Game mechanics. Considering damage results.

[Infojunky]

When you are looking at the damage dice of a weapon what is more important to you? The maximum possible roll or the average roll.

 

[BP]

In what context?
Are you meaning to include maximum with DMs?

 

[Infojunky]

In what context?
Are you meaning to include maximum with DMs?

If they are inherent to the weapons damage. i.e. 2D6+1

I am not asking about effect just the mechanic of the base roll and preferences. This is a normative question, I am just trying to figure out how people consider things like this.

 

[Edsan]

I think all other things being equal (ammo, recoil, size, skill levels, etc) people will usually go for the gun with the maximum possible damage result if given the choice.

 

[BP]

The right tool for the right job.

Against heavy armour I look at max - but against lighter armour - average (and minimum) is more important.

2d6+4 may be preferable with its minimum of 6 versus a 3d6 weapon with a minimum of 2 - making the ave more important. If target armor is likely to be battledress, then 3d6 looks a lot better for equal skill - as the maximum is more important (since average is not likely to cut it - no pun intended).

Anticipated counter armor, range, given skills (etc.) - determine wether average or max is important to me. Thus planet side versus ship board plays a big role for me (ignoring law levels) as well as anticipated adventure...

 

[lastbesthope]

I consider all statistical aspects of the 'damage curve' but then I did do stats for 2 years.

LBH