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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mkill" data-source="post: 5165605" data-attributes="member: 55985">The reasons why combat takes forever are different between groups. You have to give us some more input so we can give useful suggestions.How about taping one of your combats and uploading it on youtube? That should give us a clear picture.The most basic measures involve effective bookkeeping:- Print out power cards for all characters, make sure common circumstaces like dragonborn attack bonus for being bloodied are precalculated there- Use a small whiteboard to keep track of initiative, monster hp and statuses- Use poker chips or similar to show bloodied, marked etc on the battlefield- Hand out little cards with the effects of dazed, stunned etc.If you have beginners or casual players at the table, make sure their builds and power selections go for the straightforward and effective. Pick feats that are always-on. Optimize for role, i.e. make the striker a plain damage dealer, let the leader buff and heal. Don't overload with options (hybrid, multiclass). Pick daily and encounter powers that are standard actions with high damage or an easy to understand, powerful effect (heal, blind etc.). Don't pick classes / buils with complicated combo powers (i.e. Vestige Warlock).Make sure beginners and undecided players understand basic tactics. Help with clear explanation without patronizing.Good: "You're bleeding badly. You could use this power, as it would allow you to heal, or that one, as it's likely to kill that displacer beast and give you some breathing space."Bad: "Oh c'mon, just attack it, you're always so ssllooowww...."  Monster choice: Don't be afraid to use lower-level monsters (party-2) in unimportant fights. They're easy to hit and die fast. This gives the PCs a chance to show off and feel awesome. They can still deal damage with a good hit, but they're not threatening unlessthe PCs roll very badly.Most important: These fights give all players a chance to shine, try things out and build up confidence, so they won't be afraid to make decisions in tougher fights.</blockquote>

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