Cheating and Munchkins

[oslecamo]

This results simply from the nature of D&D being a) written in English and not in mathematical or logical notation and b) not written by lawyers or programmers. The English language (and every other non-constructed language) contains ambiguity by its nature, and people make mistakes.

Ah, the common Flawless Law fallacy.

If lawyers could write non-ambigous laws, then we wouldn't need courts and tribunals, and laywers wouldn't have to need to study years just to try to grasp their own rule system. And judgements wouldn't extend for years or even decades.

So, if laywers and politicians who get paid fortunes for their work still put out a crappy system for the behaviour of a single species whitout magic, what hope does Wotc designers do of perfectly avoiding ambiguity when they have to mix in multiple species and magic and dragons?

[SorO_Lost]

Judge Dredd seems to get along fine.

[Agita]

This results simply from the nature of D&D being a) written in English and not in mathematical or logical notation and b) not written by lawyers or programmers. The English language (and every other non-constructed language) contains ambiguity by its nature, and people make mistakes.

Ah, the common Flawless Law fallacy.

If lawyers could write non-ambigous laws, then we wouldn't need courts and tribunals, and laywers wouldn't have to need to study years just to try to grasp their own rule system. And judgements wouldn't extend for years or even decades.

So, if laywers and politicians who get paid fortunes for their work still put out a crappy system for the behaviour of a single species whitout magic, what hope does Wotc designers do of perfectly avoiding ambiguity when they have to mix in multiple species and magic and dragons?

I take it as a compliment that the only flaw you seem able to find in my argument is an academic disagreement on the validity of a comparison that doesn't impact what was said.
(No, lawyers can't write perfect laws. Neither can, by the way, programmers write perfect programs. News at eleven.)

[Sneaky_Sable]

This results simply from the nature of D&D being a) written in English and not in mathematical or logical notation and b) not written by lawyers or programmers. The English language (and every other non-constructed language) contains ambiguity by its nature, and people make mistakes.

Ah, the common Flawless Law fallacy.

If lawyers could write non-ambigous laws, then we wouldn't need courts and tribunals, and laywers wouldn't have to need to study years just to try to grasp their own rule system. And judgements wouldn't extend for years or even decades.

So, if laywers and politicians who get paid fortunes for their work still put out a crappy system for the behaviour of a single species whitout magic, what hope does Wotc designers do of perfectly avoiding ambiguity when they have to mix in multiple species and magic and dragons?

I take it as a compliment that the only flaw you seem able to find in my argument is an academic disagreement on the validity of a comparison that doesn't impact what was said.
(No, lawyers can't write perfect laws. Neither can, by the way, programmers write perfect programs. News at eleven.)

Either that, or it's the only argument he cared to post. Citing the fact that the rulebook isn't four thousand pages long as a justification to cleverly interpret what rules there are is a pretty thin argument to begin with. I mean, that's like saying that you specifically didn't kill that person, the safe that fell on his head did. It doesn't matter that you were holding the rope at the time, the only thing you're guilty of is letting go.

See? That's pretty thin.

[Captnq]

Judge Dredd seems to get along fine.

Uh, isn't this how a DM SHOULD run?

Example, Player is a munchkin. Tell him, "No." Player whines. Repeat, "No." If player continues to whine, ask the other players if they want him around anymore. If they say yes, then repeat the word, "No." until either he gives up or the other players get sick of his shit and you kick him out.

[littha]

Judge Dredd seems to get along fine.

Uh, isn't this how a DM SHOULD run?

Example, Player is a munchkin. Tell him, "No." Player whines. Repeat, "No." If player continues to whine, ask the other players if they want him around anymore. If they say yes, then repeat the word, "No." until either he gives up or the other players get sick of his shit and you kick him out.

If it was really in the style of Judge Dredd It would probably be more like this:

Example, Player is a munchkin. 15 years of hard labour. Player whines. 35 years of hard labour. If player continues to whine, shoot him in the face.

[Sneaky_Sable]

Judge Dredd seems to get along fine.

Uh, isn't this how a DM SHOULD run?

Example, Player is a munchkin. Tell him, "No." Player whines. Repeat, "No." If player continues to whine, ask the other players if they want him around anymore. If they say yes, then repeat the word, "No." until either he gives up or the other players get sick of his shit and you kick him out.

Dear Sir,

I would like to "Upvote" this a million times.

Signed,

Sable