TOPIC: So what DOES the Ring of Evasion do?

There will be an update to the Token guide coming out soon, I need to focus on a few external duties (Cub Scouts) for a few days then I will get to work on the update which will contain an official ruling (blessed by Jeff) on all the new tokens.

Cool! Hey, that's a pool of cheap labor you can dip into for next year, those scouts...

Remember, in most cases the abilities are your own. So don't expect the DM to tell you where a trap is if you declare in "table top" fashion "I'm searching for traps," the most likely response will be "OK, do you find any?" We have made it pretty easy to find most traps in the dungeon so far, but do not expect it to stay that way. You will have to use your own powers of observation and your own abilities, not skill modifiers or points added to a skill category.

?? In past TD runs, what I've always said were things like "GM, I'm checking the door for traps" or "I'm checking the post for traps," etc.

Are you saying that I'm now supposed to look for the actual trap tool? I noticed they were hidden under panels this year, but I thought that was just for ambiance reasons. I saw them in the rooms, but figured it wouldn't work to just flip the cover up and say "I found a trap." I thought I was supposed to search specific things in the room, and then just use the trap tool for the disarm.

I guess what I am trying to say is, don’t assume that the rogue (or any character) has any special bonuses unless they are listed on the character sheet or granted through a token.

No, I never have. That's why I was confused when it was implied above that the rogue has Evasion as an ability.

Tom,
The whole searching thing is another sticky subject. Ideally we want the DMs to be a transparent as possible and saying as little as possible. They should give any flavored description that the room will not already provide (like that pit over there, you can’t see the bottom). Then they should get out of the way and let the party explore.

So the goal (one day) is to not get any (or at least little) information from the DM. Everything will be what you see with your own eyes. The problem is that right now we still have some traps that can be disarmed by plates on wall, and some that can not (say an acid trap in a chest) until all traps have an obvious (or maybe not so obvious) solution it is probably better to ask the DM, just don’t be surprised if they turn around and ask you what you see. In the cases where there is a trap that can be disarmed (hidden plate on wall) in the future we probably will not tell you. In the cases where it is an effect like an acid trap in a chest, we should tell you if you declare you are checking the chest for traps. There are some traps that are magical in nature however, like glyphs that will only be found with a detect magic spell, that would not be detectable by sight, character or player.

Be warned, I am taking steps to make the wall plates more stealthy in the future. Don’t be surprised if you find them behind blackout cloth or flaps in the wall.

Cool! Hey, that's a pool of cheap labor you can dip into for next year, those scouts...

I would love to make use of my Cubs (they have a lot more energy than I), I know at least my son wants to help out, however they are a little short to hang walls, and none meet the age requirement . Maybe wandering monsters like ducks or bunnies....

Dave

Maybe wandering monsters like ducks or bunnies....
Dave

*little laugh* When I first looked at that I thought it said, 'Maybe wandering monsters, like dust bunnies. . ."

*little laugh* I spend too much time doing housework! heehehehehehe

So the goal (one day) is to not get any (or at least little) information from the DM. Everything will be what you see with your own eyes.

I like this a lot. Looking forward to it

Be warned, I am taking steps to make the wall plates more stealthy in the future. Don’t be surprised if you find them behind blackout cloth or flaps in the wall.

Well, a number of them were hidden pretty well already this year. I was at least carefully visually searching whatever I told the GM I was searching, so I found them. I must say it was nice to not have them all right out in the open.

Now if there was a way to hide the combat tables better (but that would be difficult indeed).

I would love to make use of my Cubs (they have a lot more energy than I), I know at least my son wants to help out, however they are a little short to hang walls, and none meet the age requirement . Maybe wandering monsters like ducks or bunnies....

Well, there's a lot of painting that needs to be done bfore hand, hey?

Now if there was a way to hide the combat tables better (but that would be difficult indeed).

It is my impression that it is our intention to segregate (conceal) the combat tables when possible (e.g. when the space allows) We did not try this time at Indy, I have not had a thorough look at the layout for SoCal yet.

Good idea...hide them behind curtains or something.

OR...I LOVE IT! Have the GMs all wear felt jumpsuits, and have the players put their tokens into little plastic holders with velcro on them, and instead of sliding, they throw them at the GM! The number closest to being up is the damage done.

Love it.

The only problem with trying to show the evasion ability is that we still have to make reflex saves. If we didn't, I'd say it would be safe to try to "play" it out, but since there is nothing to dodge and we rely on dice, and since a major advantage of playing the rogue IS the evasion ability at 2nd lvl, keeping him safer from trap backlash, then perhaps this should be put on the card as an advantage. Especially when most room GMs were allowing a passed reflex save by the rogue to allow no damage just because they were the rogue in all 6 of my runs.

A communication lapse perhaps?

Especially when most room GMs were allowing a passed reflex save by the rogue to allow no damage just because they were the rogue in all 6 of my runs.

A communication lapse perhaps?

Yeah, I wasn't getting that treatment myself. Not last year or at any time this year.