HOW to RUN – I am not buying it

 

 

As children we learned, different people have different opinions.

As adults we accept that sometimes people will argue.

No one should have to tolerate abuse or derision.

I will not patronize a ‘professional author’ who makes sport of 

insulting his potential customers in a public format.

My latest experience with Alexis (YMMV)

He wrote something about hit points on July 7th.

My COMMENT

You are correct, it is highly unlikely a humanoid with one hit point would survive a single prolonged fight yet alone twenty years. Hit points is an abstract term reflecting the current status of an opponent.
..
Monster or humanoids with low hit points are nursing and recovering wounds from previous battles. The violent existence of humanoids assures that at a given time a large percent of their population is recover from previous conflicts or inter-tribal brawls.
.. .
For untrained and uninjured ‘0’ level NPCs minimum hit point total equals 1/3rd their strength adjusted by one’s constitution modifier.

July 7, 2014 at 1:33 PM

Alexis RESPONDS

Well, that's an argument for the status quo, Clovis, but "abstract term reflecting the current status of an opponent" is only a different pound of shit pulled out of your ass.

Why does THIS humanoid have 1 hit point at this time? Based on what? The fact that 1/8th of all 1 HD humanoids are feeling 'down' this morning? Who says they had a battle just previously? Where are these other creatures who so conveniently fought these particular humanoids as of a day or two ago? Really? A tribal brawl every three days? Given the numbers, its amazing ANY humanoids are left. In the very least, they'd know not to brawl before going on patrol.

If these humanoids are injured, why are they now ambushing the party or otherwise joining in with their squad of perfectly healthy associates? Why are there always some humanoids that are 'recovering'?

I don't know where that rule is about NPCs minimum hit points. Can you point to it in the DMG? I hope you're not referring to something in 3e or such, since I was very specific what edition I was addressing.

Why is it your quoted bullshit rule is so different from my proposed rule for 7 to 8 hp per die? Hm? I suspect you think there is something special about the way your shit smells.

Damn. It is good to be back.

July 7, 2014 at 1:47 PM

I comment – not published

NO need for obscenities, you are a better writer than that

Alexis RESPONDS

I am only a 'better writer' when it's convenient for you, Clovis. The word 'shit' is perfectly clear, everyone knows what it means, it is easy to spell, it is recognizable in multiple languages and EVERYONE DOES IT EVERY DAY. I wish every word in the English language was as commonplace and perfectly comprehensible. That must be why a significant portion of the population shies away from it - the difficulty of accomplishing mendacity without the accompanying odor.

Show your math, JD. I only get that an '8' will show up 1 in 4, not 1 in 3. That is a hell of a difference. I believe you are basing YOUR arguments on the one-time 3 round battle, while I'm basing MY arguments on the multiple battle principle . . . that only grows more and more in my favour and not yours as time passes. But then, you don't care, because you have your way of doing it, created on the spur of the moment AFTER you took half the idea from me. See point (2) above? Where it says don't piggyback your shit on this blog? there's that word again). Well, don't piggyback your shit on this blog.

July 7, 2014 at 2:37 PM

One last appeal to reason, 

again not  published

You  do not need a ‘story’ to justify low hit points …  most non-garrison units are not a full efficiency:

…

http://tao-dnd.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-world-you-live-in_30.html 

 . . .

Many real things in the world would cause attrition in a monsters CURRENT  hit points;

disease, starvation, fatigue, sleep deprivation, festering wounds and merely traveling:

.. 

http://tao-dnd.blogspot.com/2011/05/bloody-attrition.html

…

The victorious British Army at Agincort was truly in a pathetic physical state (low hit points) , yet they conquered:

…

John Keegan, The Face of Battle  

What is REALLY wrong with the VA/ ACA

The main concern for the future of US healthcare is neither socialized medicine (VA), single payer (Canada) or government funded insurance (ACA); other countries have applied variants of these models with various degrees of success. 

The big problem facing the healthcare of the United States is that both political parties are forcibly applying flawed tools and methodology towards 21^st century medicine::

…

Obamacare is more than an insurance program, its regulations accelerate the computerization and industrialization of all medicine. It is a fundamental change in the patient-doctor relationship, instead of being your advocate, your health care provider (nurse, doctor, physician assistant, allied health professional), becomes a servant of government and corporate regulators.  Non-compliance by your HCP (health care provider)  with federal mandates can mean large financial penalties and loss of their licensure.

