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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 26 Jan 2011 :  17:46:18  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Same here. The books were much too long-winded and wordy for my taste. Even the movies left me feeling that the battles went on FAR too long. So glad the last movie left out the battle for the Shire, even though hubby said it was important. I certainly didn't think so- too anti-climatic, IMO. Enjoyed the movies for the most part, but could barely sit through half of the first book, and only skimmed the other two. And this was LOONG after I got into D&D.

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36805 Posts

Posted - 26 Jan 2011 :  19:48:39  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis

Same here. The books were much too long-winded and wordy for my taste. Even the movies left me feeling that the battles went on FAR too long. So glad the last movie left out the battle for the Shire, even though hubby said it was important. I certainly didn't think so- too anti-climatic, IMO. Enjoyed the movies for the most part, but could barely sit through half of the first book, and only skimmed the other two. And this was LOONG after I got into D&D.



Well, I tried the books again about 10 years after I first read them -- I read them again when the first movie came out. And at that time, I found the books much more enjoyable.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 26 Jan 2011 :  20:35:10  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Lol, I also tried reading them when the movies came out. Still could not get into them. I liked The Hobbit much better.

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 27 Jan 2011 :  16:21:02  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I didn't even know about Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit until waaay after I started playing D&D and gaming in the Realms. I got into D&D through friends, and from D&D into reading novels and THEN into the Realms through Drizzt's books (The Icewind Dale trilogy).

Actually, the first time I even heard about Tolkien and LotR was when I first saw it in theaters. I was soo mad that the 1st movie ended the way it did because I had no idea it was a 3-part tale, lol.

As for the books, I tried reading them after the movie and I just can't stand Tolkien's writing style. Long winded isn't even close to accurate as he can go on for like 10 pages on how the shire looks while getting 2-1/2 pages of actual story. And Tom Bombadil......'nuff said.
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Jorin Embersmith
Acolyte

USA
48 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  04:09:32  Show Profile Send Jorin Embersmith a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan



As for the books, I tried reading them after the movie and I just can't stand Tolkien's writing style. Long winded isn't even close to accurate as he can go on for like 10 pages on how the shire looks while getting 2-1/2 pages of actual story. And Tom Bombadil......'nuff said.



Awww, see, that's my favorite part! The sheer imagery involved in all of it was just amazing!

Karavarus: I polymorph into a Hydra and let loose a bellowing roar! Is he intimidated?
Me: No, but the female hydra behind him certainly notices you...
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  04:21:22  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jorin Embersmith

quote:
Originally posted by Diffan



As for the books, I tried reading them after the movie and I just can't stand Tolkien's writing style. Long winded isn't even close to accurate as he can go on for like 10 pages on how the shire looks while getting 2-1/2 pages of actual story. And Tom Bombadil......'nuff said.



Awww, see, that's my favorite part! The sheer imagery involved in all of it was just amazing!



More power to you my friend . I don't necessarily have a problem with the imagery or scope or whatever but I don't feel it needs to be that long. It was as if he were going for a word count. But to each their own.

Honestly, I probably didn't give it enought of a chance. I stopped when they were still meeting with Tom Bombadil but people tell me the best parts come after that. Maybe I'll pick it up again some time and give it another Go.


As for your PCs warlock, how's it looking? I'm interested in what feats he chose as there aren't that many good feats for the Warlock. Also, as the DM you might want to do some quick reading on Warlock builds here. If anything, it'll give you a heads up on how the class (if possible) can be broken or strategies utilized to make it a power-house. In any even, keep us posted on what's going on.
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Jorin Embersmith
Acolyte

USA
48 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  12:20:35  Show Profile Send Jorin Embersmith a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:



As for your PCs warlock, how's it looking? I'm interested in what feats he chose as there aren't that many good feats for the Warlock. Also, as the DM you might want to do some quick reading on Warlock builds here. If anything, it'll give you a heads up on how the class (if possible) can be broken or strategies utilized to make it a power-house. In any even, keep us posted on what's going on.



