An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D blog

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mbeacom
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An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D blog

Post by mbeacom »

This list of questions will help you define your feelings on D&D. I'd be curious to see peoples answers. I'm not trying to start a debate, or argument. I'm just curious where people sit. Please no challenging of anyones answers, lest this turn into some sort of flame war. And no need to justify your answers if you don't want to. Here are questions in bold followed by my answers. And here is a link to where I saw the list. http://randomwizard.blogspot.com/2013/0 ... -game.html

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?

Could go either way, but I’ll fall in the middle. Races do not have to be classes, but only certain races can qualify for certain classes. For example, any race can be a fighter (though some will be more effective than others) but Dwarves for example can not be Magic Users.

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?

Yes.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?

Descending is best, but ascending is acceptable as long as it’s fully compatible with descending, e.g. Swords & Wizardry or Castles & Crusades.

(4). Demi-human level limits?

I'm perfectly ok with level limits being used as a balancing mechanics for races or classes that have more abilities

(5). Should thief be a class?

Absolutely. What is a “Rogue” anyway?


(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?


Yes, but they don’t get to spend points in them. What is this? Diablo?

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?


No they are not, since they would never survive past 1st level without a good fighter protecting their squishy behinds. One can’t exist properly without the other. They are yin and yang. Magic users can use spells. Fighters can use almost any magic weapons and armor. Both classes become less effective if those tools are taken away.


(8). Do you use alignment languages?


How else are you supposed to carry on a private conversation in the midst of potential enemies?

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?

XP for everything! But mostly for gold.


(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?

They’re all wonderful in some way but if I had to have one and only one (and couldn't choose C&C), it would obviously be Mentzer basic. (It has 36 levels, duh)

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?

Individual XP tables. Unifying XP tables pretty much killed any semblance of long term class balance in 3.0.
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kreider204
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by kreider204 »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?

No. I can't have a halfling thief?!

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?

Never really thought about it. I don't get that metaphysical in my games.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?

Ascending.

(4). Demi-human level limits?

No, hate 'em. Much prefer other ways to balance races.

(5). Should thief be a class?

Heck ya!

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?

Class skills, maybe some mundane secondary skills.

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?

Not until pretty high up there, maybe 10th level.

(8). Do you use alignment languages?

No.

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?

Gold, no; objectives, yes.

(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?

C&C :)

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?

Individual.

lobocastle
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by lobocastle »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?

Response: Yes, I believe that the Demi-human races are far less diverse than humans in terms of character classes.

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?

Response:No.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?

Response: Ascending is best.

(4). Demi-human level limits?

Response: I do not like level limits. Other ways should be found to balance classes.

(5). Should thief be a class?

Response: There should be a Rogue class.

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?

Response: Yes, I use background skills.

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?

Response: Yes, at around 10th level.

(8). Do you use alignment languages?

Response: No

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?

Response: XP for everything! But mostly for objectives.

(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?

Response: Rules Cyclopedia

(11) Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?

Response: Unified XP

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Dracyian »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?

No I like the idea that anyone can try to be anything they want, I however will very willingly concede that this doesn't fit all settings, I could imagine a setting where Elves aren't allowed any magic but dwarves have it in droves

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?

Yes.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?

I prefer ascending solely for the fact that it doesn't put a cap on the armor and then you can always have someone with a broken armor rating that can't be touch except by the truly superhero op characters

(4). Demi-human level limits?

I don't like level limits because I feel like someone is saying well guess what you only get this much potential and I always enjoyed the "hey lets go play pretend because we can do anything in pretend and real life sucks" lol

(5). Should thief be a class?

Forever and always, may not a player class for the ultra good settings but there will always be theives of some sort


(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?


Yes, gots to make those magic potion and items

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?


To me this question is like comparing apples to oranges, Magic is great for making apple sauce and oranges make superp marmalades


(8). Do you use alignment languages?


Nope, but that doesn't mean that people, sects and groups can't develop their own languages

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?

XP for questing and objectives, I could never justify how finding gold in a dungeon made you a better explorer


(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?

2e AD&D, its what I read as youngling as it was what my father played growing up

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?

Individual XP tables, it helps to balance out the classes

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by serleran »

1) Yes, and I prefer it that way. Of course, I give several "racial class options" so there is the Foe-Hammer and the Whisper but that's because I like it more than "dwarf fighter-cleric" or "halfling cleric-thief."

2) No.

3) Either. Don't care. Just math.

4) No. And yes. Depends on the game and whether it makes sense to level out abilities over a spread of several levels or "frontload" them.

5) No, it should be a career.

6) Not usually unless we want details that don't matter.