 …

            A computer is a tool, like all tools, the computer has a proper application and usage.  Although excellent for banking, real estate and social networking, computer usage mandated by the ACA (affordable care act)  does not strengthen the doctor-patient relationship.  Since their introduction computers have neither improved the quality, nor reduced the cost of medicine.¹   

…                                                                                                                                         Computerized or electronic medical records reduce your information security and privacy.   Computerized records are much easier to steal in bulk than a room full of paper charts. James Van Dyke, president of Javelin Strategy & Research; “prediction is that as medical providers increase their use of electronic medical records, the incidents of fraud will increase.²”

 

            Computerization of medicine also means that your HCP spends large amounts of time with administrative duties such as completing paper work or electronic medical records.  In 2012, twenty-two percent of a physician’s time was spent on non-clinical duties, resulting in a loss of over 6 million hours of potential patient care.³   In multiple surveys, more than 70% of doctors reported that too much regulation/paper work was a major reason for dissatisfaction with medicine as a profession. ^{3, 4}

 ^{. . ..}

            Industrialization of medicine means that doctors no longer work in independently owned private practices.  Increasingly HCPs will work for a large company that dictates their method and style of patient care.  As a member of a corporation or federal bureaucracy, your HCP is often placed in an undesirable situation, choosing between your health care needs and the economic demands of employers, regulators and/or insurers. ^{3, 4}

^…

..

      Regulation and industrialization mandated by the ACA has caused both loss of independence and payment for private practice physicians. Medicare payments for procedures (ECHO, MRI, etc.) are often two to three times greater if performed in a corporate or hospital setting rather than your independent physician’s office.  Continued implementation of the ACA causes less private practice medicine and less lucrative employment for allied healthcare professionals. Similar to the consolidation of the airlines and cable television, what follows for consumers is less choice, less access and higher costs.

…

      Private physician offices represent a very large part of the Texas economy. Although an economic impact study for Texas is not available, Florida did a detailed study in 2009 that revealed each private physician’s office on average employed 19 people and generated $913,000 in personal income.⁵  In Florida, a state 25% smaller  in population than Texas, their private physician offices generated $55.7 billion in economic activity in 2009, which is more than all their hotels, motels, casinos and amusement parks (including Disney) combined!

..

     Although you may empathize with your HCP- doctors and nurses are intelligent, motivated and capable people; they will adapt. Fear for your family, less private practice physicians means less care for the elderly, disabled and severely ill.       Even with declining payments, common methods by which burned out (40 - 60%) doctors and nurses are coping with the unrealistic demands of the ACA are retiring early, quitting private practice, taking less call and refusing new Medicaid and Medicare patients. ^{3, 4}

Also “Physicians are working fewer hours on average and seeing fewer patients than 4 years ago. If these patterns continue, over 44,250 full-time-equivalent physicians could be lost from the workforce in the next four years.³”

 …

 

 

 

…

1  Lucas Mearian, Computer World Dec 2009

2  Information Week, March 26, 2010

3  The Physicians Foundation by Merritt Hawkins,

    survey of  13,575 practicing physicians, Sep. 2012.   

4  Practical Neurology, survey of TX MDs, Sep  2013

5  Florida Med Assoc., Economic Impact Study, 2009

. .   ..   ..

http://www.nationaljournal.com/health-care/doctor-shortages-aren-t-just-a-veterans-affairs-problem-they-re-a-nationwide-problem-20140602…

 

 

 

Alignment & Spell Casting

                I use alignment to power SPELL selection
therefore, alignment has real meaning and game application.
...You can cast a spell repeatedly provided you don't exceed level based limits for SPELLS ALLOWED PER DAY if any only if your alignment is congruent with the magic school.

        Lawful creatures are reliable and dependable.  They respect authority and tradition. Lawful characters can be counted on to follow rules and leaders, even when leadership or regulations appear to be inconsistent or erroneous.   Lawful civilizations often have a hereditary monarchy whom are limited by feudalism  and/ or codified law.  The vast majority of property is passed to the oldest son; thereby, insuring the wealth and integrity of familial estates.

            Divine spheres or magical schools that are considered Lawful (L) are abjuration, alchemy, earth, justice, protection, runes, and strength.

 …

CHAOTIC individuals avoid details, platitudes and commitment.  Some may view them as reckless and undependable; however, they tend to be tolerant and accepting of others. They place a great value on liberty and choice. Chaotic societies tend to be organized by clans or tribes with property being inherited by the strongest progeny or the bulk of the estate is buried with the decedent.

            Divine spheres or magical schools that are considered Chaotic (C) are air, charm, enchantment, illusion, liberation, luck, trickery and wind/ zephyr.

…

            NEUTRAL creatures value their families and personal security over cosmic or moral issues.  They will only take a risk if the gains are large or if their family or homes are threatened.  Neutral civilizations tend to be ruled by elected officials or guilds.  Property is inherited thru adherence to a written will.

            There are no ‘neutral’ magical spheres, but Nature has her own adherents (plants, animals, weather). Any caster may use general or unassigned spheres ( - ) of magic such as conjuration, evocation, fire, knowledge, transmutation, travel, war and wish.

                ..

      GOOD creatures revere truth, beauty, charity, chastity, sobriety and the property rights of the weak. Good PCs will pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to defeat tyranny.

          Divine spheres or magical schools that are considered Good (G) or white magic are divination, creation, healing, honor, nobility, sun and water  .

