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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jul 2012 : 23:57:13
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Poll Question:
And sorry, "a little bit of everything" isn't an options because it's a boring answer. Just pick what you find yourself doing or enjoying the most 
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Edited by - Ozreth on 07 Jul 2012 23:58:09
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crazedventurers
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1073 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 00:20:35
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Nah, I run castles and Crusades and the gaming group are not reliant on mini's and a grid to play - we call it making it up, but I understand the marketing speak is 'Theatre of the Mind' for our style of play.
Cheers
Damian |
So saith Ed. I've never said he was sane, have I?
Gods, all this writing and he's running a constant fantasy version of Coronation Street in his head, too. .
shudder,
love to all,
THO
Candlekeep Forum 7 May 2005 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36880 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 00:47:53
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| Minis are useful for showing where everyone is in a room, or for showing marching order, but I don't see much use for them beyond that (in D&D, that is). And you don't really need minis -- you can just wing it, or use whatever's handy. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 01:00:27
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Personally I've always seen minis to be an exceptional tool. They're not really needed (though its harder not to with 4E) but I really wouldn't enjoy playing without them (or some game-piece reference).
The Dungeon tiles were pretty cool but they really needed some sort of connecting aspect because one slip messed up the while map. That's why we switch to plexi-glass. With that, you could draw the map on it, put tiles under it, draw magic effects on it, etc. I like visual aids because I feel they enhance gameplay and immerson. I've even thought of characters based on minis looks and weapons. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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Delwa
Master of Realmslore
USA
1272 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 01:09:52
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I use minis and a grid with no writing most of the time. I just toss glass beads wherever there's bushes or tombstones.
I use grid paper or dungeon tiles for building interiors if I can.
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- Delwa Aunglor
I am off to slay yon refrigerator and spoil it's horde. Go for the cheese, Boo!
"The Realms change; seldom at the speed desired of those who strive, but far too quickly for those who resist." - The Simbul, taken from the Forgotten Realms Campaign Conspectus |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 02:17:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Minis are useful for showing where everyone is in a room, or for showing marching order, but I don't see much use for them beyond that (in D&D, that is). And you don't really need minis -- you can just wing it, or use whatever's handy.
What Wooly said.
I've used a variety of objects in place of actual miniatures on a board or grid -- from Lego pieces to 80's/90's G.I. Joe action figures [Hooded Cobra Commander acts as a great stand-in for Manshoon, BTW]. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4693 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2012 : 02:51:10
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What is a mini? *G*
Ok have used tokens a few times to be fair, however tended more to be in the way then helping. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards."
"Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding.
"After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first."
"Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 06:06:54
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| I chose "minis and a grid, with most things drawn out" but should also note we make extensive use of dungeon tiles on top of our dry-erase grid mat. For our group the Dungeon Tiles are right up there with the core rulebooks in terms of seeing everyday use. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 07:01:37
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| Alright so how many people have been using one method for a long time but in the back of their minds have been ithcing to try another but aren't comfortable switching the group over? |
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Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6383 Posts |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 10:10:34
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| IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5? |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36880 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 10:46:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5?
Why is the need for minis edition-specific? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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BARDOBARBAROS
Senior Scribe
Greece
581 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 13:19:57
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| Minis and grid with most things drawn out. |
BARDOBARBAROS DOES NOT KILL.
HE DECAPITATES!!!
"The city changes, but the fools within it remain always the same" (Edwin Odesseiron- Baldur's gate 2) |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4460 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 16:01:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5?
Why is the need for minis edition-specific?
Sometimes the rules favor grid-based actions, powers, and positioning. It's not needed per-se, but it sure does help. This is definitly more often found with 3rd and 4th editions. That's not to say you can't use TotM-style play with 3E and 4E but I'd feel something was lost in the transition. |
Diffan's NPG Generator: FR NPC Generator |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31799 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 16:10:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5?
Why is the need for minis edition-specific?
Ozreth might be focusing on the fact that Wizards tried to rejuvenate the use of minis with D&D during the later days of 3e. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 16:11:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
Alright so how many people have been using one method for a long time but in the back of their minds have been ithcing to try another but aren't comfortable switching the group over?
I can't say that I feel that way. Since the days of AD&D I've pretty much always used miniatures.
I've played with other systems where miniatures aren't required, but if I had my druthers I'd always use miniatures. Speaking for myself, of course, it just makes visualizations and storytelling easier. |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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Varl
Learned Scribe
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 18:12:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Personally I've always seen minis to be an exceptional tool. They're not really needed (though its harder not to with 4E) but I really wouldn't enjoy playing without them (or some game-piece reference).
The Dungeon tiles were pretty cool but they really needed some sort of connecting aspect because one slip messed up the while map. That's why we switch to plexi-glass. With that, you could draw the map on it, put tiles under it, draw magic effects on it, etc. I like visual aids because I feel they enhance gameplay and immerson. I've even thought of characters based on minis looks and weapons.
Yes. We do all of the above too. We've found that gaming without minis or some form of representation is too open to interpretation on positioning, tactics and movement. What one person imagines is very rarely the same thing that someone else imagines.
The "I didn't move there" or "When did the orc move there?" issues die when you can see on the grid the movement of characters. |
I'm on a permanent vacation to the soul. -Tash Sultana |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:01:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5?
