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Post by The Dungeon Master on Oct 12, 2004 14:41:21 GMT -5
"I occasionally give out a bonus action point as a reward if a character does something especially dramatic and entertaining, to encourage people to embrace the over-the-top cinematic tone." - Keith Baker house rule
What do we think? (Apart form a drooly-player reaction at new cookies being offered on a plate). Once per session? By secret or non-secret ballot? Leave me alone (and why the hell are you always on this board?)
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Post by cw on Oct 12, 2004 15:22:31 GMT -5
Well, I'm still sitting on your two "honesty" re-rolls, so if you decide to do this, it's fine with me. I can see how people might get jealous, though, under certain circumstances. An award that the dm sees as justified may strike others as an abuse of the rule, or nepotism, or favoritism...
(This is kind of why I thought you always did by-the-book xp instead of the "personal awards" I've seen other dms do. Then again, you were also giving us bonus xp for helping add website content...)
OR you might find yourself hesitant to give your wife any bonus action points because she always rolls 20s anyway...
How about awarding bonus action points, but giving them to everyone present instead of to an individual character?
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Post by The Dungeon Master on Oct 12, 2004 15:24:44 GMT -5
Too many, and my idea was to up the level of description in a sort of competitive way. Not sure how favoritism would be seen if ballot is secret at the end of the game, but it was just an idea. I do think it should be one per session per person, or not at all, however.
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Post by cynicalquagmire on Oct 12, 2004 17:06:50 GMT -5
I have no problem with offering special action points, but if there is a standard established: meaning that if there is some set idea placed to indicate when it might be rewarded. For example, when your character does something great in combat (like dropping the boss with a single critical hit) or when you do something that is particularly exciting with role-playing.
These are, by nature, subjective rewards. Offering only one action point is not that big a deal... maybe do something like: "Wow, that was great! I nominate that moment for the action point vote..." Like naming the "plays of the day" and the group votes on it either at the end of the session or in the forum. DM nominates the moments, players select the moment.
One problem with this method is that, what if one session is especially memorable? You are going to exclude a few people for whatever reason, and making it competitive might get silly.
As for secret, non-secret... who cares? There are only so many people, so figuring out who says what is easy.
Basically, I like the idea, but we need to work it through. If, Chris, you felt comfortable just handing them out when something special happens, then it might make this easier.
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Post by jennanorm on Oct 12, 2004 23:59:23 GMT -5
I think action points are meant to be special and used in critical situations. Times when the fate of the party or even the whole campaign is at stake. Consider that with a group of 4 to 7 characters, every time the party levels, that's 20 to 35 action points given out. I think handing out more may take away from their value.
As far as using rewards to encourage role-playing and story telling, this group role-plays more effectively than just about any I've seen. Most groups, including my home campaign, leave true role playing out completely and use the game as a mere move the miniatures around the map and role dice.
One way I have always liked to encourage players is by creating positive NPC reactions based on role played conversations and actions. i.e. the tavern keeper who enjoys the party's company and offers reduced rates on room and board for his repeat customers or the snitch on the street who fears the party and offers information in exchange for not having his legs broken again!
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Post by The Dungeon Master on Oct 13, 2004 4:15:31 GMT -5
Hmm, I really don't want to be the arbiter of who does and who does not get them and for what reasons. I get in enough arguments as it is, hehe. I think I'll table the idea of action points as rewards for now. points well taken, though.
Thanks Norm for your points also. I do some of that now, I just don't tell you when you're getting a bonus. Hmmm, that beings up a new thread in the rules section.
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Post by Admin Account on Oct 13, 2004 4:45:09 GMT -5
Just to weigh in: I am not a big fan of this particular idea.
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