Problem Rules - Help me out with this list of debatable rules.

[Artoomis]

I'm adding the Extended Heat Metal thing.

The two weapon fighting just doesn't look like a rules issue to me - the rules seem pretty clear. You get penalties for using a second weapon. As the issue was stated, I see no issue.

 

[Artoomis]

I am considering the final form that this list will take.

What do you guys thinks of this:

The question.

The issue(s).

What the rules do and don't say.

My Advice (Hey, when you put in the work, you get to be a little self-indulgent) This is my advice on the "best" ruling to make - based on rules, common sense, and what seems to me to be the "best" ruling.

Sage Advice.

Other D&D Designers Statement of Original Intent.

I intend for each question to be formatted in the same way. I hope to gather up Sage and other game designers' input (Monte, etc.) and then bundle it all up in a free PDF that we get posted on several sites as a reference for DMs and Players.

What do you think?

 

[CRGreathouse]

May advice: Put your conclusion last.

 

[ashockney]

In addition to rules questions, do we also want to be inclusive of rules debates? Particularly in the sense that many DM's may want to house-rule certain elements of the game, and it would be good to know all the house rules in one big document. For example...

The rule: The 6th Level Cleric Spell Harm

The issue: Overpowered when used against certain creatures/villians.

The suggesitons: Does damage only to size Large or greater, or implement a damage cap, or grant a Will Save, which if successful they suffer Inflict Critical Wounds damage, and if unsuccessful they suffer a full Harm effect.

This isn't necessarily a rule that's debatable per se, but it is something that many DM's rule zero for their campaigns.

 

[Artoomis]

I am thinking that advice on things like modifying harm will wait until after this current version is done. If it goes well and is well-recieved, I'll add in other bits and pieces to produce a pretty robust DM's guide to difficult rules. Maybe it will include the most popular house rules or something.

But one thing at a time.

 

[Artoomis]

Just a bump to keep this topic alive - I think I'll keep this one going for two weeks to get eveyone's input, then start work on the next phase of this little project.

 

[Hannibal Barca]

How about the infinite trigger power/body fuel loop?

 

[Cloudgatherer]

Just a bump to keep this topic alive - I think I'll keep this one going for two weeks to get eveyone's input, then start work on the next phase of this little project.

For two weeks? Why not work on a couple of the ones mentioned in the interim, or start a thread on one or two of the issues if that is what you are going to do?

 

[Artoomis]

For two weeks? Why not work on a couple of the ones mentioned in the interim, or start a thread on one or two of the issues if that is what you are going to do?

Oh, well, right! Good point. Okay. I'll start tomorrow.

How does this sound

"The Ulitimate Guide to Troublesome 3e D&D Rules"

 

[Gaiden]

I have to disagree about the clarity of the rules for TWF and not using the extra attack. IMHO I would say that so long as said PC has ambidexterity and does not use offhand as an EXTRA attack, he just mixes up his normal attacks with each weapon that there is no penalty. Ambidexterity effectively makes neither hand an offhand. If you did not have ambidex, the main hand would get no penalties, and the off hand would get penalties equal to just attacking with an offhand as if you were doing only that.

It simply does not make sense to apply TWF rules when you are not benefiting from the extra attack.