Why is the need for minis edition-specific?
Meh, one can't deny that when it comes to gaming online a ruleset that dosen't favor tactical positioning is easier to manage since you dont have to bust out maptool or whatever you may be using. 3.5 with it's move actions, AOO etc and 4e with it's "push and pull" stuff. 3.5 is my game but if I were running it online like the above poster I'd probably roll with 2e or C&C as people might be more comfortable "winging it" in one of those systems. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36880 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:11:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
IMO older editions and/or retro clones work far better for online gaming since you don't need any representation at all. Are you guys playing 3.5?
Why is the need for minis edition-specific?
Meh, one can't deny that when it comes to gaming online a ruleset that dosen't favor tactical positioning is easier to manage since you dont have to bust out maptool or whatever you may be using. 3.5 with it's move actions, AOO etc and 4e with it's "push and pull" stuff. 3.5 is my game but if I were running it online like the above poster I'd probably roll with 2e or C&C as people might be more comfortable "winging it" in one of those systems.
Yeah, but in prior editions, movement, AoEs, things like that are still relevant. That's why I don't understand the statement that you don't need minis at all for other editions, but you do for 3.5. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:27:48
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AoE's were introduced in 3e, although I guess they had a version of it in combat and tactics, but who uses that :p
And yeah it has always been relevant but I think 3e was the first edition to have abilities that focus around movement actions, threatened spaces etc.
I wasn't bashing anything, and like I said 3e is my preferred game. Was just mentioning something that I thought was common knowledge :)
I also don't think you need minis for 3.5, especially if you are in person, it's just easier. When gaming over the internet though a lot of other issues come into effect that you wouldn't have in person, therefore rules light games just make it that much easier to run a successful game, and I was just seeing if that poster had tried this. |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:31:59
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| oops quoted myself, delete plz |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36880 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:52:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
AoE's were introduced in 3e, although I guess they had a version of it in combat and tactics, but who uses that :p
And yeah it has always been relevant but I think 3e was the first edition to have abilities that focus around movement actions, threatened spaces etc.
No, AoE's have always been around -- fireballs, cloud effects, etc.
3E may have been the first to focus on movement actions, but movement -- particularly with line of sight -- has always been relevant. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Jeremy Grenemyer
Great Reader
USA
2717 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 19:56:55
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I think we're confusing AoO (Attack of Opportunity) with AoE (Area of Effect).
I'm going to go out on a limb here say Ozreth probably meant to write "AoO's were introduced in 3e, although I guess they had a version of it in combat and tactics, but who uses that" |
Look for me and my content at EN World (user name: sanishiver). |
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Kilvan
Senior Scribe
Canada
894 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2012 : 20:47:00
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I played for about 10 years without using grids or minis, and it worked just fine. I started using them last year, and I must admit it offers a new dimension to encounters and create more opportunities for external elements, such as rubbles and fogs (which we used, but not so often as it was hard to keep track of).
I use the Token Tool software for minis, I never paid for a miniature per se. My grid is kinda small, about 16 x 20 squares, so not enough for whole dungeons but enough for very large rooms.
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2012 : 00:29:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Jeremy Grenemyer
I think we're confusing AoO (Attack of Opportunity) with AoE (Area of Effect).
I'm going to go out on a limb here say Ozreth probably meant to write "AoO's were introduced in 3e, although I guess they had a version of it in combat and tactics, but who uses that"
Oops! Yep, that's exactly what I meant. Thanks  |
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Thrasymachus
Learned Scribe
195 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2012 : 03:59:47
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mini's (I use Warhammer pieces)
No grid. You have to guess the range. Tape measure is in hand. |
Former Forgotten Realms brand manager Jim Butler: "Everything that bears the Forgotten Realms logo is considered canon". |
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Ozreth
Learned Scribe
206 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2012 : 05:03:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Thrasymachus
mini's (I use Warhammer pieces)
No grid. You have to guess the range. Tape measure is in hand.
I like that! |
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GRYPHON
Senior Scribe
USA
527 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2012 : 10:27:17
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| Graph paper maps with no minis... |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jul 2012 : 17:23:33
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| Nothing really. If one needs to know positions for some reason everything from cigarette-packs, lighters, dice to corks have been used. Come to think of it I don't think I have ever even seen a mini used. |
No Canon, more stories, more Realms. |
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coach
Senior Scribe
USA
479 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jul 2012 : 07:40:57
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| big posterboard size notepad and minis upon it |
Bloodstone Lands Sage |
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Thrasymachus
Learned Scribe
195 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2012 : 01:11:09
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quote:
Originally posted by Ozreth
quote:
Originally posted by Thrasymachus
mini's (I use Warhammer pieces)
No grid. You have to guess the range. Tape measure is in hand.
I like that!
Well if you decide to implement it let me tell you it’s a little time consuming. To get some time back we implemented a few shortcuts. For example, our game table (plywood on top of saw horses) has a swing lamp clamped to the side of it. For Area of Effect you adjust the height, and then swing it over the target.
Use a red light bulb so the AoE stands out, and because everyone just looks better under red lights. |
Former Forgotten Realms brand manager Jim Butler: "Everything that bears the Forgotten Realms logo is considered canon". |
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Topic |
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How do you use minis and/or a grid?
