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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pemerton" data-source="post: 6226988" data-attributes="member: 42582">That's not a correct account of 4e play, either as I described it or as (at least) I experience it.The player has an avialable list of resources - but speaking at this level of generality, that is not interestingly different from an AD&D player, who also has an available list of resources: stats, equipment, perhaps spells, perhaps thief abilities, etc.This is not correct either. Even something as simple as positioing in combat is not automated. But typical 4e play involves more decision-making than simply positioning in combat. This may not be the thread to revisit the issue of fictional positioning in 4e, but again what you say is not correct. For instance, how does one know what to say to an NPC in order to be entitled to make a Diplomacy check to influence them? How does one know whether or not an object can be set alight with a fireball spell? This is determined by fictional positioning.This is "say yes or roll the dice". It's pretty central to a core style of "indie" play. The alternative to mechanical processes is fiat. Indie play is generally hostile to GM fiat; and sceptical of player fiat when matters of consequence are at stake.</blockquote>