's attack.&nbsp; Now he operates EXACTLY like a medusa.&nbsp; Just about the exact same chances of killing a PC.&nbsp; Is he a CR 7 creature?&nbsp; I totally agree that the orc or the troll are ridiculous creatures.&nbsp; Totally agree.&nbsp; But, why are they ridiculous when the medusa isn't?&nbsp; If granting super damage bonuses makes a monster ridiculous, why is it suddenly good design that a creature has an ability that deals instant death regardless of the strength of the target?See, your bit about the 1 in 40 chance for the orc is exactly my point.&nbsp; It's exciting to know that the possibility is there that you're going to get smoked by that really lucky roll.&nbsp; Even if that chance will almost never come up.&nbsp; The possibility is what makes it exciting.Now, change the chance from one in 40 to one in four or one in two and see how excited your players are.-----Let's be clear here.&nbsp; It's not that I don't like SoD therefore its bad design.&nbsp; It's bad design because IT'S BAD DESIGN.&nbsp; If it's good design to have monsters bypass hit points, then it should always be good design.&nbsp; It's not though.&nbsp; The idea of a +100 damage troll is ludicrous.&nbsp; No one would put that in a game because it's badly, badly broken.But, for some reason, a medusa has effectively a +infinity damage bonus and that's good design?</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Hussar, post: 5441957, member: 22779"] Umm, for all the reasons I stated above? Because the SoD mechanics are exactly like an Orc with a +25 damage bonus? If the orc with +25 damage is broken, then why isn't a SoD 1 HD monster? (1e and 2e are chock full of them) Considering that Raise Dead is a 5th level spell, I would point out that Petrify is actually MORE lethal than something that kills you. Unless Pathfinder changed it back, there's a reason that 3.5 changed greataxe to falchion from 3.0. Don't get too wrapped up in the specific example. You want something better? Ok, how's this. Medusa is a CR 7 creature. Let's take a slightly smaller monster, a Troll, CR 5 (in 3.5 edition). Now, we add a +100 damage bonus to each of the troll's attack. Now he operates EXACTLY like a medusa. Just about the exact same chances of killing a PC. Is he a CR 7 creature? I totally agree that the orc or the troll are ridiculous creatures. Totally agree. But, why are they ridiculous when the medusa isn't? If granting super damage bonuses makes a monster ridiculous, why is it suddenly good design that a creature has an ability that deals instant death regardless of the strength of the target? See, your bit about the 1 in 40 chance for the orc is exactly my point. It's exciting to know that the possibility is there that you're going to get smoked by that really lucky roll. Even if that chance will almost never come up. The possibility is what makes it exciting. Now, change the chance from one in 40 to one in four or one in two and see how excited your players are. ----- Let's be clear here. It's not that I don't like SoD therefore its bad design. It's bad design because IT'S BAD DESIGN. If it's good design to have monsters bypass hit points, then it should always be good design. It's not though. The idea of a +100 damage troll is ludicrous. No one would put that in a game because it's badly, badly broken. But, for some reason, a medusa has effectively a +infinity damage bonus and that's good design? [/QUOTE]

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