Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tormsskull 06-27-06, 11:09 AM	I have been noticing some trends lately on these forums. If your interested, fill out the following survey so we can see & discuss any trends based on actual user's input. 1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Here are my answers: 1.) Original D&D. 2.) Role-playing heavy. 3.) Core rules only. 4.) Yes. 5.) No. ======================================== ============================= Currently updated to post #56 Ok, so far, adding the tallies up and trying to decide where answers lie in the categories, this is the count I have: 1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Original: 15 AD&D: 20 3rd: 17 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? RP-Heavy: 15 HnS: 1 In-Between: 36 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Core-Only: 10 All Splat: 11 Restricted: 30 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes: 28 No: 18 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Fudge: 16 Let PC Die: 27 First off, these numbers are not going to be exact because some people's answers could have gone either way. I took a guess at some of them, and some of them really couldn't fit into any of the given categories so I omitted them.. So far, interesting results. If anymore people do the survey I'll update the numbers.
Arganis 06-27-06, 11:16 AM	1.) AD&D (Post-Player's Option) 2.) Healthy mix, depending on campaign 3.) Core + PHB2. Case-by-case allowance of supplemental feats/spells/PrCs 4.) Generally yes. Depends on the PrC. 5.) No
Logos7 06-27-06, 11:20 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3rd edition 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In Between 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Splat Books with some restriction (if someone bought them why not use them) 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Depends on strickly you call in game reasoning 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Depends on if the day of the week ends in y or not, i generally dont fudge
rhflyweyr 06-27-06, 11:26 AM	1) 2nd Edition 2) Role-play heavy 3) Splat Books, by default i allow all splat books (although DnD only, no Eberron or Forgotten Realms) until somethings gets abusive... good players should get all the options they want 4) Yes, characters must make sense in my campaigns 5) Depends on why he died. In general i dont fudge, but it has exceptions... if they are being totally stupid i fudge it the other way.
Xagunder 06-27-06, 11:29 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Red-Box Basic D&D, with the Elmore red dragon on the cover. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? Somewhere in between, favoring role-playing. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Splatbooks with some campaign-specific restrictions. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Unless it is a totally bland prestige class (like duelist) that has no connection to the campaing, I do like there to be some reasoning. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I let them die.
mike_beavers 06-27-06, 11:35 AM	1 original 3 box set 2. in between 3. splats with restrictions 4. in game reason for prestige class yes 5. no fudging of dice
PingGuy 06-27-06, 11:44 AM	1. 2nd Edition 2. Varied Mix depending on the adventure/campaign 3. Generally core, but I'll allow other stuff if the player makes a good case 4. Yes 5. It will always depend on the situation
Selebius 06-27-06, 11:45 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? ad 1: AD&D ad 2: role playing ad 3: I first take a look at the splat book, than I decide. Also the allowed splatbooks may change from campaign to campaign. ad 4: Yes. For multiclassing, too. ad 5: It depends. On my mood, on the players attachment to the character, on the campaign played. Sel
Senevri 06-27-06, 11:51 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2nd edition, AD&D. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In theory, in-between. However, my group is a bit hack-and-slashy, so I sometimes feel I'd enjoy some heavy RPing. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Splat books with some restriction, most of the time. I dig the "Heroes of..." books. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? If it's tightly bound to some organization or somesuch. Although I've allowed "Learning from a book" in past... Basically, I allow a lot, but require the prerequisites (duh.) Although, Frenzied Berserker won't be allowed except in few, very specific build combinations. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Usually, let them die. This is the game where death isn't permanent, after all. However, I might be more lenient with a just-created character early on in a low-level game.
Archmage Atrus 06-27-06, 11:54 AM	1) AD&D 2) In between; a good dose of roleplaying with a dash of combat to round things out. 3) Splat books, with some restrictions. Unrestricted use of splat books leads to some serious exploitation issues. 4) It depends on what you mean by "in game." If you mean that all PrCs are organization specific and the PC must join a particular group in order to learn the PrC - no. If it's just a natural progression of the character's skills, then I do allow that. 5) Luck is luck. Let the die fall where they may.
