Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="Glyfair" data-source="post: 3681714" data-attributes="member: 53">I agree with this idea, and have been discussing off and on for a while.&nbsp; One of the biggest complaints about 3E is the complexity, especially where it adds to DM prep time.&nbsp; On the other hand, one of the biggest strengths is the options in character design (admittedly, one that can be abused when taken to extremes).&nbsp; At first glance the two issues are incompatible.&nbsp; I don't believe they have to be.One of the mantras I hear occasionally here is &quot;if it can be used by the players, it can be used against the players.&quot;&nbsp; That has been taken where now every single PC detail is expected in NPCs/monsters.&nbsp; I don't think it has to be taken that far.Personally, I'd like to see a paradigm where there are two levels of NPCs.&nbsp; One would be the &quot;PC&quot; level, with all that detail.&nbsp; The other would be the &quot;simplified&quot; level.&nbsp; Cut down on unnecessary details like skills, feats, etc.&nbsp; It doesn't even need to have any rules changes.&nbsp; Assume most higher level &quot;simplified&quot; NPCs have used many of their feats and skill points in things that won't come out in an adventure.&nbsp; Sure, that the guard at the gate to the enemy city has maxed out Craft (painting) and skilll focus might come up in the game.&nbsp; It's going to be rare, and is better left out and improvised during play.&nbsp; Sure, the John Cooper's of the world who need every single skill point spelled out for them will be annoyed, but I think it will make a smoother game.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Glyfair, post: 3681714, member: 53"] I agree with this idea, and have been discussing off and on for a while. One of the biggest complaints about 3E is the complexity, especially where it adds to DM prep time. On the other hand, one of the biggest strengths is the options in character design (admittedly, one that can be abused when taken to extremes). At first glance the two issues are incompatible. I don't believe they have to be. One of the mantras I hear occasionally here is "if it can be used by the players, it can be used against the players." That has been taken where now every single PC detail is expected in NPCs/monsters. I don't think it has to be taken that far. Personally, I'd like to see a paradigm where there are two levels of NPCs. One would be the "PC" level, with all that detail. The other would be the "simplified" level. Cut down on unnecessary details like skills, feats, etc. It doesn't even need to have any rules changes. Assume most higher level "simplified" NPCs have used many of their feats and skill points in things that won't come out in an adventure. Sure, that the guard at the gate to the enemy city has maxed out Craft (painting) and skilll focus might come up in the game. It's going to be rare, and is better left out and improvised during play. Sure, the John Cooper's of the world who need every single skill point spelled out for them will be annoyed, but I think it will make a smoother game. [/QUOTE]

Verification