Is this a player option? Or a DM option for monsters and NPCs? Or a game-wide option (as in, "we're going to be using the average for damage, no need or option to roll")?
Like, if I feel like I'm consistently rolling low, can I opt for just using the average instead of rolling? (I know with DM approval, anything goes... I'm wondering whether there's a written rule regarding that.)
Players always roll for damage unless they have a feature that says otherwise. A lot of people will roll the attack and damage rolls simultaneously to save time.
DMs can use the average damage listed in monster stat blocks to speed things up.
Then why do they get to choose between rolling for HP?
The thread was about damage rolls.
But the answer is because the game designers wanted you to be able to decide for yourself if you're going to get a reliable increase next level or gamble on your hit points.
Is this a player option? Or a DM option for monsters and NPCs? Or a game-wide option (as in, "we're going to be using the average for damage, no need or option to roll")?
Like, if I feel like I'm consistently rolling low, can I opt for just using the average instead of rolling? (I know with DM approval, anything goes... I'm wondering whether there's a written rule regarding that.)
That would be a brave DM at any table I've sat at!
To be fair, the D&D Miniatures game reduced damage to a multiple of 5, so there is precedent. Does anybody still play that, I wonder?
Then why do they get to choose between rolling for HP?
The thread was about damage rolls.
But the answer is because the game designers wanted you to be able to decide for yourself if you're going to get a reliable increase next level or gamble on your hit points.
Just saying that there is some precedent for players choosing set numbers over die rolls. Regardless of function, the choice is there in one form. If done, it would speed up the game. Plus your BBEG wouldn't suffer a max damage roll crit by chance. i.e. Possible Great Sword crit 24 damage; non-roll crit 14? 16?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
Tonio you can be creative about this, and in a game with magic for sale you can get down right silly. (DM's look away now its going to get dirty)
Average damage is to make lives easier, big spell casting is the usual culprit and dragons im looking at you as well. sometimes you dont have enough dice and it can slow the table down. Take wands for example, multiple wands and not enough dice to roll all in one shot, it perfectly reasonable to ask if you can just speed things up as the dice bombing continues round to round.
A side point was brought up by a criminal genius of a player when XGtE emerged from the pits. The clockwork amulet allows you to take 10 on one attack a day. its a common magic item and the problem is its not attuned as standard. Weighed down like a Mr. T. impersonator you will pity the fool that has to roll to hit.
If the C.A. is ok then a device that allows you to once per day choose to forgo damage rolled (probably sold in distinct spell or weapon varieties) in exchange for average damage should be acceptable. Word of warning though, you might find its boring if you dont roll much, especially when you throw out once a day big encounter killers.
Enjoy! and beware the ticking its not a clockadile you need to be scared of its tick tock the warforged (for so many reasons #losetheacbuff)
Is this a player option? Or a DM option for monsters and NPCs? Or a game-wide option (as in, "we're going to be using the average for damage, no need or option to roll")?
Like, if I feel like I'm consistently rolling low, can I opt for just using the average instead of rolling? (I know with DM approval, anything goes... I'm wondering whether there's a written rule regarding that.)
Players always roll for damage unless they have a feature that says otherwise. A lot of people will roll the attack and damage rolls simultaneously to save time.
DMs can use the average damage listed in monster stat blocks to speed things up.
The Forum Infestation (TM)
Thanks!
Then why do they get to choose between rolling for HP?
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
The thread was about damage rolls.
But the answer is because the game designers wanted you to be able to decide for yourself if you're going to get a reliable increase next level or gamble on your hit points.
The Forum Infestation (TM)
That would be a brave DM at any table I've sat at!
To be fair, the D&D Miniatures game reduced damage to a multiple of 5, so there is precedent.
Does anybody still play that, I wonder?
Roleplaying since Runequest.
Just saying that there is some precedent for players choosing set numbers over die rolls. Regardless of function, the choice is there in one form. If done, it would speed up the game. Plus your BBEG wouldn't suffer a max damage roll crit by chance. i.e. Possible Great Sword crit 24 damage; non-roll crit 14? 16?
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Tonio you can be creative about this, and in a game with magic for sale you can get down right silly. (DM's look away now its going to get dirty)
Average damage is to make lives easier, big spell casting is the usual culprit and dragons im looking at you as well. sometimes you dont have enough dice and it can slow the table down. Take wands for example, multiple wands and not enough dice to roll all in one shot, it perfectly reasonable to ask if you can just speed things up as the dice bombing continues round to round.
A side point was brought up by a criminal genius of a player when XGtE emerged from the pits. The clockwork amulet allows you to take 10 on one attack a day. its a common magic item and the problem is its not attuned as standard. Weighed down like a Mr. T. impersonator you will pity the fool that has to roll to hit.
If the C.A. is ok then a device that allows you to once per day choose to forgo damage rolled (probably sold in distinct spell or weapon varieties) in exchange for average damage should be acceptable. Word of warning though, you might find its boring if you dont roll much, especially when you throw out once a day big encounter killers.
Enjoy! and beware the ticking its not a clockadile you need to be scared of its tick tock the warforged (for so many reasons #losetheacbuff)
Thanks for the input. I was really looking for a "RAW" answer (thanks, as usual, InquisitiveCoder!), but I do appreciate the additional comments. =)