CaviosDaryll 06-27-06, 11:55 AM	1) Good ol' 3rd edition... hm, not really that old. 2) A bit of an in between game, but perhaps focusing more on the hack-'n'-slash style of play. 3) I'll allow splat books with some restrictions... The restrictions being if I don't have regular access to it, than I probably won't allow it. 4) No, typically I will not require the person to have an in-game reason for taking a prestige class. 5) It depends. Yesterday, I fudged the dice to allow two people to live... but that was my first session, so of course I wouldn't let them die before even getting acquainted with the game. If after this adventure is finished, it happens again, then I will let them die.
Crust 06-27-06, 11:57 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2nd 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In-between 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? I allow any books that I or a player own. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes, but I'm not very strict. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I do both as the situation demands.
Dragons_Shadow 06-27-06, 12:01 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? First version ever out! 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? Role-play all the way! :ayyyy!: 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? :confused: What the diffrence, I use them all! 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes! 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? If he dies by like ONE point I will re-roll and keep that number
Drodain 06-27-06, 12:08 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3nd 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? my group usually plays a hack n slash type but i prefer a healthy amount of roleplaying 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? just about any splat book as long as there is no exploitation 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? no, if it gets out of hand i'll ask but usually im fine with their choices 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? i try and avoid fudging but i have before and probably will again it depends on the situation
kliate 06-27-06, 12:09 PM	1) Second Edition. Third was released in the following year. 2) 65/35 Roleplay to Hack. Character development is important to me, but sometimes slashing one's way through is just more fun! 3) Core Rules get first consideration, and nothing gets in the game if the DM hasn't read through it twice (so if you can do something in the Core Rules without resorting to splat, use the Core!) 4) Implicitly, yes. If a Wizard decides to go Archmage, I won't argue so long as the Wizard meets the requirements (and is on good terms with any in-game organizations who control such knowledge!). If a Paladin wants to go Blackguard, I need to see a good reason for the Paladin to fall in the first place, and a VERY good reason for the requisite evil outsider to make peaceful contact. Rule of thumb: If the Prestige Class has an organizational connection, you need to be on good terms with the organization (or make an in-game effort to create those terms). 5) Historically, I have prevented a PC death because I had no clue how to balance the encounter properly at the time. Presently, *maybe* I would let the PC live, but never without *cause*, and always with *complications*
Drascin 06-27-06, 12:18 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3rd edition. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. Sadly my groups are exclusively hack and slash. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Splatbooks with restrictions 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Preferably yes, but I have been lenient about this sometimes. It is true, however, that those who have a good reason seem to have a better luck in finding a tutor for the class ;) 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Depends. Unless it's been a lot of bad luck, I usually don't. But it also isn't fair to kill a PC because the BBEG rolled 4 criticals straight...
Evil DM Mk3 06-27-06, 12:23 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Version 3.5 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between?Nearer the RP end, but plenty of good fights.3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions?All splat books with Veto priviladges. No Psionics BTW.4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class?Depends on PrC, some, like Arch-mage, are not the sort of thing one can put reasons on, they are simply very VERY learned mage.5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? NEVER!!!!!111!!!one!!1
Tormsskull 06-28-06, 09:17 AM	*Tally moved to first post of the thread*
Androcus Divinicus 06-28-06, 09:34 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2e basic D&D 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I prefer a balance ... role-playing and character development is fun for me, but I absolutely love tactical battles ... which isn't technically HnS, but for the purposes of this survey, we'll call it that way. (btw, is there really anyone who would admit to being a pure HnS player? Even if they are, don't you think most of them would say "balanced"?) 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? I like a game that is close to core only ... but I allow supplements with a few qualifications (Not that it matters to the survey, but because I like to believe that everyone really enjoys what I type :) I'll tell you my qualifications: if I'm using material out of that supplement for the adventure/campaign, then the players have access to it also. Everything else is case by case ... haven't run into abusive situations yet). 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes, I do, but depending upon the specific PrC, that reasoning may not have to be iron-clad ... 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Usually, I let them die. Regards, Justin.
