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Message: <blockquote data-quote="IceFractal" data-source="post: 3573522" data-attributes="member: 27704">First off, props to Hussar - that's a point which often gets "conveniently" forgotten when people start talking about "the good old days" before powergaming or magic item proliferation.Secondly, my view on fudging is this - fudge the stats beforehand if you need to, but don't fudge what happens in gameplay.  So sure, give that troll king an extra tough hide and more HP - but once the battle starts, don't keep making his rolls "1 better than yours".  If the BBEG is that important, give them some action points, and make a note when they get expended - if they get away and return later, they'll be that much less lucky.  Why not fudge in gameplay?  Well, three reasons.  First off, it can very easily become a slippery path.  First you use it sparingly, but if you're not careful you'll end up giving random bandits nigh-godlike powers because you think the PCs should be more afraid of robbery.  Secondly, when you fudge things a lot, it disconnects players from having any input on the story.  Got a great plan to sneak past some guards - won't work, because the DM wanted you to fight them.  Prepare carefully for the BBEG?  Why bother - perfect strategy or random flailing will end up the same.  He's going to last for as long the DM finds it convenient.  And third - would you like it if the player's fudged their rolls "for RP purposes"?  Heck no, but they could probably make a good case for it:"Well, my character is very devoted to protecting his friends, so he wouldn't have failed that save against fear, because running would mess up his story.""I just don't see an expert mage like me fumbling that fireball - I think my backstory, which mentions my good concentration skills, is more important than some random roll.""Yeah, I didn't roll that critical, but the moment felt right for a decisive blow."You take this too far, and it isn't a game anymore, it's purely collaborative (or possibly argumentative) storytelling.</blockquote>

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