7) Yes if the DM allows the wizard to have their prime choice of spells. Starts at level 1 with sleep.

8) Yes.

9) Don't use XP... don't need XP for gold.

10) All of them are the same to me. They play.

11) Each class gets its own XP.

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Treebore »

Blak template for others to use:

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?



(2). Do demi-humans have souls?



(3). Ascending or descending armor class?



(4). Demi-human level limits?



(5). Should thief be a class?



(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?



(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?


(8). Do you use alignment languages?



(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?



(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?



Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Buttmonkey »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?
No. At least not the traditional race classes. ASE has a bug-man race-class. I wouldn't have a problem with something like that, but dwarf or elf as a class drives me nuts and feels too limited.

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?
To the same extent that humans do.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?
I grew up on 1E starting in 3rd grade, but ascending is absolutely superior. That is the greatest innovation in D&D since separating race and class.

(4). Demi-human level limits?
Worst idea ever. Well, one of them anyway. Demihuman level limits are about as fun as the NFL's ban on player celebrations.

(5). Should thief be a class?
I'm good either way. I wouldn't want to play a straight thief (fighter-thieves seem much better to me).

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?
Not on their character sheets.

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?
Eventually, maybe. I've never played to high enough levels that the wizards outpower the fighters noticeably.

(8). Do you use alignment languages?
No. Alignment languages are ridiculous. I like the idea that people of a certain alignment would speak about things using certain vocabularies. That seems analogous to how people speak differently about certain issues and values depending on their political bent. If someone tried to pose as a Tea Partier, for example, I imagine they would have a difficult time talking the talk over time when interacting with true believers (people can generally smell their own). But it would all be in Common. A separate language is just silly.

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?
XP for loot, killing things, and accomplishing things. I don't think I'd award XP on a per trap disarmed basis. That's not exactly right. Let me rephrase: I would never award XP on a per trap disarmed basis. Not sure why I was wishy-washy to begin with.

(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?
With just those choices, I'd say 1E, mostly because that's what I have the most experience with. B/X is a lot cleaner, but has race as class. I prefer retroclones and simulacrums generally to the originals. I'd much rather play and use S&W Whitebox than ODD. It's straight up better presented.

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?
Individual.
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Dracyian
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Dracyian »

So I know that we aren't to start a flame war or tell someone else they are wrong and that is not what I am trying to do.

I have just never heard of demi-humans not having souls so I'm a little lost on this front, is this something that was introduced in a rpg and I just never fell across it?

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Treebore »

Dracyian wrote:So I know that we aren't to start a flame war or tell someone else they are wrong and that is not what I am trying to do.

I have just never heard of demi-humans not having souls so I'm a little lost on this front, is this something that was introduced in a rpg and I just never fell across it?
In early D&D elves were/are "spirits", not souls. Personally, spirit or soul, I figured close enough as to not matter. So ignored the rule that said they could not be resurrected. Believe it is even stated in the spell itself.
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

Grand Knight Commander of the Society.

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Treebore »

Done running around for the day, so now can take the time to give my answers.

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?

No. If I liked it, I'd still be playing Rules Cyclopedia.



(2). Do demi-humans have souls?

Close enough, so "yes".


(3). Ascending or descending armor class?

Ascending. Works so much better for so many more players.

(4). Demi-human level limits?

Nope. Never liked it, still don't, and probably never will like them. I can see limiting it for NPC's, but there should always be exceptions, and PC's are always exceptions.

(5). Should thief be a class?

It isn't?

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?

Yes. Can't be a character if all you can do is swing swords or cast spells. You have to also be capable of knowing how to shoe horses, fix damaged armor and weapons, research spells, build fortifications, and so on.

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?

In most people's games, yes. Mages start to pull ahead when they get Fireball/Lightning Bolt and when Clerics and Druids get spells like Call Lightning, Flame Strike and Blade Barrier. Plus Druids can get all kinds of ugly with their animal forms.


(8). Do you use alignment languages?

No. I do use a variety of secret languages though, which is essentially the same exact thing.



(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?

XP for gold, monsters and objectives. I've also given XP for exceptionally good play, making the group laugh, etc...


(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?

My first love is 1E AD&D, but I do have high hopes for Next, until they crush them.

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?

