TOPIC: Seems like I should know this...

kurtreznor wrote: Could we start highlighting each player's primary/default mode?

As someone who plays a ranged build, that would go a long way toward easing my mind that the DM is using the correct stats.

Would be neat, but I just want bard song baked in by default. Assume I will always sing and then if for some crazy reason I can't then take it away. Would save a lot of back-end calculations and would prevent folks from missing it and time wasted telling the DM in each room every time and so on and so forth.

But I know what you mean, when you have an optimized build for 1 combo and they apply the stats of the wrong one, its like... UGH! what do you mean I only did 5 damage, you clearly didn't use the right column my base is 12.

Mistakes happen sure but a box or highlight might be neat or nice. It still wouldn't affect the starting round AC though.

Thanks for all the answers and explanations.

It sounds like DMs give the benefit of the doubt and use the higher AC during monster-first rounds, and then subsequently attempt to keep everything straight.

I don't begrudge any errors in keeping things straight, it's a bit confusing. Anyway a player could attack MODE-A and then use a free action to switch to MODE-B without informing the DM - so letting the DM use their discretion may be the best option in any case.

Matthew Hayward wrote: Thanks for all the answers and explanations.

It sounds like DMs give the benefit of the doubt and use the higher AC during monster-first rounds, and then subsequently attempt to keep everything straight.

I don't begrudge any errors in keeping things straight, it's a bit confusing. Anyway a player could attack MODE-A and then use a free action to switch to MODE-B without informing the DM - so letting the DM use their discretion may be the best option in any case.

They absolutely could. However, they should inform their DM they are taking a free action to do something. I think all 'actions' should be announced.

What we need is a token that makes this aspect either "go away" or trivializes it so basically it works the way its getting played. A token that lets me switch back and forth between my sets at will without an action would accomplish this and just make your best AC always your AC. Would make things easier on the DM as well.
Less tracking of Free Actions = more fun for players and more tokens getting used, which often means more consumables getting burned, which is a win for TD.

Would it be reasonable to consider a players best attack mode their default mode?

Brad Mortensen wrote:

Harlax wrote: Would it be reasonable to consider a players best attack mode their default mode?

Not sure I understand. The token they slide dictates their attack mode.

Once a player slides, you know. But if the monster wins initiative the player has not slid.

Harlax wrote:

Brad Mortensen wrote:

Harlax wrote: Would it be reasonable to consider a players best attack mode their default mode?

Not sure I understand. The token they slide dictates their attack mode.

Once a player slides, you know. But if the monster wins initiative the player has not slid.

Oh. Well, Shelly the Paladin used to use her Boomstick as her default because of the 25, even though her melee looked better by the bonuses. So she'd start combat in melee and free action to ranged on her first turn. (But then we got her STR to 35 so she just clobbers stuff now)

Whatever that tells you.

Harlax wrote: Would it be reasonable to consider a players best attack mode their default mode?

Safest to assume their Highest AC is their default mode until combat starts then its likely their highest damage or to hit mods, but its not always clear cut.

I'm sure our paladin cruises around with her shield out until combat starts then she puts it away for her primary attack mode.

Harlax wrote: Would it be reasonable to consider a players best attack mode their default mode?

I think taking the highest AC in an ambiguous case is the most generous to players.

Given how mad some players get when they perceive the DM is being needlessly oppositional, I think it makes sense to make the generous choice the default one.

Alternatively there could be a player selection in the coaching room of what the default is and record it on the party card - but as Brad pointed out that's probably a lot of effort for very little payoff (odds that the AC difference matters, and the monster strikes first, and the DM makes the different choice are slim).

I hate to ask coaches to do one more thing, even if it seems little. And making new party cards when they just had an overhaul seems not in the cards.

If you're concerned that not all DMs are like Valetutto and me, it's easy enough to pick up a pen and just circle everyone's default AC. I think that's harder to miss than a tick mark anyway.

But I'm nobody, so someone in authority would have to approve "defacing" your party card.