PC vs. PC XP

[freebfrost]

Luckily I'm not as restrained as Infiniti, so I'll bite:


Why was your druid opposed to skinning the wolf?

Because it was a slaughter, not a hunt.

Two small human children were treed by two wolves. I Entangled one, but the other got out and attacked the party. The sorcerer and rogue (?) brought that down, and I was trying to figure out a way to get to the children and avoid the trapped wolf. The scout's player suggested that it was likely frightened by the spell and one arrow hit it had taken, and I hoped I could use my Animal Empathy to convince it to run off, so I dismissed the spell. I failed my AE check, but on the very next action the ranger shot the wolf dead.

I considered how she would take that for the RP value, but decided that while it would be upsetting to her, it wasn't something that she would blow up over - the wolf didn't understand her after all, and it was an unfortunate circumstance.

However, going up to the bodies afterwards and skinning them was something she would get worked up over. Not to mention the witches never enjoyed the trappers' methods and means and actively opposed them when possible (information which I took from the ranger's background incidentally.)

My thought was that I'd sic my companion on him to Trip him and I'd go up and try to subdue him while the companion kept the other's away so we the nature types could have a little face-to-face and see what natural selection would decide... It sounded like a really cool opportunity to work our mutual backgrounds together and have a great RP situation.

Then the sorcerer's player felt compelled to attack my pet. So, he became the target too. It escalated from there.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I already used Healing to stabilize the party after the fight and gave the scout some Goodberries the next morning too.

"Here, let me pull my sickle out of your chest. Some healing should make us friends, right? Nice to meet ya."

 

[October Raven]

Well....

Because it was a slaughter, not a hunt.

Some could consider hunting, even for food, to be slaughter as well.

Still, just because it wasn't a hunt doesn't justify the druids actions IMO.

 

[Dimwhit]

I would totally award XP. I think it's well deserved.

 

[freebfrost]

Better question: "Why is this thread in the rules forum?"

If you think you know the answer to that question, then try the next, "And of what rules bearing is knowing the motive for the PvP?"

Because this isn't intended to be a question about my RP choice in the game, but the rules (if any) that would cover this situation.

I am trying to get my mind around how I would deal with such a situation as a DM, and wanted some input on the mechanics involved in this situation, not a dissection of how my character is not playing nicely and just walking up the party and having the dull old standby "I notice your party has no druid. You look trustworthy!" conversation.

I want to know what other think about the mechanics of whether or not to reward XP for this situation. Does this count as a "challenge." If so, why? If not, why not?

 

[freebfrost]

Some could consider hunting, even for food, to be slaughter as well.

Still, just because it wasn't a hunt doesn't justify the druids actions IMO.

That's nice. IMO (which is the only one that matters as her player) it does.

I'm not asking for validation of her actions - that is my choice as a player. I am asking for a rules interpretation of when to award XP, and how that applies to this weird situation.

 

[DanMcS]

I would not award experience for beating other PCs in combat. There are no rules to back me up on this, or to back up the other PoV, save the fact that if you're trying to foster a cooperative atmosphere, awarding experience for that combat would not do so.

Motives don't matter.

 

[ZuulMoG]

That's nice. IMO (which is the only one that matters as her player) it does.

I'm not asking for validation of her actions - that is my choice as a player. I am asking for a rules interpretation of when to award XP, and how that applies to this weird situation.

I hate to break it to you, but other's opinions on your PC's actions DO matter. Just as a Paladin must obey a code of conduct, just as a monk must fit within a certain pattern of behavior, all divine spellcasters must listen to the voice of a higher authority. In the case of a druid, it is both nature and their diety.

Leaving a slain animal to rot is a waste of nature's resources. Acting to prevent another from making use of a slain animal, to prevent that death from being a complete waste of life, is against the druidic code, not supportive of it. Not only would I not award XP's to your PC for her decidedly out-of-character actions, I'd levy a substantial penalty, and probably deny spell access and have her own animal companion either turn on her or abandon her, until some form of atonement was made.

If you want to play a spellcaster with a pet that has no rules to follow, re-roll as a sorceror and summon a familiar. Druids do not seem to be your bag, baby.

EDIT: Also, how did your party's entirely useless walking fireball wand hit upon the idea of not choosing Sleep as a 1st level spell? Your attack should have ended before it began.

 

[freebfrost]

"Here, let me pull my sickle out of your chest. Some healing should make us friends, right? Nice to meet ya."

It's rather more like, "I attacked you because I believe this to be right. I have healed you because it would be wrong to kill you for your ignorance. Let me help you understand how you have wronged Nature."

Then this thing called dialogue happens, and we as players all get to figure out how our characters can get along...

It seems expecting that is considered preposterous in this discussion.

And that is something that I just don't understand.

:\

 

[freebfrost]

ZullMoG, Are you running my character?

Do you know anything at all about my character - her background, motives, upbringing, gods, alignment?

No?

Then why do you feel compelled to try to get me to change how I run my character?

And I think I have more than enough experience to run a druid, thanks!



(For the record, the sorcerer chose not to cast his Color Spray. Why? I have no idea.)