Druid CR

[Nonlethal Force]

This is not how I do things IMC. IMC, the only way that a PC gets 300XP is if he or she actually defeated the animal alone. I always divide this up by the number of PCs - in my case, 7 - which comes out to about 43XP a piece. I already DO simple math in my XP calculations, I just don't want to let the numbers and math get in the way of playing the game for the reason I play the game...for the stories.

No, you're right here. That's how I do it. I guess I was too quick to jump up and defend math that I overstated my example. So ... 300 XP divided by 4 = 75 XP. [I used 4 because it would be an average party. If you are using 7, it becomes even more minute] That's a big difference, although still not insignificant.

I understand that you're defensive about your occupation, but I know few people in my life that enjoy complex mathematical problems. So, in my experience and in my opinion, most people would rather keep things simple (especially in a game) instead of having to write out formulaic equations to figure out exactly how much juice (XP) is in an orange (druid) and whether or not a slice of that orange (animal companion) is missing and if it really does matter.

Also a valid point. As I think consistancy throughout the campaign is more significant that the actual method. Personally, if a druid is worth Y XP and his animal companion is worth Z XP then I dont think it is difficult to do (Y-Z)/(# of players). But, to each their own. So long as whichever method the DM chooses I think it is most important to be consistant.

*shrugs* I apologize if my initial post was a bit harsh...i can be that way some times...but some people want this game to be more complicated than it needs to be and, IMO, that's what was entirely wrong with 2nd edition and other gaming systems.

I appreciate the apology, and reciprocate if necessary. And, I am in full agreement with your assessment of 2e. All that really needs to be said in support of an arguement against the mathematical complexity of 2e is THAC0. Sometimes I felt that I needed calculus to make sure I did THAC0 correctly!

I don't want to return to 2e. In fact, I like the ease of 3.x. However, I also enjoy that in some cases the streamlined nature of 3.x means that I can add complexity where I as a DM feel I want to add it. But, I fully respect a DM who says "I'd rather follow the K.I.S.S. rule" so long as they are consistant!

 

[Arknath]

Amen!

Glad we could clear the air!