Nobody_ 06-28-06, 10:04 AM	1) Dragon Strike. Not even D&D. Then 3.5 2) Role Play Heavy, with some hack and slash thrown in every now and then 3) All WotC D&D Splatbooks (D&D only. No campaign settings...yet) 4) Usually not, because I like my players to make creative builds, and it gets tricky if they have to find a guild each time. I let my players make any build they want, but they have to find an in game reason for their character to do it afterwards. No poor roleplaying in my games. 5) I usually let players die, but I never let players start new characters during a campaign. I often bring him back to life somehow with a plothook attached. If the party dies, then we go straight to ghostwalk, on a mission to get their bodies back.
Kobajagrande 06-28-06, 10:51 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? AD&D 2nd edition 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? in between I guess. There is a story, people play their characters all the time, but combat is a large part of the challenge. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Core rules, and for any additions from splatbooks we see would they unbalance the character according to how we play. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Depends. My guys often have an idea what character they would like to play at start. So if they want to take a PrC they can, but we include that in the story in some way. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Let him die, but ressurection is always an option for PCs. Normally it doesn't take long for it to happen. And they look NOT to die :)
fatal error 06-28-06, 10:53 AM	1) 3rd Edition D&D/2nd Edition Star Wars 2) A little of both, some combat, some mystery, some negotiation. 3) Since I own all the books my group is using, I allow 'all splat books', but if that wasn't the case I would say Splat Books with Restrictions. 4) Yes and no, generally no, I think its the player's perogative to shape their character in whatever direction they want, unless its an especially weird choice. But I also generally do som mention of seeking out the appropriate trainers, if it applies to the prestige class. 5) Recently yes, I've not been letting my players die anywhere near as much as I used to. At the same time, however, I feel I've gained a better sense of the dramatic, and will tend to only kill PCs when it seems dramatically correct, though blunderous mistakes I probably wouldn't hesitate to punish.
Free1983 06-28-06, 11:26 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Third edition 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Only the splat books that the DM owns are allowed. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes. This also is a guideline for taking feats, upgrading skills and multiclassing. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I do
Chaotica Maxima 06-28-06, 11:29 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3rd Edition 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I prefer a balance, with slightly more RP 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Splat books with restrictions 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? If it fits the philosophy of the character, they can take it. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I let him die. Luck, good or bad, is part of the game.
pres_man 06-28-06, 11:55 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Unknown, it was back in the mid-80's with some kid down the block. His dad and him were into it. Only played a couple of times. The second time I believe was AD&D, and that was in the mid-90's in college. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between, with a leaning towards hack and slash. Sometimes you just need to kill stuff. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Anything is fine. People who try to munchkin their characters tend to be less satisfied then those that make reasonable choices. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Nope. Mainly because this requires me to decide what is a "reasonable" reason. If the player thinks it is something their character would start getting into, so be it. Though certain PrC still require a roleplaying prerequiste. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Rarely is their death solely the result of dice. So, no I don't fudge it. I roll in the open except for a few rare skill checks that the PC isn't suppose to be aware of.
CipherTheory 06-28-06, 12:29 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3.5. Yea, I'm a n00b. :P 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? It depens on my mood. If I'm in a good/mellow mood then give me a Telepath and drop me in a noble's court. If I'm in a less than perfect mood it's time to switch over to my Fighter/Paladin and slit the throats of anything that turns up evil. :angelhide 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Spat with restrictions. If there's a good in-character reason for it, I'm good. See below. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class?Yes. Multiclassing too. In the games I DM, players need reason and method for any sort of multiclassing. In my next campaign I'm also thinking I'm going to use the variant rule if Unearthed Arcane for entry tests for PrCs. Good stuff. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die?I keep him alive. My players are overly attached to their characters. I've even had some threaten to quit if their characters die. So long as it's a matter of 'luck' and not because the player did something stupid; I'll let them live. (Note: A sorc doing melee combat against a superior foe when he has 5 HP left is considered a stupid thing) And that's what I think about that.
