The problem with theory...

David R · May 12, 2006, 08:23:30 PM

Quote from: angelsorayamaOkay, so sometimes theory can be a neccesary evil for those who don't like it but want good games?

I don't think the usefulness of theory to some necessarily means it's a necessary evil...and my post should not be construed as such. What I meant is that to some gamers (me included) some theory discussion is an important and natural part in the process of creating the games we want to play.

Regards,
David R

angelsorayama · May 12, 2006, 10:49:46 PM

Quote from: bondetampErm ...

What I meant was that using time to talk theory would take time away from writing stat blocks, and that it is therefor A Bad Thing.

Just like dating. Or cooking. Or running around writing "Neckface" on people's mailboxes for that matter.

Now this was not meant entirely serious, but my comic delivery isn't at it's best after a long day at work.:brood:

... I would surely get the humor... if I knew what stat blocks were...
Forgive me for not understanding your stranger gamer sp34k... :shrug:

Quote from: David RI don't think the usefulness of theory to some necessarily means it's a necessary evil...and my post should not be construed as such. What I meant is that to some gamers (me included) some theory discussion is an important and natural part in the process of creating the games we want to play.

Thanks for the clarification. :bow:

Dacke · May 12, 2006, 11:58:59 PM

Quote from: angelsorayama... I would surely get the humor... if I knew what stat blocks were...

A statblock is a way of presenting stats for an NPC/monster. Two examples of different stat blocks:

Hobgoblin Heavy Infantry Trooper CR 5
Male hobgoblin fighter 4
LN Medium humanoid
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +0, Spot +0
Languages Common, Elven, Goblin

AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20
hp 38 (4 HD)
Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +3

Speed 20 ft. (4 squares)
Melee mwk flail +8 (1d8+3) or
Ranged mwk composite longbow +6 (1d8+3/x3)
Base Atk +4; Grp +7
Atk Options Block Arrow, Improved Trip, Shield Wall
Combat Gear 2 potions of cure light wounds, potion of enlarge person

Abilities Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 8
Feats Block Arrow [HoB], Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Iron Will, Shield Wall [HoB]
Skills Climb +2, Craft (any one) +6, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (history) +2, Move Silently -1, Ride +5
Possessions combat gear plus masterwork full plate, masterwork flail, heavy steel shield, masterwork composite longbow, quiver with 20 arrows, potion bracer

Dala Arand

Female human Expert 4/Rogue 2; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (human); HD 4d6 (Exp) plus 2d6 (Rog); hp 23; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16 (+2 Dex, +4 +1 studded leather), touch 12, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +4; Grap +3; Atk +7 melee (1d6, +1 rapier); Full Atk +7 melee (1d6, +1 rapier); SA Sneak attack +1d6; SQ Evasion, trapfinding; AL LE; SV Fort +1, Ref +6, Will +5; Str 9, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 13.

Skills and Feats: Bluff +10, Decipher Script +11, Diplomacy +3, Disable Device +11, Gather Information +3, Intimidate +3, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (geography) +10, Knowledge (local) +10, Knowledge (nature) +11, Open Lock +11, Search +11, Survival +9; Combat Expertise, Improved Feint, Weapon Finesse.

Possessions:+1 studded leather, +1 rapier, potion of darkvision, potion of shield of faith (+5), potion of tongues, glyphbook.

angelsorayama · May 13, 2006, 12:05:38 AM

Quote from: DackeA statblock is a way of presenting stats for an NPC/monster. Two examples of different stat blocks:

Don't they have books and books of those?

Ottomsoh the Elderly · May 13, 2006, 06:33:32 AM

Theory is one side of the coin, practice is the other. When you can't find time for practice anymore (gaming friends have incompatible schedules, for example), then theory becomes your only way to still put your mind to the hobby.

Zachary The First · May 13, 2006, 08:23:56 AM

Quote from: Ottomsoh the ElderlyTheory is one side of the coin, practice is the other. When you can't find time for practice anymore (gaming friends have incompatible schedules, for example), then theory becomes your only way to still put your mind to the hobby.

What about writing adventures, world building, and rolling up characters and NPCs? Those are all things I do when I'm not actively gaming that don't rely on theory.

Dacke · May 13, 2006, 08:30:58 AM

Quote from: angelsorayamaDon't they have books and books of those?

Yeah, but they might not have the one you want.

Lady Lakira · May 13, 2006, 06:14:22 PM

Quote from: Zachary The FirstWhat about writing adventures, world building, and rolling up characters and NPCs? Those are all things I do when I'm not actively gaming that don't rely on theory.

Those things can also be done with theory. Arguably, if you build an adventure, a world, or a set of NPCs while keeping in mind your players' preferences and how the group dynamic works, you're using theory. Not pretentious, jargon-filled theory, but theory nonetheless. And if you tweak your world/NPCs/adventures as your gaming group evolves so that the fun is still there, then it's still theory. Theory should be about understanding game experiences so that you can infuse more cool into the game and get rid of the boring bits.