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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cergorach" data-source="post: 3486328" data-attributes="member: 725">I've been thinking about miniatureless combat for quite a while now (back when 3E was introduced) and it's quite a challenge. You really want to avoid extra strain on the DM, so keeping track of everything in the DMs mind might be feasible at low levels, but not at higher levels (to much to keep track of).Keep it simple and use assumptions, make sure the players know about these assumptions. Don't overwhelm the players with a lot of little details and keep in mind that not a lot of people have a very accurate spatial awareness (they won't accurately estimate distance) so don't say it's a 40'x40' room, say it's a big room (if they complain, ask if they want to measure it with the ogre in the room).Distance in combat is relatively simple:- Point A is where combat starts for the PCs.- Point B is where the monsters are when combat starts.- Note the relative distances of the PCs and monsters from point A.- Jot them down besides the names (right besides initiative and hp).- Administrate when PCs and Monsters move.The above assumes movement is along a relatively straight line, might be a bit abstract, but not much more then hit points. If there is more then one group of monsters (from a wholly different direction) you can keep track of multiple distance (using multiple columns).Attacks of opportunity are easy, if someone moves past someone else (PC vs. NPC), there is an option for an AoO. Unless that someone takes a detour and there is room for a detour (not going to happen in a 10' wide hallway).Good thing is that the game plays less like a game of chess and more like a shared tale, probably faster to). Bad thing is that the players need to trust the DM and the DM needs to be up to the task.Players don't harbor any doubts about the competency and fairness of the DM. The DM needs to be sure of himself, be up to spec with the rules he uses, be able to improvise, tell a story, and most importantly, be able to convey that all to the players.Personally i think both ways of playing have their use, as a lot of players sometimes like the chess style combat the miniatures provide and sometimes the miniatureless combat is needed to keep the atmosphere that has been established.</blockquote>

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