Bloodied

[megamania]

I didn't vote since I am still unclear on the mechanics involved. Some the suggestions presented may be good but the return of number crunching I thought was a goal to avoid. Now during combat one needs to watch constantly for the "half-way" point. Need more details.

 

[KrazyHades]

Pretty overwhelmingly favoring "bloodied." I voted "Good" too.

A job well done, WotC.

 

[Masquerade]

Like the rule/concept; hate the name. Voted "Good."

 

[PeterWeller]

Sorry, but I'm not on this bandwagon. I like HP as an abstraction of a PC's luck/survivability/heroic stature, thank you very much. I was hoping for less bookkeeping in 4e, not more. This is the first element of 4e I've seen that has given me cold feet.

I'm in the same boat as you about HP being an abstraction, but I like the Bloodied status because it adds a bit of granularity to the current all or nothing system. I don't think the bloodied condition adds any more realism, by the way. Also, it's pretty certain that Bloodied applies when something is at 50% or less, so it really shouldn't add much bookkeeping.

 

[Hussar]

Damn, here's one concept that is pretty much universally liked. By a whole pile.

 

[Ruvion]

I remember a WotC product giving advice on designating the half way point for hp as being an important condition during the hay days of 3.x.

 

[PeterWeller]

Damn, here's one concept that is pretty much universally liked. By a whole pile.

Oh, snap! We agree on this one?!? Can I change my vote?

 

[Nifft]

Depends on everything, but for now, sure -- sounds good.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Li Shenron]

I like how it makes a difference for healing, but I don't like that it works as a threshold for special abilities.

 

[Reaper Steve]

So, I guess the first 1/2 of the HP are sort of luck/combat skill/mojo and the second is actually your "life force". Now their seems to be ways that characters should be able to go directly to hp. For instance, the whole coup de grace thing should probably go right to the real HP not the luck/combat skill/mojo HP.

I don't think it should be interpreted as strictly as you say. I think it like: by the time you reach 1/2 HP, you've taken at least one solid blow. That hit was hard enough to affect your abilities. Or, if you've been nickel-and-dimed, then you are tired and starting to feel the pain of a thousand cuts. But HP below the 1/2 mark still represent your skill at avoiding harm, not actual life force.

Very elegant, IMO.