Ah, well, all the things he wanted to take as 24 hour spells have suddenly become at-will, in addition to others that are even more powerful. I just hope he fumbles soon....

Luckily, the party is descending into the magic-dead zone of Alokkair's lair, where his powers will be unusable.

Karavarus: I polymorph into a Hydra and let loose a bellowing roar! Is he intimidated?
Me: No, but the female hydra behind him certainly notices you...
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mensch
Seeker

80 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  15:01:00  Show Profile Send mensch a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I followed this scroll for a while and I'd like to confess that I really like reading stories about power-gamers who create character builds which are so completely broken or otherwise removed from what a roleplaying class should be. I found some scrolls a while back here on Candlekeep of a young player who detailed his own PCs, which read like World of Warcraft power builds on steroids. Something like a half-ogre Barbarian 6/Berserker 5/Battle Rager 3/Paladin 2, who got most of his stats by using the wish and miracle spells provided to him by a kind and extremely convenient cabal of wizards.

What I don't understand is the appeal of power-gaming or roleplaying with a character which ultimately steals most of the thunder of one's fellow players. Even the perfectly standard bard in the group where I'm the DM is sometimes (jokingly) accused of being too much of a jack-of-all-trades and therefore a bit of a know-it-all. I can only imagine how the selfish, power-gaming cleric mentioned by Jorin would be perceived in the same group. I don't think he would last long.

Is it the thrill of having the change of killing an enemy in one round perhaps? Or just the joy of bending the rules in extremity?

Are his fellow players still having fun, by the way? Or are they annoyed by the Warlock of Extreme Rule-bending?

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to know that for destruction ice is also great and would suffice. – Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)
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Rhewtani
Senior Scribe

USA
508 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  15:56:59  Show Profile Send Rhewtani a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Just curious, what were his last 12 characters in this campaign?
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  16:49:20  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
mensch, bards are SUPPOSED to be a bit of a jakc-of-all-trades know-it-all. It's part of their basic ability set. They travel, they listen, they read and watch. They LEARN. Of course, they also sing, tell stories, and play with (some) magic. Naturally a bard with a lot of ranks in those skills is going to be very versitile and know a lot. That doesn't make them a power-gaming class by any means. In fact, I'd say it's one of the LEAST broken classes there is, because many of their skills don't see much use in a wilderness or dungeon campaign. They only really shine in urban adventures.

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  17:17:07  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I'd have to agree with Alystra on the bard not being a broken class, far from it actually. While the Bard has lots of flavor and can be a lot of fun to RP, the class (from a mechanical stand point) is pretty poor. It's average BAB doesn't make for a meat-shield and thus isn't on the front lines much. Its incapable of dealing lots of damage like a rogue or scout and it's spellcasting isn't very focused. Hence why the bard is a very solid 5th player class, a class that works well when all the bases are covered. It also works good as the party's 'face' when dealing with NPCs and other diplomatic situations.

That being said, the warlock is by no means a powerful class either. Just check the link above to see it's Pros and Cons. Additionally, theres really nothing for the warlock to actually prestige class into since it only meets requiremnts of caster level instead of spell level.

And like you said his invocations AND eldritch blast are spell-like abilities and thus, I'd assume, subjected to the rituals done by the cultists of Shar, Dead Magic Zones, etc...

quote:
Originally posted by Mensch


What I don't understand is the appeal of power-gaming or roleplaying with a character which ultimately steals most of the thunder of one's fellow players. Even the perfectly standard bard in the group where I'm the DM is sometimes (jokingly) accused of being too much of a jack-of-all-trades and therefore a bit of a know-it-all. I can only imagine how the selfish, power-gaming cleric mentioned by Jorin would be perceived in the same group. I don't think he would last long.


Can't really say for sure. I think people consider me a power gamer but I prefer the term Character Optimizer . So based off that, I can certainly see the appeal in creating a character that's good at the mechanics. I don't see the appeal in creating a character that doesn't contribute to the table in terms of combat, honestly.