Exquisite_Flopilidopilies 06-28-06, 02:04 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? The Basic D&D boxed set with Keep on the Borderlands. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? Something in between. I don't believe in being elitist either way; I would miss both elements if they weren't there. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? I prefer core only, with a few exceptional enhancements and extra monster sources. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Not really. I care more about loyalty to a character concept than jumping through in-game hoops. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? It depends; generally not, but beginning characters can be quite fragile. I'd prefer to "fudge" the actions (leaving open means of escape, opponents try to capture rather than kill, etc.) than die rolls.
Vaalingrade Ashland 06-28-06, 02:35 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? 1) 3e 2) rp-heavy 3) splats on a case by case. New races: never, New classes: Occsionally, New Feats: Hell yeah, unless the book is banned, New Spells: case by case because I know WotC too well. 4) Yes, except for some of the merge classes (arcane trickster, thief acrobat) always with with divine PrCs and transformationals. 5) Depends on if it was a 'fair' death. Falling in battle? Cool. Killed by a couple natural 20s from an arrow trap? No.
(Psi)SeveredHead 06-28-06, 02:45 PM	I have been noticing some trends lately on these forums. If your interested, fill out the following survey so we can see & discuss any trends based on actual user's input. 1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2e. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Core + X. So maybe core + one or two splatbooks. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Depends on the PrC. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? No, unless it's a TPK.
Tormsskull 06-28-06, 03:30 PM	The survey is going good so far, a lot of people putting in their .02. Thanks a lot for that. Ok, now to broke a little bit of discussion on the answers. Is anyone else surprised to see that more DMs requires in-game reasoning for a player taking a Prestige Class than not (currently 15 "Yes" to 10 "No")? I had got the impression from listening to posters on here that the reverse would be true. Also, to Androcus Divinicus, or anyone else who wants to take a stab at answering my next question (which follow this quote): 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I prefer a balance ... role-playing and character development is fun for me, but I absolutely love tactical battles ... which isn't technically HnS, but for the purposes of this survey, we'll call it that way. (btw, is there really anyone who would admit to being a pure HnS player? Even if they are, don't you think most of them would say "balanced"?) Why do you feel that someone would not want to admit to being a pure HnS player?
ccerose 06-28-06, 03:45 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 1st Ed. that came in the little white cardboard box. (Not even dice, only punch out chits.) 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I prefer heavy role playing, but my gaming group likes fairly decent mix of the two. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? I tend to stick to the core rules, but will not rule out splat books with restrictions. However, once the books for the campaign are set, I keep it limited so no one can accuse me of favoritism. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Not typically. Some exceptions are based on the campaign. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Let him/her die.
DarthMarasmus 06-28-06, 04:11 PM	1) 2e AD&D 2) In between, leaning more towards Role-play heavy 3) Heavily restricted (If I don't own it, don't use it) 4) Yes, otherwise it doesn't make sense 5) It depends, if they're doing something stupid, yes. If they're attempting the dramatically heroic and the dice just aren't backing them up, I'm usually a bit more merciful (which doesn't necessarily mean that they live, just that I may reincarnate them as something really cool).
Quaoar 06-28-06, 04:16 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? 1.) Basic Set (In a red box) 2.) Role-playing heavy. 3.) Usually all splat + 3rd party. 4.) Yes. 5.) Yes, if the party has no convenient means of resurrection.
1CentSage 06-28-06, 04:19 PM	1) 1st Ed. 2) in between 3) splats+restrictions 4) Yes (although I will generally assist him with that) 5) depends
Dowjin 06-28-06, 05:07 PM	1.) ADnD 2.) I prefer an even mix, but there are moments when one or the other is more called for. 3.) I prefer splat with restrictions. (Only stuff obviously unbalanced will be vetoed or corrected) 4.) No. It is not required. It is preferred, but not required. 5.) No. I only fudge dice very rarely, and I will not fudge dice for the sole reason of keeping someone alive. They will die.
