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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Celebrim" data-source="post: 3872490" data-attributes="member: 4937">Commentary on the above rules.The proposed rule change is intended to cover some holes in the existing flanking rules for those DMs or players that feel the game doesn't need to be taken in the 'rules light'/'streamlined' version that 4e seems to be taking it.In particular, it is intended to deal with situations like the following:XAXXDAAXXwhere 'A' is an attacker, 'D' is the defender, and 'X' is an empty square.  Under the RAW, no attacker qualifies for any sort of flanking bonus, even though objectively the defender is in much worse shape being 'encircled' like that than he would be if he were simply flanked.Also, although the effect is minor, it slightly increases the threat low CR creatures represent to single characters, hopefully slightly increases the range over which low CR creatures can realistically threaten PC's in a more 1st edition like style.  (The penalties to being surrounded in 1st edition where slightly more harsh than in 3rd edition, and included such things as loss of shield and dexterity bonus to AC.)</blockquote>