Storms of Change OOC Parts 1 and 2

[Thels]

Most PbPs don't work with XP, but with levels, which is probably why. The XP's seem fine to me.

Most dwarves I've seen in games are heavier than humans, which makes it silly to let them ride ponies. As for Ogres taking up 4 squares, do you think it's more realistic to let them take up the same space as a halfling does? Concessions have to be done to keep rules simple so gameplay can be more focussed on (which is why I like the rule that you can only ride mounts that are at least one size larger than you are, instead of using weight tables).

 

[silentspace]

The first two PbPs I joined used experience, so I guess I started to think that was the norm. The last three I joined don't use it though. I agree with you on the dwarf mount issue. That text threw me for a loop.

 

[mpickett81]

Most PbPs don't work with XP, but with levels, which is probably why. The XP's seem fine to me.

Most dwarves I've seen in games are heavier than humans, which makes it silly to let them ride ponies. As for Ogres taking up 4 squares, do you think it's more realistic to let them take up the same space as a halfling does? Concessions have to be done to keep rules simple so gameplay can be more focussed on (which is why I like the rule that you can only ride mounts that are at least one size larger than you are, instead of using weight tables).

I don't do much PbP gaming, what do you mean by "PbPs don't work with XP, but with levels." Since working with XP assumes the use of levels anyway, I need some clarification on how PCs go up levels... is it just when the DM says so?

Perhaps there should be a different mount invented for dwarves, then. As we know, the most basic ideas about dwarves and elves are ripped almost straight from Middle Earth, where dwarves do not normally ride horses. To me, the image of a dwarf riding a horse remains a profoundly silly one. A dwarf is simply too short and stout to be able to accurately control a horse. His legs would barely reach beyond the saddle, how would he use his spurs?

And as for the ogres... yes, I do think it was better when they took up the same space as a halfling. After all, these rules are already abstractions and large creatures have reach to separate them from smaller creatures. Making them take take up 20 sq feet is taking it too far, however. The idea of a 9' tall, 300 lb creature taking up that much space creates a lot of problems. Am I to believe that a creature this size has to squeeze its way through a 5' wide corridor? According to 3.5, this is the case. The only more unneeded change in 3.5 is the new weapon size rules.

 

[Verbatim]

All,

I am about to leave to go get my stepson from Ohio, but should be back tomorrow afternoon. I will post Dunathar's next move as soon as we all get resettled.

V

 

[Thels]

It's not really occupying, but more controlling. The halfling ain't taking up 5x5 feet. The Ogre simply needs a 10x10 feet area to make his swings.

Gimli DID ride a horse. Okay, he was sitting behind Legolas practically all of the time, but still. A nice breed for Dwarves is a Dire Wolf or Dire Boar.

As for XP/Levels, a lot of DM's don't give out XP, but simply say 'All players gain a level.' every now and then.

 

[Manzanita]

Just a note to say I prefer to get experience points as opposed to just leveling up. All the PbP games I've been in where leveling or experience points have been given have used Exp.

 

[mpickett81]

It's not really occupying, but more controlling. The halfling ain't taking up 5x5 feet. The Ogre simply needs a 10x10 feet area to make his swings.

Gimli DID ride a horse. Okay, he was sitting behind Legolas practically all of the time, but still. A nice breed for Dwarves is a Dire Wolf or Dire Boar.

As for XP/Levels, a lot of DM's don't give out XP, but simply say 'All players gain a level.' every now and then.

The amount of space a character controls is measured by reach. A character's face is only meant to show the space he's occupying, not what he controls. Thus, an ogre does have a larger area to make his swings, since he has a 10' reach. Again, the halfling takes up 5x5 largely because face becomes more and more abstracted the smaller a character is. Since 5' is the fundamental measuring unit of the game, anything smaller than medium is going to end up fitting into the rules less perfectly.

As for the Gimli thing, anyone can sit there and hold on while the other one does the work. My point is that if D&D dwarves really existed, they would probably be unable to ride horses effectively. I think dire boars or wolves would indeed be a better choice.

 

[silentspace]

The problem I had in the end with dwarves riding ponies is that the ponies are too weak to carry dwarves. Dwarves are wierd because they're medium size, but they only move at 20 ft, and WotC can't seem to make up their minds as to whether they ride ponies or horses. In 3.5 they decided they ride horses, so I'll go with that. Especially since dwarves can easily overload those poor little ponies.

As to face and reach, we're still using 3.0 rules. But the rules are just an approximation anyway. I think the rules should be interpreted pretty loosely.

When is 4.0 coming out?

 

[Verbatim]

All,

Just got back in, so am heading to the boards to get my move out.

Sorry for the delay from this side, but the roads were bad, and my wife got sick on the drive out and back. Motion sickness and snow = bad juju...

V

 

[Hurricain]

I'm going to be out of town for a while with limited access to the internet. So I will try to post when I can. Later.