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Post by jazzisblues on Jan 18, 2013 12:31:06 GMT -8
For the behind a screen or in the open discussion I'd like to point out that in most systems rolling in the open doesn't prevent fudging, the players still lack knowledge of the modifiers. Rolling in the open can give the illusion that you aren't fudging, but its no more proof that you aren't then rolling behind a screen is proof that you are. As mentioned trust is the biggest thing, and if you players don't trust you then it doesn't matter where you roll, or if you have bennies, or even what system you play in. If the question of cheating ever comes up at the table then its a problem within the group that has little to do with the game. true dat JiB
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Post by HourEleven on Jan 23, 2013 10:52:01 GMT -8
Just wanted to weigh in on the "Dice fudging" debate, as I found myself shouting at you all while listening on my way to work today.
I see it as rather black and white.
There are systems that are designed to be "gamed." They are balanced. The numbers mean something. DnD is one of these systems. SavageW is one also. Encounters with baddies really matter. The dice should not be fudged. It's the GMs responsibility to create encounters for these systems that are fun an challenging - sans dice fudging.
On the other side, there are systems that are meant to be "narratives." Ninety percent of the people my players will meet in a FATE game will never have stats. A few might have a handful of aspects and one or two might actually have a full sheet. Because it doesn't matter. It's about the story. I can fudge the dice all day (I didn't mean that pun to happen) because its about the story escalating. It's about narrative pacing, not about winning anything. FATE is only one example, there are far more narrative systems, but I figured people know FATE pretty well.
But what about the numerous systems that fall in the middle? Or the groups that play DnD like a narrative game? I think the groups expectations trump system. I could play WoD as a modern DnD clone, combat is detailed and balanced enough, but I prefer to only roll dice when death is involved. Know your group, know what they want, know what they expect.
TLDR: If its a gamey game system, no fudge - that's cheating or compensating for a poorly planned encounter.
If its a narrative game system, no harm no foul as long as it serves the story and fun - no one will be disappointed because no one spent 4 hours figuring out how to do optimal damage in this situation.
There is no universal answer- different games, different groups.
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