 …

EVIL creatures do not respect the life, liberty or the property rights of others. They are motivated by personal gain and a sense of entitlement.  They take, kill or deceive without remorse and follow leaders because of ambition, fear or greed, not adoration. 

            Divine spheres or magical schools that are considered evil or black magic are curses, darkness, death, destruction, disease and necromancy.

 

      Players may choose any alignment they want and need not reveal it to others.  There are some magical items that can only be used by one alignment of characters.       If the Dungeon Master feels that a character has begun to behave in a manner inconsistent with his declared alignment he may rule that he has changed alignment and penalize the character with a loss of one level. 

…

No cleric, priest, agent or mage can know or learn spells that are of opposite alignment than their own;

lawful mages cannot cast charm or illusions.   And 

 good priests may cast cure wounds multiple  provided they don’t exceed their level based limits or spells allowed per day.

…

 

             Evil people seldo declare their motivations.    Evil NPCs will attend charity events, political rallies and worship services alongside decent and loyal villagers. Many evil people actually have little insight into their true nature, hiding behind half-truths and excuses, insisting that the problem lies in other people’s misinterpretation of their behavior.  Part of being an effective conman, charlatan, politician, blogger troll or trial lawyer is to actually deceive yourself into believing that the product, cure, cause or argument that you champion is just or righteous.  

…

Evil people depend upon duplicity and deceit to further their selfish and malicious goals.  The wiser and more powerful the being, the more established and influential their social ties; therefore, even if the truth is openly declared, it will often be ignored, distorted, mocked or violently denounced as slander. Although know alignment spell is personally edifying to the caster, it will seldom convince others that an influential NPC is a crook, liar, undead or worse. 

 …

                Real people (your friends, family and neighbors) are often more complex than fantasy characters. Discretion and tact dictates it is best to avoid using fantasy game mechanics to categorize individuals or political parties as good or evil & lawful or chaotic. Real people tend to have diverse motivations and do not readily settle on Table 4.1 that was liberated from the blog of Roger the GS on 29 Sep 2010.

The Kids are NOT Alright

 












"I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words... When I was young, we were taught to be discreet andrespectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful  and impatient of restraint"

 Hesiod, 8th century BC 

I  will give you THREE reasons why the composition of modern youth have doomed the future of the USA
(maybe Canada , maybe Europe).  
There is an unholy trifecta in our youth that has never before been seen in human history:

First;

 a Thought experiment for those of you over forty;

Close your eyes and think back to high school, who was the fat kid?  
Can you  picture him/her? 
What was their name?
That’s right - you can recall the face, probably the name - why?
Because it used to be that obesity was RARE.  Now, more than 1/6^th of kids are obese.  I am not talking 10- 15 lbs middle-age overweight. I am talking fat - so heavy that you look overweight in your high school year book photo. (That’s right, twenty years ago,  Americans called excessive accumulation of   adipose tissue , ‘fat.’)
We all understand, that obesity  does NOT imply lack of moral or intellectual capacity but it is a severe detriment when dealing with health and occupational opportunities.

 …

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html

 …

http://www.macon.com/2009/11/06/906472/most-young-americans-dont-qualify.html

 …

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/04/study-life-span-women/1963093

…

SECOND 

They are illegitimate.
About 40% of US children are born without a father in the house. I understand divorce, we are not talking about unsuccessful marriages.  About 40% of children are born without an extended family structure.  Even in West Germany and Japan after world war II, 40% of children were not born out of wedlock. Illegitimacy is a big predictor of poverty, downward social mobility and dropping out of high school.

http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/article_9712daf1-1980-513c-ab68-3ba2624c9c35.html

 . .. .
http://singleparents.about.com/od/legalissues/p/portrait.htm
 . .. 

http://www.inquisitr.com/1114601/single-parents-hinder-social-mobility-harvard-study-claims/

 . . .

THIRD

They are entitled…

It has been consistent throughout human history that the children of the wealthy and aristocracy felt that they were privileged - the world owes them a living.  Now this defect of the spirit has spread to the middle and lower income quintiles.

(we don’t really have classes in America, ‘class’ is an old world concept -         Kim Kardashian is extremely wealthy, but would anyone honestly label her ‘upper class;’ meanwhile Charles Ramsey is poor, but would any respectable human being call him ‘lower class’). 
Many modern youth narcissistically believe they are entitled to health, employment, housing and protection by virtue of having a pulse – they are required to accomplish nothing, yet the ‘government’ should provide for them forever.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/03/our_entitled_youth.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/a-sense-entitlement-epidemic-amongst-our-youth-2260157.html?cat=25

 …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm40W8HDLH4

Yes, I understand that there are MANY quality young people in this generation; however, the tough question  remains:

 …

Can this minority of quality youth carry BOTH

the heavy load created by the failings of my generation
 as well as the burden of their incompetent peers ?

(70% of young people don't  qualify for military service)