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<blockquote data-quote="Starfox" data-source="post: 6179089" data-attributes="member: 2303">Basically, I agree with all of this. The quoted line is the crux of it - I namely that it changes what a class is from a building block for character design to a trope made flesh. The &quot;villain&quot; in this case is the hp mechanic. In a system where defense is handled through parry rolls and very few attacks connect but those that do are lethal (Rune Quest et al), there is no need for sneak attack damage - an attack that strikes an unaware opponent cannot be parried, and thus becomes lethal naturally. This is the effect Sneak Attack goes for. Really, everyone should be able to Sneak Attack, because any surprising attack cannot be parried. But that would make hp meaningless, and so DnD makes a special role/class out of it.Now, I personally think hp works out decently and see no need to change them - and such a change is not on the table for Next anyway. Therefore I am willing to accept Sneak Attack. The parry mechanic of RQ has it's own problems, and never become quite as heroic as hit points. If you want grim and gritty, parry as a defense works pretty well. If you want heroic play, something more predictable, like hit points, works better.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Starfox, post: 6179089, member: 2303"] Basically, I agree with all of this. The quoted line is the crux of it - I namely that it changes what a class is from a building block for character design to a trope made flesh. The "villain" in this case is the hp mechanic. In a system where defense is handled through parry rolls and very few attacks connect but those that do are lethal (Rune Quest et al), there is no need for sneak attack damage - an attack that strikes an unaware opponent cannot be parried, and thus becomes lethal naturally. This is the effect Sneak Attack goes for. Really, everyone should be able to Sneak Attack, because any surprising attack cannot be parried. But that would make hp meaningless, and so DnD makes a special role/class out of it. Now, I personally think hp works out decently and see no need to change them - and such a change is not on the table for Next anyway. Therefore I am willing to accept Sneak Attack. The parry mechanic of RQ has it's own problems, and never become quite as heroic as hit points. If you want grim and gritty, parry as a defense works pretty well. If you want heroic play, something more predictable, like hit points, works better. [/QUOTE]

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