Is this fair? -- predict the general opinion

[Seeker95]

Most will view it as unfair, but for different reasons.

Some will feel it is unfair because it is a save-or-die with a ridiculously high DC.
(failing on a 19 means there is only a 5% chance of success, assuming a 20 always saves)

Some will feel it is unfair because it is an obvious DM-built temptation.

Some will feel it is unfair simply because it is a save-or-die.

Those who feel it is fair can reasonably argue that nothing forces a PC to pull the lever.

 

[Mycanid]

I think that many people would probably think it unfair.... Many of the reasons why I think so have already been given, so I won't repeat them here.

 

[ThirdWizard]

People will think it is unfair because it so obviously is.

It's kind of like "Is the Mona Lisa a good painting?" Sure, some people will say it isn't, but the majority say it is.

 

[Grazzt]

It will depend on peoples usual playing styles. Experienced hard core multiple editions gamers will find that the monk was needlessly careless.

Their thought will be along the lines of "Why didn't he just tie a rope to the lever and back up 50-100 ft. before pulling."



Players with less experience or used to be Dm cuddling will find it outrageous.

Their thoughts will be along the lines "How was I to know not to pull that lever? Nobody told me that. And what's going with that save, I rolled a 19 that should be an automatic pass vs. anything at the CR I'm supposed to meet"

Agreed.

I voted FAIR. My current group, me included, have been playing since the 1E days (started around 1981)...we still use the "save or die" stuff sometimes (not for everyone I know...but we are all cool with it)

 

[MarkB]

It sounds very much like this is intended to be, or to build towards, a commentary upon Question's insoluble-puzzle thread over on D&D Rules. If so, the given example is a little too over-simplified to apply directly to that situation.

As presented, it is a little too much the gratuitous 'gotcha' trick, so I'll assume people will tend towards recognising that and vote "unfair".

 

[Tsillanabor]

I think most will tend towards 'unfair' as would I-in most situations.

 

[Quasqueton]

It sounds very much like this is intended to be, or to build towards, a commentary upon Question's insoluble-puzzle thread over on D&D Rules. If so, the given example is a little too over-simplified to apply directly to that situation.

This poll and discussion (and the one to come) have nothing to do with Question’s thread in the Rules forum. It is not intended to be connected to or build toward that thread/scenario at all. The question of fairness/unfairness in encounter and trap scenarios is not new to the board. In fact, it’s not new to D&D discussions, even well before Internet message boards existed.

Quasqueton

 

[ColonelHardisson]

It seems fair to me. Risk, and it's attendant consequences, is what makes the game fun.

 

[Quasqueton]

It seems fair to me. Risk, and it's attendant consequences, is what makes the game fun.

Note this poll isn't asking whether it seems fair to you or not. Do you think it seems fair to others?

Quasqueton

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Note this poll isn't asking whether it seems fair to you or not. Do you think it seems fair to others?

Quasqueton

Oops. Sorry. I read the opening post, but got caught up in what I thought, rather than what I figured others would think. I almost said in my original post "but hey, I played 1e, so this stuff was expected." That's an important point. I think old-timers like me would think it's fair, while those more used to games that eschew "save or die" situations would think it's unfair. I'm going to say that those who feel it's fair are probably in the majority, even if not by a wide margin.