When we're put into a combative situation, I want my character to shine in the role that is suited to him. If I roll up a Fighter there's a pretty good bet I'll be toe-to-toe with the BBEG swinging away or using some sort of "gimmick" to take it down. This might be tripping weapons, Power Attack/Cleave, Two-Weapon Fighting, etc... but I know my character's role. I DON'T try to outshine the cleric or wizard or rogue because I won't be as good as it and if I do, then that probably makes that PC feel less useful.

Power-Gamers want to shine all the time no matter what the situation. If the PCs are engaged in diplomatic discussion, then a Power-Gamer will do what he can to make the outcome in his favor whether or not using potions to increase his/her Charisma, taking some obscure feat that allows them to talk better, or some magical item that does the same. To a power-gamer, it's all about the numbers and you can RP the rest. To a degree I feel this way, but no one wants to play with someone who can do it all and better than you.

Edited by - Diffan on 28 Jan 2011 17:17:31
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Kanya Skulls
Acolyte

17 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  17:51:41  Show Profile  Visit Kanya Skulls's Homepage Send Kanya Skulls a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Diffan wrote:
Munchkins want to shine all the time no matter what the situation. If the PCs are engaged in diplomatic discussion, then a Munchkin will do what he can to make the outcome in his favor whether or not using potions to increase his/her Charisma, taking some obscure feat that allows them to talk better, or some magical item that does the same. To a munchkin, it's all about the numbers and you can RP the rest. To a degree I feel this way, but no one wants to play with someone who can do it all and better than you.

Fixed that for you.

Disclaimer: I spewed all of this out off the top of my head and make no claim whatsoever that any of it is accurate or even correct.

Edited by - Kanya Skulls on 28 Jan 2011 18:03:18
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  18:01:03  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
LOL!!!! That fits some players I know....

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
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Faraer
Great Reader

3308 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  18:20:40  Show Profile  Visit Faraer's Homepage Send Faraer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I don't think there's a good solution to a collaborative activity one of whose members has divergent goals (here, including contradictory ideas about what the rules are for), can't be induced to cooperate, and has to be included for friendship reasons. Any jury-rigged fix is going to have more to do with the human beings involved than any subtleties of the rules discord.
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Wenin
Senior Scribe

585 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  18:27:43  Show Profile Send Wenin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
That wasn't really called for Kanya.

Session Reports posted at RPG Geek.
Stem the Tide Takes place in Mistledale.
Dark Curtains - Takes place in the Savage North, starting in Nesmé. I wrapped my campaign into the Hoard of the Dragon Queen, but it takes place in 1372 DR.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36805 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  18:52:31  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Agreed. There are countless different approaches to gaming, and none is better or more valid than another.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
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Kanya Skulls
Acolyte

17 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  19:02:12  Show Profile  Visit Kanya Skulls's Homepage Send Kanya Skulls a Private Message  Reply with Quote
What? O_o
You miss-anderstood me. I just corrected Diffan, because he's confusing Powergamers (who aren't bad players and RPrers) with Munchkins (who are just that what he described). It's two diffrent terms.

Disclaimer: I spewed all of this out off the top of my head and make no claim whatsoever that any of it is accurate or even correct.

Edited by - Kanya Skulls on 28 Jan 2011 19:07:32
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mensch
Seeker

80 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  19:16:57  Show Profile Send mensch a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis

mensch, bards are SUPPOSED to be a bit of a jakc-of-all-trades know-it-all. It's part of their basic ability set. They travel, they listen, they read and watch. They LEARN. Of course, they also sing, tell stories, and play with (some) magic. Naturally a bard with a lot of ranks in those skills is going to be very versitile and know a lot. That doesn't make them a power-gaming class by any means. In fact, I'd say it's one of the LEAST broken classes there is, because many of their skills don't see much use in a wilderness or dungeon campaign. They only really shine in urban adventures.

