Do you use minis?

[diaglo]

and one of the few things i like about this edition.

 

[Bagpuss]

We occasionally use them generally only for larger battles, but I am moving towards using them more often. I do love to paint minatures, but I wouldn't say I love them.

They are great for wargaming, but the use of minitures tends to remove some of the suspension of disbelif for me. Its not IC to pick yourself up by the head and move yourself 6 inches toward the plastic orc standing on a battlemat.

 

[DDK]

Heck, the cover of the original D&D books (1974 boxed set) says:

"Playable with paper, pencil, and miniature figures"

Move rates were always given in inches.

Hex outdoor maps were from wargaming. Facing diagrams in previous editions were from wargaming. Face it, people, D&D is just getting back to its roots ...

Yeup. D&D was derived from wargames that were getting a little 'dull'. One of Gary's friends decided to try something 'a little different'. At least that's the history I know from Arneson, as written on Game Spy, IIRC.

 

[Dr. NRG]

For those who don't use them (or some substitute like counters), do you do AoO? Do you use flanking? If so, how?

We use mini's or counters for every battle. I have trouble imagining how 3E combat rules (as written) are usable without them.

NRG

 

[Bagpuss]

For those who don't use them (or some substitute like counters), do you do AoO? Do you use flanking? If so, how?

We use mini's or counters for every battle. I have trouble imagining how 3E combat rules (as written) are usable without them.

NRG

Just use common sense, you charge a creature with reach, they get an AoO, if a creature has recently attacked you in melee you suffer an AoO for stuff like casting spells etc (unless you say your stepping back).

If two creatures come at you from in front it then the first round they arn't flanking the second round they are. Unless you state your manuvering to avoid it, if you do they can still flank but one takes an AoO for having to move more the 5ft to get into position.

If they approach from the sides then they can flank first round.

 

[Psion]

Another poll with lack of the appropriate choices.

I use them WHEN WARRANTED. If I tried to draw out every map for every minor conflict, it would slow the game down.

Further, the use of the term "miniatures" is a little vague. PCs use miniatures, but NPCs/monsters I very typically use Fiery Dragon counters for.

 

[Arnwyn]

Why do some of these polls have such ridiculous description text? Can there be no middle ground?

My answer is "I use counters" (so I ended up voting yes for the lack of a better choice - however, I do not "love" minis). I use minis for the PCs and NPCs (and major villains), and I use dice for monsters and schmoes. I will never buy a monster mini.

 

[jdavis]

occasionally we will do a rough sketch of the battle on a piece of scrap paper and then put the characters initials where they are standing when the battle starts and a x where the monster is. Then we decide what we are going to do and throw the piece of scrap paper away. Using minatures or counters or any other sort of physical markers would just slow combat down for us, we just sort of play it by ear and wing it, most combat doesn't last more than 3 or 4 rounds for us anyway. Rules based on mini's will annoy me, we will just gloss over them and do it the same way we have always done it before.

 

[officeronin]

I agree there should have been some other options. We use a few miniatures, counters, coins, etc. So, I put a "yes" vote in. The miniature for my PC is a 3/4" rubber duck. I've also used a cigarette butt, the suction cup dart from a toy gun, a broken rubber band, and cut-up post-it notes.

OfficeRonin

 

[KnowTheToe]

LOVE-EM

but I will be the first to admit, they can change role playing into a more tactical game, but since many people who play D&D LOVE power and want every special ability the human mind can come up with, then you need minis to give consistancy to combat.