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*Dungeons & Dragons
Proposed Fix for Whack-a-Mole Healing
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<blockquote data-quote="Fanaelialae" data-source="post: 8398589" data-attributes="member: 53980"><p>I think that whack-a-mole is somewhat overstated. It's often a bad idea (such as if the unconscious character would lose a turn). That said, I'm not suggesting it's a non-issue.</p><p></p><p>I agree with those that have said that it's partially because healing, in most cases, is not competitive with damage. Both in terms of the damage that monsters can dish out, as well as the opportunity cost of casting a healing spell instead of a spell that deals (or enables others to deal) damage. </p><p></p><p>I've considered adding a spell for healers that grants temporary hp to an ally as a means of addressing this. Probably something along the lines of 10/spell level + spellcasting modifier. Meaning it could legitimately negate one or more hits against many opponents. I've even considered giving it for free to healers, so that it isn't a tax on their spells prepared. </p><p></p><p>On the DMs side, I agree that putting the fear of death into them can certainly mitigate this to a degree as well. While this can certainly include making attacks against unconscious opponents, you don't have to necessarily go to such lengths if you don't want to. Simply have enemies drag away unconscious characters. IME, the players often respond to this as if the enemy were executing the PC. Alternately, enemies such as goblins might grab some treasure off the unconscious character's body and flee. The threat of losing a treasured item is a fate worse than death to some players. Obviously, not all of these are pertinent to every encounter, but if you get creative you can keep your players on their toes even when these are off the table, as long as they don't know that.</p><p></p><p>Overall, I think the best way to discourage whack-a-mole is a carrot and stick approach. The thing I don't like about most house rules addressing whack-a-mole is that they're all stick. Obviously, if you're group is fine with it, it's fine, but I find it a bit heavy handed.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fanaelialae, post: 8398589, member: 53980"] I think that whack-a-mole is somewhat overstated. It's often a bad idea (such as if the unconscious character would lose a turn). That said, I'm not suggesting it's a non-issue. I agree with those that have said that it's partially because healing, in most cases, is not competitive with damage. Both in terms of the damage that monsters can dish out, as well as the opportunity cost of casting a healing spell instead of a spell that deals (or enables others to deal) damage. I've considered adding a spell for healers that grants temporary hp to an ally as a means of addressing this. Probably something along the lines of 10/spell level + spellcasting modifier. Meaning it could legitimately negate one or more hits against many opponents. I've even considered giving it for free to healers, so that it isn't a tax on their spells prepared. On the DMs side, I agree that putting the fear of death into them can certainly mitigate this to a degree as well. While this can certainly include making attacks against unconscious opponents, you don't have to necessarily go to such lengths if you don't want to. Simply have enemies drag away unconscious characters. IME, the players often respond to this as if the enemy were executing the PC. Alternately, enemies such as goblins might grab some treasure off the unconscious character's body and flee. The threat of losing a treasured item is a fate worse than death to some players. Obviously, not all of these are pertinent to every encounter, but if you get creative you can keep your players on their toes even when these are off the table, as long as they don't know that. Overall, I think the best way to discourage whack-a-mole is a carrot and stick approach. The thing I don't like about most house rules addressing whack-a-mole is that they're all stick. Obviously, if you're group is fine with it, it's fine, but I find it a bit heavy handed. [/QUOTE]
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