Dragon Snack 06-28-06, 05:20 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? AD&D. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I like a mix. I wish my group leaned more towards the roleplaying aspect though. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? I prefer splats with some restrictions. I seem to let my players go crazy with books I don't even own though... 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? No, I look at them more as a set of skills. Making them hammer a concept into a "reason" can get pretty foolish (from seeing it happen before). 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Let the dice fall where they may. If there's no danger, it cheapens the 'heroic' parts.
Milandros 06-28-06, 05:30 PM	I have been noticing some trends lately on these forums. If your interested, fill out the following survey so we can see & discuss any trends based on actual user's input. 1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? 1. Basic D&D, all those long, long years ago. 2. In between. Of course, done right, even the combat can be good roleplaying material. 3. Restrictions based on campaign. 4. Absolutely, except in odd occasions. I will usually tailor an existing class or create a campaign-world specific one. 5. Hmn... Generally I let the dice win, but I won't let someone who is playing well, having fun and helping everyone else have fun die and be forced to create a new character just because of a single unlucky critical.
TheMogg 06-28-06, 05:54 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? 1. 3.0 when I was 15, after about three years of my brother badgering me *to* play... and then I was hooked. =) 2. I prefer roleplaying a LOT more than slashing because I'm not very good at making my creatures from the book do what they do - I *can* make my NPCs do a lot better without any stats whatsoever. My Players tend to want more hack-n-slash than I provide, so I try to make sure I have at least three encounters per session. 3. Core rules in times when a decision cannot be reached, when making characters and NPCs, the world in general. However, I play off the top of my head best (for the life of me I can't follow a pre-made campaign module so I do my own world - Velgrenneth). 4. In the end, it is best that they are able to smooth over their backgrounds and motives so the game progresses smoothly. I don't care what alignment or class or prestige class they are or want to be. It develops as the group plays and interacts. Alignment is a situation matter as far as I'm concerned. Backgrounds also develop with play, so I don't make it an absolute must, but I do like to know what I'm dealing with as concepts go with a character. As for prestige class, it'll fit with what they anticipate from me as a DM and from the game as a whole, my suggestion towards it if looked for, not to mention their own character concepts. 5. Depends on the situation.
Ankalagon 06-28-06, 06:15 PM	1) Basic D&D. I was about 7 and I used to wag school to play D&D with my uncle. Always has been a positive influence. 2) In between but I have a penchant for B.F. Swords. 3) Core but I don't enforce it if a player gets enthusiastic from splat-imagineering ;) 4) No but I would very much like it. 5) I never fudge dice rolls and I always (well nearly) roll in the open
Atirakis 06-28-06, 06:42 PM	1. AD&D not 2E (and I made my own many years prior to that even) 2. I like Story Telling with a good mix of Role Play and Combat 3. I allow splat with exceptions and some of the supplements get restricted too 4. Yes but I dont make it impossible to get cool PrCs 5. If the PC needs to live to continue the storyline I give them a little cushion but I wont save them from certain death
HalasterAteMyHamster 06-28-06, 08:10 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3.0 - Edit - I did play in a 2e game for a couple of months but never got into it. 3e was when I started in earnest. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? All official expansion material. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Depends on how you define 'in-game reasoning'. If you're asking whether I make a player say in-character "I'm an Assassin because...", then no. If you're asking whether I make a player say in-character "I have Death Attack because...", then yes. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I don't fudge dice. If I make an encounter too difficult so as to make the required roll impossible to beat, I continue to run the encounter to then end, then reboot as necessary.
xlivid 06-28-06, 08:30 PM	1.AD&D 2. RPG-heavy 3. Core rules only 4. Yes 5. No
Sammael93 06-28-06, 08:53 PM	1). Only ever played 3.5 2). I usually prefer a role-play-heavy game (with adventure and killing of monsters or evil NPCs included), and once in a while, an in-between type game, usually set in a dungeonesque setting with lots of crucial character choices involved. 3). I use and allow both the core rules and supplements, with some restrictions or modifictaions as I see fit. 4). I usually require that a PC has access to some way of joining a prestige class (such as entering the guild of one in the local area). Usually, though, they must undergo some task of proving themself or getting themself noticed by other members of the prestige class before allowing them to join. For some prestige classes (especially ones that there is no organization or community of similar people for), I allow them to take up the prestige class through some event that i have happen after they have asked for "entrance" into the class. 5). No, unless I feel that the other players would not be able to revive the killed player or that they could not handle the current encounter without their fallen team-mate. I always make these "fudges" in private, though, so as not to make the players feel that I am making the game too easy or favoring one character over another.
