Dragon's Tail Cut?

[AllisterH]

I'm not exactly convinced that "generic" names are best. Reason why I don't think so is also why so many people prefer having a generic name and that it makes it easier for a DM to change to suit.

Here's the thing though. If I'm trying to get new blood into the hobby, having generic names isn't going to cut it. Its much easier for an experienced DM to change "Dragon's Tail Cut" to "Wallop" and explain that to his players than it is for a relatively inexperienced DM to change "Wallop" into "Dragon's Tail Cut".

 

[hero4hire]

In my experience (31 years of RPGing) Inexperienced GMs have little problem with creativity, just how to represent them mechanically.

They have a tendancy to say "I want my bad guy to do this" and then try to find something that fits.

Experienced GMs on the flipside have a tendancy to know what they want to do mechanically first and then use thier storytelling skills to describe it.

Again this is my experience perhaps not a universal one.

 

[Korgoth]

And the name is gone: http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=14071597&postcount=22

Also, it seems most of the names won't be of the 9 Swords style.

That's good news.

 

[Wormwood]

I only hope that the designers respond to positive feedback as much as they do negative.

 

[Stalker0]

I only hope that the designers respond to positive feedback as much as they do negative.

One thing you learn about feedback is we humans tend to respond more readily if we have negative feedback than if we have positive. So when your surveying a customer base on a system like a forum, you have to realize the results are going to be skewed. Hopefully they keep that in mind.

However, I am very glad they are taking our feedback in mind. I fully believe that when it comes to mechanics, general feedback should NEVER be taken into account. We just don't have enough information, experience, and hands on feel with the system to judge its mechanics yet. However, when it comes to flavor elements, polling the forums is a great way to see if your names are cutting the mustard.

 

[Agamon]

Cool. There's some change due to internet response in action! Glad to hear it's been changed.

 

[Minicol]

From Rich Baker's blog:

It looks like they're going with Book of Nine Swords style move names. I know some people will view it as just extending the sorts of names they use for spells to other classes, and other people will say it's yet more evidence that D&D is becoming Exalted. What do you think?

Well, If I remember well, Conan the RPG named combat feats with references to Combat manoeuvers done by Conan in the books. So it could be done in traditional fantasy, even though this looks dorky on the whole, and unrealistic.

 

[The Merciful]

And the name is gone: http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=14071597&postcount=22

Also, it seems most of the names won't be of the 9 Swords style.

Great news!

Now, on to the next silly name... I have read something about Emerald Frost school of wizardy. I think the name should go.

 

[Scholar & Brutalman]

I believe you'll find that "Warlord" isn't exactly loved either...

 

[WhatGravitas]

I believe you'll find that "Warlord" isn't exactly loved either...

Compare the 'outrage' about "warlord" to this thread. "Warlord" gets discontent grumbling - and we know the name for quite a time. "Dragon's Tail Cut" produced a multipage-thread within one or two days.

And the Emerald Frost... well, I still liked the first implements article more, but that thread is still less active than this one, AFAIK (correct me, if I'm wrong).

Cheers, LT.