I don't quite understand milestones

[Mengu]

I'm curious if anyone else is using the "Varying Action Point Rewards" rules or if they are sticking to the every other method. Which method do people prefer?

We are using RAI. There are so many powers and abilities that key off action points, that I'm afraid we might break something if we muck with those rules.

For instance, a lot of feats seem to be designed around an ability coming into play once every other encounter. For instance feats that trigger something on a critical happen one out of twenty times. If each combat encounter is around 10 rounds, this comes out to an average of once every other encounter. Human feat Action Surge gives you a bonus based on action points. Many of the +1 damage feats will likely make the difference between dropping a monster and not about every other encounter. Most armor/shield proficiency feats essentially give you a +1 AC, which will come into play once every 20 attacks made against you, which feels like is in the ballpark of once every other encounter for most non-defenders.

With this sort of design philosophy in mind, and how heavily action points are incorporated into the system, I really wouldn't want to change rules for action points. I'm not one to shy away from house rules. But action points are one area I wouldn't touch.

 

[Jack Colby]

I had assumed it was every 2 consecutive encounters without a rest. In other words, after two encounters you reach a milestone, then after two more you reach another milestone, etc. Once again, I guess they could have worded it better (or asked for proofreading outside of employees and playtesters already familiar with the rules, but I digress...)

Early on, pre-release, I had gotten the idea that the DM could set milestones wherever he or she pleased, to fit the adventure. I guess there is some leeway in the final rules, but not as much as that. Too bad, since I like the idea of the DM and adventure setting appropriate milestones, rather than just every 2 encounters like clockwork.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Early on, pre-release, I had gotten the idea that the DM could set milestones wherever he or she pleased, to fit the adventure. I guess there is some leeway in the final rules, but not as much as that. Too bad, since I like the idea of the DM and adventure setting appropriate milestones, rather than just every 2 encounters like clockwork.

The DM can ... under varying action point awards, DMG p123

 

[Lurker37]

It seems to me that we're arguing whether the phrase 'For every two encounters' means 'every second encounter' or 'every encounter after the first'. (Assuming the DM isn't using any of the rules to further modify this sequence.)

First of all, 'every encounter after the first' is so clear and simple that the fact milestones have not been described that way is in and of itself a hint that this is not the intended meaning.

Secondly, the word 'milestone' indicates something happening at equal intervals, just as the old roadside markers used to show distance travelled. Again, this is in favour of every second enconter.

Let me put it this way. I get paid $X per hour. I cannot claim $X for every minute I work after the first 59.

 

[fuzzlewump]

Let me put it this way. I get paid $X per hour. I cannot claim $X for every minute I work after the first 59.

Behold, and understand why the original poster's interpretation is incorrect.

 

[MerricB]

For every two apples you pick, I will give you $1.

You have picked 10 apples. How much money do I give you?

Cheers!

 

[blargney the second]

*surreptitious thievery attempt on MerricB*

 

[No Name]

In all fairness, the previous two examples ($$/hour and $$/2_apples) do not match the milestone text.


-For every two apples in a row you pull off the tree without resting, I'll give you $1.

-For every two consecutive hours you work, you'll get paid $X.


Those, I believe, are closer approximations.


It's just poorly worded. I agree that the intent is probably 1 ap every other encounter unless modifications are needed, as several of the previous posters have stated. It just made little sense when I originally read it from the book. I didn't think much about it until I realized that my interpretation didn't match the consensus.

 

[MerricB]

In all fairness, the previous two examples ($$/hour and $$/2_apples) do not match the milestone text.


-For every two apples in a row you pull off the tree without resting, I'll give you $1.

That's pretty much the text in the DMG.

Note that the text in the PH ("when you complete two encounters without stopping for an extended rest") means that you get it when you finish your second encounter, but not after the third, fourth or fifth!

Cheers!

 

[No Name]

Maybe it's just the way game designers think. I'll see if I can find that book "Game Designers are from Mars, Players are from Venus." Might help.