Yes, they knew the new mechanics. They did not know the precise number, but in the same way one might give narrative hints about how wounded a creature was, I gave them hints regarding how close to filling that hit box they were. After the hit box was filled, I told them how much damage they had done. So in the first 3 fights, where each boss had 3 equal hit boxes, they were able to sort of hone in by hit box 3.
The line of attack that I somehow disenfranchised players of their agency because some number that came out of nowhere is pretty galling, to be honest. None of what was accused happened at the table, and there were lots of reasons to target the minions, as I have already described. I am not sure why someone would come in hot that way without know the details.
The math doesn't add up. If the mock ups showed the PCs doing 550+ damage in less than 2 rounds, but each PC was averaging 40 damage ... How many PCs were being used? 8? Regardless, the concerns I raised above would guide me away from any system that "resets" per round when you have a fixed initiative order. It leaves characters with a slower initiative with the clean up.
I agree, but that was not what I was talking about. That is why I think you misunderstood. The issue I noticed in the two posts I read was a math issue. The math didn't add up, and that probably simply resulted from a lack of detail (I don't know since I haven't looked at all the posts).
I do like the idea and glad it seemed to work so well for you. Will keep it in mind if I do high levels again.
I am working on an actual useful design document/draft set of rules and will post them once they are done.
Wouldn't the PCs that go after the monster just be the first ones to deal damage before the monster resets again? I mean, PC1 and 2 go and deal 100 damage and then monster goes and resets damage because you did not meet threshold. Now PC3 and 4 go and deal 80 damage. This carries over to PC1 and 2's turn since the monster has not gotten to go a second time.
