Talk:Terpan (4e Race)

Just recently decided to check the page and I noticed this:

    Reason: Untyped, unconditional AC bonus; immovable object mangles normal format for opposed checks: why not just make forced movement 1 square less, like dwarves? 

First off, thanks for pointing out where this could be balanced better. I'm rather new to creating homebrew content, and I always can use advice for how to make better contributions. Anyway, to address the issues raised, I'll begin with the second. For immovable object, I wanted to make a contrast with the dwarf reduction of forced movement. Rather than a steady reduction of it, I wanted more of an all or none thing. If you can suggest a way I can improve this, I'd be glad to listen. Otherwise, I'll try and think of something. As for the second item, the untyped unconditional AC bonus, I must confess my ignorance. What exactly does that mean, and why should it be avoided? What would you recommend in place to represent the tough skin and shell of this race? I have been thinking that a +2 bonus was too much, it tended to be overpowered when I played with that character. I was thinking of reducing it to +1 (+2 for flanking attacks), maybe making a feat to boost it up to +2/+4. --Fortis 23:43, 12 January 2012 (MST)

Thanks for the reply, I'll explain a bit further.

In 4e, AC is largely a function of class and role, rather than race. It is reasonable to make a trait to reflect the race's armoured nature, but this shouldn't be a permanent AC bonus. It should only be present under certain conditions: +1 AC for a common situation (occuring half the time: bloodied, for example), +2 for something occasional. It should also have a type.

For example: "Hardened Shell: When you make the Total Defense action, you gain a +2 racial bonus to AC until the start of your next turn."

Or to use your idea: "You gain a +1 racial bonus to AC against attacks in which you grant combat advantage due to flanking".

The Immovable issue is a bit more interesting, because we need to look at how 4e handles opposed checks. It matters if you are using an ability score, a defense score or a skill, and who is doing it on whose turn. For example, an attack of any kind compares ability score against a defense score. Escaping a grab is skill vs defense. Spotting a hidden enemy is skill vs pre-rolled skill. In all cases, the roll is made by the person whose turn it is, with the defender providing a fixed number. There are two exceptions: The defender might be rolling because they've made an interrupt or opportunity action. Or they might be making a saving throw (for example, they've been pushed over a drop).

In this case, you have skill vs. ability score with the roll made by the defender: highly unorthodox! I recommend replacing this with a saving throw (i.e. requiring a 10+ on a straight d20 roll). Marasmusine 03:12, 13 January 2012 (MST)

I've just spotted something else that you should be aware of. There was an update to the way Endurance works regarding hunger and breath holding. Page 185 of PHB should now read:

• Ignore Hunger (after 3 weeks): DC 20 + 5 per day.
• Ignore Thirst (after 3 days): DC 20 + 5 per day.
• Hold breath (each round after 3 minutes): DC 20 + 5 per round.
• Hold breath (maintain in a round you take damage): DC 20

You may like to change the Slow Metabolism trait accordingly. Marasmusine 03:52, 13 January 2012 (MST)

Alright, I've made the edits. Hardened shell is reduced to +1 racial AC against flanking attacks, Immovabole object is a straight saving throw, and Slow metabolism has been updated to reflect the errata, it's 5 weeks, 5 days, and 5 minutes. I didn't make changes to the holding breath when damaged bit. --Fortis 09:39, 13 January 2012 (MST)

So, are the changes acceptable? Does this meet the standards yet? --Fortis 10:43, 19 January 2012 (MST)

I think it's good enough now. I thought of a wording change to Unstoppable Charge - "You gain a bonus to your melee basic attack or bull rush made at the end of a charge equal to..." Marasmusine 00:28, 28 January 2012 (MST)

Purpose of Balance

This is a great race in terms of mechanics and I think they speak wonders about the race. However the race has one too many traits for the standard. However many of these are trade off powers. I have a tough time deciding whether it's balanced or not, but I'll leave it be for now. Best regards --Aitharious (talk) 18:49, 8 September 2016 (MDT)