Lord Gwydion 06-28-06, 09:15 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? The Mentzer (red) Basic box set. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? I like a good mix of the two. I enjoy good roleplaying, but every now and then I just want to roll some dice and hack up (or blast) some monsters. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? It depends on the campaign. Most campaigns I run have some sort of theme to them, so there are restrictions on what can and can't be used to fit the theme. And some options from splat books I just don't like period, so I never allow them. The only "core only" game I've run, though, is an online game where it's easiest to restrict people to the stuff in the SRD without my express approval (and even then, I've allowed a few non-core feats). 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Again, it depends on the campaign, and if the PrC in question is tied to some sort of organization or not. Usually, yes, I'll require some in-game justification, but I can be fairly loose on that (such as if a character's original concept matched the flavor/mechanics of the PrC the player wants to take). 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I used to fudge rolls a lot, back in the old days when most poisons were save or die, there was no 24-hour window for a Cleric to cast a single spell to ward off level drain, and other nasty stuff that 3E has gotten rid of. Now, with all the handy fix-em-up spells available for whatever ails a PC, I let the dice fall where they may. 6.) Extra Credit question about hack-and-slash: Personally, I don't see why anyone would be embarrassed to admit to being a hack-and-slash gamer. It can be fun to play that way now and then for me, and I can understand why some people would want to play that way all the time. Whatever's fun for you is what you should play.
loaba 06-28-06, 09:48 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? - 1st AD&D 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? - Somewhere inbetween, say a 40/60 mix (heavy on Teh Hack). 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? - Anything goes would be my personal prefference. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? - I require that PC meet all requirements for X PrC, an in-game reason is usually not to hard to find. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? - No fudging, them's the breaks.
Horatio Hornblower 06-28-06, 10:17 PM	1.) original We had a large group in high school that moved to AD&D as it came out. When we got together we would have 4 to 6 DMs running their own games and players would move between them week to week. The story was PCs would travel between worlds though gates. So after a few months realtime your character could have adventured in all of the campaigns. As long as none of the DMs gave out too much treasure it worked. 2.) in-between Most of my friends do roleplay, but coming from a wargame background we drop out of character a lot. 3.) restricted I like most of the so called "splat" books, but if you don't pick and choose you can easily ruin a campaign. 4.) yes I'm not a big fan of prestige classes. Most don't fit my campaigns. 5.) no I don't like killing characters, but risk is part of the game. If you do something to get your character killed that's too bad. Remember that retreat is a viable option. My only exception is that if a player can't show up for a game and I run his or her PC as a NPC then I won't let the character get killed.
Iry 06-29-06, 12:59 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 1st Edition, back when Elf and Dwarf were just a class. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? Predominately Roleplaying, though I enjoy one combat per 8 hour gaming session on average just to stretch the tactical muscles. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Restrictions. Basically, I accept anything from the Complete Series. Anything else has to be approved and approval isn't always easy. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes and No. There has to be an in-game reason, but my players tell me several levels before they take it and I -MAKE- the in-game reason for them. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? My PCs don't die because of random critical hits. They die because either they made terrible mistakes or it was cinematically appropriate to die. None of my players will die because they failed a balance check crawling over a volcano on a rope. They will die because they decided to stay to stall the enemy forces while their friends get away to safety.