Oh, I didn't mean to say a bard is a broken or even a power-gaming class. A bard is a very good addition to a party and can turn quite difficult fights into a DM's nightmare with their bardic song and various other buffs. But what I meant is that they do share a certain characteristic, the broad versatility of skills, found in the builds of lots of power-gamers. A bard can cast spells, sing, wear arm and fight a decent fight and the fact that he can do all this sometimes stirs a bit of jealousy in players with a more dedicated class (like a specialist wizard or a fighter). So the frequent jabs at our bard are only goodnatured. A power-gamer, on the other hand, aims to be the best at everything, or one thing in particular, which can become quite annoying for other players.

The bard in question did max out his social skills though, which he now regrets a little bit. Through some synergy bonuses and an early feat he consistently rolls some rather high Bluff and Diplomacy checks. Couple this with the fact that he seems to be on a personal crusade to wreck the fine retailers of Faerûn and the result is that he now "has" to haggle with every merchant he's dealing with to stay true to his character motivations. An activity which gets old quite fast, so I feel some character development coming up in future sessions - as in: the bard becomes less materialistic, so that the proprietors of Ye Olde Magic Shoppes in Faerûn can sleep again at night.

quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Power-Gamers want to shine all the time no matter what the situation. If the PCs are engaged in diplomatic discussion, then a Power-Gamer will do what he can to make the outcome in his favor whether or not using potions to increase his/her Charisma, taking some obscure feat that allows them to talk better, or some magical item that does the same. To a power-gamer, it's all about the numbers and you can RP the rest. To a degree I feel this way, but no one wants to play with someone who can do it all and better than you.
I think that summarises the power-gamer player type very adequately. In a group of non-power-gamers the tricks of a power-gamer soon get old, but a game composed solely of power-gamers might be a very interesting spectacle. And a hell of a job for a DM, come to think of it.

quote:
When we're put into a combative situation, I want my character to shine in the role that is suited to him. If I roll up a Fighter there's a pretty good bet I'll be toe-to-toe with the BBEG swinging away or using some sort of "gimmick" to take it down. This might be tripping weapons, Power Attack/Cleave, Two-Weapon Fighting, etc... but I know my character's role. I DON'T try to outshine the cleric or wizard or rogue because I won't be as good as it and if I do, then that probably makes that PC feel less useful.
That would be my approach too. If a certain feat, skill or spell works for your character and for the game you should specialise in it or make it ones signature characteristic, without stepping into the class domain of your fellow party members too much. That's why the bard class is indeed not broken, because of his generalist nature the bard is able to be a spellcaster and a bit of a warrior, but never to the extent a wizard or fighter will be.

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to know that for destruction ice is also great and would suffice. – Robert Frost (1874 - 1963)

Edited by - mensch on 28 Jan 2011 19:18:48
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Kanya Skulls
Acolyte

17 Posts

Posted - 28 Jan 2011 :  19:26:12  Show Profile  Visit Kanya Skulls's Homepage Send Kanya Skulls a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Just a little reminder: Powergamer =/= Munchkin. The first is a good player. The second is the annoying dude who's destroying the game and fun of other players. Remember that.

Disclaimer: I spewed all of this out off the top of my head and make no claim whatsoever that any of it is accurate or even correct.

Edited by - Kanya Skulls on 28 Jan 2011 19:26:46
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Jorin Embersmith
Acolyte

USA
48 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2011 :  00:11:43  Show Profile Send Jorin Embersmith a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rhewtani

Just curious, what were his last 12 characters in this campaign?



Actually, he has only died twice.

His first character, Karavarus the Dwarven wizard lasted from 1st to 9th level. Before that, he just ran away a lot, and his magic was spent mostly on spells to boost his AC and saves to insane levels. His next Char, Klog the Dwarven Battlerager, died to an extra bad-ass wraith, and now he is on his warlock.

He's definitely a good player....if it were a one-player game.

