TOPIC: Class selection. First time and have some?

We just need to determine when the roll off should happen and I would agree. Obviously if everyone is there that is idea, but if everyone is not there how long to you what till you determine if there are going to be conflicts? Some time must be taken or it is first come first choice.

Is there enough of an issue that this needs to be codified? I've never seen a problem in all of the groups I've been in--even when multiple people want to play the same class.

jedibcg wrote: We just need to determine when the roll off should happen and I would agree. Obviously if everyone is there that is idea, but if everyone is not there how long to you what till you determine if there are going to be conflicts? Some time must be taken or it is first come first choice.

Well, in a worst case scenario with missing players, you could always get an official TD volunteer (preferably the player coach) to make proxy rolls for the missing players (assuming they are at least 3rd level).

If the present players all roll higher, then they know they can choose what they want. And if they know that the proxy roll was the highest, that they should be ready to plan a contingency just in case.

SageSTL wrote: Is there enough of an issue that this needs to be codified? I've never seen a problem in all of the groups I've been in--even when multiple people want to play the same class.

I think codifying it would be helpful. It's gonna be a rare occurrence, but when it does happen there is the high potential for negative feelings towards TD and other players.

I personally don't anticipate being in such a situation in the future. For the past couple of years, all of my runs have been pre-arranged beforehand, where class selection is also determined on the forums well in advance of GenCon. However, in the distant past, I would occasionally do random pickup runs and/or end up with complete strangers (who aren't on the forums) and in those cases things could get a bit messy.

yeah this is why I try everything in my power to buy the entire run.

I see all kinds of sides to this discussion. Token heavy players who have spent tons of time setting themselves up to play a specific class can be very angry and upset and hurt if they can't use the tokens that they have worked hard, and spent money on.

I do think that it should be codified that higher level players should get first choice. The whole 3rd level rule is hopelessly outdated as so many of us have gained 3rd level.

I also see that it would be bad for someone who comes in at the last minutes upsets the balance of the group that has spent a lot of time getting ready.

I think the rules is (almost) fine as is, and most would be happy if it was tweaked slightly - level 3+s get first choice of character ***IF*** they arrive at least X minutes before the time on the ticket.

Then all you have to do is choose a reasonable value for "X". I don't think anyone begrudges long-time supporters their perk if they aren't disrespectful to the rest of their party.

I agree.

Um, I don't know about you guys, but I don't have any pockets left for dice when I'm going into TD. I like Brad's suggestion, with five to ten minutes?

Whether you spend $2,000 a year on tokens or $10 it should not affect the choosing of class. We all pay the same amount for a ticket. The current rules are fine as long as new players, experienced players and coaches are aware of what they are and how they should be implemented.

As for coming early, late, or on time I'm not sure how that should determine class choice. Some people do back-to-back runs. Others are volunteers. Some people have a hard time finding out where they have to go. Some are just getting out of another event at Gencon and it may take them time to haul their butt to the TD area. Besides, if you are with a bunch of players who can't agree on what classes they will play in a civilized manner then you are probably running on normal anyway where it wont much matter what you play.

Rafiq

I suppose I've been lucky but I've never had an issue with people picking classes on my runs. I've had times when I've bought all the tix and times when I've had only a few. The times when I've had only a few and have had folks in the group that I didn't know we've been able to work this out pretty easily. Now to be fair most of those times have been with noobies and I've helped equip whatever class they are assigned but not always. I've had a few instances where some experienced players were in the group and it all worked out just fine. Most of the time people are pretty kewl with assigning classes and I haven't seen the need to pull rank based on level. I've always been on runs with good and understanding folks.

I agree with Archmage78, the rules need clarified (and followed). There are going to be issues sometimes. To think everything is fine and nothing needs to be done sets the coach up for problems.

I had always thought that 3rd and above gets first choice, but I had also thought (maybe mistakenly) that it was based on level i.e. 8th level chooses first, 7th level chooses next, 6th level chooses after 7th, etc. with a dice roll off for tied levels. Having more experience should count for something, and that is what the benefit of the initial rule was for, right?

The X minute deadline before the start is also a great idea. To have someone come in at the last minute (this has happened) and want a specific character makes for a mess. Our group has twelve Dansco books built out, one for each character. We can change easy enough if given enough time (and access to the bag room for exchange of books – we do have a guild badge but need the ability to leave the coaching area to do the exchange). The coaches also need enough time to do the stats for each person.