Cantankerous 06-29-06, 02:17 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? --Original D&D, back in 76, the flimsy covered books (I had only the basic and expert rules at first.) were sold in a clear baggie. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? --Were RPers first and foremost, but man, we gotta have our fight scenes. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? --Core, with selected bits from a few splatbooks and house rules on our house rules. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? --I don't "require" anything, but none of us would take a PrC, a regualr class, a skill a feat or anything of the type without an in-game reasoning for it. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? -- In a dramatic scene, or if the Player doesn't use his head, the dice roll stands. if the player has done it all right, and the dice have simply betrayed him, AND it's not a pivotal scene (such scenes usually take place twenty to thrity time per campaign, but our campaigns tend to be loooooong ones; the present one is over 200 sessions long) then I don't waste all the time energy that has gone into the character that way. Invariably something else dire and nasty will happen, such as their falling captive, but since we don't use the revolving door ressurection ideals, we're careful with our characters. This goes for major personality NPCs too. Isshia
tsuyoshikentsu 06-29-06, 02:30 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? AD&D 2nd Edition. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Ask me first, but I'll generally allow everything. So splats with restrictions. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? To you, no. To me, yes. (We've argued about whether "my character feels like it" is a valid reason before.) In protest of what this question implies, no, I do not. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? It really depends. I do a quick evalutaion in my head of, to make a long story short, would it make the game more fun overall if the character died? If the answer is yes, well... kebang. That and if I'm having a bad day, I usually kill 'em. I recognize that this is a flaw, but hey -- I'm human.
jokotoko 06-29-06, 02:33 AM	1.) AD&D 2.) In between 3.) Core only 4.) Absolutely yes 5.) I never fudge
Crimson_Concerto 06-29-06, 02:53 AM	1.) 3rd, so I'm relatively new compared to most people on the board, I would suppose. 2.) In between. I love RPing, but unless he DM's REALLY good, it's difficult to survive a session on just that and keep the entire party interested. On the flip side, I also love some dungeon crawling, but again it takes a REALLY good DM to keep all players interested the entire time. I pick in between because some people like one more than the other, so unless you're in a specific group where you all agree it's just gonna be one big RP or one big dungeon, it's near impossible to pull somethign liek that off, and even then you're mor elikely to run into many problems such as power-players and holier-than-thou-roleplayers being more bothersome than usual. 3.) Restrictions are best. I like to have diverse characters in the party (and yes, I'm aware we can do that with just the PHB, but the same old stuff gets stale after a while), but we don't need PCs working from the Books of Exalted Deeds and Vile Darkness in the same party. Mostly, restrictions need to be put in place to prevent that sort of inter-party conflict (it's not always bad, but this type and others are). 4.) Always. Unless it's a really general PrC, I mean. Some aren't specialized enough to really warrent a backstory requirement. 5.) Afraid not. Now, I hate when I die, I do, but if it never happens, players forget they need to be careful and that they aren't invincible. Thus, whenever somebody dies by virtue of the dice, I let them. It's sort of a way of "keeping the PCs in line," though that's not really the nicest way to say it.
Han Duo 06-29-06, 04:37 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? DnD 3.5 edition 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? role-playing heavy 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? splat books with some restrictions 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? They just have to have some sort of reasoning at the moment they level up. (so the answer would be yes) 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? yes, I fudge the die
ShadowDragon8685 06-29-06, 04:40 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? 3.5 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. No role-playing and we might as well play craps. No hack and slash, and we might as well flush the d20. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Open field, very few restrictions. (No, you may not make a Gargantuan Centaur Heavy-Gravity Adapted Frenzied Warhulking Hurler that can throw a rock and destroy the moon.) 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Depends entirely on which class. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? I roll in the open. Can't fudge it.
Kobajagrande 06-29-06, 04:52 AM	Why do you feel that someone would not want to admit to being a pure HnS player? I don't think that a pure HnS player would find anything of use in this forum, or in any sort of roleplaying community. Pure HnS player would just play D&D as a board game. So I suppose they are very very rare here.
