Please cure my 4e illiteracy

[malraux]

So a level 1 PC doesn't need a 15 to climb a ladder and 10th level PC need a 25 to climb the same ladder. The PC isn't setting the DC. However, a ladder in a "level 1" zone is DC 15, while a ladder in a level 10 zone is 25, probably because its higher to climb, made of human bones, etc. If the level 1 ladder ended up shipped to the level 10 zone, it wouldn't become DC 25, mostly likely it would be ignored; its no longer a meaningful challenge to climb the 15 ladder unless there is a drastic chance of failure (since everyone can take 10 and they have at least a +5 from level).

More likely, in the level 1 zone, ladders are mostly available, while in the level 10 zone, the distances are too great to scale with a ladder and so the character needs to scale the rough wall. Even higher levels and the entire tower is made of glass and very hard to climb.

 

[Cadfan]

Even more likely, if you have an established "climb a ladder" DC that the players know and will be bothered when it changes, you shouldn't be using the improvisational DC chart.

 

[Remathilis]

Even more likely, if you have an established "climb a ladder" DC that the players know and will be bothered when it changes, you shouldn't be using the improvisational DC chart.

The most likely is that the PCs shouldn't assume the ladder that appeared with the lower DC is the same ladder with the higher DC.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

The most likely is that the PCs shouldn't assume the ladder that appeared with the lower DC is the same ladder with the higher DC.

Level 1 Ladder is a Halfling ladder, level 5 a human ladder, and level 15 a Giant ladder?

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Are we all clear on this now?

Thanks - that's a really clear explanation of how to use the chart.

 

[Nebulous]

Its just a glimpse into the game's assumptions about damage per level, with some advice on adjudicating stunts. You'd think it was either the second coming of the lord, or a cruel attempt by WOTC to force us to pay money to write our own RPG.

Oh, man, that was funny.

 

[ThirdWizard]

Page 42 makes a great Rorschach test, apparently!

 

[Mallus]

Page 42 makes a great Rorschach test, apparently!

It separates the people who want to play D&D from those who want to spend their time telling you how illogical D&D is (at least the current edition).

Which is funny, since every edition of D&D is illogical. And awesome!

 

[WizarDru]

Are we all clear on this now?

Well, I can't speak for other folks, but I know it's clear for me, now. Thanks, much. That's great stuff, really.

 

[Fifth Element]

Which is funny, since every edition of D&D is illogical. And awesome!

Agreed!