Players: status quo or tailored?

[TheAuldGrump]

Both as DM, and on those rare occassions when I get a chance, as a player, I prefer a mix of both. Vileantherus the Green Dragon is CR15, and fixed, the guards that he intimidates into serving him are not, and can be tailored.. Mugg the bandit chieftan is fixed at CR 8, Einer, his thug, is not and is tailored to balance the situation. The big bad guy is fixed, but the encounter level is tailored.

The Auld Grump

 

[Quasqueton]

Most in this thread who have said they run status quo have then stated something along the lines of "I like my players to run into things they can't handle," which is perfectly in line with a tailored encounter.

I think what they mean is, they like it when it happens. Not that they intentionally make it happen. If they meant what you are reading into that statement, they'd have TPKs on a regular basis.

Quasqueton

 

[Klaus]

IIRC, the styles are:

Status Quo - The dungeon has undead, no matter if the party is all-rogue, or traps, regardless if they're all fighters.

Tailored - Minimize traps vs. rogue-less parties, minimize undead vs. cleric-less parties, etc.

I mix 'em.

 

[ThirdWizard]

I think what they mean is, they like it when it happens. Not that they intentionally make it happen. If they meant what you are reading into that statement, they'd have TPKs on a regular basis.

I don't see what it has to do with TPKs... I run more tailored, and I make it happen. Frost Giant chasing 6th level PCs on horseback is scheduled for next session!

Really, whether status quo or tailored, a player may never know which the DM is running if they're doing a good job.