Oh, and speaking of bards, this is the same player who created a bard whose sole purpose was to bluff his way out of everything...with a +55 mod to Bluff skill. (Yay for Glibness or whatever the spell was)

Karavarus: I polymorph into a Hydra and let loose a bellowing roar! Is he intimidated?
Me: No, but the female hydra behind him certainly notices you...

Edited by - Jorin Embersmith on 29 Jan 2011 00:14:39
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2011 :  03:36:35  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kanya Skulls

Just a little reminder: Powergamer =/= Munchkin. The first is a good player. The second is the annoying dude who's destroying the game and fun of other players. Remember that.



I wouldn't necessarily say that they're not one in the same, at least some of the time. Power-gamers look towards optimization, yet stretch the truth or rules that favor them. They're often the one's who heatedly debate RAI vs. RAW in favor of RAW most of the time. Power-Gamers often don't take the more flavorful apporach rather than min/max-ing for the best angles. Not saying this is wrong or bad, just that it parallels that of a Munchkin. Power-Gamers ofte look at the mechanics side first and then fit the Role-Playing to fit those mechanics rather than the other way around. This is the first, and probably biggest, diversion from that of a Munchkin.

Munchkin's often care little for the Role-Playing implications or aspect of the game. They try gaining every angle from the best races for certain classes/builds with little regard to how that race may affect the local area. Examples such as a Troll, Kobold, or some monstrous PC rather than the simple PHB ones come to mind. That's just one instance that I can think of that separates Munchkins from other styles of gamers. And while Power-Gamers and/or Optimizers look for good mechanics they at least try to back that up with believable role-play, character motives, and interesting back stories.
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Rhewtani
Senior Scribe

USA
508 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2011 :  14:13:20  Show Profile Send Rhewtani a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Used to be that power gamers were munchkins that didn't talk about it in front of their DMs.
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Faraer
Great Reader

3308 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2011 :  14:45:22  Show Profile  Visit Faraer's Homepage Send Faraer a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
There are countless different approaches to gaming, and none is better or more valid than another.

I agree none is better in an absolute, universal or moral sense. But neither are all approaches equivalent, equally effective at particular goals, equally fruitful in particular ways. It's just that arguing or sneering about who people are and what they want doesn't get us far on messageboards.

Are munchkins powergamers who do it more than you (or the rest of the group) do?
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Kanya Skulls
Acolyte

17 Posts

Posted - 29 Jan 2011 :  20:50:32  Show Profile  Visit Kanya Skulls's Homepage Send Kanya Skulls a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Diffan wrote:
Power-gamers look towards optimization, yet stretch the truth or rules that favor them. They're often the one's who heatedly debate RAI vs. RAW in favor of RAW most of the time. Power-Gamers often don't take the more flavorful apporach rather than min/max-ing for the best angles.

That are munchkins. Powergamers are players who are trying to make their character strong, but they won't bend or brake rules, won't argue with the GM and are as focused on roleplaying as any other player. This the diffrence.
So: Powergamer = Nothing bad.
A-hole Powergamer = Munchkin.
If you want you can think Powergamer = Munchkin, but IMO that is wrong and you would be very rude towards all powergaming players, who didn't do anything bad.

Disclaimer: I spewed all of this out off the top of my head and make no claim whatsoever that any of it is accurate or even correct.
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 30 Jan 2011 :  00:53:30  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I tend to agree with Kanya here. There is a difference. My hubby is a power-gamer to a degree, but he always has some kind of background to go with it, and is just as much into the RP as anyone else. Another player in my most recent group was sort of the opposite- he min/maxed to Hells and back, and hardly brought any actual RP into the game. Killed one of my BBG dragons in two rounds, almost single-handedly. THAT'S a munchkin.

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 30 Jan 2011 :  03:44:18  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Kanya Skulls


Those are munchkins.


