D&D 4E JamesonCourage's First 4e Session

[D'karr]

These play reports are always fun to read. It looks like your group is having a real good time.

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

That's definitely the most creative use of a chess game I have seen in a D&D adventure. You certainly breathed new life into that trope, [MENTION=37609]Jameson[/MENTION] Courage!

 

[JamesonCourage]

These play reports are always fun to read. It looks like your group is having a real good time.

Thanks, I'm glad they're enjoyable We definitely are having fun with it!

 

[JamesonCourage]

That's definitely the most creative use of a chess game I have seen in a D&D adventure. You certainly breathed new life into that trope, [MENTION=37609]Jameson[/MENTION] Courage!

Thanks It sounded like a fun idea, and it turned out pretty fun. I vaguely remember reading about someone doing something similar with a D&D game at one point, but I don't remember the details. I don't think it had the pieces attacking players while a fight raged on, but I don't exactly remember all of it, either.

Regardless, it was a lot of fun. Shifting terrain, blocking squares that moved or pushed and attacked you, etc. Makes for a dynamic battlefield. Especially when you can climb it, jump from piece to piece, etc.

The giant's fight was fun, too, because he pushed people back several times and the saves to not fall off the ledge (10-30 feet) were pretty tense. Especially since he was targeting the healer (and crit on him both times he threw a lighting bolt at him). Good times

 

[JamesonCourage]

While prepping for my game tomorrow, something kind of important struck me: I'm tired of dealing with the magic items every level. The treasure portion. The enemies and skill challenges and plot and everything else is fun and creative for me. But the wealth is just killing me. I keep coming up dry on inspiration.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Comments? Similar feelings of "blah" at the thought of dealing with it?

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Agreed. It is, without doubt, the worst part of 4E but still infinitely better than the same issue with 3.xE where you also had to make sure the NPCs had the right level of equipment as well.

The first items my PCs get between levels 1-3 are all +2 items and, ideally, they're the min-maxed item for their character builder. Hit level 8? It becomes +3. I don't go past early/mid-Paragon.

I throw in some other items along the way - normally min-maxed for them - and healing potions on a regular basis so that they normally start each session with three (and we just use minor action = healing surge rather than whatever the real potion rules are). Alternative rewards are actually my preferred magic items, and I can simply change the name in the Character Builder to be more campaign-appropriate.

I'm fortunate that the players are more invested in their characters and the story so I can run it like this. And it saves me a tonne of work. I've got a new campaign with new players and I am planning to do much the same thing, but I am not sure if it is going to work with the MMORPG generation!

 

[JamesonCourage]

Agreed. It is, without doubt, the worst part of 4E

Damn. Depressing, haha.

The first items my PCs get between levels 1-3 are all +2 items and, ideally, they're the min-maxed item for their character builder. Hit level 8? It becomes +3.

I'm using Inherent Bonuses, so I'm not overly concerned about them getting their next Plus on time. The thing is, that means that I can either get them their next Plus (not that exciting... usually just slightly better on a crit for weapons, or a marginally better increase on another magic item), or I can get them an entirely new ability that they have to track (a new magic item). They already have abilities they never, ever use. Sure, sometimes something new will scream "THIS" for one of them, and that's cool. That's inspirational. But the rest of the time?

and healing potions on a regular basis so that they normally start each session with three

Yeah, I like to hand these out, too. Other consumables haven't been used, but these are useful, easy to pick, and used by my players. They're a good choice to hand out.

I'm fortunate that the players are more invested in their characters and the story so I can run it like this. And it saves me a tonne of work.

My players are invested in my story, too, and they always have been (every player, in every campaign, going back since I started GMing over ten years ago). So I don't worry about it too much. At the same time, I'm trying to run 4e pretty close to RAW, and after 10 levels, treasure is starting to wear on me. I think I know what I'm going to do, but we'll see tomorrow.

I've got a new campaign with new players and I am planning to do much the same thing, but I am not sure if it is going to work with the MMORPG generation!

I'm sure it'll be just as easy. I've played with players younger than me (I'm 29), and I'm close to the cusp of the MMORPG generation. Definitely grew up with video games in my house, and loved RPGs since forever (CRPG or TTRPG). Some of my players are more into MMORPGs than others (the oldest guy in my 4e group, who plays the dwarven Knight, is the most into MMORPGs, and before 4e, he hadn't played since 1e).

I dunno. There's something special about TTRPGs. Just run the game like you normally do, give gentle nudges if they try to do the "do you have any items that will help me on my quest?" thing too many times (one of my best friends asked this in-game once, much to the laughter of our other friends; I replied in-game and with a straight face, but it amused me, because it seemed so CRPG-inspired). I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm running two groups (one 4e, one not), and it's fine. Just have fun, and good luck!

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Agreed, mate. I've been doing this for 34 years and counting. The only difference this time is that it involves a different culture so it's finding the common ground that becomes the challenge. But if it works, it will be a lot of fun... and will lead to a lot more gaming because unemployment here is 60%+....

 

[JamesonCourage]

Oof, that sounds rough... Gaming is good for the wallet, if you want it to be, though. Buy a book, buy some dice, play for years.

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

Oof, that sounds rough... Gaming is good for the wallet, if you want it to be, though. Buy a book, buy some dice, play for years.

Not just that, it gives them all something to do that makes them think. I work from home most of the time so I see all these people lying around, watching the mindless local TV programmes, and basically just existing. Better they play D&D and improve their English skills, their problem solving skills, their numeracy, their literacy etc....

I've often thought D&D would make a great programme for prison inmates for the same reasons. (Not in the US, of course. That ship has sailed.)