Huskerforce's page

Broken characters can certainly be a problem that can ruin everyone's fun (except the guy playing the broken character). However, I find that many players and GMs don't have enough system mastery to know what's actually OP and what's simply above average.

The issue is that it's difficult to find consensus on what "broken" is. If you have a table full of people playing sub-par characters, then even an average character can seem broken by comparison.

I've actually had to leave two separate campaigns because the GM nerfed my characters into oblivion, even though most of the players agreed with me that my characters were actually below average performers. Each time it was one or two particular players that cried "OP" and unfortunately they had the GM's ear. The other players did not. When you have a below average character that gets nerfed even more, it becomes unplayable.

Many times I feel like there is an "over-saturation" of new books and rules. It seems like it is hard to really know what is broke because by the time we see it in action for a little while there is a whole new set of issues coming up with the new material. This is what makes it so difficult as a GM. Trying to keep up with all the new rules, materials, and such makes this hobby begin to feel like a part-time job.

I'd love to see Paizo slow down a little bit and reflect on things more thoroughly. But this is a business so that isn't going to happen.

I think much of it comes from simple perspective. My first run in with an "OP" player was after a few months of attending our local gaming store's PFS nights. I was not familiar enough with the rules to question some of the things he was doing, but it sure seemed as though he was "cheating" on at least some level. I understand that Paizo encourages optimization. It is one of the major reasons they sell so many of those weekly books they produce.

However I remember, even though it's been three years, how insignificant that player made mine feel at the table. He made nearly every "challenge" the scenario presented to be of no value. I remember the scenarios being challenging before he attended our games. But after a few short weeks it felt like we weren't even needed at the table. We became "cursory characters" to his story. If I stayed at his table I would likely have quit gaming.

I know this is a hobby, but there are some things to consider. First, Paizo writes modules and scenarios without optimization in mind. This means if you have one or two optimized players at the table, you will miss the intended "feel" of the adventure. I mean, building up to a boss fight only to watch one player wipe the floor with him in a round is ridiculous. Optimization eliminates much of the tension and uncertainty of the adventure.

Second, Pathfinder is a group minded game. When everyone isn't on a somewhat level playing field it takes away from the game. Who would really want to be in a recreational soccer league with David Beckham on your team?

Overall it will never change. OP players will not go away and neither will your casual gamers. It will always comes down to balance. Can your power gamers learn to "pull back" and allow others to be less of a bystander?

I have been a GM for almost 30 years now and have enjoyed doing so. I grew up on the old D&D system and have played several other systems since then. For nearly all my years I have played with friends, friends of friends, military buddies, etc... However my son has recently become very interested in gaming (over the last three years). He is a teenager and I have been taking him to conventions, which I never attended before. So I began going to these conventions with him for some good old fashioned father-son bonding time. It has been great, except for when I GM. I love to Gm, and would consider myself quite an excellent GM. I have a Master's Degree in Literature and teach Lit courses in college. So I certainly know how to weave a tale.

My problem is with the level of Rules-Lawyers that exist in PFS. I simply don't have the time to memorize every new rule that comes out on a consistent basis, and Paizo loves to send out books each month (which I enjoy because it expands the game, yet frustrates me because I can't keep up). I know I could simply just not play PFS or not GM, but it really isn't an option. My son loves the Pathfinder game system and knows it well, and if I sign up just to play I often am asked to GM because I am a Three star PFS GM and they always have shortages at the conventions. Either way it defeats my purpose for attending; having fun with my son.

I guess what I am really hoping for, other than a moment to generally rant, is if there are any tips on how to handle the rules-lawyering at conventions. I have one this Friday and am both excited and dreading this weekend.

I'd love to see a "Deep Sea" adventure. Something along the lost city of Atlantis feel.

I love when the "final boss" encounter is so stressful the players are out of their seat cheering for the dice rolls. Setting the stage throughout the game and watching that payoff is amazing.

I hate when players call out to the healer how much health they have lost. There isn't a freaking health bar bouncing over your character!

Underwater (deep ocean)

What's the most random encounter you've ever come across in a game?

It could be weird a monster, a screwy social encounter, or just something you've never really gotten the point of.

Mine's the fork in the road. ** spoiler omitted **

We were just walking along, and bam there it was.

We were once attacked by gelatinous cubes shaped like gummy bears.