Fixed that for ya

quote:
Originally posted by Kanya Skulls


Powergamers are players who are trying to make their character strong, but they won't bend or brake rules, won't argue with the GM and are as focused on roleplaying as any other player. This the diffrence.
So: Powergamer = Nothing bad.
A-hole Powergamer = Munchkin.
If you want you can think Powergamer = Munchkin, but IMO that is wrong and you would be very rude towards all powergaming players, who didn't do anything bad.



I never said Powergamer = Munchkin but that there are similarities between the two. It was a comparison, and one that shows examples on how both utilize rules to gain a better mechanical advantage at the table. I also stated that a powergamer then backs up his character with in-depth storylines, intriguing backrounds, and wonderful role-playing. As I consider myself an optimized player (or powergamer if you will) I see nothing wrong with this as well. A so-called Munchkin will do the same exact things a Powergamer will but gives little care to how that character RPs. That is where the differences start.

So while there are many differences in attitude and role-playing (or the lack there of), there are ideals that the two share like optimization of a build and so forth.

And getting back to the original topic, by the main thoughts and theroies of the collective group here at CK, the cleric turned Warlock is a Munchkin because he has no role-playing ability. He completly defied what his deity believes to be good and virtuous, and there for putting him into the category of Munchkin. Now how he RPs the warlock is something of another matter.

Edited by - Diffan on 30 Jan 2011 03:45:19
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Kanya Skulls
Acolyte

17 Posts

Posted - 31 Jan 2011 :  15:28:53  Show Profile  Visit Kanya Skulls's Homepage Send Kanya Skulls a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Yeah. A Powergamer can be a Munchkin, but not all Powergamers are Munchkins. And my friend says than not all Munchkins are Powergamers, but I don't agree with him.

Disclaimer: I spewed all of this out off the top of my head and make no claim whatsoever that any of it is accurate or even correct.
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Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore

Denmark
1093 Posts

Posted - 01 Feb 2011 :  11:35:30  Show Profile Send Nicolai Withander a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Well I my self are running right on the edge betwene Munchkin and powergamer.

And my experience with it have been that if the DM knows what he is doing, he will put op encounters, that are specificly targed at this player or no encounters at all, so there is no one to use his awesome power on.

Or, if he realy think he's that bad... Pitch him agains I dont know... a demi Lich...

Letst se his powers now....
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Ayrik
Great Reader

Canada
7989 Posts

Posted - 01 Feb 2011 :  12:42:53  Show Profile Send Ayrik a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hmphff. Some of my players snuck in cheater d20's (extra "20" instead of a "1"), more as a conspiracy-practical-joke fool-the-DM sort of novelty than a serious attempt to cheat.

They were a bit dismayed that I detected the suspicious dice after only a few hours (instead of a few months, lol). I confiscated the dice, saying they could use 'em, openly, they could even swap between normal and biased dice before each roll — provided they let me use the same.

Here's the thing: they actually evaluated this numerically before responding. Some sort of hurried statistical analysis was made, including estimates about how often and how many such dice would be rolled, and why, and by whom, with what sorts of consequences for success and failure. To the best of their abilities they actually calculated the value of everybody using straight dice vs cheater dice before answering me.

That's powergaming.

[/Ayrik]
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Diffan
Great Reader

USA
4441 Posts

Posted - 01 Feb 2011 :  12:56:08  Show Profile Send Diffan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The problem is that power gamers run the gambit of all sorts of classes and styles from spellcasters to charging brutes. I myself have a 12th level paladin who can dish out a whopping 200+ damage on a Charging Smite attack.

With that being said, I don't foresee a DM putting up encounters that can be both challenging for the 1 power gamer in the group without the possibility of it being a TPK on a consistant basis. This is espically difficult in a published adventure like Shadowdale: Scouring of the Land.

As for the demi-lich, his powers are only so good as long as he can cast magic....so no magic, no power . OR when a power gamer gets the bright ideas of Sundering a spellcaster's spell component pouch and thus ruining any spells which require spell components, lol!!!
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