Individual. As mentioned above, it does a far better job of balancing classes than just trying to make every class more powerful. I am NOT saying, however, that Individual XP has been done correctly. I am just saying, once properly done, it will do a far better job of "balancing" the classes than anything done so far. 1E AD&D was fairly close, but can use some more tweaking.
Since its 20,000 I suggest "Captain Nemo" as his title. Beyond the obvious connection, he is one who sails on his own terms and ignores those he doesn't agree with...confident in his journey and goals.
Sounds obvious to me! -Gm Michael

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Dracyian
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Dracyian »

Thanks Tree, I had been wondering that all day

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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by Ancalagon »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?
I can handle it both ways depending on which version of the game I'm to play.

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?
No.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?
Descending for (A)D&D is best, but ascending is acceptable for newer games like C&C.

(4). Demi-human level limits?
Absolutely YES

(5). Should thief be a class?
Of course

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?
Yes, as class skills E.g. tracking for rangers, etc

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?
Every class has its moments to shine.

(8). Do you use alignment languages?
Not any more

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?
XP for everything (within reason) that contributes to the game!

(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?
1E for me with Moldvay a close second. Nothing published after 2E should be eligible for consideration.

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?
Of course Individual XP Tables for each class! Unifying XP tables was just unimaginative and dumb.
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by mbeacom »

Thank you to everyone who answered. I really enjoyed reading them! It's pretty clear that C&C appeals to a wide spectrum of gamers. And kudos to everyone for being nice about it even as there were quite a few disagreements!
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Re: An interesting list of questionst I ran across on a D&D

Post by NJPDX »

(1). Race (Elf, Dwarf, Halfling) as a class? Yes or no?
Interesting question. I played a very little bit of redbox D&D when I was about 12, before quickly moving on to AD&D 1st ed. and for the longest time I hated the race-as-class paradigm, but if handled appropriately and there's enough to differentiate them mechanically from human analogs, I think it can work. Depends on the game and the style of game I guess.

(2). Do demi-humans have souls?
In my homebrew world's mythology Elves are basically interlopers from another dimension so they don't have a "soul" like the other created races, but resurrection, raise dead and the like work very differently than standard C&C/AD&D in my game, so it doesn't really matter anyway.

(3). Ascending or descending armor class?
Definitely Ascending - it just calculates more quickly in my head (the best thing 3.x/d20 ever contributed to the hobby outside of the OGL)

(4). Demi-human level limits?
I don't care for them, but I've rarely ever had a campaign get to the point where level limits even mattered. If I remember correctly, B/X D&D only went to something like level 14, so the level limits made a little more sense at the time as a balancing tool, when the end-game differences between human and demi-human characters were never going to be all that great anyway.

(5). Should thief be a class?
Sure.

(6). Do characters get non-weapon skills?
occupations and background should determine skills. Players saying "I make a diplomacy check" vs. having to be diplomatic reduces roleplaying and becomes a crutch in my experience.

(7). Are magic-users more powerful than fighters (and, if yes, what level do they take the lead)?
I've always appreciated the unbalanced "old-school" division between fighters and wizards as they progress in levels. Fighters are simpler to play, more survivable early on and in most fantasy fiction are ubiquitous and if you chose to play such a character you know what you're getting. Contrast that with wizards from fiction and they are rarer, and frequently command powers that would (and should) make other mundane mortals quail in fear. Any player with enough skill, luck and moxie to get a wizard past level 10 deserves whatever benefits and power advantages they achieve at that point - but I do like the idea that powerful spells should be able to corrupt a wizard (I'd like to experiment with trying to port Dungeon Crawl Classics' corruption mechanic for casters into C&C).

There is one caveat. If they are unbalanced and wizards eventually outstrip the fighter then the game should not be built like 4e where every archetype needs to be represented within the group; the World of Warcraft crap has to go.

(8). Do you use alignment languages?
No. I've never understood their place in a game or a way to justify their existence. I have regional dialects and a common trade tongue (plus thieves' cant).

(9). XP for gold, or XP for objectives (thieves disarming traps, etc…)?
I don't really like awarding experience points for gold and treasure or killing things and sucking out the sweet, sweet experience points from the dead creature's marrow, but I do like awarding experience for achieving goals. If you can trick, bluff or bull your way past an obstacle then it doesn't matter to me how you got past it (be it monster, trap or puzzle). I'm also in favor of awarding bonus experience for superior role-play and cleverness.

(10). Which is the best edition; ODD, Holmes, Moldvay, Mentzer, Rules Cyclopedia, 1E ADD, 2E ADD, 3E DD, 4E DD, Next ?
Of that list I'd go with AD&D 1st ed. For actual play, C&C looks like it hits the sweet spot for me, but I'm also pretty intrigued with some elements other retro-style games (Still working on getting some people together to play with).

Bonus Question: Unified XP level tables or individual XP level tables for each class?
Individual. It adds flavor and I think it's a good balancing tool.

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