Lucan_Desmond 06-29-06, 05:41 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? - 1 Edition. We thought it was 2nd at the time. We were like 12 and had no clue. But the books were really old and it turns out that they were 1st ed. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? - Definitely in between. Too much roleplaying is boring and players lose interest while the DM basically reads a book out loud. Hack and slash is fun at first but gets boring fast. Mix the two! 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? - I allow the core books, plus the entire complete series. Nothing else. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? - Only if it's a major divergence for the character. When the party wizard wants to take levels in Frenzied Berzerker, I want a DAMN good explaination. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? - Depends on the character and how they interact with the party. Was the character important to party mechanics? Was he constantly hassling the other characters? If the party didn't need him, he dies. If they did need him, he's bleeding to death... save him! Later, Des
SokenzanMarauder 06-29-06, 06:43 AM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? -AD&D 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? -In between but more towards role-playing 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? -Core rules 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? -Yes 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? -Player = Dead Nifty little survey if I don't say so myself. -Gene
TrothgardtheMad 06-29-06, 12:04 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? It was a weird mix, it was my first rpg session, Keep on the Borderlands (1e, with a DM who only had the 1e books) with a 2nd edition character (an elven fighter/mage) 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? Depends on my mood, some weeks are so rough that the next bipedal or freaky monster that pisses me off generally meets their maker, some weeks it's all about political intrigue and running kingdoms. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? All splat books, with some caveats, it definitely has to fit my world. Outside of that, I'm pretty lenient. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Generally, yes. I like to work with my players who have a plan on how to advance their character, I can help them create relations with organizations and special members of groups they'd like to join. Levels before they "qualify". 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Death, but most of my group is either lucky or work very well together, so it happens very rarely. Trothgard the Mad
TheSkinnySkeleton 06-29-06, 12:28 PM	1.) What was the first edition of D&D you played? Original D&D, but that's a tough answer for me. I got the original D&D Basic red box when I was 7 years old, back in '85. However, I was an only child, and had nobody to play with me, lol. So I ended up running myself through the provided mini-adventure a million times, each time pretending I didn't know there was a rust monster in room number three.... Yep, pretty sad. After that, I started playing AD&D in junior high, and then just started on 3.5 ed last year. 2.) Do you prefer a role-playing heavy game, a hack and slash game, or in between? In between. I like roleplaying, but I love tactical fighting as well. I prefer role-playing even during the fighting though. 3.) Do you prefer core rules only, all splat books, or splat books with some restrictions? Some restrictions. I allow most splat books in my campaign, but have had way too many broken characters to say yes to just anything now. 4.) Do you require a PC to have in-game reasoning for taking a Prestige Class? Yes. I also require him to have in-game reasoning for learning the prerequisites for said PrC. 5.) If a PC dies by a result of the dice, do you fudge the dice to keep the PC alive, or let him die? Depends. I'll fudge 'em if the fight was with some random encounter or otherwise unmemorable battle. All cool monsters and end/mini-bosses deserve the chance to kill though. I believe that a PC's death should be just as memorable as their life. After all, these are heroes. Players will tell stories about that level 11 barbarian that was swallowed whole by the purple worm, sliced his way out of the beast's stomach, only to land on a rat swarm and be eaten alive. But all those first level adventurers that fall to a single goblin's blade? Forgotten. Generally speaking, my games are pretty fun and easy-going...until I start rolling on the table. Then my players know I'm out for blood....
RadicalTaoist 06-29-06, 02:47 PM	1) Played a single session of AD&D in its dying days. :yuck: That system was messed up. Didn't really get into it until late in 3.0, prefer 3.5 myself. 2) 100% of both, baby. You'd call it mixed. I really don't see the dichotomy. 3) Splat with restrictions. There is some plain stupid unbalanced stuff. 4) No, not possible in my games - characters have no idea what a class is. Explanations for gaining new abilities are cool but entirely mandatory. The only requirement is for organizational PrCs, you do have to join the club (reworking the flavor of the PrC to a different organization is cool, though). 5) Requesciem in Pacet. :ghosted: I usually DM for friends I play CounterStrike with, so deaths are often laughed off. "ouch lol gg sum1 rez plzkthnx?"