Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 mog0025 Jun 30, 2009 16:34:38	Quick question for anyone who knows how these issues will be handled at GenCon: If two Customer Service representatives have stated exactly opposite positions on a ruling for which there is no current errata, how should a player use these rules in a tournament such as the D&D Championship or Ultimate Dungeon Delve? Example: Shaman with Protector Spirit - When using Healing Spirit if both the initial target and the additional ally are adjacent to your spirit companion do both characters get to add the Shaman's constitution mod to the amount healed? A discussion on the 4e Leaders forums quotes a CS Rep saying only the initial target gets the extra healing, and a different CS Rep saying that both characters get the extra healing. To avoid accusations of cheating, what should a player do in this type of situation?
#2 WolfStar76 Jul 01, 2009 6:40:27	Several options spring to mind about resolution: 1) If there are two conflicting answers from Customer Service - the "latest version/revision is correct" rule comes into play. If customer service, six months ago said "purple" - and customer service a month or two ago said "green": green is the correct answer. This will reflect an improved WotC internal knowledge base, or even a simple evolotuon of game theory - or simply a better internal WotC understanding of the rules - be the rules in question "obvious" or "subtle". 2) The table DM is the final arbiter. The DM makes a ruling, you have finite time to debate, and the DM may, at their discretion, change the ruling or stick to it and move on. 3) Appeals If either/neither of the above works for you, RPGA HQ can be used for appeals. We'll have someone assigned as the "conflict judge" for the Championship - and we're all qualified as Senior GMs for the show in case that person isn't available. When asked a question you'll often see/hear us ask each other and confer quickly before replying, so you'll get a relatively concensus ruling. Of course, if this is happening mid-combat you won't want to leave your table in a lurch. State your intended action(s) for the next round(s) - and give your character over to someone to run in your stead. If the question takes more than a moment to answer at HQ - you may want to be sure you get your table # before you come up - that way we can come to your table with an answer. ----------------- That all said - is it possible that rulings will be inconsistent? Yes. Regardless of who makes the call, what source is used, etc - mistakes happen. It's worth remembering that there's a human element to this game - the players AND the judges are human. We're not playing a video game where the rules are hard-coded and impassive processors are making all the calls. That human element doesn't do things the same way every single time, but it (we) do try our best to be fair and accurate to the best of our ability. That's why the table DM has the ability to be a final arbiter, and why HQ is the "ultimate" arbiter at a convention. Just as with any CCG I've played - if a judge (or head/senior/final judge) makes a calling in error - that error stands. It may suck, but there comes a point where you have to say "this is the official decision, now play on". I'd also recommend that if you have any ambiguities in how your character may be played/interpreted that you get a ruling from your DM or HQ before your slot begins so that you can be aware of how they'll be run at the show.
#3 mog0025 Jul 01, 2009 12:39:54	Thanks for the response! I'll try to run my specific issue by the table DM before the clock starts.