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I agree. In 4e, properly utilized minions can make for challenging and fun encounters.

Yeah, we used the 1 attack per round rules vs. 1HD or less opponents in 1e and 2e both. It was a clean, efficient rule and a lot of fun. I remember a friend's 7th level paladin on his warhorse surrounded by goblinoids and laying waste to them in epic fashion. 3e forcing warriors to buy a...

I can't stand alpha strikes vs. solos and spent a lot of my 4E run actively fighting against them. I've used: 1. Initial positioning. Starting the solo in partial or total concealment, or behind cover, that prevents optimal targeting and focus fire and forces movement. I rarely start an...

It doesn't matter what the optimal strategy for any given class and their skill set is. Personality is not the same as tactical acumen. It's also not the same as a code of conduct, alignment or assembly of character build features.

All of this is to say that the DM can depart from standard resolution for a variety of reasons: 1. Because the rules don't apply or apply imperfectly to the situation at hand. 2. As a practical matter (i.e. speeding through a combat because there's only 5 minutes left in the game session). 3...

Oh, wow, catching up on this thread after a few days off, and it's pretty dizzying. There was some sort of tangent that included the Forge and the Storyteller games of 90s that I'm still trying to figure out... I think the crux is: D&D is an "Role-Playing Game" wherein "role-playing" is...

Then we'll just have to agree to agree...wait...whaaaa? Though I will say the word 'fiat' implies a certain arbitrariness (in the sense of being unreasonable or capricious) that I'm not entirely comfortable with. Rule 0 isn't advocating for dictatorial DM control but for practical common sense...

Thanks...my wands are as powerful as staves! But, yeah, taken to its extreme you could posit a future gaming system (ala a Star Trek holodeck) that is so complex that the simulation becomes indistinguishable from reality (or some desired version of reality) and can handle anything you can throw...

The "rules" are a system to help organize and structure play in a fictional universe. They help answer questions like: "I swing my sword at the orc, what happens?" Unfortunately, practical limits mean that the "rules" cannot be designed in such a way to be applicable in all possible scenarios...

When in doubt, I always go with 50-50. Everybody understands the coin flip and its regimented impartiality. This is, of course, in situations not relevant to character abilities. If some sort of skill or save would apply best, I use that instead. If a PC needs a miracle to survive, I go with...

Hmm...maybe: 1. Secret door opens and deposits reinforcements. 2. The lights go out at that start of round 2. Either gusts of wind blowing out torches or anti-magic effect putting out light spells. 3. I'm a huge fan of waist-high fog covering rooms. A lot of stuff can be crawling down there...

Hey, all. Long time lurker, first time poster. Pathfinder is selling well because they are putting out a lot of product, particularly in the game aids section (maps, tokens/figures) and adventures/adventure paths. Constant content and a loyal fan base from 3.5 equals good sales. It helps that...