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I don’t like the term Prop as the playtest defines it. When i hear the word Prop, my mind goes to handheld items or something a person can move and manipulate. Prop as it is primarily describes manmade structures like walls and pillars, and only allows large enough creatures to be considered. A better and more intuitive term would be Structure.
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I don't mind prop as the term, but structure is a pretty boring name. If you want the connotations of "not easy to move," then why not setpiece? Keeps the theatrical reference too.
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Yes, those are set pieces. A Prop Department doesn't provide the things listed under the mechanic. And what Daredevil, relating their tale, would ever say "prop" to refer to those? It'd mislead the listener.
That's reason enough to ditch prop. Breakaway Attack, now that's using props. Structure works better, leverage point might work too. I imagine many other, sturdier words could encompass set pieces and the creatures that function as walls.
As for theatricality, prop pulls back the curtain that yes, this is the stuntman class. Awkward, and more awkward given it has no performance aspects (and those would veer into Swashbuckler or Gladiator territory).
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Yes, those are set pieces. A Prop Department doesn't provide the things listed under the mechanic. And what Daredevil, relating their tale, would ever say "prop" to refer to those? It'd mislead the listener.
I don't know, when I was in a prop department we did everything including the sets.
Yes, those are set pieces. A Prop Department doesn't provide the things listed under the mechanic. And what Daredevil, relating their tale, would ever say "prop" to refer to those? It'd mislead the listener.
I don't know, when I was in a prop department we did everything including the sets. [/QUOTE
I guess drama programs and/or theaters differ? Hmm. Distinct roles at my university.
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Interesting point by Elfteiroh that maybe Paizo was coming from a completely different direction, prop as support not stage tool. Sure, Paizo could argue that, but having to argue that when so many players went immediately to stagecraft suggests a clearer name might be warranted.
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The mechanics worry me more than the name... :P
The word "Prop" has three definitions in the Etymonline dictionary.
1. In aviation Prop is short for Propeller.
2. In theater Prop is short for Property.
3. In construction Prop means a brace or support. It might be short for Propagation, because it came from the Middle Dutch proppe which is a vine trellis.
Given that a Prop-based daredevil feature is called Propelling Strides, Prop might be short for Propel here. Otherwise, none of the meanings of Prop mean an object to push off or slam into.
In English we do have a name for an object to push off of for extra speed: starting block. Two words is a bit much for the term, so let's shorten that to "Block."
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This feels like adding a keyword for the sake of adding a keyword.
Prop doesn't really work unless you assume the daredevil is all about theater, and while they have some of that energy, its not the core of the class (at least from my perspective). Rather than inventing a new term, I feel they could have just used "large obstacle" and in a side bar defined what qualifies.
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"Prop" as a brace refers to a support that is not part of the supported object. Walls and pillars support themselves. But I am willing to drop my suggestion of "block," because I like Cellion's suggestion of using the existing game term "obstacle." We just need to clarify in a sidebox what kind of obstacles are suitable.
Prop: A prop can be anything large and sturdy enough for you to push yourself off of. This includes a creature that is larger than you or a wall, column, or other durable terrain feature. The GM decides whether a creature or object counts as a prop, depending on the circumstances. For instance, the GM might decide that you can’t use a Huge ooze as a prop, due to the consistency of its protoplasm.
Obstacle: Daredevils will often push themselves off of obstacles or slam enemies into obstacles. The obstacle must be large and sturdy enough to remain firm against the force and angled in a useful direction. A wall, column, or other durable terrain feature can serve, but a creature larger than you can serve, too. The GM decides whether a creature or object is sufficiently firm. For instance, the GM might decide that you can’t push off a Huge ooze due to the consistency of its protoplasm and can't push off the ground because it is parallel to your motion.
That extra bit about "angled in a useful direction" is for the argument whenever the daredevil can push off the ground for Propelling Stride.
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Honestly, obstacle seems like a reasonable term to me. Prop certainly brings to mind objects much smaller than obstacles are.
Are daredevils allowed to PULL around props/obstacles? For instance reaching up to grab a curtain and swing, or swinging from a chandelier from a balcony down on someone below?
Seconded on the above, "obstacle" is such a straightforward way of describing a thing that stops your movement that I'm surprised this wasn't the first pick.