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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BSF" data-source="post: 1744869" data-attributes="member: 13098">For me, there aren't issues with "balance" as there are with implied limitations.  There are the rules.  Then there are feats that bend or break the rules.  (Attacks of Opportunity & Combat Reflexes as an example.)  This can lead to an implication that if an option isn't explicitly in the rules, and you don't have a feat to allow it, then it cannot be done.  Say you had a character that wanted to move from a balcony to the floor by jabbing a dagger into a nearby tapestry and hanging on to descend relatively quickly and safely.  That isn't in the rules, and there isn't a feat to allow that, so should you be able to do that?  I would say yes.  I might require a die roll of some sort, but why not allow it?  Some DMs and some players might assume that such an option would be impossible.  Now would I worry about that action being "balanced"? Probably not.  It's a cool idea and I want to encourage those for my games.  The balance will come in with a character that has an 8 Str and biffs the strength check to hold onto the dagger.  (Or whatever check I just pulled out of my backside.)  Keep in mind that "balance" is a mechanical goal, but that isn't the only application.  I have seen players with more aggressive personalities maximize their turns more effectively than other players.  So "balance" also helps keep the playing field a little closer to level so that the shy players are not constantly overshadowed by the vocal players.  It also establishes a baseline for all Players/DMs to know what to expect out of a new group/player.  I can see where it might cramp your style compared to earlier versions.  It is a good thing to question yourself and be sure you understand your reasons for maintaining, or even breaking, the established "balance".  When you feel like you need to say No as a DM, you should be aware of the reasons you said No.  For your example situation, did you say No because the PC had already attacked & moved that round?  Did you say No because the group made a bad decision and suddenly exposed the wizard to a devastating attack?  Was there a story reason to say No or to say Yes?If I were in that position, I would react differently based on the situation itself. If the PC had already accomplished a lot that round, I would probably rule No.  There is a mechanic to do what the PC wanted to do.  A readied action would suffice.  If the player was trying to throw a meat shield in the way to save a low HP PC due to bad decisions, I would be sorely tempted to say No.  If the PC was trying to protect another PC, regardless of the consequences, I might allow it and execute some DM fiat to make the sacrifice meaningful and useful in a story sense.  If the PC was doing something that clearly stepped on the toes of another PCs strengths and character concept, I will likely say No because that PC put forth effort to function in a manner that is different.  (As an example, if I were playing a 3.0 game and the party barbarian wanted to throw themselves in the way of the attack while there is a Devoted Defender in the group, I would disallow the Barbarian to do that.  It is taking away the spotlight from the Devoted Defender's class abilities.)  For some of my decisions, "balance" would be a factor.  For others, it would not.  I can be a little bit arbitrary that way.  But I also try to keep my player's trust.  I would like to think that when I throw something arbitrary out there, they will accept it for the story potential I am offering.  They may not be happy about it initially, but when they stop to think about it, they are almost always curious where the event is going to lead.  So to answer your question, "Balance" is a nice goal and I keep it in mind.  But I will not allow the bugbear of indiscriminate "balance" to dictate my actions & decisions as a DM.</blockquote>

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