incognito
First Post
FYI: I do use a game map and miniatures
GameWyrd: See the thing is, I do tell my players about uncommon things that provide AoOs.
And I remind them about common AoOs once or twice durng the session.
However, this isn't really about AoOs, it's about the level of mechanics you want to get into with you players. I pointed out two specific, valid examaples of times when player's might not want to take an AoO that is thiers to take, and might deliberately provoke an AoO on themselves.
To this some say: Of course, I point it out every time! But how far do you take that?
Do you warn characters than moving more than 5' will prevent them from taking a full attack?
Do you warn a character that if he moves to a certain square he may put him self in a position to be flanked?
Do you remind the spell caster that he is running low on diamond dust for his favorite stoneskin spell?
Do you remind them also that the enemy rogues have evasion, so using a fireball may not damage any of them?
Do you remind fighters to attack defensively (or with expertise) when they are being attacked by creatures with touch attacks?(since thier armor will not count)
I say it again: 3E is a rules HEAVY, combat HEAVY system. Yes, you should remind the players of basics, but I will not babysit my players actions - I am busy managing my NPCs, both in combat and in story.
And you know what? I resent the implication that am hard on the characters, or that I am not focused on the role-play, or am somehow **against** the PCs.
Someone said you are there to provide you players with enjoyment. While this is very true, they are also there to provide ME with some enjoyment. And rattling off rule, after rule, after rule, ruins my enjoyment. Have some pride in your skill - playing the game in all it's aspect's not JUST the role-play.
That being said: The one thing I do think is wrong, is "hiding" AoO's from you players so that your "pet" NPCs get to complete some grand plan you have designed for them. No plan survives contact with the enemy, if my NPCs battle (or social) plan has holes (and they often do), then so be it.
GameWyrd: See the thing is, I do tell my players about uncommon things that provide AoOs.
And I remind them about common AoOs once or twice durng the session.
However, this isn't really about AoOs, it's about the level of mechanics you want to get into with you players. I pointed out two specific, valid examaples of times when player's might not want to take an AoO that is thiers to take, and might deliberately provoke an AoO on themselves.
To this some say: Of course, I point it out every time! But how far do you take that?
Do you warn characters than moving more than 5' will prevent them from taking a full attack?
Do you warn a character that if he moves to a certain square he may put him self in a position to be flanked?
Do you remind the spell caster that he is running low on diamond dust for his favorite stoneskin spell?
Do you remind them also that the enemy rogues have evasion, so using a fireball may not damage any of them?
Do you remind fighters to attack defensively (or with expertise) when they are being attacked by creatures with touch attacks?(since thier armor will not count)
I say it again: 3E is a rules HEAVY, combat HEAVY system. Yes, you should remind the players of basics, but I will not babysit my players actions - I am busy managing my NPCs, both in combat and in story.
And you know what? I resent the implication that am hard on the characters, or that I am not focused on the role-play, or am somehow **against** the PCs.
Someone said you are there to provide you players with enjoyment. While this is very true, they are also there to provide ME with some enjoyment. And rattling off rule, after rule, after rule, ruins my enjoyment. Have some pride in your skill - playing the game in all it's aspect's not JUST the role-play.
That being said: The one thing I do think is wrong, is "hiding" AoO's from you players so that your "pet" NPCs get to complete some grand plan you have designed for them. No plan survives contact with the enemy, if my NPCs battle (or social) plan has holes (and they often do), then so be it.
Last edited:
