Ribbon?

[Ravingdork]

I've been seeing this term bandied about quite a bit since the start of the playtest. What does it mean?

[Kekkres]

a ribbon is a flavor ability that is designed to play into a classes thematic identity rather than something that adds thematic weight, you are probobly see it used in refrance to adapt element, which is full of thematic options, very few of which are especially useful

[QuidEst]

It's a term from D&D R&D:

Quote:

Ribbons

On the R&D team, any ability meant to convey flavor rather than a mechanical advantage is referred to as a ribbon—a thing that’s mostly for show. Thieves’ Cant is a great example of a ribbon ability, and Storm Guide also falls into this category.

Stuff like Druids getting Druidic as a special language, or getting Timeless Body in PF1 would be ribbon abilities. In this case, people are probably referring to Adapt Element. It's not going to do much in combat, and a lot of what it does could just be accomplished manually, but it'd be really weird if you could only make water to shoot people with, but not to drink.

[Xenocrat]

Think of it like putting more ribbons on a soldier's dress uniform rather than muscle on his body. The former might make him feel better about himself, the latter makes him more effective in combat.

They were probably thinking of ribbons on a doll's hair, though, or those participationg ribbons elementary school kids get at track and field day.

[Themetricsystem]

It is a kind of crunch that has no *CRUNCH* to it, rather, it's light, airy, and flavorful.

[PossibleCabbage]

The basic idea of the metaphor is that tying a ribbon on something makes it look nicer, but doesn't make it any more useful.

[Temperans]

Its equivalent to the phrase "the cherry on top".

Something that tastes good and is nice to have, but its just an extra and absolutely not needed.

[Dubious Scholar]

Which isn't to say ribbons don't sometimes end up relevant. Adapt Element does have the bit where you can let someone breathe for a round (enough to reset holding their breath).

Or my favorite example - the final ability of a psychopomp eidolon has a very narrow clause that lets it stop undead coming back if it lands the killing blow by smacking their souls directly to the Boneyard. Very appropriate, but the number of creatures it's applicable to is very small. Funny if it short circuits a campaign somehow by permakilling a lich though.