D&D 5E Open Letter to Mike Mearls from a pro game dev

[GMforPowergamers]

I like damage on a miss

I see not a single problem with great weapon fighting

my opinion carries as much weight as yours

Open letters are funny

I would love (Mr Mearls if you are reading this) a ranged version of the feat for archers...

My only suggestion is to go with a second stat instead of primary, I liked that in 4e... something like take damage equal to Con instead of Str on a miss... then the ranged one can be wisdom...

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I think if he knew the identities behind some of the screen names here, he might be somewhat surprised. And embarrassed, perhaps.

I have often wondered how many designers (say like Mr Mearls) are on here posting regularly, maybe even people we like or dislike, and we just don't know... the internet is very hard pin down like that...

 

[Rhenny]

Personally, I agree with the OP. I don't like the idea that an "at will" power/attack can do damage on a miss (especially at lower levels). Perhaps at higher levels it would not be as jarring to my sensibilities.

But, in the interest of inclusion, I don't see anything wrong with making it an option that can be replaced with other options as DM sees fit.

 

[Ahnehnois]

Well that was fast. One thorough, reasoned OP, and six pages of posts that don't even try to make a case to the contrary. I'm still waiting for a real answer as to what the other side of this argument is. Seems to me like logic and reason against spite and vitriol. A microcosm of many things, I suppose.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Well that was fast. One thorough, reasoned OP, and six pages of posts that don't even try to make a case to the contrary. I'm still waiting for a real answer as to what the other side of this argument is. Seems to me like logic and reason against spite and vitriol. A microcosm of many things, I suppose.

my answer may not 'look' as good, but it is based on me and my friends having fun around the table, no spite or vitriol... just wanting to have fun...

I like damage on a miss

I see not a single problem with great weapon fighting

my opinion carries as much weight as yours

Open letters are funny

I would love (Mr Mearls if you are reading this) a ranged version of the feat for archers...

My only suggestion is to go with a second stat instead of primary, I liked that in 4e... something like take damage equal to Con instead of Str on a miss... then the ranged one can be wisdom...

 

[doghead]

Ignore list longer.

Thread much shorter.

That's the only way to handle these situations.

I'm going to keep reading. I am still trying to work out if this is some form of very clever prank.

thotd

 

[ExploderWizard]

I've made all types of games, including RPGs. Table-top RPGs, no, but those obey the same set of logic and narrative consistency rules as do many other computer-based ones. Logic is universal, game design is not strictly limited to what type of processor it's run on (the human mind vs a multi-core GPU). Sure, the human mind is vastly superior in many ways, but what I can make a computer do in real time would make most DMs feel like the Reaper kicked in the door to the bathroom stall and said "time's up" while they were on the throne.

That you believe a computer rpg experience in any way translates to expertise in games run via human interaction is your first, last, and only significant point of failure. I will not be using damage on a miss regardless of what gets published but its inclusion as an option for those that like the concept won't break MY game so who cares?

 

[doghead]

Actually, I disagree. The whole thing is just an appeal to authority, so should be ignored. Either the arguments made are good ones and should be considered, or they are not and should not.

Yes. Thank you.

thotd

 

[KidSnide]

I too would prefer it if the great weapon fighting style that didn't employ a "damage on a miss" mechanic. (I think the mechanic would be OK as a feat or higher level fighter ability.)

But as an example of advocacy, the OP effectively demonstrates the dangers associated with hyperbole and arrogance (particularly in combination) and the importance of editing down your persuasive writing to only your best arguments.

-KS

 

[GMforPowergamers]

this thread:http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?347784-quot-Damage-on-a-miss-quot-poll&highlight=damage
shows that the break down is 40% for damage on a miss and 46% against... out of 268 votes 107 vs 122

how can anything be bad when that many people want it? At best have a side bar for options...but removing it seems to me (not a prof game designer) a bad idea that might make almost half your fan base upset.